Fort Dodge Community School District Announces November 2023 Students and Employee of the Month Honorees
The Fort Dodge Community School District announces the November 2023 Students and Employee of the Month Honorees. This program recognizes one elementary, one middle school, and one high school student, as well as one staff member, monthly for exceeding expectations.
Branden Seals is the Elementary Student of the Month.
Hilary Ronnfeldt at Cooper Elementary nominated Branden. Branden is an outstanding leader and exemplifies the core values of the Fort Dodge Community School District. He respects everyone at school and is willing to learn about the perspectives of others. He has integrity and chooses to be a transition person in any situation he is in. He shows empathy towards others and many students in the class shout out Branden every day because he is funny, kind, and caring, among other positive traits. He is a leader at Cooper because I know he inspires and motivates others to follow the Leader in Me values and habits.
Hilary continued her nomination by saying, “I don't think you can find a kinder student than Branden. He is always willing to jump in and help anyone. He is always looking for ways he can be a bright light to others both in and out of the classroom. He is also a great problem solver and helps other students in the class with anything they might need. He also checks on the adults in the classroom to make sure they're okay too.
Caidryk Grady is the Middle School Student of the Month.
The 7 Up Team nominated Caidryk. They shared that Caidryk is always on top of his work. He participates, encourages others to participate, and helps others. He thinks win-win. Caidryk also advocates for the class. Students want to be his friend and sit by him!
They conclude their nomination by saying, “No matter the situation, our team can ALWAYS count on Caidryk to lead in a positive way. Even when there is a sub, he helps keep the class chill and on task.”
Taylin Conrad is Senior High Student of the Month.
Andy Kavanaugh nominated Taylin. He said Taylin is a self-motivated student who is inherently curious. Having him in CAD class has been a joy. He always works hard on what is assigned and keeps himself busy learning new skills when he has downtime in class. Taylin is very kind and leads by example. He is very polite and always does the right thing, even when nobody is watching.
Andy concludes by saying, “I haven't taught CAD class in 5 years. Much of the technology has changed. I was a little apprehensive to teach this class again due to some of the advancements in technology, such as 3D printing, since I have last taught the class. Taylin jumped headfirst into the realm of 3D modeling and has shown me how to use the printer. His excitement for learning has taught me new skills and has reinvigorated my interest in the class. I'm proud of the work he has done. “
John Newman is the Employee of the Month.
Aaron Miller nominated John, saying, “Mr. Newman has taken on the role of 8th-grade science teacher for both pods. Additionally, Mr. Newman has exceeded expectations and created a learning environment that fosters growth of all students academically, socially, and emotionally. Mr. Newman does all of this while being solution-oriented and task-driven to help our students.”
John is a mentor to a new teacher in the school district and is on a first-name basis with all his students, which is double his usual number of students. Aaron concludes his nomination by saying, “Additionally, no matter the circumstance or background, Mr. Newman is able to get kids to work individually and work within cohesive groups to accomplish and uncover the various learning targets at hand.”
