Peer Profile

PEER PROFILE #5

Name: Prairie Haubrich

Age: 14

Why did you come to Pathways? For the new opportunities Pathways provides

Favorite project so far: The Arts/AV project (Creating a narrative with artwork reflective of an era and the biodiversity of a location)

Plans for the future at this point: I want to be a neurologist, political figure, or a psychologist

Guest Speaker: Beth Engel

Beth Engel displays a pair of ballet shoes.

Bethany Engel or Beth is owner and teacher at All of the Above dance company. She started dancing at the age of three. Beth continued to dance throughout her life and then set out to Maryland for college. There she fell into a teaching job and then came back to Wisconsin and started her own dance studio. Having a studio brings the good and the bad. Beth confirms, "Sometimes my job can be incredibly hard, not only the physical aspect, but also because I expect perfection out of myself and my students". Other problems such as pain, prices and parents come with owning a studio. There are many styles of dance that are taught and each is  very unique with their own type of shoe. There is a recital at the end of each season all with a theme. Those themes are mixed in with the music, dances and transitions. Dancing is a passion which stretches your muscles, mind and medical visits.

Field Trip: WBHS Arts/AV/Communications Locations

On May 5th, Pathways students took an Arts A/V tour of the West Bend High Schools.

First, the students started off with Mr. Tim Harder in the studio area. They were shown the green screen and production room where videos are made to advertise events for the high school as well as weekly announcements. Mr. Harder also displayed the graphics room and explained some of the complexities of different types of printing, from ink on Tshirts to 3-D. He also highlighted elective courses that might be taken in this area, which could accumulate to a semester and a half of college credit!

 Next, students were given an exclusive backstage tour of the auditorium by Lights and Sounds director Mr. Jeremy Woods. He explained everything from how the curtains raise and lower to the names of all the various parts of the theater. He also took students into the control booth at the top of the auditorium. He demonstrated how to control the lights and sound, and even put on a mini performance starring Pathways Director Mr. Harder. Jeremy explained that Pathways students can join the plays and musicals at the high school. Several Pathways students were involved in the the past year’s performances.

Guest Speaker: Nick Dettmann

Mr. Nick Dettmann works for the West Bend Daily News and came in to Pathways to talk about how his job works. He writes articles for the sports section as well as special events and he edits the top reporters’ segments for the newspaper. He talked about some of the famous athletes he has met including Brett Favre, Clay Matthews, and Shaquille O’Neal, who he claims is as funny in real life as he appears on t.v. He remarked about the emotions that sometimes come out through a sports story, such as covering this year’s Boston Marathon and reflecting about last year’s tragedy. Dettman says the hardest part about his job is, " ...the internet. It makes our job go 24/7, all the way around the clock. If there is information people want to know, we have to get it." He shared the struggles of his job, but also the successes. His crowning achievement was publishing his own book 2 years ago. Check out his book A Life Worth Dreaming About at your local bookstore.

Guest Speaker: Justin Weninger from Horicon Bank

9th Grader Justin Mesick (left) asks guest speaker Justin Weninger of Horicon Bank a question as 7th grader Sami Ahrens (right) listens intently.

Mr. Justin Weninger came to Pathways to discuss his career in the Finance Career Cluster, as he works at Horicon Bank. He asked students questions about what they thought the bank business was all about. Mr. Weninger also asked the students what they thought the important parts of the bank were. He explained that important traits were needed for a bank manager. He explained to the students, "You must gain the trust of the customer as you develop a good relationship with them." He also explained the inside details of how a bank works. Banks have many different pieces that fit together as a puzzle. Mr. Weninger gave advice about using banks now and in students' futures saying: "When you are a young adult working on getting a good relationship with a bank, start little and work your way up."

Pathways Charter School New Logo

The Pathways Logo has changed to reflect a more professional environment. Coach Patrick O’Connor remarked of the change, “While I appreciate the effort to design the previous logo, students noticed during the marketing cluster that the logo seemed too elementary. If we are expecting students to act professional, the logo should reflect that attitude.” Student Simon Uecker stated, "the new logo correctly defines the atmosphere and the professionalism the school is striding for." The color of our blog has changed a bit because of the school's logo change. Continue to enjoy our updated blog posts.

Peer Profile

PEER PROFILE #4

Name: Sunny Duchow (Sunny is a new enrollee at Pathways. She entered the district in March 2014)

Age: 14

Why did you come to Pathways? My Mom and Kiera and Frannie (Who attend Pathways) all encouraged me

Favorite thing about Pathways: Here at Pathways, I feel comfortable, but I also feel challenged.

Plans for the future at this point: I want to be in the medical field and I want to travel.