“Supporting students starts with listening to their stories and meeting them where they are” – Ms. Lemke. That idea reflects the heart of Student Services at Brookfield Central. Their mission is to guide students with compassion, inclusion, and respect while helping them grow academically, personally, socially, and emotionally. The goal is simple. Every student should understand themselves, feel valued, and be prepared for life after high school.
Many students first connect with the team through Academic Planning. Counselors help you understand prerequisites, identify the right level of challenge, and make a four-year plan that supports your goals. As they explain, “We highly encourage students to consider overall balance when selecting their courses for the next year, including the types of clubs, sports, jobs, and activities in which they are involved.” They also remind students that AP courses can be valuable preparation, but “AP exams are not required as part of the positive experience of rigor. What matters most is choosing classes that fit your goals and give you room to grow.”
When spring arrives, AP Testing becomes a major focus. Organizing rooms, materials, and schedules takes careful planning, but the counselors keep students centered and calm. As they note, “Teachers are the content masters, but in Student Services we can answer almost any question about the experience of taking the exams.” Mrs. Devine often reassures students, “You do not need to be perfect on test day. You just need to be prepared and trust the work you have already done.”
Post-Secondary Planning is another key area. The team helps students explore options across colleges, technical programs, apprenticeships, the military, and direct-to-work paths. Their monthly newsletter and Junior Post-Secondary Handbook break big decisions into manageable steps. As the counselors emphasize, “Communication is key, and the Student Services Team at Brookfield Central takes great pride in our open and frequent communication with students and families. Clear is kind.”
The handbook reinforces that approach. In their words, “The handbook is meant to be a one-stop guide that breaks the post-secondary planning process into manageable steps and gives every junior and senior the tools they need to make confident decisions.” Events like Post-Secondary Information Night welcome hundreds of students each year. As Ms. Fink explains, “We want every student to walk away knowing that their future has many paths and that they have the support to explore each one.”
Student well-being is just as important. Programs such as Hope Squad and Speak Up, Speak Out Wisconsin help create a supportive, caring school environment. Behind the scenes, Ms. Ferschl keeps everything moving. She often reminds students, “If you are ever unsure where to start, come find us. We will figure it out together.”
In the end, Student Services helps students know themselves, plan their path, and feel supported at every stage. That is what it means to be a Lancer.
