E27: Building Fort Forward: How housing, growth, and community investment shape the future of 1Fort

E27: Building Fort Forward: How housing, growth, and community investment shape the future of 1Fort

Communities do not grow accidentally. Strong schools, housing opportunities, business growth, infrastructure, and quality of life are all connected. And much of that work happens quietly over years through planning, partnerships, and people willing to think long-term about the future of a community. So tonight, we’re joined by two people deeply involved in that work here in Fort Atkinson. First, Deb Reinbold, President of Thrive Economic Development and the Jefferson County Economic Development Consortium, who works closely with businesses, workforce initiatives, housing efforts, and regional economic growth. And also, Rebecca Houseman, City Manager for the City of Fort Atkinson, who helps lead many of the planning, infrastructure, development, and long-range community initiatives shaping the city’s future.

E26: Built Along the Way: From elementary hallways to graduation day, four students reflect on the 1Fort journey that shaped them

Today, we have the opportunity to hear directly from four members of the Fort Atkinson High School Class of 2026 representing different experiences, perspectives, interests, and future paths as they reflect on their journey through 1Fort and what lies ahead. Jenna Wudtke, Mackenna Farrell, Sawyer Beers and Ignacio Contreras. Behind every graduating class are individual journeys filled with challenges, growth, friendships, memories, uncertainty, success, and countless moments that help shape who students become along the way.

E25: Fortified Foundations: How our buildings, grounds, and the people who care for them shape the 1Fort experience

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.

E24: More Than the Bullseye: How archery is connecting students, building confidence, and creating opportunities for all learners

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.

E23: More Than a Project: Inside the Civil War Showcase and the power of authentic middle school learning

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.