THE 1FORT REPORT

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.