Sophomore David Firari works on his iPad during APUSH using Wi-Fi

As the start of the new school year rolled in, FAHS made many changes to its system including the campus-wide Wi-Fi access.

“The decision was made to install a building wide Wi-Fi network because technology is a necessary support to learning.  The school district believes access to the Internet is the first step in building a strong base of technological resources to support student learning,” Principal Jeff Zaspel said.

In previous years, Wi-Fi was only accessible in certain parts of the building and many complications existed with the bandwidth.  Bandwidth is the amount of frequencies used to transmit a signal; it is limited and, when overused, starts working very slow.  Social networking sites shrink it like a cotton t-shirt sent through the dryer.  The intended purposes of the Wi-Fi were ultimately being pushed aside, not only because students chose to use it differently, but because students that wished to use it for schoolwork could no longer access a fast and reliable network.  Changes now have been made; the amount of bandwidth has been increased allowing students to use these sites without slowing the Internet of other students and staff.

“The cool thing about [the WiFi] is that we don’t know how students are going to use it.  There’s programs and apps. that are being developed every day and access to the applications will be helpful to their learning,” Teacher Todd Carter said.

Wi-Fi allows students to be up to date at all times through email, PowerSchool and other sources throughout the web; this makes for better communication between students and teachers and a way for students to keep up with classes.  Students can also complete homework during study halls and study through online sources.  This new Internet option even opens up computers for students that do not have handheld devices and cannot access the Wi-Fi.

“[Students] are the top consumers of the Internet,” Zaspel said.

Widely used for the independent studies of students, teachers are also considering using it in the classroom. Many activities such as online quizzes, games and assessments can be used to benefit the learning of students in the classroom and widen teachers’ abilities and options.  Students that are visual learners could also benefit from the Wi-Fi by including an online visual device in a lesson plan.  Internet will be accessible for each class which will make for less of a hassle for teachers to schedule a lab with enough computers to suit the class’ needs.  Along with larger class sizes, comes more of a need for Internet sources and many of the labs cannot obtain enough students to suit these needs; the Wi-Fi can help this problem.

The District Technology Committee’s decision to add this new tool has brought in a new way to enhance learning; welcome, campus-wide Wi-Fi, to FAHS.

In the process of selecting candidates for this award, what set Mitch apart was his endeavors in academics, kindness to others, and dedication to projects outside of school.  Throughout his high school career, Mitch’s attitude towards others has left an impact on those around him.

“A lot of people are willing to help the people around them, but Mitch is one of the few people I know who has gone out of their way to donate their time, money, and energy to helping people thousands of miles away who he will probably never meet,” Senior Myles Gasper said.

Outside of the classroom, he also has been on the boys’ swim team all four years, working his way to the position of captain by his seniors year.

Perhaps Mitch’s largest project outside of school, however, comes in the form of Peace Is The Goal, a foundation he started when he was 13 years old.  Peace Is The Goal collects and distributes soccer equipment to children in disadvantaged countries all around the globe, who may not otherwise have the proper equipment to play.

“Mitch is a firm believer in the importance of a well-rounded high school experience. Mitch took what he has learned in classes and on the athletic field and applied that in the creation and development of the Peace Is The Goal foundation. He has shown that anyone, even a teen from a small town in Wisconsin, can make a difference on the local, national and international levels,” father Paul Arnold said.

Mitch plans to attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in the fall.

“Zach is hardworking, quiet, dependable and always tries to do his best,” Band Director Tom Cook said.

Koch has been involved in the music department since starting as a freshman.  The marching and concert bands have benefited from the leadership Koch brings to the table.

“Zach absolutely demonstrates leadership by auditioning and learning drum major.  He lead throughout the whole year.  Our drum majors carry a big responsibility.  They are the student leader in charge.  His work ethic is very good.  Unquestionable,” Cook said.

Leadership has spread into other areas of Koch’s life.  On Sunday, April 10 Koch received his Eagle Scout Award.  This is an extremely prestigious thing to get and is nationally recognized.  Boys who get this award have to show their dedication to the community by doing a big final project that benefits the community.

“He cleared off war veteran’s cemetery stones in Jeffferson at St. John the Baptists cemetery [for his final project.]  Zach and his fellow Boy Scout members worked very hard putting many hours into clearing off the headstones,” Sister Marin Koch said.

On top of having many other responsibilities, Koch also finds time for his family.  

“Zach is a kind and responsible person.  I consider Zach to be respectful and courteous towards others.  Of course Zach and I get into arguments but I know that I can come to him for anything.  I’ve very fortunate to have a brother like him,” Koch said.

On top of his dedication to the music department at FAHS, community, and family, Koch also is involved in high school athletics.  He was co-captain of the football team as well as an active member in student senate.  

Koch is just an all around good guy.  Although he can be quiet, he is a role model to everyone he meets.

“I look up to him.  He is in my resource.  He is very smart and has good study habits.  He also has terrific posture,” Freshman Matt Lovejoy said.

Zach plans on attending UW-Whitewater in the fall and eventually hopes to transfer  to UW-Green Bay.

By managing her time well, McHenry continues to maintain a high GPA throughout her high school career. Proving further that she possess the qualities of a good student, McHenry pushes herself by taking AP and advanced classes.

McHenry continues to challenge herself out of the classroom as well as by heavily involving herself in clubs and activities. McHenry has been a member of Student Senate for 4 years and is currently serving as the Executive Board President. She also serves as President of the National Honors Society as well as the Fort Forensics team and has been a member of the Varsity Fort Track and Field team for multiple years.

Though she focuses on academic success, McHenry doesn’t limit herself to in-school activities. She also dedicates time out of her busy schedule to volunteer at her church and through the Fort Atkinson Community Theater Program. By involving herself within the community, McHenry has gained experience and made useful connections which may benefit her in the future.

“She does a good job of making contacts with all of the advisers and using her resources such as Facebook to keep in contact with other students as well. By doing this she makes things run much more efficiently,” Student Senate Advisor Todd Carter said.

McHenry not only proves herself to be an exceptional leader, but also to be a compassionate and loyal friend. It is rare to find her without a smile on her face and she is known for her comfortable and accepting nature.

“Becky does really well under pressure and she is able to work well with others. She is often put into a position where she must keep the peace and she always handles things smoothly and efficiently,” Senior Mariah Topel said.

McHenry plans to continue her education by attending UW Madison this coming fall to pursue a career in business marketing.  

With a stellar report card, a spot on the highly competitive Top 10 of the senior class, honored by the Rotary Club, as well as an outstanding ACT score, it’s easy to say that he fits the academic qualification but more importantly rarely shows any pretentious or arrogant behavior towards others in the classroom.

“I enjoy Michael’s extremely positive energy and his willingness to contribute to class discussions not because it will improve his grade but for the sake of everyone learning. Michael is a hard worker, his work ethic will allow him to do anything he sets his mind to,” English Teacher Matt Noll said.

Along with being a “star student”, Knutson also has proven himself as an athlete.  He was a starter for the varsity basketball team, as well as a starter his first year playing high school football.  Playing baseball his whole life, Knutson has been playing on the varsity team for three years, even pitching during the team’s trip to State.

“Mike Knutson is an outstanding and fundamentally sound baseball player but more importantly is an outstanding individual. I have and will have had the privilege to coach Mike for three years. During this time Mike has demonstrated exceptional skills, leadership, maturity, and baseball moxie. He has a high ceiling and continues to work at getting better on all fronts. He is truly a team player and understands his role and the role the team plays in being successful. Mike is a student of the game. Mike is able to keep baseball and other priorities in balance,”  Head Baseball Coach Mark Rowley said.

Though his accomplishments in sports and school look great on paper, his kind personality is what made Knutson stand out from others in his grade.  

“My favorite quality is that he’s my best friend, cut and dry. We always have fun together,” Junior Victoria Bobholtz said.

The Signal is proud to honor Michael Knutson as a Student of the Year runner-up.

                There is no member of the city who has been assigned to the up-keep for the ice rink.  The facility must now rely on the optimistic, athletic students of Fort High to volunteer their time to keep the rink usable.

                Senior Dallas Banda initiated the process by finding the person in charge.  When the Parks and Rec. Department told him that Kapugia had the information, Banda wasted no time in learning more.

                The boys spent a lot of their free time after school hours down at the pond.  They had to go through a very time consuming process.  Between sports and extracurricular activities the amound of dedication required some sacrifice.

                “We spent about six to eight hours a week working on the rink and a few extra hours when we want to play some hickey,” Junior Ryne Rowley said.

                The six students began by pouring layer upon layer of water on the rink.  They had to wait at least a day before pouring the next layer if the temperatures were below freezing.  After the amount of ice on the rink was to their satisfaction, they had to plow the rink every time it snowed.

                “Whenever it snowed, Tyler Glass used his plow and removed the snow.  The rest of us hook up the fire hose to the city water pipes and spray the rink.  We all help with spraying the water, but Tyler is the only one who plows,” Banda said.

                Haumerson Pond is ready to use and always open for skating.  If you are one who enjoys skating or hockey and wants to play for free, don’t hesitate in thinking the seven dedicated people who made it happen.

“I think there are a a lot of rumors out there. We are trying to do whatever we can to minimize the confusion all while getting more games for our students,”  Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Mark Pollex said.

The first talk of change leaked out to the student body relatively early during the basketball season. Due to lack of gym time, administration talked about possibly postponing intramurals to a later date; however, as in past years, the event is scheduled for Wednesdays and Fridays in February.

Along with the rumor of scheduling changes, there was also a contingency that varsity basketball players may be allowed to partake in the event. When asked for his decision on the matter, Pollex announced that he has no intentions on allowing this to happen; the idea was only brought up to him by another party.

“There should’ve never been discussion about varsity athletes playing cause that would defeat the purpose of intramurals,”  Senior Rebecca Meyerhofer said.

             While there are several false ideas about intramurals going around the school, recently, students and staff were told that the time of day during which intramurals take place will change. This statement is in fact true. While in previous years the activity was held after school, it is now being said by the administration that before-school times will be put into effect along with a few after school ones. Students, during previous seasons, complained because the both the boys and girls basketball teams played on the same night. Because this problem was addressed, gym time has become scarce as there is always either a game or practice. The only solution for intramurals was to make them before school.

              “I’m not a huge fan of having intramurals in the morning. I don’t want to wake up that early just to play basketball,” Senior T.J. Voss said.

              Overall, the rumors traveling around school have disappointed students, athletes and staff. Intramurals are now anticipated to occur at the beginning of February with most games before school at 6:30 a.m.  

“[The remodel] has gone a lot better than what was expected for it.  We’re on time and on budget, which is pretty exciting,:  Reference librarian Amy Lutzke said.

The remodel sought to create an improved facility while maintaining the historical elements of the original library.  The original basement has become the first floor, while the previous main floor now serves as the second.  The new entrance is much more easily accessible, and the entire building is more handicapped-friendly than it was before the remodel.  In addition to these structural improvements, the library also aims to better serve the community by offering other benefits.  The library contains seven meeting rooms, which can be reserved by the public for anything from business meetings to presentations.  They can be reserved online and two of them will be accessible even during non-library hours.  A completely new feature of the library is presented in self check-out stations, which are becoming increasingly popular as libraries nationwide try to serve patrons as effectively as possible.

To begin with, a much greater amount of shelf space is available for collections to grow as the years go on.  The original decision to remodel was largely based on the fact that the old building simply did not contain the room necessary to move forward as a library.  While room for book and media collections was an important part of the expansion, having more room for the patrons was exceedingly important as well.

“We have more space for people.  We’ll have quiet space for people, which we didn’t have before.  The staff are also going to have much more workspace than they’ve ever had before,” Lutzke said.

Different sections of the library will cater to patrons’ differing needs.  In addition to a large main room for quiet reading, smaller study rooms will also be available for students who need a peaceful place to focus on homework, either alone or with a small group.  A new young adult room, containing computers as well as the young adult book collection, will give teans an area to socialize and be a little more relaxed without having to worry about disturbing other patrons.  Another computer lab is also included, which offers Internet access and Wi-Fi.

The actual construction occurred during a period of nearly a year, but the plans were set in motion as early as 2000.  The $5 million dollar project received funding from a variety of sources.

“The city promised half the money, and the Fort Community Foundation provided another $1.5 million, and the rest was raised through fundraising,” Lutzke said.

After 119 years since its opening in 1892, Dwight Foster Public Library continues to remain a historical and vital component of the Fort Atkinson community.

Most of the employees of the store are students who are in FBLA or the entrepreneurship class taught by Mr. Bosch. The profit that is made from the store goes to the FBLA fund. The most popular merchandise that has been sold during this year has been sweatshirts and sweatpants. They have been very profitable, especially since the winter season is coming.

“I think that students, and parents as well, like the opportunity to purchase our merchandise during school or at sporting events.” Kliefoth said.

The Hawks Nest has been available not only to the students but to the parents as well. When attending their child’s sporting events parents have the chance to buy school apparel from the store, for their child or for themselves.

The Hawks Nest has not been the only name for the store. In fact the name was changed to this about two years ago. Kliefoth and Bosch have been brainstorming on new name ideas, because it is felt that the existing name does not portray any relevance to the Black hawks.

“We don’t think that the word Nest really relates to our school name.” Kliefoth said.

Anyone is eligible to work in the store as long as they have the time on their hands. The store is open during all lunch hours, just as long as someone has signed up to work. Applications are available in Kliefoth’s room, number B206. New applicants are always welcomed.