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Fab Labs Build Student Competencies in Belleville Schools

Late Teacher Planted Seeds Of Success
tion Science standards. Rebecca Johnson, the
Fab labs open new frontiers district’s director of teaching and learning, said
Today, Nico Berthelon, Neumann’s the K–12 program exposes students to engi-
energetic successor, advances that legacy, con- neering and science concepts.
necting trades to academics, entrepreneurship, “Our discovery teacher at the elemen-
and success in life. tary school uses Project Lead the Way plus the
“Even if our kids don’t go into this field, fab lab to get our students started in coding,
the fab lab helps build an understanding of engineering, and building to try to boost the
math and an appreciation for problem-solving interest,” she says. “So, as they continue
and troubleshooting,” Berthelon says. “It opens through our system, we have continued excite-
their minds to new ways of doing things.” ment in our fab lab.”
Fab labs are generally outfitted with
high-tech 3D printers, computerized routers, Hands-on experience in the real world
laser cutters, robotic gear, and computer-aided Access to the high-tech gear enables stu-
design software. Using these tools, students dents to grow their skills and deploy them into
gain real-world tech skills and build their criti- the workforce. Three Belleville High School
cal thinking capacities. students have youth apprenticeships at Kelsch
In addition to using the equipment in Machine Corp., applying the skills they’ve
trades classes, the high school has created a gained in the lab.
Wildcat Manufacturing class. In the class, “Businesspeople know that these stu-
students take engineering and trades concepts dents have a supervisor at school who’s always
and manufacture items that are sold in the checking on them, and they know what they’re
The fabrication laboratory (fab lab) at Bel- district’s three WEDC Fab Labs grants—for a community, with proceeds helping to fund getting as a youth apprentice in terms of work
leville High School is more than a collection combined $44,600—is being carried forward trades education. They’ve produced Christmas ethic and attitude,” Perry says. “And students
of high-tech machines used to propel discov- by enthusiastic faculty and administrators as ornaments, Adirondack chairs, campfire log can decide if this is something they want to do
ery and critical thinking. That’s a tribute to Belleville was awarded another $14,824 in the grabbers, planter boxes, and custom orders for as a career.”
the commitment of Ed Neumann, a dynamic latest round of grants. signs and trophies. Courtesy of the Wisconsin Economic
and award-winning tech education and trades “Ed will be remembered for his dedication “There’s a lot of value in getting them Development Corporation
teacher who championed the idea and set Bel- to and belief in his students,” says Belleville career-ready,” says Erik Farrar, the district’s
leville schools on the path to fab-lab learning. Superintendent of Schools Nate Perry. “Ed business manager. “It’s an opportunity to be
Neumann died unexpectedly on Christmas would always learn along with his students. creative, be able to make mistakes, learn from
Day in 2022, at age 46, during a deer-hunting He’d try to learn the machines before his that, and move forward to plan bigger projects.” belleville.k12.wi.us
trip. Today, the legacy of the man who advo- students, but often he’d refer questions to a The district is also part of Project Lead the
cated for the lab and engineered two of the 16-year-old, because they were the expert.” Way, a program that aligns with Next Genera-

DeForest Area School District Expands Fab Lab with State Grant Continued from Page 1

expand our capabilities and give even more stating, “We are grateful to receive this Fab inspire them to pursue future pathways in
students access to experiences that inspire Lab grant which will allow DASD to integrate STEM fields, thereby fostering a skilled work-
creativity, innovation, and confidence in their advanced tools and technology into our class- force and contributing to economic growth
abilities. It’s amazing to watch them discover rooms and build real-world skills in the areas within the community.
what they’re capable of.” of technology, engineering, and design. This With this grant, DASD continues to lead
Dr. Rebecca Toetz, Superintendent of opportunity not only enhances student learn- in educational innovation, ensuring that stu-
DASD, emphasized the grant’s significance, ing but also helps prepare them with skills dents have the tools and opportunities they
needed for the changing workforce.” need to thrive in a rapidly evolving techno-
logical landscape. The future looks promising
Overview of CTE and Industrial Arts
Programs
At DeForest Middle School, students in
grades 7th and 8th have access to a variety
of engineering and manufacturing classes
through the Career and Technical Education
(CTE) and Industrial Arts programs. These
classes include STEM Robotics, STEM
Architecture, STEM Challenges, and STEM as the district continues to empower students
Fabrication, providing students with hands- to become tomorrow’s leaders and innovators
on experiences that cultivate critical thinking, in STEM.
problem-solving, and creativity.
The expansion of the Fab Lab aligns with
DASD’s commitment to preparing students
for success in the 21st-century economy. By
investing in these resources, the district aims www.deforest.k12.wi.us
to equip students with career-ready skills and