FROM THE DESK OF:  Adam Kurth, Principal 

Greetings AHS Families and School Community,

What a month leading up to Spring Break!  

There are many other individual student and group celebrations from this month!  This is only a snapshot of all the great things going on here.

Please consider reading and engaging with our ASF and PTO events this month.  The ASF Dinner and Auction is a great time and needs your attendance and support for our graduates.  The PTO is kicking off Grad Grams which are a tremendously impactful fundraiser that sends special messages to our graduates.  

We hope you all have a great Spring Break.  Only two months left in the school year when we return.

        

Take care,


Adam Kurth

Principal

UPCOMING EVENTS


March 25 - 29: No School - Spring Break April 13: ASF Auction Dinner 6:00 - 11:00 pm (details below) April 19: Student Senate Blood Drive (see below for details and to sign up)April 26: Cafe Arrowhead's 24th Annual Lobster Boil 5:30 - 8:00 PM (details below)April 27: Prom 2024 ~ A Night in the Greek Isles
Upcoming School Board Meetings
April 2: Policy Committee Meeting 6:45 AM District Board RoomApril 3: Curriculum Committee Meeting 6:45 AM District Board RoomApril 10: Conversations with the Community, 6:30 PM, SC LibraryApril 10: School Board Meeting, 6:30 PM, SC Library




IMPORTANT UPDATES




PROM 2024



Arrowhead High School’s 2024 PROM: A NIGHT IN THE GREEK ISLES is just around the corner! 



Arrowhead Juniors & Seniors are allowed ONE guest.


Please carefully review the important information below regarding details for the upcoming ticket sales.


TICKET SALES: 


IMPORTANT! 


OPEN SEATING:

There will not be reserved seating or reserved tables at this year’s prom. There will be open seating where each attendee will choose a seat/table upon arrival. Tables/seats will be selected on a first come, first served basis. 

 

BRINGING A NON-ARROWHEAD GUEST

All guests must be 19 years of age or under. Guests must present a photo ID. AHS students must fill out a GUEST FORM (linked here) for their non-Arrowhead guest by midnight on Friday, April 20th.  Note: You MUST be logged into your Arrowhead gmail account to access the guest form.  


Arrowhead staff, teachers, administrators and Waukesha Sheriff’s Department Deputies will be supervising prom.  


WHILE IN ATTENDANCE AT PROM, ALL ARROWHEAD EXPECTATIONS ARE TO BE FOLLOWED 

FAQs: 


QUESTIONS?

Prom is organized and sponsored by Arrowhead High School’s Student Senate. Please direct any questions to the Student Senate email (senate@arrowheadschools.org). 


All other questions regarding Prom rules and procedures should be directed to Principal Adam Kurth at kurth@arrowheadschools.org or Associate Principal Becky Gordon at gordon@arrowheadschools.org





PARENT COMMUNICATION UPDATES

We are excited to announce two new communication features we want to share with our AHS families:


In an effort to create an easier and more efficient process for families to enter absences, AHS will be transitioning to using the Parent Access to Skyward for submitting student attendance.  This feature will become available on March 6th!  We will still be accepting phone messages this year during the learning and transitioning phase in hopes that next year the Skyward App becomes the main method of absence notification.  

Skyward App Absence Reporting How To-


Absence Requests from Guardians within Skyward Mobile App VIDEO

STATE TESTING UPDATES 

Pre ACT  Make Up Dates: 

Students who missed Pre ACT testing dates in March will make-up the test April1,2,or 3. Look for information/email from Mr. Thomas Stuber! 

stuber@arrowheadschools.org


WISCONSIN FORWARD EXAM for Sophomores:

The Forward Exam is a State-mandated assessment that tests social studies knowledge, skills, and standards. Arrowhead will be administering the test to Sophomores in their Social Studies classes on April 9 and 10. If you have any questions,please contact Molly Sroka - Sroka@arrowheadschools.org.


ACT PREP THIS SUMMER 

Arrowhead High School will be host to ACT Prep workshops this summer.  Any student can sign up, but it is intended for class of 2026 (Juniors next year).  Please see flyer for more information.


PARENT GROUPS 

Arrowhead Scholarship Fund (ASF) and Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)




Arrowhead Scholarship Foundation (ASF) 

Auction Dinner

Please join us in the 25th Annual Dinner Auction!  

Tickets can be purchased HERE


AHS PTO

Please consider supporting the PTO's fundraising events this month!

Checkout the PTO Website for some great new opportunities ... 

GRAD GRAMS and Teacher Appreciation gifts!

Send this years graduate a special note that will be delivered to them with their diploma by purchasing a Grad Gram and supporting the AHS PTO.

Teacher Appreciation week will be here before we know it and we would love to purchase some special gifts for all of our great teachers, but we can't do it with your support!

https://www.arrowheadpto.com/fundraisers

GRAD GRAMS!!!

For the first time ever, AHS graduates will be able to receive Grad Grams when they graduate!  Only $1 each!

Grad Grams are from anyone in a graduate's life who wants to leave them with a special message as they complete their time at AHS.  These messages can be completed digitally where they'll be printed out for each graduate.  Or, beginning in April, Grad Grams can be purchased and filled out by hand at the high school offices.  The Grad Grams will be picked up when graduates pick up their diplomas. 

Please consider sending our graduates messages of congratulations.  


AHS FACILITIES STUDY



Long-Term Facilities Planning


      LINK FROM COMMUNITY SESSION SLIDES



Here is a link to our webpage with all the current referendum information: Informational Webpage


To learn more about our facilities, please visit the Facilities Planning page on the District website:  https://www.arrowheadschools.org/LRFP/index.cfm


Questions can be sent to: facilities@arrowheadschools.org


School Funding


Want to learn more about school funding? 

 Check out  this video from the Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials which provides

an easy to understand summary of how public schools are funded in Wisconsin!



MARCH Students of the Month!



Celebrating our March Students of the Month!

This recognition highlights outstanding students who have captured the gratitude or appreciation of both teachers and administrators. We celebrate the exceptional qualities and achievements of students who display dedication, leadership, academic excellence, and high quality character within our school. Congratulations to these incredible students who represent the true quality of our AHS student body!


ARROWHEAD HIGH SCHOOL 

BOARD OF EDUCATION





The Board wishes our entire AHS school community a safe and relaxing Spring Break!



PARENT INFORMATION



Badger Precollege Classes

Think like a Badger. Badger Precollege offers in-person and online programs in humanities, music, business, psychology, government, STEM, college prep and more — all designed to help students in grades 1–12 find their passion, meet new friends and explore their future.  Use this link to find the class, program or workshop that match your interests.

2024 SENIOR PARTY HELP

Before you get to proudly watch your senior cross the stage to receive an AHS diploma, your senior will be enjoying a final party with peers the night before.  With that, WHY NOT HELP GET THE PARTY STARTED!  We are asking you to let us know if you would be interested in helping. If you would like to volunteer or donate prizes, email the Senior Party Coordinators ahs24seniors@gmail.com 

THANK YOU in advance for your help! 

For more information, or to purchase tickets or donate, please click on the following link-

https://www.arrowheadschools.org/activities/parents/senior-party/

CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment

Community members are welcome and encouraged to donate! All donors will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice, a free pint of ice cream and other goodies! 

Technology Education Program of the Year!

WTEA Video

Each year the Wisconsin Technology Education Association honors education and industry professionals who have demonstrated outstanding service and commitment to Technology Education.  The award recognizes a "high school that delivers an outstanding program which provides students with rigorous training and skill development in the areas and concepts of technology and engineering." 

We are pleased to announce that the Arrowhead Technology and Engineering departments has been selected to receive the WTEA High School Program of the Year Award.  Arrowhead Technology and Engineering teachers  will be honored at the WTEA annual conference dinner on March 6.  

The Arrowhead Union High School Technology and Engineering Department is dedicated to aligning its curriculum and educational practices with specific industry standards, ensuring students are well-prepared for real-world applications. We are committed to incorporating and surpassing standards set by industry organizations, including the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA), DPI Standards for Technology Education, the Woodwork Career Alliance (WCA), and the nationally recognized engineering program Project Lead the Way (PLTW). Notably, students enrolled in PLTW courses can earn dual credits through a partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (CCIHS). 

Moreover, Arrowhead's Technology and Engineering Department allows juniors and seniors to earn transcripted credits at Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) for Advanced Autos and Metal Fabrication I. 

Additionally, juniors and seniors can participate in an industry internship or Youth Apprenticeship, offering a valuable opportunity for students serious about their plans to gain work experience in a professional environment. By integrating these recognized industry benchmarks into our teaching methodologies, we aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet or exceed the expectations of employers and professionals in fields ranging from manufacturing and engineering to technology development. This emphasis on industry standards enhances the quality of education provided and positions our students for success in careers that demand a high level of proficiency and relevance in today's competitive job market. 

Another absolutely amazing MUSIC THEATER NIGHT performance from our AHS Broadway Company! 

Broadway Company is an auditioned musical theater troupe that consists of sophomores, juniors and seniors. Broadway Company is both curricular and co-curricular meeting 10th period of each day and rehearsing during the evenings. 

If you are interested in auditioning for the 2024-2025 school year, auditions will be held on Monday, April 8th.  For additional information, please email chaviano@arrowheadschools.org.

36 ACT

Marina Elizabeth Marris   

Congratulations to Marina Elizabeth Marris who recently earned a PERFECT 36 on her ACT!!!  Great work, Marina!


ARROWHEAD DECA “MAKES THE DIFFERENCE” AT STATE CONFERENCE

Dai, McGuire, Stiverson, Pattel, Zhang, Reid Earn Top 3 In State

 AHS Earns Top Chapter, ,Community Service, Diamond Dash  and  Marketing Awards – 16 Qualify for ICDC in Anaheim, CA


Lake Geneva, February 25-28 2024 – Over 3,000 high school Marketing students and business people from all over Wisconsin came together to compete in the WI DECA (an association of Marketing students) State Career Development Conference held at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva Wisconsin. Students applied everything they have learned through their Marketing classes and DECA events in role plays, comprehensive exams, and projects. 


Arrowhead DECA qualified 27 students for the state competition previously from district competition in January. Prior to state competition, Arrowhead marketing students had to participate in and win at the district competition. AHS DECA qualifiers spent three days in intense competition to prove just how well they can take what they’ve learned about marketing, management and entrepreneurship and apply it to real-world business situations. In written reports, exams, business presentations, role-plays and computer simulations, these teenagers diagnose business problems and offer realistic, workable solutions.  It also included sharing the many marketing and communication events Arrowhead DECA executes each year such as Hawkfest, Marketing Nights, Senior Citizen Pen Pals (sending out over 1000 cards/letters each year), Community Service Donations of over $20,000 this year ($250,000+ since DECA started under the direction of Mr. Melzer), and the hundreds of community service hours each year.


AHS DECA members devoted many hours, both in the classroom and outside school, to increasing their knowledge of how marketing and business work. Then they spent even more time writing up research reports and business plans, designing marketing campaigns, social media campaigns, and polishing their role-playing and presentation skills. They must be prepared to explain how they would handle the real-life business scenarios that DECA’s judges will grill them on during the competition.


In addition to competition, the Arrowhead DECA Chapter was recognized for their outstanding achievement in leadership, community service, and connections with the business world. The Arrowhead marketing program demonstrated again it is one of the top programs in the state.  This included the Gold Chapter, Outstanding Community Service award, Acts of Kindness, Trick or Can, Community Service Week, 100+ Hours Award, General Charity Contributor Award and the top chapter award “Diamond Dash”Earning National Accreditation is the HawksNest School Store earning Gold Level Certification (tops in the country) for excelling in SBE (School Based Enterprise) meeting specific national standards for the fourth straight year..  The Arrowhead SBE project was chosen to compete at the International Career Development Conference in Anaheim, CA.  Arrowhead senior Lily Liu was awarded the State DECA Outstanding Marketing Scholarship for her academic, community service, and leadership excellence.


AHS DECA had an amazing run at state this year, qualifying 16 students for the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Anaheim, CA April 27-May 1, 2024. 


ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES



AHS ATHLETICS UPDATE


Congratulations to the Varsity Math Team for earning BOTH first and second place in the team competition at Brookfield East with scores of 199 & 171.  


Members of the first place team were: Anay Bansal, Tanner Esper, Jason Brammier, Gavin Dai, Arnav Gupta, Ben Janke, Thomas Thurner & Varun Balla. 


Members of the second place team were: Dwayne Wang, Max Venon, Malaya Wade, Aaron Szucs, Mac Bong, Katie Olson, Ani Warrier and Krishank Vangala. 


Arnav Gupta and Ben Janke tied for 2nd place in the individual competition with scores of 27/30.


Congratulations to our two WIAA scholar athlete nominees Anne Straka and Kyle Janke!  Anne and Kyle were selected by the Arrowhead coaching staff as the award winners for AHS. They stand out as Senior student athletes with high Grade Point Averages, at least 4 Varsity letters, significant athletic achievements (All State and/or All Conference) and positive leadership contributions to their teams.  


Congratulations to the following student athletes as they have been nominated for an area award through the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. This was based on their successful fall sports season and dedication to their sport. We are proud of their accomplishments.  The 2024 Milwaukee High School Sports Awards show, presented by Festival Foods, which will be on June 14 at the Riverside Theater.  

 

The following student-athletes are nominees for various players of the year awards for fall sports. 


Girls Cross Country Anne Straka Senior

Football - Defense Jace Gilbert Senior

Boys Soccer Jaxon Marshall Senior

Boys Volleyball Ethan Dassow Senior

Boys Volleyball Charlie Andorfer Senior


 The Girls Basketball Team is STATE CHAMPS!   For the 3rd time in school history, the team won the D1 state championship.  The last state championship was in 1991.  

CONGRATULATIONS to Head Coach Ron Reichle and assistant coaches, Cheryl Bonlender, Molly Kielma, Steven Reinhardt, Warren Bub and Doug Drenzek.  Managers: Reagan Jones, Paige Schleicher & Sophia Vetta  

2023-2024 Varsity Girls Basketball


Gabby Haas (11)

Presly Samz (10)

Taylor Thimmesch (12)

Erica Bub (12)

Abby Robel (12)

Sidney Zehner (9)

Sophia Dickson (12) 

Ava Thiede (11)

Landry Nelson (11)

Natalie Kussow (10)

Libby Gilmore (10)

Miranda Knuth (11)

Teresa Kescenovitz (11)

Megan Getty (11)


Congratulations to Head Girls Tennis Coach, Jack Watermolen, on earning the Wisconsin High School Tennis Coaches Association , Girls Tennis Coach of the Year award!


Boys Basketball -  The team is STATE RUNNER UP!  Congratulations on a spectacular season!   They finished with an overall record of 27-3.  


2023-2024 Varsity Boys Basketball


Blake Basich (9)

Trey Resch (9)

Jace Gilbert (12)

John Kubisch (11)

Tristan Marvelli (11)

Sam Leoni (12)

Bennett Basich (12)

Andy Cochrane (12)

CJ Zehner (11)

Mason Waterfield (11)

Jay Haase (12)

AJ Ohrmundt (11)


Varsity Coach: Craig Haase

Assistant Coaches: Dave Conway, John Hoch, Jim LaVoi, Mark Leoni, Billy Hirschfeld, Chris Klink, Scott Conway and Doug Wrecke

Managers: Matt Frisinger and Norah Young

Statistician: Nathan Saloga


We look forward to our Spring Sports:


Boys and Girls Track & Field, Boys and Girls Lacrosse, Softball, Baseball, Girls Soccer have started.  

Boys Golf and Boys Tennis will begin after spring break.


Activities Office Contact Information

We're excited to welcome our student-athletes back for the 23-24 school year!  

Activities Director:  Ryan Mangan               262-369-3612 Ext 4203     mangan@arrowheadschools.org

AD Assistant:           Patrick Cottrell 8:00am-4:30pm   262-369-3612 Ext 4202     cottrell@arrowheadschools.org

Activities Asst.         Jill Bradley            7:00am-10:45am    262-369-3612 Ext 4213     bradley@arrowheadschools.org

Activities Asst.         Tina Groff            10:45am-4:00pm    262-369-3612 Ext 4213      groff@arrowheadschools.org

Fax:  262-367-1870


School Year Hours: 7:00am-4:30pm


Linked HERE is information on all of our AHS Fall Sports and click HERE for information on all of our Clubs and HERE for our Fine Arts Programs! 


ADDITIONAL OR REPEAT PARENT INFORMATION AND UPDATES



Wisconsin State ACT 95 

The state of Wisconsin recently passed ACT 95 which impacts Arrowhead High School in two different ways.

1) The ACT requires all public high schools to rank students by their GPA during their junior and senior years.

2) Students placing in the top 5% of their class receive guaranteed admission to UW Madison.

Students placing in the top 10% of their class receive guaranteed admission to all other schools in the UW system.


The stated intent from state lawmakers is an effort to keep students in Wisconsin and grow our own workforce.  

Arrowhead has traditionally not ranked students.  There are various arguments on both sides of this decision of which AHS success looks different for every student.  As we process the new expectations of our high school, we know there will be other systemic and philosophical changes that need to occur with our school to ensure all students have a fair and level access to this opportunity.  Such items as a 12-point grading scale (AHS currently uses a 4 point - A/B/C/D) and weighted grades will be under consideration to ensure our student can continue to stretch their learning and follow their interests without being penalized in this new opportunity.   

More information to come as we garner a better understanding of the overall impact of this new statute.

ADVANCE PLACEMENT (AP)   2024-2025

COURSE SCHEDULING UPDATE


In the development of the school schedule for the 24-25 school year, it has been decided that the following courses (below) will be on the same schedule as all other classes in the block. When counselors presented course selection information to you, it was based on information available at the time. However, it has now been determined that the AP classes listed below will meet in the 85 minute alternate day format. This may mean that you may need to add a class to your schedule.


85 minute every other day

AP Euro 

AP US History 

AP Literature 

AP Language and Composition 

AP Calc AB 

AP Calc BC 

AP Chemistry 

AP Biology 


Knowing this schedule change, if you wish to make adjustments (adding or dropping a class) please do so by the deadline below. Linked here are the directions for Skyward course changes.


Please also note that all other AP classes not listed here were already scheduled to be on the 85 minute alternate day block (with the exception of AP Physics C which will have an 85 minute alternate day block first semester and daily block second semester).  


Students should reflect and consider carefully what is added to their schedule as a result of this decision. We know that students want to explore and be able to enroll in a wide range of subjects and learning experiences.  In regard to adding AP classes, please consider the potential workload and what else you may be involved in at school/outside of school.  For some students, multiple AP classes (3,4,or 5) is manageable, while for others it can be overwhelming.  Talk with your counselor and teachers who may offer insights into what you are considering.  


Please connect with your counselor if you have any questions.

New Bell Schedule for 2024-25 School Year


For the past several years, Arrowhead has been exploring schedule change options that optimize student opportunities and provide systemic academic support for all students. After two publicly held Board workshops and several committee meetings of discussion, the Arrowhead School Board approved a new schedule for 2024-25 at the November 8, 2023 School Board meeting.


Our current 10-period day, created in the 1970s, has evolved over the years to include 40 minute, 60 minute, A/B Block (every other day) and everyday block classes. The schedule no longer fits the learning needs of all students to increase growth and achievement for all. The Board and Administration, based on extensive reviews of high-performing area districts, believe we can serve students better in a A/B block schedule with a resource period.


Parent and student survey responses (2022)  provided valuable information, and also identified some key misconceptions and misunderstandings about the A/B Block model.  The information below should clarify what the new schedule will look like.


Resource Period



A/B Block Structure


Learning in the Block


For more detailed information regarding the schedule, please review the FAQ.


Additionally, we will hold an informational meeting about the schedule on December 13, 2023 from 5-6:30 in the South Campus Library. 


As partners in education, we have the same goals for our students – we want them to achieve at the highest levels possible and be ready for the next stages of their lives. We want students to learn in a supportive environment and embrace all the opportunities high school offers.  We can accomplish this shared vision in the new block schedule. The Arrowhead Administration and School Board appreciate your support in making this exciting change. 

 

Please look for additional  details and opportunities to learn more in the coming months.

Sincerely, 

AHS Administration

AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY FUND IS RUNNING OUT

DISCOUNT INTERNET SERVICES EXPECTED TO END IN APRIL OR MAY

Please read this article for information and details regarding family discounts on internet and devices.

VAPING 

In our last issue, we provided the following article for parents.  Since that time, we also hosted a presentation on vaping at Parent-Teacher Conferences on November 9th.  We would like to provide those slides for you.  Please use this presentation to have a conversation with your child(ren) about vaping BUT be cautious in sharing it in it's entirely as you don't want to help your child(ren) find hiding spots (slide 24) or get other ideas on how to keep this behavior a secret.  

NOTE:  Since the presentation and our last issue of the Arrowhead Advisor, we have come across students now using Zyn.  This product comes in a round container much like that of mints but inside are individual pouches of nicotine that students can place between their cheek and gum. This will not set off our bathroom sensors yet students are still using and possessing nicotine while on school grounds. 


Arrowhead High School

Non-Arrowhead High School Sponsored Event or Activity Absence Exception Request


Linked here you will find the application forms to be completed by you and your child relating to a request to exempt absences when participating in non-Arrowhead High School sponsored events or activities. Due to the fact that many of these events/activities take place outside of Hartland as well as outside of Wisconsin, we have found that students who participate in these tend to miss a larger number of days than students who are participating in an event/activity sponsored by AHS.    Please note that the school only has the authority to excuse these absences should it be identified as a gifted or talented opportunity.  However, this information does help as our administration works through absences with our families.  

Parents may excuse their students who miss school for a non-Arrowhead Sponsored Event as long as they are within the 10 days of absence allotted by the State of Wisconsin. Once the 10 days are met, students are marked as unexcused. An exemption in the missed day(s) can be granted if the student qualifies based on the application form linked above and team decision. An exemption means the absence does not count towards those 10 days.  

Please click on the link above and review the information provided.  

From your AHS Counseling Department

 

The New FAFSA (Federal Application for Student Aid) is out!

 

Based on the feedback we received from families we have decided to share information about the new FAFSA virtually.  Please see below for opportunities to learn more.

 

If you would like to attend a free webinar on paying for college presented by College Board, you can click this link.

 

If you are seeking individual in-person assistance with the FAFSA, please check out this flyer to learn more about College Goal Wisconsin 2024 events near you.

 

Here is an article to check out regarding some of the changes you can expect.

 

Finally, if you still have questions please check out this video:  2024-25 FAQs 

 

As always, please reach out to your child's counselor if you have further questions.  Wishing everyone a happy new year!

 

North Campus Counseling Team


AHS FUNDRAISING



AHS Programs Financial Support 

School funding is always a challenging world to navigate.  Each year, schools see a set of opportunities with costs associated with them that are unable to be funded by the current state funding and the AHS budget.  We often have families with the means to support such opportunities who have expressed that there isn't an avenue to be made aware or to donate directly to a need.   Each newsletter, we will list opportunities for our community to consider supporting.  There is never an expectation, only an appreciation for considering.

Current Considerations

The Warhawk Rise Program - We are still looking for a committed benefactor who would like to support this great event!  A new program we are developing at AHS that will recognize any student who has improved their grade point average by 1.0 or better from one semester to the next.  (EX: from a 2.5 Fall semester to a 3.5 Spring semester)  This is a significant achievement by students who put in great efforts toward success that may not always receive the recognition they deserve.  The annual cost of this program runs about $4,000 each year and includes a semi-formal celebration brunch with their families invited and and gift bags recognizing their efforts.  Please contact Principal Adam Kurth at kurth@arrowheadschools.com or North Counselor, Kelly Matthias at matthias@arrowheadschools.org to support.  

Arrowhead Scholarship Fund - This amazing program provides an incredible amount of scholarships each year thanks to the generosity of our community.  Families and companies have the ability to provide direction as to how their scholarship would be decided and awarded.  Please see the ASF Donor Webpage for more information!

AHS Tennis Courts Fundraiser  Please consider supporting our tennis efforts to update and upgrade our AHS tennis courts!

AHS Pool Fundraiser - (Coming Soon!)






Have a great break!

FOLLOW AHS!