School District of Fort Atkinson

Last week was all about inclusion at FAHS. We wrapped up an incredible Inclusion Week by raising over $2,500 for the Special Olympics with our first-ever Inclusive Polar Plunge!

22 students, staff, and family members jumped in to prove that we are better together. 🤝✨

✨📚 Barrie wrapped up Read Across America Week with more great reading moments and special connections.

✏️📚 Our first graders at Luther Elementary had an exciting experience last week! Both classes joined together for a virtual author visit with Peter Reynolds. He wrote two stories, “The Dot” and “Ish,” which students had previously learned from in our language workshop class in quarter 1.

✨📖 Rockwell recently welcomed a special panel of judges for our Building Level Interpretive Reading Competition. We were honored to have former teachers Mr. Meyer, Mrs. Wixom, and Mr. McDonough, along with Ms. Sayre, Academic Advancement Coordinator, lend their time and expertise to support our students.

Congratulations to our Rockwell winners who will be moving on to the district competition, as well as to our alternates. We wish you the best of luck in the next round! 👏

🎨✨ 4K Art Gala a Colorful Success!
On Thursday, February 26, 2026, our youngest artists took center stage at the 4K Art Gala, hosted in partnership with the Dwight Foster Public Library!

Moose showed up again at Luther School and brought plenty of puppy kisses, love, and support with him. 🐾💙

During his visit, he helped a young man who needed a little extra care. Moose listened intently as the student shared about a playground issue. By the time he finished telling his story, he felt calm and ready to head back to class with confidence and a clear mind.

💚🎥 As Purdy students continue learning about positive problem solving strategies, they are taking their skills to the next level on the green screen.

The Kids’ Choice Award program is a wonderful partnership between Bridges Library System, Jefferson County and Waukesha County libraries, and local area schools—designed to promote a love of reading and an appreciation for books among 4th, 5th, and 6th graders.

This year, 36 fourth- and fifth-grade students from Barrie, Luther, Purdy, and Rockwell Elementary accepted the challenge! 🎉

Our youngest learners and our leaders came together to celebrate big milestones! 🎉

Kindergarten and 1st grade marked the 100th day of school, while our 5th graders celebrated their 1,000th day with fun, hands-on learning activities throughout the day.

Our FAHS students shared the love this Valentine’s season by creating heartfelt cards for members of our local community! 💌

Valentines were delivered to the FAPD, FAFD, Fort Memorial Hospital, the Armory, and many senior living and nursing home communities. This special project was all about spreading kindness, appreciation, and gratitude to those who care for and serve others every day.
Thank you to our students for representing FAHS with such compassion and to our community partners for all that you do. Wishing everyone a season filled with love, care, and connection! ❤️

Happy 100th Day of School! 💯🎉
Our students in Mrs. Janel’s class at Barrie had a blast celebrating this special milestone! From creating 100th day hats to completing fun writing and art activities, there was excitement all around. We even challenged ourselves to do 100 different actions — and yes, we definitely got all our wiggles out!

Mrs. Johnson’s students at Luther Elementary shared special Valentine's messages of love, hope, and belonging in their own words. Their thoughtful reflections remind us that acts of kindness and compassion help build a stronger, more connected school community.

Mr. Stewart spent time reading to Mrs. Schroeder’s third grade class at Barrie, sharing his Principal’s Pick of the Month for February, Each Kindness.

This powerful story is a wonderful way to support our February theme of Empathy, helping students reflect on how small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Thank you, Mr. Stewart, for taking the time to connect with students and promote meaningful learning through reading at #1Fort! 📚✨

The Purdy Green Team coordinated a Food and Supply Drive to benefit the Fort Atkinson Food Pantry and the Humane Society of Jefferson County, and it was a WONDERFUL event!

Thank you to all of our families who donated, and to the Green Team members who helped make it a success. 💚

We are proud to recognize Mr. Justin Steger, band teacher at Fort Atkinson High School, as the Fort Atkinson Rotary Educator of the Month. Mr. Steger is truly a gift to our students and staff and represents the very best of teaching and learning in instrumental music. During the school day, he teaches multiple band ensembles, jazz bands, music theory, and even created one of our newest course offerings, Intro to Guitar.

🎉 Congratulations, Fort Atkinson Debate! 🏆
We’re incredibly proud of the Fort Atkinson Debate team for their outstanding performance at the Wisconsin State Debate Tournament! 🗣️

✨ This year’s highlights:
Three debate pairs competed at State — and all three advanced out of prelims and into elimination rounds!
In the First & Second Year Division:
✨ Riley Cunningham & Landon Peterson reached the Octofinals
✨ Claire Yin & Logan Crossman advanced all the way to the Quarterfinals
In the Varsity Division:
✨ Eli Szabo & Walid Guerra also earned a spot in the Quarterfinals
🏅 As a result of this broad and impressive success, Fort Atkinson was named First Place in the “Medium School Rising Program Award” category — an incredible achievement for the entire program!
👏 Special recognitions:
Eli Szabo received a $500 scholarship from the Wisconsin Debate Coaches Association
Eli Szabo & Walid Guerra have qualified for the NCFL National Championship, to be held over Memorial Day weekend in Washington, D.C.
📸 The photos show the team’s prep room at State, as well as some of the team in the hallway with alumni judges Henry Gehrenbeck and Josh Tidberg — a great reminder of the lasting impact of this program.
Way to represent Fort Atkinson with skill, teamwork, and determination. We can’t wait to see what you do next! ❤️🖤 #1Fort

Luther Elementary third graders published argumentative articles about misunderstood animals and the important roles they play in their ecosystems. Through research, drafting, revising, and editing, students built strong arguments to persuade readers to see these animals in a new light.

🎉 Celebrating an Outstanding Achievement at #1Fort! 🎉
We are incredibly proud of our FAHS senior, Oliphia Lin, for being named a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Semifinalist for 2026! Oliphia is the daughter of Wen Lin and Li Zheng of Fort Atkinson, and this recognition is a testament to her hard work, academic excellence, and dedication.

🎯 Something BIG is taking aim in #1Fort… 🏹

Before the school day even begins…After the final bell rings…140 student archers (grades 4–12) are quietly sharpening focus, building confidence, and putting Fort Atkinson on the map. This isn’t just a sport! It’s teamwork. Dedication. Leadership. Relationships. It’s beyond the arrow.
This past weekend, our archers showed heart AND skill by hosting a solo tournament by having all funds donated directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 💙—proving that character hits the bullseye every time.

🎤 Debate Team Success!
The Fort Atkinson Debate Team competed in the MCFL National Qualifier this past weekend and is proud to announce that Eli Szabo and Walid Guerra have earned a bid to the National Tournament!
Their teammates, Claire Yin and Logan Crossman, finished as first alternates, an outstanding accomplishment in a highly competitive field.