FALL 2026
This past summer saw a range of renovations and upgrades across the beautiful FVL campus. Read on for a closer look at some of these new spaces.
Student Success Program Classroms and Offices
In order to give more space to our growing Student Success Program, the study hall room was renovated into a learning center for the program. This includes special education teachers’ offices, two Student Success study hall rooms, a private area for testing, and a conference room.
Media Center
Our Media Center has a new look, with updated furniture (now accommodating 120 students), new carpeting, and a large digital screen.
Media Center Administrative Offices
The Media Center renovation also provides more efficient work spaces for a couple of our departments. The International Program Director now has space to meet with groups of students and with prospective host families. Both the Technology Director and the Network Engineer now have office spaces in the Media Center. This puts them closer to the hardware that they need to monitor and makes them more visible to students who may be in need of help.
Culinary Arts Lab
Over the past several years, our Food and Consumer Education (FACE) classes have been developing into a comprehensive culinary arts program. Thanks to a generous donation, the old “FACE Room” has been replaced with a new Culinary Arts Lab, complete with state-of-the art appliances, expanded cooking spaces, and even a hydroponic grow tower.
FVL Robotics Room
FVL Robotics is now moving out of the STEM classroom and into its own space. The redesign of the Culinary Arts Lab freed up some space, giving FVL Robotics students a quiet and secure location to design, build, and test their machines. 
English Classroom
A few teachers were able to move their offices into their dedicated classrooms. This enabled the school to convert what was the English Team Room into another classroom. This change accommodates growth, both in the number of students and in the number of courses FVL can offer.
These new spaces demonstrate the value that FVL places in the pursuit of excellence. We thank God for his continued blessings to the school. If you would be interested in touring the campus and seeing these spaces for yourself please contact…
Prospective Students/Parents:
Mr. Joe Blum
admissions@fvlhs.org
(920)560-5105
Other FVL Supporters:
Rev. Tom Mielke
missionadvancement@fvlhs.org
(920)560-5107
UPDATED WEBSITE
With the new school year, we’ve launched an updated website. Streamlined navigation makes frequently used resources easier to find for current parents and students, including calendar links and athletic scores, while our renamed “Support FVL” section provides easier access to Mission Advancement events and resources. A new “Start Here” button also gives first-time visitors a helpful introduction to key areas of the site.
FVL on WFRV - TV5
The 55th annual Appleton Christmas Parade will be held on Tuesday, November 24. FVL is again a promotional sponsor of the event for the 12th straight year. This has been an excellent opportunity to share the ministry of our school with viewers across NE Wisconsin. Head downtown to watch the parade live or watch from the comfort of your home live on November 24, with repeat broadcasts on November 26 at 9:00 am, November 28 at 11:00 am, and December 25 at 3:00 pm. Watch for our commercials and representatives as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world.
FVL GIVING DAY 2026
FVL's Giving Day was on September 15. This once-a-year event supports FVL's Christian education ministry by helping the FVL Federation meet its annual Let the Children Come mortgage payment.
The goal of this year's drive was to raise $250,000 to pay off vender fees prior to the Let More Children Come building loan. As an additional incentive, every dollar donated was matched through a generous donor's $1,500,000 match challenge, which has promised to match every donation up to $1.5M through July 2028. Once again, the outpouring of financial support has demonstrated how blessed this ministry is. Giving Day contributions met our goal of $250,000. Thank you for your support in donations and in prayers!
CALLING ALL 8TH GRADERS—AND PARENTS TOO
FVL's annual 8th Grade Welcome Night will be Monday, October 19, from 5:00-7:45 pm and will feature a DJ, games, pizza, inflatables, and plenty of opportunities for 8th graders from across the Federation and community to hang out.
Parents, we've prepared multiple 20-minute sessions for you to learn about the school and to get your questions answered. Light refreshments will be available between sessions. Details and registration are at fvlhs.org/8GWN.
November Class Scheduling Nights
Class scheduling nights for the Class of 2031 will be Wednesday, November 11 (4:00–6:30 pm) and Thursday, November 19 (4:00–6:00 pm). Scheduling appointments will be available following the completion of the FVL online application, which is at fvlhs.org/enroll.
FACULTY/STAFF UPDATES
FVL welcomes six new faculty and two new staff members. We thank God for the work done by those who retired, moved, or transitioned to other employment.
New Faculty
This year we welcome six new teachers: Mrs. Kristin Sass (German and English), Mrs. Adrienne Bengel (English), Mr. Jonathan Witte (band), Mr. Steve Granberg (religion), and Mrs. Laurie Siemek (art). We also welcome Mr. Charles Flunker to his new role as a called teacher in our Social Studies department.
New Staff
Mrs. Amy Balza is now working as our on-site substitute teacher. Additionally, Ms. Billie Nakashima has begun working alongside Mrs. Krista Davis in the Business Office. Ms. Nakashima will take over as Financial Controller when Mrs. Davis retires in December.
We pray the Lord blesses the work of all these individuals as they serve God and this school.
SCRIP SAVES FOR TUITION
SCRIP is a simple way to help FVL’s Tuition Assistance program and to cut costs on your student’s tuition. Buy and use SCRIP gift cards for your usual purchases—groceries, restaurants, gas, retail stores, and more. With each SCRIP purchase, you build your cash rebate (amount varies for each participating business). More than 212 families received over $105,000 in tuition credit for the 2026-27 school year by using SCRIP! Additionally, FVL was the 3rd highest earning school in the Raise Right scrip program. 
The SCRIP Office is typically open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the school year. Please check the online calendar for specifics. Get SCRIP updates and tips on the FVLHS News app.
DINNER AUCTION APRIL 16
Mark your calendars for a championship evening of food, fun, and spirited bidding—all for a good cause! This year’s theme is “Night of Champions.” Join us Friday, April 16, at the Hilton Appleton Paper Valley for the 24th Annual FoxFest Dinner Auction—a night filled with great food, friendly competition, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate what our FVL community can accomplish together.
The live and silent auctions will feature prizes you won’t want to miss. Every bid helps provide tuition assistance, opening doors for students who want to be part of the FVL family. All tickets will be sold in advance. No tickets will be available at the door.
Get in the game and be an MVP. Gather your team, bring your competitive spirit, and come ready to enjoy a memorable evening while supporting our students. Together, we can make a winning difference for FVL students and families.
Watch for more information in February!
Plan to attend the next FoxFest on Friday, April 16, 2027!
FVL THEATRE PRESENTS - The Curious Savage
What happens when a little bit of eccentricity meets a whole lot of heart? John Patrick’s The Curious Savage is a charming, hilarious, and heartfelt comedy about Ethel Savage, a wealthy widow determined to give away her fortune, and the Savage family who will do almost anything to stop her. Along the way, she discovers that sometimes the people society calls “crazy” may just be the ones who understand life best.
Come meet the unforgettable residents of The Cloisters for an evening of laughter, surprises, and a reminder that kindness, friendship, and a little imagination can change everything.
Get tickets at the door or online
- Friday, October 23 at 6:30 PM
- Saturday, October 24 at 6:30 PM
- Sunday, October 25 at 2:00 PM
FINANCIAL FOCUS
Praise the Lord for the thousands of generous supporters whose gifts of prayer, time, talents, and treasures have blessed FVL during the 2025-26 fiscal year!
- Congregational offerings were short of the initial budget due to two congregational hardships. Expecting nearly a $114K shortfall, we made up some of that difference and finished only $70K short. This year, we have budgeted $1.12M.
- Due to a combination of conservative budgeting, discretionary spending within various departments, and lower than expected insurance costs, we were blessed to have a nice surplus of nearly $700K. This surplus has been designated to pay for the complete replacement of the HVAC Chiller unit, not only to replace the outdated equipment, but also to purchase one large enough to accommodate the expansion project.
- The FVL Foundation consistently has had people remember it in both their current gifts, as well as their estate plans. This is a great way to leave a lasting legacy for FVL and future generations. There is a goal that has been set, and although aggressive, it is one that can be a blessing for many. Would you consider a current gift or a plan for your estate to support FVL and their goal of $7.5M by the end of our 75th year of ministry (June 2028)? Contact Director of Mission Advancement, Tom Mielke, at 920-560-5107 to support this effort.
AROUND SCHOOL
Opening Enrollment
FVL opened its doors to 802 students. This is a decrease of 16 students (less than 2%) from the May 2026 enrollment of 818.
2026-2027 Enrollment
- 212 - Class of 2030
- 221 - Class of 2029
- 193 - Class of 2028
- 176 - Class of 2027
- 802 - TOTAL
School Choice Update
This year, FVL welcomed over 300 students who are part of the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP). Participation in WPCP increases on an annual basis due to most FVL Schools partners being in the program.
International Program
FVL is welcoming 32 international students (11 new to campus) from eight countries. These students will have the opportunity to learn of Jesus and discover American culture. Thanks to our host families for making this possible!
Veterans Day at FVL
FVL will mark its annual observance of Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11. Go to
fvlhs.org/news
for details and a registration link.
Free Seminar November 10
FVL will host a free financial seminar called Building Your Legacy Blueprint: Estate and Wealth Strategies that Matter. Join us at 6:00 PM on November 10 in the Fine Arts Room at FVL (Door L). Find information and link to RSVP online at fvlhs.org/seminar.
Musicfest February 7
Musicfest, our annual celebration of student musical talent, will feature student groups, individuals, and small ensembles. Guests can enjoy entertainment, socializing, and homemade desserts. Event funds will be raised to benefit FVL's music programs. Details and donation options will be shared on fvlhs.org/news when they are finalized.
National Merit Honors
Congratulations to Claire Ziesemer and Asher Wingerter, who have been recognized as National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists, and to Nathan Frailey, who is a National Merit Commended Student!
CALENDAR
FRIDAY, October 16
7:00 PM
Apple Bowl: Football at Xavier
MONDAY, October 19
5:00-7:45 PM
8th Grade Welcome Night
FRIDAY, Oct. 23 at 6:30 PM
SATURDAY, Oct. 24, at 6:30 PM
SUNDAY, Oct. 25 at 2:00 PM
Fall Play: The Curious Savage
TUESDAY, November 10
6:00 PM
Building Your Legacy Blueprint Seminar
Info and registration at fvlhs.org/seminar
TUESDAY, November 11
8:30-10:30 AM
Veterans Day Event - Registration deadline November 3
Info and registration at fvlhs.org/news
TUESDAY, November 24
7:00 PM
Appleton Christmas Parade
SUNDAY, December 6
6:00 PM
FVL and FVL Schools Bands Concert
SUNDAY, December 13
2:00 PM
FVL Choirs Christmas Concert
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