In the midst of the holiday season, it seems like an ideal time to thank the many community partners of the Luxemburg-Casco School District. What they provide to our students is immeasurable.

What they offer ranges from monetary and equipment donations, to career exploration, practical experience and income for students. In many

instances, students also can simultaneously earn academic credits.

The impact on L-C students is profound. During the current, fall semester, well over 150 students have been positively affected by these partners, including 19 in the manufacturing industry. We are fortunate to have students working with 116 different businesses through youth apprenticeship.

We can’t say, ‘thank you,’ enough.

Strong partnerships with area businesses create positive outcomes in both directions: for L-C students and the businesses. We strive to give back to those companies that give to us.

We meet regularly with industry professionals within the community, which allows us to match student interests with area workforce needs. If these employers have a need that is not being met, we try to find a way to offer a program that will fill their void.

Active engagement with the business community also enables career exploration for our students. Students can confirm, or disprove, their perceived career interests. The ultimate goal is to ensure that our graduating students become productive members of the community, making a good living.

While many students may choose post-secondary education over immediate entry into the workforce upon graduating from L-C, even college-bound students who work with our community partners can earn academic credits that allow them to receive their post-secondary degree faster.

One student who graduated this past May worked at community partner Bellin Hospital while following the healthcare career pathway offered to L-C students. She was able to become a Certified Nursing Assistant and earn phlebotomist credentials. She now is on track to earn her bachelor’s degree two years following graduation at age 20, and believes that this pathway “truly has set me up for life.”

Youth apprenticeship participation in Wisconsin has been at a record high the past three years, which leads to many students taking part in the state’s registered apprenticeship program. More than 17,000 students did so this past year.

Luxemburg-Casco is proud to be a founding member of the Northeast Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship (NEWYA) program, which is a state leader.

A majority of 2019 high school graduates – 85 percent – took at least one Career and Technical Education (CTE) course, according to data released this past May by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). These CTE courses roll right into the career-focused employment opportunities offered by our all-important community partners.

From a student perspective, their pathway is not just into a job, it is into a long-term career. They also have the opportunity to learn first-hand about a company’s workplace and culture.

From the employer’s standpoint, they are investing in their next generation of workers without the need to wait for an individual to finish a specific degree or certificate program. They also get to see how the apprentices fit within the company’s existing employees.

We have more than 60 community-partner relationships.

Our major community partners in the manufacturing industry include D&S Machine Service, Olson Fabrication, 5 Point Fabrication, LaserForm, Rol-Tec, Ahlstrom-Munksjo, Kono Kogs, De Keyser, Packer Fastener, Renco Machine Company, Lemens WaterCare, Abts Bou-Matic, American-3 Fab Inc., American Custom Metal Fabrication, FEECO International, Kewaunee Fabrications, Koss Industrial, New Tech Metals, Precision Machine, Paper Converting Machine Company, Robinson Inc., and SAS Forks.

Within the diesel industry our valued community partners include Packer City International, Roland Machinery/Komatsu, Paper Transport Inc., Paschke Drilling & Blasting, America’s Service Line, Master Fleet, Kinnard Farms, Kriete Truck Center, Somerville, Rio Creek Feed Mill, WEL Companies, CSM Companies/Wisconsin Kenworth, DeBroux Custom Work, Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy, Peters Concrete, Ducat Trucking, Dorner Inc., Joski Trucking, Cummins Sales and Service, and Bobcat Plus.

Community partners in the automotive area include Broadway Automotive, Dorsch Ford Lincoln Kia, Gandrud Auto Group, Ball Auto and Truck Parts | NAPA, Clover NAPA, Auto Aces, McClure’s Service, Phase III Service Center, Pilsen Auto Service, Mr. Outboard’s, New Franken Sales and Service, Nick’s Auto Parts, and O’Reilly Auto Parts.

Cabinet Creations, H.J. Martin and Son, Tweet Garot, Algoma Lumber Company, and Lemens Hardware are partners in the construction field.

We appreciate all of these companies and the impact they make on Luxemburg-Casco students.

We are so very blessed to have our many community partners. We couldn’t do what we do without them, and for that they have our heartfelt thanks.