Crusader Connections

Crusader Connections provides opportunities for new and returning SCLA parents to connect with each other around relevant topics. Sessions include short presentations and plenty of time for Q&A and discussion. Refreshments provided. This program is open to all middle school, high school, and community families.

All sessions take place from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at SCLA in the Chapel Link.

Take advantage of many of the free sessions listed below. Open each tab to find out more and register.

* Recommended for NEW SCLA families

Crusader Connections YouTube

Crusader Connections FAQ’s

Crusader Connections FAQ’s

Who is this program for?

All SCLA middle school and high school parents and guardians are welcome, as well as any interested local community and prospective families.

I’ve been an SCLA parent for years now.… Is this program worth participating in?

Yes! This program is all about connecting parents. While the sessions are meant to be relevant and informative, the primary goal is to support and facilitate new relationships among SCLA families.

How long do the sessions last?

While each session is scheduled for 60 minutes, we’re usually done before the hour is up. Typically, there is a short presentation of information, followed by time for Q&A and discussion. We hope to bump right up to the time limit with our conversations!

Tell me more about the “Bonus Sessions.”

We’ve included additional sessions specifically for college-related topics. We know how important this information is to our families, so there are two chances – at two different times – to participate!

What if I want to ask a personal question about my student?

We hope that the majority of each session is filled with questions and discussion. Sharing with each other is how we all learn more, so, if you’re comfortable, we invite you to ask away! The Q&A portion of the sessions will not be livestreamed or recorded in order to keep any personal sharing confidential.

If I attended all of these sessions last year, what’s the point in attending again?

First of all, we get to gather in-person this year! This means more discussion, more connections… and more snacks. And while these sessions may be about similar topics each year, there will always be new information and new experiences shared. PLUS, as a returning parent, you’ll have expertise to share with new families!

Will sessions be held in-person? Will a livestream option be available?

Yes! We are planning on holding this year’s sessions in person – both the regular Tuesday afternoon sessions, as well as the Wednesday morning bonus sessions. For all Tuesday afternoon sessions, the beginning informational portion will be livestreamed via YouTube at StCroixLutheran.org/Live (and available on-demand later).

I’m not familiar with the session leaders. Are they all connected to SCLA?

Yes! Learn more about all of our session leaders below.

Ok, you convinced me! How do I register?

We’re so glad you’ll be joining us! Find links to register under each event's description.

Crusader Connection Seminars

Tue, September 14 - *High School Transitions

In other words… Grade school was different, so how do I stay involved and what can my student participate in?

The high school struggle is real: making friends, staying involved, and discovering and experiencing new things. And we're not just talking about the students! We'll talk together about all the "new" of high school at SCLA and how both you and your student can stay involved in the SCLA family.

Session Leader

Drew Kock

Livestream Recording

Tue, October 5 - Academic Success at SCLA

In other words… How can my student do their very best academically at SCLA?

SCLA’s trained educators strive to create learning environments where students are individually known, effectively taught, and academically supported. In this session, we’ll learn more about the most common academic obstacles for today’s students, the teaching philosophies that guide the SCLA faculty, and the resources provided to support students’ academic needs through the Learning Resource Center.

Session LeaderS

Ryan Rathje and Lorna Kapanke

Fri, October 15 - *New Family Tailgate

5:30 p.m. (Kickoff at 7:00 p.m.)

All families new to SCLA the past couple years – as well as everyone who has participated in Crusader Connections – is invited for walking tacos before the varsity football game at SCLA on Friday, October 15. Celebrate the start of a new year, connect with new families, and cheer on your Crusaders!

Sign up

Tue, October 26 - SCLA’s College Guidance Plan

In other words… We know college is coming, we're just not sure what we need to do to be ready.

SCLA takes a personal approach to guiding students on their path to college. We'll show you the in's and out's of the SCLA College Guidance Plan that makes sure your student has their bases covered, their eyes on the right schools, and their applications started.

Session Leader

Drew Kock

Sign up

Tue, November 16 - Mental Health & Counseling at SCLA

In other words… I think my student is struggling and I'm not sure what to do.

Educating the total student – spiritually, intellectually, and physically – includes ensuring that students’ mental health is supported. As an extension of our caring, Christian family community, SCLA partners with Christian Family Solutions to offer individual, professional counseling on a weekly basis for students. Learn more about how to make use of this offering, as well as the other ways SCLA works to minister to the needs of students in compassionate and relational ways.

ONLINE ONLY VIA ZOOM - Link will be sent after you register.

Session Leader

Dave Huebner

Sign up

Wed, December 8, 8:15a, ZOOM ONLY - Navigating College Paperwork

In other words… We just know we're going to miss something.

There are so many pieces to the college admissions process, it's easy to think you're missing something. We'll go through helpful details and reminders for financial aid paperwork and admissions testing, as well as a quick look at sports recruitment.

Session Leader

Drew Kock

Sign up

Tue, January 11 - Talking With My Teen

Tue, February 8 - PSEO & Dual-Credit Options at SCLA

VIDEO (open to view) - Tue, March 8 - Planning College Visits

In other words… Give me the when, where, what, and how, please.

Spring is a great time to get out and see college campuses. How important is it to visit schools? What should you expect? What questions should you ask? We'll discuss how to approach college visits so they're exciting and helpful experiences.

Session Leader

Drew Kock

Watch the Video

CANCELED - Tue, April 5 - SCLA’s Religion Classes

This session was canceled due to lack of sign-ups.

In other words… What's my student actually learning in "religion" class?

There are a lot of religions out there. SCLA is certainly Christian, but what does the "Lutheran" really mean in St. Croix "Lutheran" Academy? How much does the Christian faith permeate activities and classes? And what's my student actually learning in the religion classes they're taking each semester? We'll talk with some of our religion teachers and pastors here at SCLA.

Session Leader

Dustin Sievert

Sign up

CANCELED - Tue, May 3 - SCLA’s Global Reach

This session was canceled due to lack of sign-ups.

In other words… We'd like to invite an international student for the weekend.

How do we do that? What's the process? We know SCLA has a lot of international students, but we're not sure how to get involved. We'll talk about practical and extracurricular ways parents and students can embrace the global diversity of SCLA.

Session Leaders

Hannah Schmiege and Kristin Lehmann

Sign up

Date TBD - *Crusader Connections EOY Tailgate

About the Speakers

Elaina Adickes, MA, LPC

Pastor Jon Enter

Jonathan Enter

Faculty Information

Department(s)

Religion

Title(s)

Instructor

Contact Information

(Primary)

School Phone

x1184

Education

Degree(s)

Bachelors Degree, Martin Luther College
Masters of Divinity, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary

Other Information

Employed Since

2018

Pastor David Huebner

Rev. David Huebner

Faculty Information

Department(s)

Dormitory, Guidance, Middle School, Mission Advancement, Religion, World Languages

Title(s)

Guidance Director, Instructor, Coach

Contact Information

(Primary)

School Phone

x1122

Education

Degree(s)

B.A., Northwestern College
M.Div., Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary

Other Information

Employed Since

1988

Biography

Pastor Huebner serves as and instructor and the Director of Guidance at SCLA. He supports dormitory students, families, and staff regarding spiritual, emotional, and mental health through onsite counseling or working with professional onsite or online counselors to assist students.

Pastor Huebner began his SCLA career in 1985 and has been on staff ever since. His depth of knowledge regarding emotional support and tailored international student support in the Guidance Department has been evident for over 30 years.

Lorna Kapanke

Faculty Information

Department(s)

English, LRC, Middle School

Title(s)

Learning Resource Center Coordinator, Instructor

Contact Information

(Primary)

School Phone

x1117

Education

Degree(s)

B.S. Education
M.Ed., Special Education

Other Information

Employed Since

2012

Drew Kock

Faculty Information

Department(s)

Guidance, LRC, Physical Education, Social Studies

Title(s)

Instructor, Guidance Counselor, Head Boys Basketball Coach

Contact Information

(Primary)

School Phone

x1198

Education

Degree(s)

B.S. in Education, Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN
M Ed., in School Counseling and Development

Other Information

Employed Since

2015

Kristin Lehmann

Faculty Information

Department(s)

World Languages

Title(s)

Chinese Student Admissions Counselor, Instructor, Tennis Club Head Coach

Contact Information

(Primary)

School Phone

x1115

Education

Degree(s)

Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of Wisconsin, La Crosse
Masters in Chinese Studies, Valparaiso University, IN

Other Information

Employed Since

2017

Dr. Ryan Rathje

Faculty Information

Department(s)

Administration, Mathematics

Title(s)

Academic Dean, Instructor

Contact Information

(Primary)

School Phone

x1102

Education

Degree(s)

B.S. Education, Martin Luther College
MA Education: Professional Development, University of Wisconsin—LaCrosse
Ed.D., Curriculum and Assessment, Walden University

Other Information

Employed Since

2017

Hannah Schmiege

Faculty Information

Department(s)

Administration

Title(s)

Director, International Admissions & Programs

Contact Information

(Primary)

School Phone

x1191

Education

Degree(s)

BA English and Philosophy, Wisconsin Lutheran College
MA Comparative Literature, Zhejiang University

Other Information

Employed Since

2014

Pastor Dustin Sievert

Rev. Dustin Sievert

Faculty Information

Department(s)

Middle School, Religion

Title(s)

Director of Ministry Recruitment, Instructor

Contact Information

(Primary)

School Phone

x1169

Education

Degree(s)

B.A., Northwestern College
M.Div., Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary

Other Information

Employed Since

2016

Elizabeth Walters, LPPC

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