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May there be no division in the body, but that the parts may have the same concern for one another.
-1 Corinthians 12:25
Dear DSHA Community,
Our faculty and staff work hard to care for each student individually, in the classroom, in faith formation opportunities, in programming, on athletic fields, and on the stage. One measure of the DSHA experience was recently published on Niche, and represents success in our care for each Dasher.
- A+ overall in academics, college prep, athletics, and clubs & activities.
- A- for teachers and diversity.
- #1 of 3 best all-girls schools in Wisconsin.
- #2 of 515 best high schools for athletes in Wisconsin.
- #3 of 32 best Catholic high schools in Wisconsin and #2 in the Milwaukee area.
- #4 of 44 best college-prep, private high schools in the Milwaukee area.
- #7 of 49 best high schools for STEM in the Milwaukee area (#1 for best Catholic high schools for STEM in the Milwaukee area.)
- #24 of 114 most diverse private high schools in Wisconsin.
Nationally, DSHA is in the top 18% as one of the best high schools for athletes in America, best Catholic high schools in America, best college-prep, private high schools in America, and best private high schools in America.
There is much more to explore on Niche, but I wanted to share some of this information with you. Each family has made a sacrifice to send their daughter to DSHA to care for her whole-person development. These marks affirm she is in an environment where she is well cared for.
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IMPORTANT NEWS
Junior Interview Day Schedule Change | All juniors are expected to arrive at 7:45 a.m. for Junior Interview Day on Friday, November 8. Juniors will complete all requirements for the day around 10:30 a.m. and will be released around that time. As a reminder, juniors are expected to arrive dressed in a professional outfit. Questions? Contact School Counselor Mallorie Svetlik.
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ACADEMIC UPDATES
NEW! First Quarter Report Cards| First quarter report cards were finalized on Wednesday, October 16. Please note that grades are rolling, so this is a snapshot of your daughter’s current performance in each class. To see your daughter’s report card, login to myDSHA. Now is a good time for your daughters to reflect on their grades and revisit their goals for each course. Here are some questions for your daughter to consider:
- Where did I make progress on my goals in the first quarter?
- What went well? What did I achieve? Why was I able to experience those accomplishments?
- What strategies work best to help me learn? What can I do differently?
NEW! DSHA Second Quarter & Academic Adjustment | We are at the mid-point of the semester, and your daughters now have familiar routines and are aware of their teachers’ expectations. Please help your daughter learn from experience and adjust if needed. Academic adjustment is the student’s positive attitude toward their academic work, goals, and positive valuation of their academic environment (Al-Qaisy 2010, 3). Being successful in school isn’t just about performing academically, it’s about learning how to learn. For your daughter to apply the strategy of “academic adjustment” she needs to be open to asking for help, receiving feedback, and be willing to develop effective learning strategies that become part of her repertoire. How can your daughter do this?
- Participate in class by raising her hand and asking questions.
- Make an appointment to see her teachers during Dasher time.
- Go to ALPHA during her study hall or an open Applied Wellness period.
- Stop by the NHS Tutor Help Desk in the library to show them their work or get advice.
- Create a peer study group and work together after school or on the weekends.
- Meet with her school counselor to talk about time management, organization skills, etc..
NEW! DSHA French Student Exchange with Lycée St. Jean | DSHA is hosting 30 French students from St. Jean High School in Limoges, France until Wednesday, October 23. Ten of the 30 students are young men and will be attending classes at Marquette University High School. This language immersion and cultural exchange program has been coordinated by World Languages Faculty Eileen Gleeson for more than 30 years. Twenty French students will attend classes at DSHA that most closely match their courses and interests at home. In the spring, DSHA students will travel to Limoges, France and have a similar educational exchange experience. Questions? Please contact World Languages Faculty Eileen Gleeson.
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TEST PREP AND STUDY SKILLS RESOURCES
ACT, SAT, PSAT, and AP, Test Prep | The DSHA Library has free test prep resources. Students may prepare by taking practice standardized tests so they feel more prepared. Students can also take an online course at their own pace, take multiple practice tests, get help to create their resume, and search for scholarships. To get started, students scan the QR code available in the DSHA Library and it will take them directly to the Test Prep Resource page. For questions and assistance with logging in, please contact DSHA Librarian Christina Thiele or call 414-721-7418.
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CAMPUS MINISTRY UPDATES
NEW! Upcoming Campus Ministry Events | There are many faith-formation experiences for your daughter to participate in during the school day and in the upcoming weeks!
- Wednesday, October 23 | All-day Eucharistic Adoration through the Applied Wellness Program and Theology Classes
- Thursday, October 24 | Thankful Thursday Mass during Dasher Time
- Friday, October 25 | “Care for One Another” Outreach Prep in Dasher Dens
- Thursday, October 29 | First Year Dasher Time
- Friday, November 1 | All Saints Day All-School Mass
NEW! Sophomore Retreat & Senior Vocare Agreement | Sophomore parents, please check your myDSHA account and complete the Sophomore Retreat permission slip. Senior parents, please check your myDSHA account and complete the Vocare Agreement.
Donations Needed for Service Project | St. Francis of Assisi once said to “preach the gospel at all times and when necessary, use words.” On Tuesday, November 5, DSHA will do just that by holding a Care For One Another Outreach Day. This day is in honor of this year’s scriptural theme based on 1 Corinthians 12:25. That morning, 36 groups of Dashers will be working together to make projects for a few dozen of our community partners including personal care kits, no-bake cookies, snack bags, birthday bags, flashcards, sensory activities for kids, and more. We are needing donations of the following items:
- Amazon donation list (bolded items below are not on the list)
- Birthday cake items (cake mixes, frosting, candles, fun napkins/plates, new or used birthday gift bags, etc.)
- Craft items (fleece for no-sew blankets, fabric ribbon for diaper cakes, glitter, clear glue, kid stickers, etc.)
- Travel-sized personal care items
- General items (cardstock, gallon & sandwich bags, clear treat bags, bottles of water, etc.)
- Snack items for kids (granola bars, fruit snacks, fun candy)
- Baby items (diapers, wipes, small bath toys)
- Bingo prizes, spa items (lip balm, hand lotion), and large-print word puzzles for elderly care facilities
Drop items in the main office by Friday, October 25. Students will be asked to bring items through their Dasher Dens on that date.
DSHA/MUHS Confido Family Dinner Donations | DSHA will be hosting a new program aimed at bringing together DSHA and MUHS students to have Mass, eat dinner, and share their faith on Sunday, November 17. Please consider donating parts of the dinner to help make it a success. Contact Director of Campus Ministry Stephanie Monson and click here to donate to the dinner.
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STUDENT SERVICES UPDATES
Student Services Counselor Resource | October is Depression Awareness Month. While there are many different types of depression, there are some behaviors to look for and guidelines for when to seek help if you feel your daughter needs support. Please contact the DSHA Student Services Department with any questions and resources available.
Strategies for Communicating with Your Adolescent Child Parent Education Series on October 29 at Marquette University High School | Salespeople, parents, athletes, business managers, and teenagers all use tactics as a behavior that is meant to get things done. When used responsibly, tactics accomplish something helpful or worthwhile for themselves, their families, or their communities while being respectful of others. When used irresponsibly, tactics are often trying to get something for themselves, concealing their true motives, or trying to take advantage of others and avoid responsibility.
Psychotherapist and In-House Therapist for DSHA and MUHS Julie Bremer from Children’s Wisconsin will present on these tactics and strategies that many teenagers use. Parents will learn how to identify the different strategies teenagers most likely use and how to communicate with them in a healthy manner to minimize the negative impact of these strategies. This event will take place from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in MUHS Room 127 and is open to parents and caregivers of both DSHA and MUHS students. Please click here to register for this event by Friday, October 25.
Questions? Contact Psychotherapist & In-House Therapist Julie Bremer at 414-933-7220 ext 3312 or MUHS Director of Counseling Jennifer Reuchlen at 414-933-7220 ext. 3070 or Director of Student Services Maria Schram at 414-721-2914.
School-Based Therapy Appointments Available | The DSHA Counseling Department partners with Children's Wisconsin for access to a school-based therapist. Psychotherapist Julie Bremer is a licensed clinical social worker and substance abuse counselor who works with students and families experiencing a range of emotional and behavioral issues. Her areas of treatment can include depression, anxiety, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), behavior problems, adjustment issues due to stress or changes, grief and loss issues, and mental health. Ms. Bremer has immediate availability to meet. If you have any questions about the program and would like to start the referral process, please reach out to your daughter’s counselor.
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COLLEGE COUNSELING UPDATES
NEW! College Early Action Deadline | Many colleges have their early action deadlines and other special deadlines on November 1. It is recommended that students submit their application before November 1 for those specific deadlines to avoid any technology errors. Students applying for early action should have submitted a half-sheet to the College Counseling Center last week. These half-sheets tell us where to submit student transcripts and letters of recommendation.
NEW! College Early Decision Deadline | If your daughter is applying early decision (binding admission decision that requires parent, student, and counselor waiver) and you have not received an email from Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea regarding that early decision, please contact her to complete all paperwork prior to the school's early decision deadline.
NEW! Naviance Information | DSHA uses Naviance for student career and college data. Look to Naviance for college exploration, visits, admissions, and more. DSHA Students are the only ones with log-ins and passwords and parents will sign-in as guests. We encourage students and parents to interact on Naviance together. Please click here to access Naviance.
Financial Aid Night for Juniors, Seniors, and Parents on Wednesday, December 4 | Each year, DSHA and Marquette University High School (MUHS) hosts a college financial aid information program. Junior and senior students are invited to attend with their parents. This year, DSHA will serve as the host for our 2024 College Financial Aid Information Night on Wednesday, December 4 at 6:00 p.m. The session will be held in the Robert & Marie Hansen Family Fine Arts Theatre. Updated information will be available closer to the event.
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APPLIED WELLNESS UPDATES
NEW! Applied Wellness Opportunities | Juniors and seniors have been actively engaging in Applied Wellness (AW) experiences this semester. We have completed our 9th week of wellness opportunities. Students have enjoyed social connections through the following:
- Discussions and crafts
- Fitness options such as walks and self-led workouts
- Spiritual options with reflections and coloring
- Celebrations of diversity
We look forward to offering more engaging experiences to our students in these remaining weeks of the fall semester.
NEW! Applied Wellness Required Small Groups | Our last required small group will be held the week of October 28. Students are reminded to check myDSHA and their AW application to note their date and location for the AW small group. The small groups will meet on October 28, 29, and 30. Dashers will participate in an experience focused on gratitude. These are not optional small groups when in school and students should take note to attend.
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DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION UDPATES
Interfaith Prayer Service on Thursday, November 21 | The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Commission of Student Council has started planning for the upcoming prayer service. The first planning meeting was held during Dasher Time today. The DEI Student Council members and various interested students attended the meeting. If your daughter would like to get involved in helping plan this event, she should contact Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cynthia Blaze.
Upcoming Dasher Dialogues | The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Commission of Student Council is looking forward to the upcoming Dasher Dialogues this semester. Chosen themes for the first semester are as follows:
- Monday, November 4 | Civil Discourse
Our DEI committee members will meet regularly on Tuesdays during Dasher Time and the dialogues will be held in the DSHA Commons on Fridays this year (other than Monday, November 4.)
Optional Dasher Dialogues have been a part of the fabric of DSHA for the last nine years. Consistent with the DSHA mission to form young women who accept the gospel call to live lives that will make a difference, Dasher Dialogues create a loving and caring space for conversations that can be uncomfortable. These conversations focus on the dignity of every Dasher while helping students understand their responsibility to act as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Questions? Contact Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cynthia Blaze.
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DEAN OF STUDENT AFFAIRS UPDATE
NEW! Miss Ruby Bridal Presents DSHA Shopping Night on Wednesday, December 4
DSHA seniors are invited to a walk-in shopping event at Miss Ruby Bridal on Wednesday, December 4 from 4 – 7 p.m. The dresses are first come, first serve!
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FROM THE PA, PAA, AND PFAA
PA annual dues are $25. This provides funds for speakers and hospitality. Parents do not have to join the PA to enjoy the programs, but the funds are put to good use! Click here to join the PA.
Parent Education Session | Mark your calendar for the Parent Education Session at Marquette University High School on Tuesday, October 29 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. View the Student Services section of this newsletter above for more information on this.
Questions? Contact Parent Association President Sue Miller.
Parent Fine Arts Association Meeting on Tuesday, November 5 at 7 p.m. | The PFAA will meet on November 5 in the DSHA Board Room at 7 p.m. The meeting should end at 8 p.m., and parents are welcome to come for part or all of the meeting.
The DSHA Parent Fine Arts Association (PFAA) supports all of the Fine Arts at DSHA: Angelaires, Handbells, Orchestra, Theatre, Visual Arts, and more. All parents are eligible to join. The arts at DSHA are critical to the development of the whole student, which is good for our whole community. Can YOU contribute? Dues are only $25 a year, and your contribution will go far! Please click here to learn more and pay annual dues. Annual dues provide a foundation for PFAA projects such as equipment acquisition, scholarships for DSHA students to attend summer fine arts clinics, on-campus master classes, and hospitality at concerts, musicals, and plays.
Join one of our DSHA Parent Associations | Parents are key members of the DSHA community and important partners in much of the work done through the school on behalf of each student. In addition to individual volunteer activities, these organizations provide opportunities for parents to meet and work together. The parent chairs of the Parent Association, the Parent Athletic Association, and the Parent Fine Arts Association invite you to become involved by supporting these organizations with your time and voluntary dues. Dues are $25 per association.
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SPECIAL EVENTS
NEW! Mother Daughter Dinner Dance Ticket Sales | Tickets for the Mother Daughter Dinner Dance are now available for purchase. The event will take place at the historic Pfister Hotel on Saturday, November 23. Complimentary photos will begin at 6:30 p.m. with dinner starting at 7:30 p.m. The theme for this year's event is All that Glitters is Gold! We encourage all guests to shine bright and bring out their sparkle and glitter for a dazzling night!
DSHA Auction Class Benefit Parties | Join President Katie Konieczny, DSHA '92, to meet and mingle with parents from your daughters’ class and help raise necessary funds to support the 2025 DSHA Auction.
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
NEW! Calling all Dasher Dads! | Dasher dads, or special father figures, we need your help at the Mother Daughter Dance selling raffle tickets on Saturday, November 23. Please volunteer today and be part of this special evening for your daughter. Click here to sign-up.
Volunteer Opportunities | Volunteers are an essential part of the many activities here at DSHA and a great way for parents, alumnae, and DSHA community members to connect with each other. From stuffing envelopes to chaperoning dances, helping with the auction, or joining one of our Parent Associations — we could not do what we do without you!
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FINE ARTS UPDATES
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
Join us at the DSHA Annual Fall Musical The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical! In this story, Greek gods are real, they have kids – and those kids have issues! With an amazing rock soundtrack, DIY aesthetic, and hilarious script, you won't want to miss this show!
NEW! Annual Winter Play | The DSHA Theatre Department is excited to announce The Play That Goes Wrong (High School Edition) as their winter play!
Get ready for a night of mishaps, mischief, and madcap mania! It’s the opening night of the Cornley Drama Society’s newest production, “The Murder at Haversham Manor,” and things have quickly gone from bad…to utterly disastrous. The troupe’s ambitious 1920s whodunit has everything you never want in a show: falling props, collapsing scenery, an unconscious leading lady, actors who trip over everything…including their lines, and more. How will this eager ensemble battle against all of the disastrous odds? Will they make it to the final curtain call?
Auditions will be held on Tuesday, December 10 with callbacks on Wednesday, December 11. Look for information to be posted on the DSHA Website the week of November 18.
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FROM THE DEVELOPMENT DESK
Giving to the DSHA Annual Fund | Donating to the DSHA Annual Fund makes a difference in the education of every young woman attending our school. Each year, all members of the DSHA community are asked to make an unrestricted, tax-deductible contribution. These gifts supply vitally important revenue for the day-to-day work of DSHA to achieve our mission of developing confident young women of faith, heart, and intellect.
This year’s annual fund goal is $1,000,000. Please help us reach our goal by making a gift today. Gifts of all sizes make an impact on our students.
Questions? Contact Associate Director of Development Jenny Hauser.
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ATHLETIC UPDATES
NEW! WIAA D1 Girls Golf State Champions
The DSHA Varsity Golf team competed in the D1 State Championship at University Ridge Golf Course in Verona on October 14 and 15. The field of 12 teams played 18 holes each day. After the first day, DSHA was in first place with a team score of 320, six strokes ahead of Middleton in second place and 15 strokes ahead of third place Prescott. The second day was very cold and windy, but the Dashers slowly pulled away from the pack and WON the WIAA D1 State Golf Championship for the second year in a row by 29 strokes. The team shot a combined 637 over the two days. Zoe Gryniewicz, DSHA ’27, finished 5th overall as an individual and Ava Roesch, DSHA ’26, finished 7th overall. Congratulations on a fantastic season and DSHA’s SECOND WIAA DI State Golf Championship in a row! We would like to recognize the team on this outstanding accomplishment:
- Captain Hannah Strachota, DSHA ‘25
- Rachel Morris, DSHA ’25
- Captain Ava Roesch, DSHA ’26
- Zoe Gryniewicz, DSHA ‘27
- Julia Krueger, DSHA ’28
- Addy Roesch, DSHA ’28
NEW! WIAA Individual State Tennis Tournament
The DSHA Varsity Tennis team sent singles player Lizzie Stuckslager, DSHA ’26, and the #1 doubles team of Abby Frasher, DSHA ’24, and Amelia Stuckslager, DSHA ’28, to the WIAA Individual Tennis State Championship on October 17, 18, and 19 at the Nielsen Indoor Tennis Stadium on the UW-Madison campus.
Lizzie entered the tournament as the tenth seed and finished in seventh place. and Frasher and Amelia entered as the second seed and finished second after a tough tiebreaker in the third set with Arrowhead.
NEW! Cross Country Conference and Sectional Update | The Varsity Cross Country team competed in the Greater Metro Conference Championship race on Friday, October 18 at Greenfield Park and finished in fifth place out of nine teams. Ava Johnsen, DSHA ’26, was the Dashers' top finisher in fourth place overall in the varsity conference meet! The varsity team now moves on to compete in their WIAA Sectional race on Saturday, October 26. The State Championship meet is slated for Saturday, November 2 at the Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids.
NEW! Field Hockey
The DSHA Varsity Field Hockey team wrapped up their regular season on October 10 and finished with a 6-2 conference record, securing second place in the conference and a #2 seed in the state tournament. The tournament began on Monday, October 14 and DSHA had a bye. The team then moved on to the semi-finals on Wednesday, October 16 at Uihlein Soccer Park and defeated University School Milwaukee 2-1 in an exciting game to move on to the championship game on Saturday, October 19 at Uihlein Soccer Park. Dashers took home the State Runner-Up trophy after falling to Arrowhead 3-1 in the final match.
NEW! Rugby Tournament Updates | The semi-finals of the State playoffs took place on Saturday, October 19 at the Madison United Rugby Complex in Cottage Grove. DSHA A-Side defeated Hamilton High School 43-5. The B-Side took on Fox Cities and won 55-34. Both teams will now move on to the final rounds of the Wisconsin Girls’ Rugby State tournament on Sunday, October 27 at Hart Park. The B-side team will take on the Bruisers at 3 p.m., and the A-side team will face Catholic Memorial at 6 p.m.
NEW! Swim and Dive Season Updates | The DSHA Varsity Swim & Dive team will compete in the Greater Metro Conference Championships on Saturday, November 2 at Brookfield East. Diving will begin at 10 a.m. followed by swimming at 1 p.m. The team will then compete in the WIAA Sectional at Germantown High School. Diving will take place on November 8 at 6 p.m. and swimming will take place on November 9 at 1 p.m. The State Championship is slated for November 16 at Waukesha South.
Additionally, the swim & dive team celebrated senior night on October 17 at Menomonee Falls before the dual meet. Thank you to senior swimmers including Julia Stein, DSHA ’25; Peyton Washington, DSHA ’25; and Eleanor Wawrzyn, DSHA ’25. Thank you to senior divers Emily Grining, DSHA ’25; Emma Lieb, DSHA ’25; and Sophia Wrench, DSHA ’25.
NEW! Volleyball Season Updates | The DSHA Varsity Volleyball team finished with an 8-0 conference record to win the Greater Metro Conference Championship and have been ranked #1 in the state the entire season. The team is the #1 seed in their sectional, has a bye in the first round of regionals, and then will host the regional final on Saturday, October 26. Sectional play continues on Thursday, October 31 at Wauwatosa East with the sectional final slated for 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 2 at DSHA. The WIAA Volleyball State Championship will be November 7-9 at the Resch Center in Green Bay.
Dashers, faculty, and staff at Senior Night
Additionally, the team celebrated Senior Night on October 17. The team defeated Wauwatosa West and had a great tribute to the seniors before the match. Thank you to the following seniors:
- Jordan Czajkowski, DSHA '25
- Olivia Durst, DSHA '25
- Elise Hohenwalter, DSHA '25
- Madison Quest, DSHA '25
- Elise VanHimbergen, DSHA '25
And thank you to team manager Grace Wills, DSHA ’25.
Ski Team Parent Meeting | There will be a parent meeting on Wednesday, October 23 for those interested in joining the ski team. The session will take place in the DSHA Health Classroom at 7 p.m. This is a mandatory meeting. If your daughter plans to ski, she must have a parent attend. If you have any questions, please contact Head Coach Molly Ogden.
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FUTURE DASHER UPDATES
NEW! Girls Night In: Behind the Scenes of The Lightning Thief
DSHA Class of 2029 Application
Know a potential future Dasher? The DSHA Admissions application for the class of 2029 is live and ready for our eighth-grade families! As a reminder, students can start, save, and revisit the application at any time. A few key dates to keep in mind:
- August 1, 2024 | Admissions application opened
- Early September 2024 | Financial aid application opens*
- Friday, November 8 | Deadline to submit admissions application
- Friday, November 8 | Deadline to submit financial aid application*
- Friday, November 8 or Saturday, November 9 | Entrance exam at DSHA
- First week of January 2025 | Admissions decisions mailed
*We will contact families when the financial aid application opens. 95% of families who apply receive some form of need-based scholarship upon acceptance. When in doubt, we encourage you to submit an application.
8th Grade Visit Days | These filled up fast! We have one more day with available openings: Tuesday, October 29; click here to register.
Parent Tours | Parents of 7th-8th graders, join us Thursday, October 31 at 8 a.m. Tours will be no longer than 90 minutes. Daughters are welcome to join as well! Click here to register.
DSHA Viewbook | To learn more about the DSHA experience, why all girls makes all the difference, our college-prep academics, faith-formation opportunities, and more, browse the 2024-25 DSHA Viewbook.
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MISC. NEWS
- Strength & Conditioning Coach (Part-time, school year)
- Head Lacrosse Coach
Additionally, Dining Services Supervisor Connie Hanson is hiring a part-time Kitchen Helper. The individual would assist in the kitchen, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Thursday. If interested, please reach out to Dining Services Supervisor Connie Hanson at 414-721-2917 for more information.
Questions? Contact Vice President of Human Resources & In-House Counsel Claire Hartley. |
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Divine Savior Holy Angels High School | 4257 N. 100th Street Milwaukee, WI 53222 | Phone: (414) 462-3742
Sponsored by the Sisters of the Divine Savior |
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