THE 1FORT REPORT

Joining me is Amanda Moehling, our Director of Buildings and Grounds. Amanda leads the work across all of our facilities… six+ school buildings, our grounds, and all of the systems and teams that keep everything running the way it should. Her team is responsible for so much of what we’ve been talking about today… from the daily care of our spaces, to navigating construction projects, to planning for the future through ongoing facilities reviews—all while making sure that every building is ready, every day. And just as important, she leads a group of people who care deeply about this district and the experience we create for our students and staff.

Here in 1Fort, our archery program has grown into something truly special. What started as an opportunity has evolved into a pathway for students across our elementary, middle, and high schools to find their place, develop focus and confidence, and experience success in a way that is uniquely their own.Let’s take a closer look at what that means right here in Fort Atkinson by welcoming Jeff Jensen, a long-time physical education teacher at Purdy Elementary School as well as our Archery Team Coach, Addison Maxwell a senior and long-time archery team member, and Jordan Kopps one of our volunteer coaches.

In our middle school, seventh grade students have been preparing for the third annual Civil War Showcase at the Hoard Museum... an experience where they’re not just learning about history, they’re researching it, building it, presenting it, and ultimately sharing their learning with our community. It’s hands-on, it’s collaborative, and it’s rooted in student interest- which makes it both engaging and meaningful.Joining me today are two of our middle school social studies teachers, Josh Twedt and Matt Champeny, who are helping lead this work.

Today we’re joined by three members of our K-12 art department, Angie Szabo, Tess Seichter, and Elizabeth Bochat, to talk about what art education looks like across 1Fort, the experiences students have as they grow as artists, and the impact these programs and events have on both our students and our community.It’s a great opportunity to shine a light on the creativity happening in our classrooms every day and to celebrate the important role the arts play in the lives of our students.

For generations, the Hoard Museum has helped tell the story of our community- preserving our history, sharing local stories, and creating opportunities for students to engage with the past in ways that are interactive, relevant, and meaningful. From field trips to curriculum connections, it truly serves as an extension of the classroom for our 1Fort students.And behind that work is a leader who is not only a historian and storyteller, but also a strong partner in education… someone who understands how to bring history to life in ways that connect with learners of all ages.Joining me today will be Merrilee Lee, Director of the Hoard Museum.

Joining me in just a few minutes are two of the leaders behind that work: DJ Scullin, our Director of Technology, and Joel Kaiser, a key member of our technology team. Together, they’ve built systems, processes, and safeguards that protect our infrastructure, our data, and ultimately our students and staff. They’ve invested in specialized training, conducted drills, strengthened partnerships with government agencies, supported cybersecurity education efforts at UW–Whitewater, and even assisted in responding to incidents beyond our district.

I’m joined by three guests who each bring an important perspective to that story: our current show choir director Kiah Snow, her predecessor Craig Engstrom, who helped build the program from its earliest days, and Rachel Broadhead, representing VOICES, the parent booster group that plays a key role in making the Showcase possible.This is a celebration of student effort, creative excellence, and a community tradition that continues to shine.

I’m joined by Drew Evans - a Fort Atkinson High School graduate who has gone on to compete at the very highest level of college athletics as a member of Indiana University’s football program, culminating in a remarkable championship season.But while the football accomplishments are certainly impressive - and they’ve brought a lot of pride back home - this conversation isn’t just about wins, trophies, or what happens under the stadium lights.It’s about the habits and character that get built long before that.

Joining me today is Paige Richards from Build Capacity Consulting. Paige has worked closely with Fort Atkinson as a Cognitive Coaching trainer and mentor, supported our administrative and teacher-leader teams, and most recently facilitated strategic planning listening sessions with a wide range of stakeholders. Through that work, she’s helped us clarify strengths, surface key themes, and think clearly about what comes next.

Today, I’m really pleased to welcome Minetta Lippert, the Director of the Dwight Foster Public Library. The library has been a long-standing and valued partner to our school district, and Minetta’s leadership continues to strengthen the connection between our schools, our families, and lifelong learning in Fort Atkinson.

Joining me today is Megan Hartwick, Executive Director of the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation. Under Megan’s leadership, the Foundation continues to be thoughtful, responsive, and deeply connected to the needs of Fort Atkinson. From long-standing partnerships with the school district to an expansive and incredibly generous scholarship program, the Foundation’s work reflects a strong belief in investing in people and in the future of this community.

As we head into today’s episode, we’re taking a closer look at something that sits at the heart of our work in 1Fort: being a results-driven, student-centered, and data-informed district. I’m joined by three leaders who bring both deep expertise and firsthand insight. With us today are Amy Oakley, Director of Instruction; Lisa Hollenberger, Director of Special Education and Pupil Services; and Eric Larsen from CESA 6, who partners with our district on data coaching, analysis, and continuous improvement.

In this episode, I’ll be joined by three of our student performers who will share what it’s been like to bring this classic story to life - from the excitement of auditions and long rehearsals to the lessons learned about perseverance, leadership, and joy. Because while The Wizard of Oz may be a story about following a yellow brick road, here in Fort Atkinson, it’s also a story about finding our way together through art, community, and heart.

In Fort Atkinson, we’re proud of the programs that prepare students for success from 4k through graduation. But what about the years before students officially enter our doors? How do we reach children and families earlier- when those foundational social, emotional, and developmental skills are just beginning to form?That’s where Flourishing First Steps, Flourishing Next Steps, and Mini-Movers come in. These programs, created and led by Molly Fuller, have quickly become some of the most popular and beloved offerings in our community, often filling within minutes of opening registration.

The Crossroads Alternative Education Program is built on the idea that when we meet students where they are, amazing things can happen. It serves students who are credit-deficient or haven’t found success in a traditional setting, providing a smaller, more personalized environment where learning connects to real life. Students take part in experiential learning, creating community connections, and hands-on projects that bring relevance and purpose to their education. Today, I’m joined by Matt Noll, the teacher who leads this impactful program with both structure and heart.

Our guest is Nate Daniels, a Fort Atkinson High School teacher who has taken it upon himself with planning and leading international trips that allow students and even some of their family members to see new places, meet new people, and experience new cultures firsthand.

When the school day ends, the learning doesn’t stop-and for many families, the hours after school are some of the most important. That’s where the Badgerland After School Enrichment Program, better known as BASE, comes in. BASE provides a safe, structured, and inspiring place for kids to learn, play, and grow beyond the classroom walls. Today we're excited to welcome Alicia Norris, Executive Director, Emily Yavuzcetin, Director of Operations, along with Whitney Townsend, a BASE Board Member. Together they help lead an organization that is much more than after-school care.

In this episode, I’ll be joined by three of our kindergarten teachers Becky Johnson, Nicole Schafer, and Amy Schuldt to hear their stories, their reflections, and their wisdom. We’ll talk about what a day in the life of a kindergartner looks like, the amazing growth they see from the first day of school to the last, and why relationships with families are such an important part of the kindergarten experience.

Strong schools don’t exist in isolation—they’re built on partnerships with families, community organizations, and yes, our local police department. At the same time, a safe community is one where kids are supported, connected, and given the tools to make good choices both in and out of school.

Joining me today are three special guests who are right at the heart of this year’s planning: our high school principal, Leigh Ann Scheuerell, along with two of our student leaders Mackenna Farrell and Hannah Behling.  who have been working hard behind the scenes to make this Homecoming Week one to remember. Together, we’ll explore what Homecoming means, share favorite traditions and past experiences, and give you a preview of all the exciting events lined up for this year.

Today’s episode is titled ‘Guiding Growth at the Middle: Exploring how SEL, attendance, and family partnerships create a foundation for lifelong learning.’ And that title couldn’t be more fitting, because middle school is one of the most critical and sometimes most challenging stages in a young person’s life.

This episode is a special one, because it’s all about celebrating the people who are often at the heart of our success but don’t always get the recognition they deserve. In education, it can be easy for some people to focus simply on test scores, new initiatives, or the next big challenge. But at the center of it all, the work comes down to people—those who show up every day with passion, patience, and perseverance.

It’s more than breakfast and lunch—it’s giving every student the fuel they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

Today’s theme is “Marching Into the Season: The Sound of 1Fort”— Where our season starts with a beat. From the first note on the field to the last cheer in the stands, this episode celebrates how music, energy, and community set the rhythm for everything we do at 1Fort.Joining me is Justin Steger, our high school band teacher, to talk about what makes our band program so special, the energy they bring to Friday nights, and why music is such an important part of student life. Stick around—this episode is all about the heartbeat, and the soundtrack, of 1Fort."

Showing up is just the start-real growth happens when students get involved, connect, and contribute.