News History

FabLab Stoughton Celebrates a Decade of Innovation and Inspiration

Stoughton, WI — FabLab Stoughton, a pioneer in digital fabrication and education, is
thrilled to announce its upcoming 10th Anniversary Celebration. Over the past ten
years, FabLab Stoughton has been a trailblazer in the world of education, providing
cutting-edge learning opportunities and serving as an inspiration for FabLabs across the
nation. This milestone event is a testament to the lab's dedication to fostering innovation
and creativity, and everyone is invited to join in the festivities.

Event Details
What: FabLab Stoughton 10th Anniversary Celebration
When: 3:50 PM (sharp), Wednesday, November 29th
Where: Stoughton High School FabLab – 600 Lincoln Avenue, Stoughton, WI 53589
(Enter through Door #1)

A Decade of Digital Discovery
FabLab Stoughton's journey began during the 2012-2013 school year when it was built
and assembled. In the fall of 2013, it opened its doors to students, becoming the first
public high school in Wisconsin and the second in the nation to establish a FabLab. The
lab has since offered courses to 9-12 grade students, hosted workshops for community
members, and provided summer school classes for middle-level students, transforming
itself into a vibrant hub of learning and creation.

Setting the Stage for National Recognition
In 2022, FabLab Stoughton served as the backdrop for an episode of "Make48", a
national DIY show broadcast on This Old House and Roku Networks. Stoughton proudly
became the first small city to host the show, the first to host it in a public high school,
and the first to employ an all-student Tool Tech team. This achievement is a testament
to FabLab Stoughton's commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and hands-on
learning.

A Beacon of Inspiration
FabLab Stoughton has inspired and facilitated knowledge sharing among 36 school
districts in and around the state. As a testament to its success, other FabLabs, such as
Waunakee, East Troy, Three Lakes, Turtle Lake, Mt Horeb, and Mosinee, have looked
up to FabLab Stoughton as a role model for their endeavors.

A Global Network of Innovation
At the heart of FabLab Stoughton's success is its connection to MIT's Center for Bits
and Atoms, as it serves as an educational outreach component. This connection has led
to the creation of a global network, a distributed laboratory for research and invention,
connecting learners, educators, technologists, researchers, makers, and innovators
across the world.

A Vision Realized
FabLab Stoughton was originally conceived as a three-year experiment to provide
experiential learning opportunities for high school students using digital technology,
including 3D printers, laser cutter/engravers, and computer numerically controlled
(CNC) machinery. Co-founder Mike Connor expressed his astonishment, saying, "This
has gone way above and beyond my wildest dreams."

Unlocking Imagination
Math teacher Chris Wiemer explains that having access to this "prototyping facility" has
made imagination the only limiting factor. He emphasizes that kids excel at imagining,
making the lab's work all the more exciting.

Join the Celebration
FabLab Stoughton's 10th Anniversary Celebration is a free event open to the public,
complete with food and beverages. Student-led tours will be available until 6PM,
providing a glimpse into the incredible world of digital innovation and creativity.

Contact:
Mike Connor
Email: mike.connor@stoughton.k12.wi.us
Website: fablabstoughton.org

Join us in celebrating a decade of innovation, inspiration, and imagination at FabLab
Stoughton's 10th Anniversary event. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing
our remarkable journey of learning, creating, and pushing the boundaries of what's
possible. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the future of education and
innovation!

The SASD Board of Education is proud to announce the recognition of Blue Moon Community Farm and Kicks Unlimited Stoughton for their outstanding contributions to the Stoughton Area School District. In addition, we are pleased to announce that both businesses have received the Wisconsin Association of School Boards' 2023 Business Honor Roll distinction.

The Business Honor Roll program aims to acknowledge and celebrate local school district business partners who go above and beyond in supporting their community's schools. Blue Moon Community Farm and Kicks Unlimited Stoughton have demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment to the education and well-being of SASD students and staff.

Jill Patterson, SASD School Board President, expressed her gratitude for the exceptional support provided by Blue Moon Community Farm and Kicks Unlimited Stoughton: "We really appreciate Blue Moon Community Farm’s dedication to Fox Prairie which has included classroom support and significant dedication to the success of the school’s outdoor garden area. Their contribution has provided our students hands-on exposure to practical applications of classroom science and environmental issues."

Patterson continued, "Kicks Unlimited has been a longtime supporter of Stoughton schools by partnering, sponsoring, and attending numerous school fundraising functions and spreading a positive message of physical fitness, respect, and focus. It’s clear that they are committed to SASD students, families, and schools."

The SASD School Board proudly recognizes Blue Moon Community Farm and Kicks Unlimited Stoughton for their exceptional contributions and extends its heartfelt appreciation for their continued support.
 

STOUGHTON, WI, November 9, 2022 — On Tuesday night, Stoughton community voters approved the two-question facilities referendum to authorize the Stoughton Area School District to address the most pressing long-term facilities needs. 

The two-question Facilities Referendum focuses on capital maintenance and addresses safety and security, building systems and energy efficiency, and facility maintenance upgrades. 

Question 1 includes a district-wide investment in near-term capital maintenance and a significant investment in building maintenance, safety, and security. Question 1 final vote counts for the Stoughton Area School District were 7,441 votes in favor and 3,865 votes against. Question 2 seeks to improve safety, security, and traffic flow by adding a new gym addition to River Bluff Middle School and removing the Community Gym. Question 2 final vote counts were 7,060 votes in favor and 4,222 votes against. 

District Administrator Dr. Dan Keyser said the district is grateful to everyone who voted and for the community’s ongoing support and commitment to the school district. “We are going to take this opportunity the community has given us and continue to focus on providing our students and staff safe and high quality learning environments,” Dr. Keyser said. “We are looking forward to beginning the design phase and will keep our community updated throughout this next process.” 

The Stoughton Area School District has been working since 2017 on district-wide facility planning to address critical capital maintenance and educational space needs. 

The District is committed to keeping all stakeholders informed about the referendum. Visit www.stoughton.k12.wi.us/facilitiesplanning to learn more about the solution, tax impacts, and the facility planning process. 

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All three SASD elementary schools were awarded a bronze medal for behavior from the Wisconsin RtI Center and the Department of Public Instruction!  The Wisconsin RtI Center is inspired by the hard work and dedication that schools and districts invest in their implementation of an equitable, multi-level system of supports.

Kegonsa, Fox Prairie and Sandhill Elementary schools were recognized for our work toward fully implementing a school-wide system that, according to national research, leads to improved student outcomes.

By establishing our equitable, multi-level system of supports, we increase consistency of effective instruction, build staff knowledge and skills to equitably support all learners, use data to proactively identify and provide support for students, and create a positive culture that nurtures relationships with students and their families, and communities. This strong foundation helps learners gain the skills needed to graduate ready for college or a career!

For the Kegonsa Elementary and Working For Kids group, raising money to help students and staff is part of the game plan. And after gaining some recent acclaim on a downtown billboard for fundraising more than $12,000 for the library, they’re at it again next week – this time on the ice.

"During Kegonsa Elementary School’s STEM Night students experimented through 12 science stations". Click here for the article from the Stoughton Courier Hub

From the Courier Hub: "Teaching and modeling proper behavior in young children isn’t always easy for schools, but at Kegonsa Elementary School, the staff has been recognized by two state agencies for being among the best in Wisconsin"