51 Tomorrow Night Brings an End To Something Special Tomorrow night is when the high school will bid a sad farewell to the Class of ’78, the first group of students to complete a four-year education at the four-year old Lutheran high school. And tomorrow night the Class of ’78 will bid an equally sad and emotional farewell to Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School. This may sound a little dramatic, a little flowery and a little syrupy. But it really isn’t. Not to the 17 graduating seniors. Those of you who remember graduating from a large public high school may not remember your ceremony as being quite that emotional. Many of you were just happy to be getting out. The ceremony was anticlimactic. Others of you probably never even met as much as one-third of your graduating classmates. So how can a simple thing like a high school graduation ceremony be any different for these seniors? I spoke with five of the graduating seniors this past week. After spending some time with them, I learned why tomorrow night will be something special to 17 young people. First of all, every student at Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School is there because he or she has chosen to pursue a higher Christian education. Religion is a driving force in their lives, and is also the common denominator that each student shared with each other. A religion so prevalent that it brings out a maturity, a self-awareness, a kind of joy and satisfaction with life and with one’s self, and a kind of loving bond and communion of spirit with fellow classmates. You can see it in their eyes. You can feel it. Sense it. Reach out for it. Want it. Published June 7, 1978 Jim Bednarek - Editor Reprinted with permission The graduation for the class of 1978 was so unique, it caught the attention of a young journalist who was the editor of the Germantown newspaper at the time. Here is a part of his editorial. A religion so prevalent that it brings out a maturity, a self-awareness, a kind of joy and satisfaction with life and with one’s self, and a kind of loving bond and communion of spirit with fellow classmates. You can see it in their eyes. You can feel it. Sense it. Reach out for it. Want it. - Jim Bednarek
52 The sun rises, a morning awakes. Another day begins to live. It’s the beginning. Shiny, good times and bad, full of activity, Full of love, full of laughter, full of tears, beautiful. This beginning is precious to many. Many new things will grow because of this beginning. Hopes have been awakened, faith has grown, New heights conquered. It’s been beautiful. We watched our sun rise four years ago as our high school days and KML began. By the Grace of God they have been four beautiful years of life and laughter. But those years of “firsts” are gone; The beginning is done. As we must leave the precious moments, the friends, and the tears behind our sun sets. But left behind is a sleeping world ready to awaken once more with the rise of the sun ... - 1978 Equestrian
53 A GROWING SCHOOL
54 Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School was truly getting established but also dealing with some growing pains and adjustments. By the fall of 1978, enrollment had exceeded 200 students which meant there was a need for more teachers and more space. Two more teachers were added to the faculty, work was started on the construction of a soccer field and surrounding track, and Project B was initiated to raise funds for a building expansion. This addition would include a gym and additional classrooms. By June of 1979, approximately $450,000 was pledged in the form of 5-year commitments. In the fall of 1979, KML had 11 full-time instructors along with one part-time teacher and three para-professionals. The operating budget was $264,000. Project B was becoming a reality as the Building Fund Drive was completed with a focus on a gymnasium and classroom addition at an estimated cost of $800,000.
The official groundbreaking service was held on May 22, 1980. In early February of 1981, KML held its first truly “home” basketball games in its own gym, and the official dedication took place on May 3. We never expected the school to get as large as it did. We thought we were really forward-looking when in 1981 we built the gym and we built an area for future classrooms. We thought, that’s going to take care of it . . . It didn’t, it certainly didn’t. - Jim Fenske “ 55
56 I asked the administration and board to authorize me to get a computer for my work as the registrar. The school had only one computer at that time, so I was asking for a second one. Up until that time, I was calculating every GPA and filling out every transcript by hand. That computer was a wonderful blessing! Dan Sievert – First Director of Student Services The new school was growing and adding faculty, and the teachers were given a significant load of teaching and coaching. Mr. Fenske taught a full day as well as serving as principal. As new teachers were added, they each took on the same work ethic and commitment that was necessary to accomplish all the things that were planned. Dan Sievert came to KML in 1975 and served humbly and faithfully for 38 years. He taught a number of classes, coached various sports, was the advisor for National Honor Society, served as the guidance counselor, and even filled in as temporary principal in 1989. Len Collyard also served KML for many years and made a huge impact in both the educational and activities areas of our school. He recalled a conversation he had when he received his call to KML in 1976. When Jim Fenske called me to tell me that I had the call, he told me that KML needed someone who could do a variety of things. He was right. I taught an English class, math, accounting and P.E. I coached JV boys soccer, varsity boys basketball and track. Thankfully God gave me the help to do things that I now look back on and can only praise him for guiding and leading me in those early years. Len Collyard – Teacher and First Athletic Director “ “
After six years of amazing blessings and growth, KML ended the ‘70s with well over 200 students. Some of that early growth was a result of adding a new class each year until KML was a full four-year school. Beyond that, however, the growth in enrollment was a blessing from the Lord as well as evidence that people in the area treasured a Lutheran high school. 74-75 35 90 75-76 76-77 77-78 78-79 79-80 135 180 205 KML Enrollment 235 57
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59 A NEW DECADE
During the 1980s, the enrollment held fairly steady between 230 and 250 students. However, there were a number of substantial changes and improvements, including: This was also an era in which technology improved the lives of KML’s office staff. In the first years, everything was done by hand, but computers and a copy machine made the job easier and faster. The installation of a PA system was also an advancement which saved a lot of time and trouble. My time as KML’s school secretary lasted twenty years, and I enjoyed all of it. I admit I was awfully busy, especially during the mornings, with phone calls, messages, attendance, announcements and more. On top of that, I needed to keep the coffee going for the teachers! We had only one phone, so I was continually asked, “Mrs. Kringel, can I use your phone?” It was an ideal job and it was so busy that the time just flew. But it was so rewarding. Nancy Kringel – KML School Secretary The Elementary School Band program was established. The music department grew to three choirs and four unique bands. KML presented its first musical, Annie Get Your Gun. KML hosted the WISAA Girls’ State Volleyball Tournament in 1982 and in 1984 both the girls and boys basketball teams qualified for the State WISAA Tournament. The first truly “home” basketball games were played in the new gym. “ 60
61 A GROWING MUSIC PROGRAM The music program at KML experienced significant growth and development in the 1980s. Jerry Kieselhorst made an immediate impact with the choirs and band when he arrived in 1975, but another major improvement was experienced when a second music teacher was added to the staff. Craig Kitzrow came to KML in 1980 and served until 1994. His initial call was to develop a grade school band program as well as assume the directorship of the high school band. It didn’t take long, and Mr. Kitzrow’s positive impact was evident in both levels of the program. The grade school group doubled in size during those years and reached a total of 150 students. The high school added a Brass Ensemble, a Pep Band and a Percussion Ensemble (with assistance from Wes Schmandt). KML’s desire for an annual musical was fulfilled when Mr. Kitzrow agreed to direct the performances. There weren’t a lot of extra hands to help out, so he filled a lot of roles, including stage management. The challenges in those days, like with other programs, were space and budget. The band rehearsed in a classroom off the back corner of the IMC. The budget was so tight that the directors had to fight for enough money to just buy a few pieces of music each year. Even with those limitations, the music program developed into a strength, even in KML’s early years. One of the highlights for the band was the invitation to play on the steps of the U. S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. That was a true honor and privilege for the school and a great opportunity for students to highlight their talents and give glory to God.
Mr. Kitzrow continues ... We did our plays in the gym which meant we had to set up a temporary stage, pit area and some scaffolding to hold the lights and some battery packs to provide the power. During one performance, I noticed one of the battery packs started on fire! I ran out on the stage and told the audience we would take a short break. The kids thought they were doing a poor job, but actually I was more afraid of burning down the whole thing. Fortunately, we put out the fire and continued. After all, the show must go on! One day during a Concert Band practice, we were working on a piece that I really enjoyed. I got a little too enthusiastic in my directing and brought my baton a little too close to my face. The tip of the baton got inside my glasses and flipped them off my head. My glasses landed in the flute section, and my baton ended up with the clarinets! For a moment we were all silent, and then the whole group burst into laughter. I learned an important lesson that day! Craig Kitzrow – KML Band Director The show must go on! “ “ 62
63 Two talented KML alumni embarked on the massive project of eliminating a large, blank, white wall in the KML music room. Line by line, note by note, the wall took on a warm, musical appearance. The many tedious hours applying the paintbrush to the vast wall resulted in a beautiful four section part of Bach’s 3rd BRANDENBURG CONCERTO (allegro movement). Veronica Schmandt (‘83) and Curtis Enderle (‘82) had their eyes scan the huge blank, back wall of the music room and tell it this way: “We saw it done on a building in Minneapolis on the ‘81 marching band trip, so we thought it would be neat to do something artistic like this at KML and leave our mark.” “Many people thought we were crazy and even more thought so when they saw how long it was taking to complete. We began to wonder if they were right! After TWO years of jumbling schedules (college schedules, that is), Curtis and I painted the last notes and signed the wall over the posterity.” October 1984 Many people thought we were crazy, and even more thought so when they saw how long it was taking to complete. “
64 A SECOND PRINCIPAL Rev. Roger Schultz had been called to KML in 1983 and served as a religion teacher. The General Board saw leadership talents in Pastor Schultz and called him to serve as the next principal. He served in that role until 1989. It was clear in those days that tuition and congregational support were not enough to fund the needs of the school. The Board made the decision to create a Development Director position and asked Jerry Kieselhorst to fill that role. His work was critical in meeting the financial needs of the school and helped keep things moving forward. In February 1985, the KML Endowment Committee was established. Ed Roland, Orval Behnke, and Harold Block were chosen to serve on that first committee. By November of that year, the committee had adopted an endowment fund policy. These were the early stages of our current KML Foundation. Although that Endowment Committee started rather humbly, the future impact would be significant as earnings from those endowment funds provided annual funding for student assistance as well as many college scholarships. I was called in 1983 to teach freshman and sophomore Religion. A year later, Pastor Deutschlander (Vice-Principal) took a call at the semester break and Ken Taylor (Academic Vice-Principal) took a call at the end of the school year. Mr. Fenske also moved out of the principal role to become a full-time teacher. The Board asked me to serve as principal, which was a great honor, but they did not replace the two men who took calls. That meant I was a first-time principal as well as vice-principal, curriculum leader and full-time teacher! Obviously, my schedule was quite full. Roger Schultz – KML’s Second Principal “
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66 - 1987 Equestrian
67 A TIME OF CHANGE AND GROWTH
The 1980s enrollment held fairly steady for KML, but that changed during the 1990s. This chart shows the contrast in enrollment during the first three decades in KML’s history. 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 74-75 75-76 76-77 77-78 78-79 79-80 80-81 81-82 83-84 84-85 85-86 86-87 87-88 88-89 89-90 90-91 91-92 92-93 93-94 94-95 95-96 96-97 68 97-98 98-99
69 Wayne Baxmann was called as KML’s third principal in 1990 and recalled some of the changes that took place. Mr. Baxmann came to KML with a wealth of administrative and fund-raising experience and was excited about the school’s future potential. An “administrative council” was created by Baxmann which included Dan Sievert (Guidance Director) and Len Collyard (Athletic Director). After the board created the Dean of Students position, he added Pastor Randy Hughes, and those three men served as a “sounding board” as recommendations were made to the faculty and the board. After a couple of weeks of deliberation and prayer, I decided to meet with Ed Wolf, then chairman of the KML Board of Directors. I asked Ed if it was their intent that I would come to KML to maintain the status quo or to bring in some new ideas for change in the way things were being done at the school. He assured me that, at least in his opinion, they were looking for a change in direction. That convinced me to accept the call. Wayne Baxmann – KML Principal in the 1990s One of the first issues Baxmann faced with the Board came early when they discussed the purpose of KML’s ministry. At the time, the by-laws stated that the school existed to provide Lutheran, Christian secondary education for the students from WELS congregations who were part of the KML Federation. There was no recognition of the role that the school could provide for expanding the Kingdom of God outside of WELS congregations. After many lengthy discussions, the Board saw the advantage of using the school to reach out with the Gospel and changed the by-laws to further welcome non-WELS students to enroll. This, together with a general change in attitude, resulted in significant growth in enrollment between 1989 and 2000. - Wayne Baxmann
70 Occasionally I would hear remarks like, “Oh, oh, I feel a paradigm shift coming on!” - Wayne Baxmann
Some of the changes that occurred during the 1990s were challenging, but there were also many times in which KML grew together in unity. One of those unifying events was the girls varsity basketball team coached by Dar Schramm and led by senior Dawn Zarling won the WISAA State Championship. In addition to the KML family, the entire Jackson community rallied around the team. Mr. Baxmann recalls many local businessmen commenting, “This is OUR school, and we should support it!” After serving for eleven years as KML’s principal, Mr. Fenske resigned that part of his Call in 1985. His service and leadership were evident in KML’s first years and for an additional twenty years he served as a full-time teacher. With the change in focus, he was able to develop a more expansive tech ed program which allowed KML to offer a wider range of educational opportunities for the students. 71
In spite of some disagreements regarding funding sources, there was no disagreement that KML was growing beyond its facility. Leaders discussed the growing enrollment and concluded that a classroom addition was needed, but it would be wise to create a multi-phased expansion program as well. In May of 1993, the KML delegates authorized a building expansion project at a cost “not to exceed $500,000.” The project, titled Project GROW (Giving Renewed Opportunities for Wisdom) moved quickly, and by September, groundbreaking was held for an 11,000 square foot addition. The growth in enrollment included a need for more classrooms. Unfortunately, the income from our Federation churches along with tuition was not enough to cover all the expenses. When we arranged the first auction at KML, this changed the entire approach to fundraising for the school. The idea of “third source funding” through events like that was a new concept for KML, and there was concern that this would “ruin the school.” - Wayne Baxmann Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18 72
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The dedication program stated, “Today we dedicate KML’s newest addition to the Glory of God and the service of His people. This expansion project adds seven classrooms, a maintenance shop and rest rooms. Remodeling of the existing building added faculty work space and offices, book storage space and a refurbished family resources classroom. Cost of this project was $419,538 plus furnishings. Total costs were well below the $500,000 authorized. It is expected that this phase of Project GROW will provide adequate facilities for up to 450 students. A Master Plan has been developed for KML’s long range future expansion. The current expansion project is but one phase of this plan to provide adequate facilities for a growing, dynamic ministry to Christian young people. Project GROW is an on-going effort to respond to God’s great love and blessing.” 74
75 A FOCUS ON PROGRAMS AND CURRICULUM
76 Tom Mellon began developing an outdoor environmental classroom in the school’s wetlands in 1994. That project was completed in 1995 and was truly a unique aspect for KML which offered many hands-on experiences for our biology and environmental science students. I always wanted to create an environmental classroom when I was at Luther High School, but it never happened. When I got to KML, I heard they wanted to build a ball diamond in that low area, but the ground was too wet for anything other than an environmental classroom. That was my opportunity! Of course, along with opportunity came responsibility, and specifically I needed to work with the Town of Jackson, Washington County, the DNR and the Army Corp of Engineers due to the environmental impact of the project. I learned more about government entities than I ever wanted to learn! When we finally got all the permits and approvals, we started digging out the first pond. It was the island pond, and then we developed the others in succession. I always considered it a great blessing that I could take my students to this great resource right on our campus, and they learned a lot from their experiences. Tom Mellon – KML Biology Teacher
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78 In 1996, KML partnered with WITI-TV6 to set up a remote weather station on our campus. This station offered our students access to information in real time, allowed them to apply that information to their studies, and even ability to receive reports from outside locations. It didn’t hurt us either to have a TV weather person give a report “from Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School in Jackson.” Another special development in 1996 was the addition of Computer Assisted Drafting and Design (CADD) in our Tech Ed. department. The costs were covered by the Ladies Guild and the Thrifty Nickel retail store. In order to provide additional emphasis on the development of the academic areas, KML called Keith Bowe in 1997 to serve as a teacher and also as a curriculum coordinator. The faculty at that time was experienced, dedicated and talented. There was a need, however, to add a person to evaluate the curriculum, lead the school in ongoing educational improvements and support the teachers in their daily instructional goals. I wasn’t involved in initially getting the CADD program going, but I work with it every day with our students. Getting into AutoCAD, 3-D Modeling and Mastercam have allowed us to broaden our curriculum and expand our tech ed department into 21st century standards. I regularly hear from former students who tell me of their successes which were directly related to these classes they took at KML. Bill Strasser – KML Tech Ed Teacher
79 KML had grown so fast before I got the Call to serve as teacher and curriculum coordinator. During those years before I arrived, a lot of effort was directed to student growth, faculty expansion and facility needs. KML had always offered a quality education, but it was time to create a system that was clear and consistent across the curriculum. During my years at KML, I enjoyed working with the teachers to strengthen our educational resources, establish meaningful classroom observations, and develop stronger coordination and clarity within our curriculum. Keith Bowe – KML Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator and Principal
One unique area of curriculum development related to the rapid advancement of computer use in schools. KML responded by adding the first Computers on Wheels, which were affectionally called COWS! The cost of the COWS was covered by the first Annual Auction in 1999. That auction continues every year and has supported many non-budgeted items for the school. I was called to KML as the technology director, but when I arrived I noticed there was no computer in my office. Shortly after, I realized that only a few classrooms had computers. Mr. Baxmann said he could put together some money to get me a computer, but the budget didn’t include enough for classroom computers. That first Dinner Auction provided the money to buy four computers. That wasn’t enough for every classroom, but it worked to put them on portable carts and make them available for any teacher who reserved them. Eventually, we had enough money to put smart boards in the classrooms and we “parked” the COWS in areas like the music room and gym for daily chapel use. Joshua Schoeneck – KML Teacher and First Technology Director 80
81 KML’s growth and future expansion needs were quite evident, leading to the purchase of an adjacent property of 35 acres in 1996. Some skeptics questioned the need for all that additional land, but the decision was made so there would be future availability for parking and expanded athletic facilities. The decade ended with a special 25th anniversary celebration on August 29, 1999. This was truly a time to praise God and to reflect on his blessings. Consider the following: All of these advancements and more are amazing evidence of KML’s growth over the first twenty-five years. The most important part, however, is the aspect of KML that did not change – that all subjects were and are taught in the light of God’s Word, and all glory is given to God for everything we do. That was the central focus of the founding families and continued throughout KML’s history. A school that started in a two-classroom rented building grew into its own 58,000 square foot facility on 74 acres. A student body of 35 freshmen and sophomores grew to a school of 400 students. A “bare-basic” curriculum grew into 88 different courses. A rather loose organization of a handful of churches grew into an organized KML Federation of 25 churches, including 15 with Lutheran elementary schools. A faculty of two full-time and four part-time teachers grew into a faculty of 26 full-time and two part-time teachers as well as 13 full and part-time staff.
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83 A SECOND 25 YEARS
84 The 1990s were the conclusion of the first 25 years and certainly a period of change, growth and improvement. God’s hand of blessing on KML was so incredible that it is sometimes hard to imagine the second half of KML’s history being as amazing as the first 25 years. The year 1999 was special for KML in many ways, but there was also uncertainty in the world. Those who remember the transition to the year 2000 recall the Y2K concerns and the contentious presidential election between Al Gore and George W. Bush. The year 2000 was also known for the creation of camera phones, the advancements of USB flash drives, Bluetooth technology, i-Pods and the video gaming revolution. The world truly experienced changes in technology and communication within everyday lives, and that excitement influenced our young people. Those developments affected KML as well, and a few changes were necessary to keep the school moving forward. After serving as principal for ten years, Mr. Baxmann retired. His leadership provided many benefits for KML, and the positive changes he instituted have continued even to the present. One need became apparent with his retirement as principal. KML could not rely on just one man to do all the work that was required for the growing school. Mr. Baxmann’s retirement led the Board to consider a change in the structure of the school’s leadership. A decision was made to call me to serve as principal and to call a new position, a superintendent, to fulfill many of the duties that Mr. Baxmann had handled. In summary, the two positions were considered “Mr. Inside” and “Mr. Outside” to separate the responsibilities. - Keith Bowe
85 A Continuing Journey The first decade of the new millennium, often called the “aughts,” was one more period of growing enrollment. For the first time in KML’s history, the school exceeded 400 students. The larger student body allowed KML to offer new programs, including a sport which was discussed and debated for many years. KML started a football program in 2001 which quickly found success under the leadership of Coach Otte.
86 In 2004, KML hosted its first Veterans Day service and commemoration. The event became a highlight for the KML family as well as the community and those who served in the military. The 1993 Project GROW master plan needed to be updated and implemented to meet new facility and enrollment challenges. A four-phase master plan was developed that was expansive and visionary. This plan included major improvements to the outdoor athletic facilities as well as indoor expansion that would allow for new programs and exciting opportunities for current and future students. The challenge for the KML Federation was the full cost of the plan which was estimated at $15 million! In May 1999, the new Time to Grow campaign was officially launched, and money was being raised for the first phase of the master plan. In addition to enrollment growth, curriculum expansion, and building plans, KML also made a change in the school’s leadership. For the first time, KML called a superintendent. That new leader would handle responsibilities with the Federation churches, the community and business leaders, the Board of Directors and provide financial oversight for the school. David Bartelt accepted that call, and shortly after his arrival was handed the master plan with the directive to make it a reality. Within a short time, Mr. Bartelt modified the master plan and reduced it from four phases to two phases. Overall, this would reduce the cost (that had grown to an estimate of $20 million) and would increase the likelihood of completing the entire project. The response from the people was so remarkable that groundbreaking was held on September 16, 2001, and the project was completed in the fall of 2003. When I accepted the call to KML, the Board of Directors entrusted to me a multi-phase building project (estimated at $20 million). Lutherans love to build in phases. That strategic planning was completed in 1993. I came to our beloved KML in 2001 with the intention of carrying out the plans of the federation for their high school. The KML people were ready to be unleashed, and they acted with the same faith as our Founding Fathers. I remember how quickly things happened in the early years of being KML’s superintendent. David Bartelt – KML’s First Superintendent
87 On October 5, 2003, more than 900 people came to celebrate the official dedication of the new facilities. The building included: - A new entrance - A new cafeteria - Remodeling of old cafeteria into weight room and classrooms - The gym expansion - New locker rooms - A new second floor that would include a library, classrooms, learning center, bathrooms and additional storage The outside developments included: - The football field and track - Baseball and softball fields - Soccer fields - Expanded parking lot The growth in KML’s facilities was obvious and visible evidence of God’s blessings. Those building additions were necessary because the enrollment continued to grow. God was providing opportunities to share a Christ-centered education with more and more teens. He also provided quality teachers and administrators to carry out the mission of equipping God’s people for life and for eternity. In 2004, Keith Bowe accepted a call to Wisconsin Lutheran High School, and KML called Stephen Granberg to serve as the next principal. Mr. Granberg’s experience with non-WELS students and his enthusiasm to reach more families with the Gospel was instrumental in the school’s next step in development.
88 Two additional landmark projects were completed on our campus in the “aughts.” In 2004, Tom Mellon met Dave Flowers and started discussions regarding a natural wastewater treatment system for KML. The concept was fairly simple, but the process was detailed and a bit complicated. In summary, leach beds were created with a network of materials to contain the waste water, and a collection of specially chosen plants would grab the nutrients which would process and clean the waste. A second development, also led by Mr. Mellon, was the installation of our solar panels in 2007-2009. Mr. Mellon attended annual Solar Power Conventions to learn about the possibilities of including solar power for KML. On a flight home one year, a WE Energies representative said grant money would be available if Mr. Mellon was willing to apply and fill out the 50-page application form. As a result, the first group of panels were installed at no cost to KML, and grant money from other sources was provided for additional installations. I was excited about the new system, but we needed to pump air into the beds to provide aeration. We decided to install a windmill to supply the air. I remember it needed to be moved to the top of the hill, but that was no small task. Fortunately, the football players were available. It took about forty of them to pick up that windmill and move it. As I watched, they reminded me of a large centipede with all those legs! - Tom Mellon
89 A NEW CAMPAIGN FOR FINE ARTS
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91 The facility and campus improvements were completed in 2003 which truly enhanced the school’s athletic programs. In spite of the debt from that project, there was a desire to address the facility limitations of the fine arts department. One music room was not enough for all the choirs, bands, and ensembles which needed space to rehearse, and the gym was not conducive for both sports and drama at the same time. In other words, it was time for another capital campaign and building project. The leaders recognized two issues to manage: KML had an existing debt from the last project and would need roughly $5 million for a new fine arts facility. The decision was made to introduce the Walking the Path Together campaign with a goal of $3 million to help reduce the debt. Reaching that goal would be the incentive to start a performing arts center. The campaign was a success, and by 2013 the new Performing Arts Center (PAC) and fine arts education wing were dedicated. This was truly a bold step for KML because many schools at that time were cutting their fine arts programs due to budget and staffing issues. KML’s vision and commitment to the arts was recognized, and the addition continues to serve the students, Federation and community in countless ways. One unique aspect of the Walking the Path Together campaign was the stones that were awarded to donors for their gifts. Those stones were placed in the walls of the PAC lobby and serve as a continual reminder of God’s blessings as well as the dedicated support from many families who contributed to the campaign. We wanted this new facility to be a feature of our campus, but not just as a great building. We wanted to provide a Christian witness for our students as well as the community. The cross in the east window did both. As the sun rises in the morning, the shadow of the cross reminds our students of Christ’s presence here at KML. In the evening, the lobby lights highlight the cross as it shines forth to the community, and assures our students that Christ goes with them when they leave each day. - David Bartelt In the fall of 2013, KML celebrated its 40th anniversary. To capture this in a unique way, the students were gathered on the football field and organized into the shape of a 4 and a 0. Nearly 400 students are shown in this picture.
92 Dr. Jamie Luehring accepted the call to serve as KML’s sixth principal in the fall of 2014 and brought a new skill set to the school. His experience with the Choice Program was critical as the Board evaluated the option of participating in that program. KML’s leaders were familiar with adding facilities and raising money, but this one was different. I had experience and connections with the Milwaukee Choice Program from my time at Hope Christian Schools, but there were some concerns that were legitimate for KML. When the Wisconsin School Choice Program was initiated, I felt there was potential for us. We took a lot of time discussing the pros and cons, and ultimately made the decision to move forward. In the end, we saw this as an opportunity to serve more families with a Christ-centered education, especially those who might not have afforded KML on their own. After 40 years of KML’s existence, it would be easy to conclude there wasn’t much need for more advancement and growth, but that clearly was not the case. - Dr. Jamie Luehring Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School Principal and President
A Need for Science Labs After a number of years of enrollments above 400, the 2013-14 school year started with only 392 students, largely due to a small freshman class. This caused stress on the staff and on the budget. Yet, as had been done in the past, the leadership found positive solutions which resulted in continued quality education, no cuts to the faculty, and a strong response from the Federation churches to keep KML strong. Fortunately, the lower enrollment lasted only two years, and within seven years, the school grew beyond 500 students. God’s blessings, again, were amazing! Along with the blessing of more students came the need for another building addition. The school had three science labs which met the educational needs for many years. By 2018, it was clear that more labs were needed, and needed quickly. Fundraising consultants suggest non-profits should conduct a major capital campaign every ten to twenty years. In KML’s experience, there were three within eighteen years! REF. ELEV. 10'Wx8'H WON-DOOR 150' 130' 20' 100' 96'Ø RETAINING WALL 18' HIGH @ WORST CASE OPTION TO EXTEND FIRE LANE TO ADJACENT MONTICELLO ROAD IN LIEU OF TURN-A-ROUND -WOULD NEED ACCESS AGREEMENT. NEW 20' WIDE GRAVEL FIRE LANE HOSE LENGTHS NOT TO EXCEED 150' FROM EACH END OF FIRE ACCESS EXISTING SCHOOL CLASSROOM ADDITION FITNESS ADDITION EXISTING P.A.C. EXISTING SCHOOL EXISTING SCHOOL EXIST. STORM SEWER TO BE RELOCATED PROPOSED STORM SEWER EXIST. TELEPHONE EXIST. FIBER OPTIC EXIST. GAS LINE TO BE RELOCATED NEW GAS LINE + METER NEW CATCH BASIN NEW CATCH BASIN SITE + M.E.P. NOTES: • GAS PIPE AND METER TO BE RELO• TELEPHONE AND FIBER OPTIC WIL• EXISTING STORM WILL NEED TO BE• NEW CATCH BASINS AND STORM C• THE EXISTING FIRE LANE WILL NEEWILL BE REQUIRED TO EXTEND ARCOVER THE ENTIRE BUILDING PERLINE TO THE EAST. THE FIRE LANECIRCLE. THE FIRE LANE WILL REQAREA. THE RETAINING WALL WILLWALL WILL REQUIRE WORK TO BE EASEMENT TO MONTICELLO ROADRETAININGWALL.NEW GAS LINE We were still celebrating the blessings of our Walking the Path capital campaign and our new PAC when Superintendent Bartelt came to my office with an announcement. He said we needed to conduct another campaign, and we needed to raise $2 million in two years. This was an aggressive goal, but I believed it was possible. A few months later, Mr. Bartelt came back to my office and said, “I have two changes to the plan. You need to raise $4.7 million and do it in six months!” He also told me this will be so big that only God can get the credit. He was right, and God did bless it. We appropriately named this campaign “Blessed Beyond Belief.” Wendy Breimon – KML’s Director of Mission Advancement
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95 A PANDEMIC CALLED COVID-19
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Pis raerias et el eos etur, omnim as velent fugitas et quis aceped quosaec uptate es evel ipitia voluptius, te volorem quiditae. www.example.com Pis raerias et el eos etur, omnim as velent fugitas et quis aceped quosaec uptate es evel ipitia voluptius, te volorem quiditae. www.example.com 97 In early 2020, the nation and the world confronted an illness which impacted almost all areas of life. Specifically for KML, schools were ordered to postpone in-person contact and transition into “virtual learning.” KML complied with the order and assumed it would be a two or three-week experience. It turned out to last the rest of the semester. This certainly was not an ideal situation for quality education, but KML was commended as one of the truly outstanding schools who maintained high standards in spite of the limitations. Every day, KML students logged in through their Chromebooks and viewed lessons from their teachers. Assignments and homework continued with a strong emphasis on academic and emotional support. By the fall of 2020, KML resumed in-person learning, but the long-term effects of COVID-19 might not be fully realized for years to come.
98 This is why what you do matters...
99 A NEW ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE
100 Superintendent Bartelt retired in 2021, and, with that vacancy, the Board of Directors evaluated the existing administrative structure and decided it was time to look at alternatives. The school’s growth allowed KML to call teachers who specialized in areas of leadership, and a new structure could take advantage of the unique talents of the staff. After many discussions, a new structure was created. The position of president was established, and a number of directors were chosen to lead specific areas of the school such as culture, instruction, activities, mission advancement, student services, and operations. In addition, the concept of 1KML was promoted to represent the unity and family culture of the faculty and students. 1KML Our faculty and staff are one KML Family united in Christ.