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Dear DSHA Community,
I pray that all students, staff, and families are having a safe and restful summer. As we begin another school year, please join me in praying that every member of our community experiences and shares the Goodness and Kindness of Jesus. The Goodness and Kindness will continue to be our overarching theme because it remains at the heart of the mission of Divine Savior Holy Angels High School and the mission of our sponsors, the Sisters of the Divine Savior.
This year, we embrace the 2026–2027 Scripture theme, "Wherever you go, I will go" (Ruth 1:16). Ruth's words express unwavering faithfulness, accompaniment, and love. They remind us that we are not meant to journey through life alone. As a Catholic school inspired by the Salvatorian value of improving the quality of life, we are called to accompany one another with compassion, encourage one another to grow in faith and character, and ensure that every young woman knows she is valued, supported, and deeply loved.
This theme beautifully reflects the work we have undertaken through our newly adopted Dasher Education Plan: Forming the Next Generation of Salvatorian Women. At its heart, the plan is not simply about improving programs—it is about strengthening relationships. Through our four strategic priorities—Mission & Catholic Identity, Academic Excellence, Student Formation and Wellness, and Partnership and Operational Vitality—we seek to form women who know Christ, discover their God-given gifts, advocate for themselves and others, and lead lives of faith, service, and purpose.
One of the most visible ways this year's Scripture theme comes to life is through the continued growth of our Salvatorian Family House System and our enhanced model of student support. In addition to her House Dean, Den Supervisor, teachers, and classmates, she will be accompanied by her House Counselor throughout her four years at DSHA, as we strive to ensure that every student feels a sense of belonging in her House community. This intentional model reflects our belief that young women flourish when they are truly known, cared for, and encouraged by adults who walk beside them each day.
This commitment extends into every classroom as well. Our faculty continues to foster engaging, student-centered learning environments where each Dasher is challenged academically while growing spiritually, socially, and emotionally. Whether through faith formation, classroom instruction, co-curricular activities, counseling, or service, we strive to ensure that every student experiences what Ruth's words promise: Wherever you go, I will go.
The journey through high school is one of tremendous growth and discovery. There will be moments of celebration, challenge, discernment, and transformation. As a community rooted in the Goodness and Kindness of Jesus, we are committed to walking together through each of those moments. In doing so, we fulfill our Salvatorian mission to improve the quality of life by ensuring that every young woman encounters Christ, develops her unique gifts, and graduates prepared to lead a life of faith, purpose, and service.
May God continue to bless the remainder of your summer. We look forward to welcoming our students back to campus and beginning another remarkable year together.
God bless,
Dan Quesnell
DSHA Principal
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| | IMPORTANT BACK-TO-SCHOOL DATES | |
Wednesday, August 19, 8am-3pm: Campus Ministry Welcome Retreat for Freshmen and Transfer Students | This is a time for new students to meet one another and learn more about faith formation at DSHA. Upperclasswomen guide this retreat, and the retreat includes Mass with DSHA Chaplain Fr. Silas Henderson, SDS. This retreat is full, but you can email Director of Campus Ministry Stephanie Monson at monsons@dsha.info to be added to the waitlist.
Thursday, August 20, 8-11 am: Check-in Day | Sophomores, juniors, and seniors will have their yearbook photos taken and complete other tasks needed before school begins.
Thursday, August 20, 9:30 am -2:30 pm and Friday, August 21, 8 am-2:30 pm: Freshman Orientation | Over the course of two days, incoming freshmen will learn about the people and resources DSHA has to support them. We'll welcome new students, help them understand the logistics of their class schedule, find their locker, meet their teachers, their administrators, their school counselors, and participate in technology onboarding to help them feel prepared to begin their high school journey at DSHA. Girls will also have yearbook photos and high school ID picture taken. All students will attend Mass on Friday in the Mother of Our Savior Chapel.
Lunch will be provided Thursday. Students should bring a lunch on Friday.
Thursday, August 20, 6:30 pm: New Parent Orientation | New parents can meet in the RJ Fridl Commons to learn nuts-and-bolts information for the first few weeks of school. We'll orient parents to the mission of the Sisters of the Divine Savior, our approach to faith formation, offer insight into the academic and student life transition, acquaint you with how the DSHA Student Services program is supportive and responsive to the developmental needs of our students, and our approach to building an inclusive school culture. There will be time at the end to socialize and meet other new parents.
Friday, August 21, 8-2:30 pm: Transfer Student Orientation | Transfer students will start the day in the Chris & John McDermott Gymnasium to complete check-in tasks, including receiving locker assignments and having school photos taken. Afterward, students will learn more about DSHA technology, their schedule, and more.
Monday, August 24: First Day of School 🍎
Thursday, August 27, 6:30 pm: Parent Back to School Night | Join us for a short assembly in the Robert & Marie Hansen Family Fine Arts Theatre. Then walk through your daughter's schedule and meet her teachers.
Friday, August 28, 9:40 am: All-school Welcome Back Mass | All families are welcome to join DSHA for the first all-school Mass of the year. Please check in at the front desk upon arrival.
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In his poem Aristotle, Billy Collins writes, "This is the beginning. Almost anything can happen." Those words capture exactly what I love most about the beginning of the school year. Each August brings a fresh chapter filled with possibility, growth, unexpected discoveries, and the chance for young women to become more fully themselves. It is a privilege to accompany our students and their families on that journey and to celebrate successes, navigate challenges, and walk alongside them as they discover who they are and whom they are becoming.
Our greatest measure of success is the growth of the whole person: young women who are becoming intellectually curious, emotionally resilient, spiritually grounded, and deeply compassionate. We also believe it is important to celebrate moments of exceptional academic achievement. The accomplishments that follow, including this year's outstanding AP results, reflect not only academic excellence but also the perseverance, curiosity, and commitment to learning that define our community.
Here's to another successful year of growth,
Erin Housiaux
Academic Dean
Dual Credit & AP Courses | DSHA is running 14 dual credit courses and 17 Advanced Placement courses across eight departments in the 2026-27 school year. Marquette University is our largest dual credit partner with eight course offerings across five departments. Other partnerships include Mount Mary University; the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh; and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Click here to learn more about Dual Credit & AP Courses.
AP Exam Results | In May 2026, 368 DSHA students took 631 AP Exams across 16 courses. The College Board’s AP Score Reports posted in July indicate that 89% of DSHA students scored 3 or higher on these exams. Note: AP Exam success rate is a score of 3 or higher; the score needed to be considered for college credit.
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FROM THE DEAN OF STUDENT AFFAIRS | |
Student Technology Policy | As a reminder, student cell phone use is not permitted at any time during the school day. Cell phones that are seen during the school day are subject to confiscation, and students will receive a demerit and must pay a $5 fine to have them returned at the end of the day. Also, smart devices such as Apple Watches and other wearable devices with messaging capabilities are not allowed during the school day and are subject to the same demerits and fines. Students must keep these devices in their locker or backpack throughout the day. This includes during lunch.
Uniform Expectations | Before school begins, please review our uniform policy. Pay special attention to our sweaters, sweatshirts, and skirt length guidelines. Students are expected to be in uniform during all classes and other events during the school day beginning on Monday, August 24.
| All approved uniform pieces are available via Lands' End. Lands' End is currently running a sale through July 31; use code DEANSLIST75. | Milwaukee Southside Transportation | DSHA provides transportation from Milwaukee's Southside through Johnson Bus Services. The route includes a stop at Notre Dame Schools and United Community Center. The bus arrives at DSHA around 7 am. | |
Parking Pass Information | Junior and senior parents — if you signed up and paid for a parking pass for the 2026-27 school year, you can pick up your pass at Check-in Day on Thursday, August 20. If you have not paid for your parking pass by then, you will not be able to pick up your pass or park in the lot until payment has been made.
A few reminders:
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If you did not sign up for a parking pass but wish to have one, please email Executive Administrative Assistant to the Principal and President Dawn Hathaway. If your daughter does not have a parking pass, they cannot park in the DSHA parking lot at any time during the school day.
- If there are parking passes available once the school year begins, we will sell passes to sophomores who currently have a valid driver's license. Please keep an eye out for communications after the school year begins.
Welcome Back Dance at MUHS | Saturday, August 29, 7-10 pm | This year, the DSHA-MUHS joint Welcome Back Dance will be held at MUHS. The dance is open to students from DSHA and MUHS only. Tickets must be purchased at the door for $5 and students must show their student ID for entry.
| Contact Dean of Students Rachel Fredricks with any questions. |
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2026-27 Scriptural Theme | This year's focus will be the verse "Wherever you go, I go," from Ruth 1:16. The story of Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi will guide our year as we imitate Ruth’s perseverance, loyalty, and love through companionship.
One of the greatest gifts we can offer teenagers is a community of strong, faith-filled companions who encourage them to grow, thrive, and become the women God has made them to be. Campus Ministry and the whole TSC are looking forward to being “Ruth” to our students this year. Please reach out to any member of Campus Ministry as we partner with you in your daughter's faith formation.
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Save the Date for Annual Retreats | Mark your calendars for these important experiences. Retreats are mandatory for freshmen, sophomores, and seniors. Junior retreat is optional.
- Freshman Retreat: "Sowing the Seeds of Sisterhood" (Mark 6:50-52); Sunday, October 18, 11 am-7:30 pm and Monday, October 19, 7:50 am-3 pm at DSHA
- Sophomore Retreats: "Through the Turbulence" (Isaiah 43:1-5); October 11-12 or October 12:13 at St. Iakovos Retreat Center
- Optional Junior Retreats: "Mary & Martha | Be Present" (Luke 10:41-42); January 10-11 or January 14-15 at St. Iakovos Retreat Center
- Senior Retreats: "Present to the Spirit" (Luke 24:13-32); January 10-11 or January 14-15 at St. Iakovos Retreat Center
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Service Requirements | Serving others is at the root of faith formation at DSHA. Through hands-on opportunities to serve those in need, our students are called to become servant leaders, called to live their faith through action. All service hours are due on Monday, May 3. Students track and get hours approved through their x2vol.com accounts.
These are the requirements by grade level:
- Freshmen: 7 hours + Freshman Service Experience
- Sophomores: 15 hours
- Juniors: 20 hours
- Seniors: Vocare
We encourage students to become regular volunteers at a service site. Information about hospital volunteer programs, along with other opportunities, can be found on the Find Opportunities page on your daughter’s x2vol.com account. She can also sign up for DSHA-sponsored service opportunities through the same platform.
| Contact Director of Campus Ministry Stephanie Monson with any questions. |
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Class Schedules | Schedules will be available at the beginning of August. If you need assistance, please contact Educational Database Coordinator & Registrar Rachel Kirsenlohr.
Student Services Updates | The Student Services team is excited to meet with and support Dashers and their families this year. As a reminder, students will now meet with the counselors dedicated to their House, and their counselors may have changed.
As a reminder, here are the contacts for Student Services. Students are always welcome to stop by and see them on the second floor – no appointment needed!
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Senior College Information Night | Monday, August 24 , 6 – 7:30 pm | Students and parents are strongly encouraged to attend this information night in the Robert & Marie Hansen Family Fine Arts Theatre. Director of College Counseling Kristin Shea will provide an overview of the college applications process, including finding the right fit, the various DSHA and student responsibilities, the transcript request process, obtaining letters of recommendation, updates on the fall college process, and more. Seniors should attend with a parent or guardian. | Contact Director of College Counseling & School Counselor Kristin Shea with any questions. |
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Applied Wellness Small Groups Meet First Week of School | Juniors and seniors will be assigned to small groups. Please check in with the Applied Wellness Staff on Check-in Day on Thursday, August 20 to confirm their meeting day, hour, and location.
Students who cannot attend in person on August 20 should check the AW app or AW Teams message and reach out to staff to confirm their small group information.
Remember: Access to the AW app is necessary to navigate the program, so all students should log in before August 20.
| Contact Applied Wellness Program Director Joanna McQuide '93 or Applied Wellness Program Assistant Joy Brezovar with any questions. |
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Kids from Wisconsin | Join us on Thursday, July 30 at 7 pm to see Kids from Wisconsin perform! Proceeds benefit DSHA's theatre program. |
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2026-27 Athletic Season Participation | If your daughter would like to participate in Dasher Athletics this school year, online registration must be completed by Friday, August 7.
- Freshmen and students who did not participate in sports last year must set up a family account first. Once completed, you can resume the registration process.
- All returning athletes who created an account last year can use the same account information.
- Parents, guardians, and student-athletes need to watch the video included in the first step of the online registration process.
| Athletic Physicals | All incoming students and current students who participated in the 2025-26 season were emailed physical cards. The form must be uploaded when completing the registration process. A physical dated April 1, 2025 or later is required. | |
ImPACT Testing | All student-athletes must take the baseline concussion test (unless they completed the assessment last year). Contact Athletic Trainer Annie Cullen Olivares '04 to schedule a baseline ImPACT test for your daughter.
Fall Tryouts | If your daughter is interested in one of the following sports, please review the tryout dates and practice information:
- Cross country
- Field hockey
- Flag football
- Golf
- Rugby
- Swim and dive
- Tennis
- Volleyball
| DSHA x Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Healthy Roster App | DSHA has continued its partnership with Froedtert to ensure better health for student-athletes. The organization is helping to provide enhanced communication regarding athletic injuries with parents and coaches via the free Healthy Roster app. All fall student-athletes will receive an invitation to join (the invite will be via a Healthy Roster email address). Winter and spring athletes will receive an invite prior to their seasons. | |
Dashers Receive National Athletic Honors | Congratulations to the following students on their accomplishments:
⚽Sarah McElherne '28 was named to the Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association All-State Team!
⚽Lucy Colvin '27 was named to the 2026 Unived Soccer Coaches Association North All-Region Team. This is the second time Lucy has won this award. As a defender, Lucy was named first-team all-conference and second-team all-state in her junior season.
⚽Brailey Baxter '27 was named the 2026 United Soccer Coaches Association All-American. She was named to the USC North All-Region Team and the 2025 All-American Team. This is the second year Brailey has earned these recognitions. She was named first-team all-conference and first-team all-state in her junior season.
⚽Avery Roethe '27 was named 2026 United Soccer Coaches Association All-American. She was named to the North All-Region and All-American teams. This is the second year she's earned these recognitions. As a midfielder, Avery was named first-team all-conference and first-team all-state in her junior season.
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Spring Sports Recap | Dashers brought another exciting spring athletics season to DSHA! With one WIAA state championship and a national third-place trophy, and several incredible performances by individual athletes, DSHA celebrated an accomplished sports season. A few highlights included:
⚽Varsity soccer posted a 7-0-1 conference record and overall record of 17-2-2. The team went on to beat Muskego High School in the WIAA D1 State Championship. The team is ranked ninth nationally by the United Soccer Coaches Association.
🥍2026 marked the ninth Varsity season for Lacrosse at DSHA and the third season the WIAA recognized the sport with a state tournament. The varsity team’s regular season record was 3-3 in conference play, and a 7-8 overall record under first-year Head Coach Cassie Allard.
🥎 The softball team worked hard this season and saw improvement from beginning to end. They finished 3-13 in conference and 4-19 overall. In post-season play, the team lost to Brookfield Central in the WIAA Regional Final game to complete their season.
👟The varsity track and field team worked hard under first-year Head Track & Field Coach Patty Tracy-Thewes. Throughout the season, they competed in various meets including the Greater Metro Conference Indoor Meet, the Greater Metro Conference Relays, and the Greater Metro Conference Outdoor Championships. In post-season play, the team competed in the WIAA Regional where they placed fourth and the WIAA Sectional meet where they placed eighth. At the WIAA Sectional Meet, DSHA’s 4x400 team consisting of four athletes (Ava Johnsen '26, Lydia Packee '27, Hunter Russell '28, and Helen Tamburrino '28) qualified to compete in the WIAA State Championship meet at UW-La Crosse June 5-6.
| Contact Athletics Administrative Assistant Allison Gill with any questions. |
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PAA Golf Outing & Pickleball Tournament | Join us at Tripoli Country Club on Friday, September 11 for our annual golf outing and pickleball tournament.
This is the only dedicated fundraiser of the year for Dasher Athletics. DSHA's championship-winning program provides student-athletes with opportunities to grow in confidence, leadership, teamwork, and excellence.
Here's how you can get involved:
⛳Get on the course (or court!) with us: Purchase tickets for yourself or even a foursome! You can enjoy early bird pricing on golf foursomes through July.
⛳Sponsor the event: Join our growing list of sponsors and receive recognition in pre-, post-, and day-of communications and advertising.
⛳Support a DSHA team: Make a donation to a Dasher Athletics team. The team with the highest participation will get an out-of-uniform pass! Plus, parent donations of $25+ include a PA membership!
⛳Donate: Contribute experiences, tickets, gift cards, and more to our golf outing auction.
⛳Volunteer: Join us in planning this exciting community event!
| Contact Director of Volunteer Engagement & Special Events Cassandra Aranda with any questions or to learn about sponsorhip opportunities. |
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At DSHA, our parents and family members are the heart of our vibrant community. Family involvement does more than support our school, it enriches the educational and spiritual journey of every Dasher. When parents share their time, talents, and energy, they model service and leadership for our young women while building lifelong connections with fellow families.
Whether you can give an hour at an upcoming event, assist with fine arts and athletics, or join one of our parent associations, your presence makes a profound difference.
| Contact Director of Volunteer Engagement & Special Events Cassandra Aranda with any questions. |
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Parent Fine Arts Association (PFAA) | is an excellent way for parents and guardians of DSHA students to get involved in the Fine Arts Department. We believe that this program should promote the artistic development and well-being of your daughters. The PFAA meets the first Tuesday of every month to discuss upcoming and past events, along with hearing the achievements of the girls from faculty.
Watch for specific meeting dates and a link to join the PFAA in the next Parent eNews.
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DSHA is Hiring | Join our network of passionate professionals at a Journal-Sentinel top-rated workplace. We're currently hiring for:
- Academic Administrative Assistant
- Dance Team Coach (School Year)
- Head Softball Coach (Spring 2027)
- JV2 Volleyball Coach (Fall 2026)
- Assistant Track & Field Coaches (Spring 2027)
| Questions? Contact VP of Human Resources Claire Hartley. |
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