FDCSD Names February Students and Employee of the Month

February 1, 2019, Fort Dodge, IA-  The Fort Dodge Community School District is pleased to announce its students and employees of the month for February.  This program recognizes one elementary, one middle school and one high school student, as well as one staff member monthly for exceeding expectations.

Alexis Gray is the Elementary Student of the Month.  Kristin Johnson nominated Gray.  Johnson stated Gray is motivated by her desire to learn. She is on task, completes work to a high standard and looks for ways to support and assist her classmates. She approaches challenges with a growth mindset and can-do attitude. Gray addresses her classmates with kind words and shows empathy, sympathy and respect for boundaries. She strives to listen with an open mind and is able to look at issues from others’ perspectives. She is thoughtful, seeks ways to develop friendships with all classmates and advocates to include everyone in group work.  Johnson concluded by saying, “Alexis exhibits what it means to be a part of humanity and how to have a servant’s heart. She is strong, humble, kind, caring and a wonderful role model. She has a strong voice and will continue to make our school and district proud.” She is the daughter of Maddison Morrison and Anthony Gray.

Ella Champagne is the Middle School Student of the Month. Becky Daniel and Kim Bodholdt both nominated Champagne. They said Champagne is a responsible student who puts her all into her academic work. She participates in class and is always looking for ways to improve. They both indicated Champagne should be nominated for her character and kindness even more than her academics. Champagne is known for helping others.  On a day when the special education teacher was absent, she sat with the special education students without being asked, and made sure they understood what was being worked on. She was extremely patient working with them.  Champagne also used her own money to buy items and assemble care packages for students who are less fortunate.  Bodholdt concluded by saying, “Ella goes above and beyond just displaying simple kindness. She has a compassionate heart and an understanding of giving back that students and adults alike should all strive to emulate.” She is the daughter of Aaron and Amy Champagne.

Joey Kelley is the Senior High Student of the Month.  Rachel Carney nominated Kelley.  She said Kelley exceeds expectations in the classroom.  He is hungry for more information, always participates and demonstrates mastery content knowledge consistently. Kelley always has a smile on his face and goes out of his way to make sure others are in good moods. He always rises to the occasion with a positive attitude and demonstrates what it means to be a Dodger. Carney concluded by saying, “On a day I was feeling down, Joey wrote me a note saying he noticed I was upset, wanted to make me smile and complimented my teaching. He helped me remember why I wanted to be a teacher in the first place, to help students learn to be better members of society.”  He is the son of Scott Kelley and Anna Cook.

Beth Schnurr is the Employee of the Month.  Jessica Gottschalk and Katie Olson nominated her.  They stated Schnurr helps any kid who crosses her path, not just the ones in her classroom. She not only helps at the moment of struggle, she does frequent checks to be the positive support needed.  They said Schnurr is always looking for and finding new ways to help kids and spends countless hours outside of contract time doing paperwork and setting up plans to help kids be successful.  They shared that she has even used her own money and resources to assist students and their families in times of need, allowing her to become a “part of the family” member in many student’s lives. The said Schnurr stays kind to all and only tries to improve things for the students and staff she works with.  They concluded by saying, “Beth is always compassionate and helping others. She is the calm in the storm when tough situations arise; and therefore draws kids to her as they feel comfortable and safe around her.”

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