FDCSD Names February Students and Employee of the Month

February 5, 2021, Fort Dodge, IA-  The Fort Dodge Community School District is pleased to announce its students and employee 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.

Robert Hoffmeier is the Elementary Student of the Month.  Debora Smith nominated Hoffmeier.  She stated that he is well mannered and focuses on the task he is challenged with. He shows up each day and focuses on his work, is attentive and engaged. He perseveres with homework and strives to be the best student he can be.  He follows the expectations at school and is a friend to everyone.  He is polite to others and asks other students if they need help. He always has a smile to give. Smith concluded by saying, “Robert is the epitome of what a work in progress looks like.  He strives for excellence in all he does and I am proud of him.” He is the son of Natalie Neavin.

Mariaha Benedict is the Middle School Student of the Month.  The 7 Orange staff team nominated her. They stated Benedict has advanced in her math class showing that she deserved to move up to pre-algebra. She is extremely self-motivated to do her best on her school work. She goes out of her way to check in on her performance and understanding. Benedict works well with classmates and is willing to be anyone's partner when asked.  She is a leader during class, keeping peers task oriented. They concluded by saying, “Mariaha is a hard working student who deserves to be recognized for her strive in academic progression.” She is the daughter of Robert and Tamiesha Benedict.

Tristan Stansberry is the Senior High Student of the Month.  Sarah Hansen nominated him. She said Stansberry comes into class every day with a positive attitude and works hard. He always completes his work and asks questions when he is unsure or needs assistance with something. When Stansberry finishes his work, he immediately gets up and assists his classmates who appear to be stuck. He is never asked to do so, but does it automatically, without any hesitation at all. He works hard, asks for help when needed, and treats his classmates with kindness and compassion, especially when they are struggling.  He is also always polite and respectful toward his classmates and teachers. Hansen concluded by saying, “Tristan demonstrates the kind of work ethic and character synonymous with being a Dodger.”  He is the son of Chris Stansberry-Pineda.

Kayla Nelson-Roberts is the Employee of the Month.  Carmen Banwart nominated her.  Banwart stated Nelson-Roberts has extraordinary compassion for all students and their families, is a champion for Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and has a true desire to ensure equitable outcomes for all students. She said in addition to her regular duties, Nelson-Roberts has assisted in creating a multi-tiered framework of evidence based social-emotional and behavior interventions, is providing staff with professional development and provides a weekly Mindfulness Monday email with activities and material to teach and reinforce the SEL competency for that week. Nelson-Roberts is a lifelong learner and models the behavior she expects. Banwart also shared Nelson-Roberts has started leadership groups for 4th grade boys and girls giving them the opportunity to become leaders by participating in various activities in the Butler community and helping them learn about healthy relationships and friendships.  Banwart concluded by saying, “Counselor Roberts has the best interest of students at the heart of everything she does.  She has helped us grow as a school in connecting with our students.  She makes me want to be better!” 

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