FDCSD Names October Students and Employee of the Month

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

Javeon Pettigrew is the Elementary Student of the Month. Kayla McFarland nominated Pettigrew. She shared that Pettigrew always listens to the teacher and other adults in the building. He adds insight to questions and discussion during class. He is a leader and serves as an example for others inside and outside of the classroom by doing his work, following expectations and helping fellow classmates when they need it. McFarland concluded by saying, “Javeon does this all without having to be asked. It’s just automatic for him.  I see the good he does every day and am happy to be able to recognize him for it.” He is the son of Brittany Stark.

Julian Blanco is the Middle School Student of the Month. Amber Barwin nominated Blanco. She said Blanco always works hard in class and does his work to the best of his ability.  He also is not afraid to ask for help when he does not understand.  He is a good advocate for himself.  He is always willing to help other students.  As a bilingual student, Blanco offers to translate and help the non-English speaking students in the class.  He is honest and hard working. Barwin concluded by saying, “In and out of the classroom Julian is a stand out citizen.  He stands up for others and always does what is right.  He is a good classmate and a good teammate.” He is the son of Daniel and Vanessa Blanco.

Kyron Wilson is the Senior High Student of the Month.  Andi Adams nominated Wilson. She said Wilson takes classes that push him outside his comfort zone while being involved in multiple sports. He completed a project that involved the 7 Habits of the Leader In Me.  He was proactive and a project manager and worked with the Foundation, Principal Laird, Mrs. Adams, and other teachers as he created a video. The result is a beautiful mural with historical images and a quote in the history hallway.  In all of his sports and in the classroom, Wilson helps others and demonstrates impeccable sportsmanship and kindness. Adams concluded by saying, “Kyron is not just a student-athlete, he is an amazing person. He goes out of his way to say hello to all of his teachers and coaches, including ones he doesn't currently have. Kyron is the young man we want as a role model to students of all ages. He is truly a wonderful representative of Fort Dodge Community Schools.” He is the son of Priest and Kristal Wilson.

Amy Ulrich is the Employee of the Month.  Carmen Banwart and Jeri Ayala-Thompson nominated Ulrich. They shared that Ulrich is a one-of-a-kind nurse. She is positive, detail oriented, knowledgeable and willing to help wherever needed. The said Ulrich attends to her responsibilities in a thorough manner and always puts the safety of the students and staff at the forefront of every decision she makes. They shared Ulrich is constantly busy, yet remains friendly, professional, focused, and able to do it all effortlessly with her contagious smile. They said that following a recent incident where a child needed additional medical attention, Ulrich went above and beyond to assist the family and reach out to them daily to check on the child. They concluded by saying, “Nurse Ulrich models what it means to have good character on a daily basis. She greets one and all with her contagious smile and kind hello. She goes out of her way to help a student, staff or family member. The ECC is blessed to have her as a member or our team and we are better because Nurse Ulrich is here.”