🖤🍋 THIS is what community is all about! 🍋❤️
Allie Schwanz (soon to be 10th grader) and Baylie Jo (soon to be 5th grader) set up a lemonade stand last Thursday and Friday along the detour route on 2nd St NW, and raised an incredible $562!
But here's the best part: these two decided to take half of their earnings to purchase backpacks and school supplies for students right here in the Fort Dodge Community School District. 🖤❤️
Way to go, Allie and Baylie Jo! Your generosity and giving hearts are exactly what make our Ft Dodge family so special. We are so lucky to have you both!
#proud2bFD
Allie Schwanz (soon to be 10th grader) and Baylie Jo (soon to be 5th grader) set up a lemonade stand last Thursday and Friday along the detour route on 2nd St NW, and raised an incredible $562!
But here's the best part: these two decided to take half of their earnings to purchase backpacks and school supplies for students right here in the Fort Dodge Community School District. 🖤❤️
Way to go, Allie and Baylie Jo! Your generosity and giving hearts are exactly what make our Ft Dodge family so special. We are so lucky to have you both!
#proud2bFD
We Are Hiring!
Fort Dodge Senior High is hosting a Paraeducator Hiring Fair on Aug 11, 9-12am at the FDSH LMC/Library. Wages start at $15.07/hr. Check out the flyer and make plans to be there! ⚫🔴
Apply at fdschools.org
#proud2bFD
Take advantage of free meals!
#proud2bFD
#proud2bFD
☀️ SUMMER’S ENDING… FREE FOOD IS TOO 🍎
Summer’s not over yet—BUT the FDCSD’s Summer Food Service Program is almost over!
Only a couple weeks left for kids 18 & under to get their grab & go meals!
No registration. Just show up. First come, first served.
Don’t let this be the one you missed!
Duncombe Elementary School
June 2 - August 13, 2026
10:30am - 12:00pm
Tuesdays (2-Day Meal Pack)
Thursdays (5-Day Meal Pack)
Summer’s not over yet—BUT the FDCSD’s Summer Food Service Program is almost over!
Only a couple weeks left for kids 18 & under to get their grab & go meals!
No registration. Just show up. First come, first served.
Don’t let this be the one you missed!
Duncombe Elementary School
June 2 - August 13, 2026
10:30am - 12:00pm
Tuesdays (2-Day Meal Pack)
Thursdays (5-Day Meal Pack)
❤️🖤🩶 FREE Summer Meals + Dodger Denny! ❤️🖤🩶
Kids, come get your FREE meals AND hang out with Dodger Denny!
*We will have a background set up for pictures with our VIP!* 📸
*🖐️ days worth of FREE Breakfast & Lunch Meal Packs: Eligible to ALL children 18 and under, no matter which school or district you attend!
Date: Thursday, August 6th
Location: Duncombe Elementary
10:30am - 12pm
First Come, First Served!
Kids, come get your FREE meals AND hang out with Dodger Denny!
*We will have a background set up for pictures with our VIP!* 📸
*🖐️ days worth of FREE Breakfast & Lunch Meal Packs: Eligible to ALL children 18 and under, no matter which school or district you attend!
Date: Thursday, August 6th
Location: Duncombe Elementary
10:30am - 12pm
First Come, First Served!
🚗 Fort Dodge Senior High Driver Education 🚗
In partnership with Iowa Central Community College
Registration is open for the 2026-2027 school year! Choose the session that works for you:
📌 Session 1: Sept 1, 2, 3 (2026) — 7:00-7:50am
📌 Session 2: Nov 3, 4, 5 (2026) — 7:00-7:50am
📌 Session 3: Jan 19, 20 (2027) — 3:15-5:15pm
📌 Session 4: March 23, 24, 25 (2027) — 7:00-7:50am
📌 Fall Night Session: Oct 20, 22 (2026) — 5:45-7:45pm @ Iowa Central East Campus
📌 Spring Night Session: March 1, 4 (2027) — 5:45-7:45pm @ Iowa Central East Campus
Includes 6 hours of driving + 30 hours of online instruction. Cost: $415
✅ Students must be at least 14 years old and have their driver's permit to enroll.
📞 To register for Sessions 1-4: Lindsay Alstott, 515-574-5679
📞 To register for Night Sessions: Crystal Austin, 515-574-1971
💙 Free/reduced rates available for Fort Dodge Community School District students (Sessions 1-4 only; not available for Night Sessions)
In partnership with Iowa Central Community College
Registration is open for the 2026-2027 school year! Choose the session that works for you:
📌 Session 1: Sept 1, 2, 3 (2026) — 7:00-7:50am
📌 Session 2: Nov 3, 4, 5 (2026) — 7:00-7:50am
📌 Session 3: Jan 19, 20 (2027) — 3:15-5:15pm
📌 Session 4: March 23, 24, 25 (2027) — 7:00-7:50am
📌 Fall Night Session: Oct 20, 22 (2026) — 5:45-7:45pm @ Iowa Central East Campus
📌 Spring Night Session: March 1, 4 (2027) — 5:45-7:45pm @ Iowa Central East Campus
Includes 6 hours of driving + 30 hours of online instruction. Cost: $415
✅ Students must be at least 14 years old and have their driver's permit to enroll.
📞 To register for Sessions 1-4: Lindsay Alstott, 515-574-5679
📞 To register for Night Sessions: Crystal Austin, 515-574-1971
💙 Free/reduced rates available for Fort Dodge Community School District students (Sessions 1-4 only; not available for Night Sessions)
🍎 Welcome to the District, Maggie Conrad! 🍎
We're thrilled to introduce Maggie Conrad, who will be teaching 3rd grade at Cooper Elementary this year!
What inspired her to become a teacher?
"I love working with children and helping them grow, both inside and outside the classroom."
Fun fact about Maggie:
Her goal is to visit all 63 U.S. national parks — and she's already checked 17 off the list! 🏞️
Join us in giving Maggie a warm welcome to Cooper Elementary! 👋
#proud2bFD
We're thrilled to introduce Maggie Conrad, who will be teaching 3rd grade at Cooper Elementary this year!
What inspired her to become a teacher?
"I love working with children and helping them grow, both inside and outside the classroom."
Fun fact about Maggie:
Her goal is to visit all 63 U.S. national parks — and she's already checked 17 off the list! 🏞️
Join us in giving Maggie a warm welcome to Cooper Elementary! 👋
#proud2bFD
🐾 Welcome to the District, Kelsey Peterson! 🐾
We're excited to introduce Kelsey Peterson, who will be teaching 1st Grade at Butler Elementary this year!
What inspired her to become a teacher?
"I wanted to help kids learn and grow."
Fun fact about Kelsey:
She has three dogs who keep her busy and entertained! 🐶🐕🦮
Join us in giving Kelsey a warm welcome to Butler Elementary! 👋
#proud2bFD
We're excited to introduce Kelsey Peterson, who will be teaching 1st Grade at Butler Elementary this year!
What inspired her to become a teacher?
"I wanted to help kids learn and grow."
Fun fact about Kelsey:
She has three dogs who keep her busy and entertained! 🐶🐕🦮
Join us in giving Kelsey a warm welcome to Butler Elementary! 👋
#proud2bFD
💛 Welcome to the District, Heather Hurt! 💛
We're excited to introduce Heather Hurt, who will be teaching 7th Grade Special Education at the Middle School this year!
What inspired her to become a teacher?
"More than anything, the students inspired me. Seeing their growth, resilience, and unique personalities every day made me want to become a teacher."
Fun fact about Heather:
She loves a good debate! She enjoys playing devil's advocate — not to argue, but because she believes the best conversations happen when we consider different perspectives. 🗣️
Join us in giving Heather a warm welcome to the Middle School! 👋
#proud2bFD
We're excited to introduce Heather Hurt, who will be teaching 7th Grade Special Education at the Middle School this year!
What inspired her to become a teacher?
"More than anything, the students inspired me. Seeing their growth, resilience, and unique personalities every day made me want to become a teacher."
Fun fact about Heather:
She loves a good debate! She enjoys playing devil's advocate — not to argue, but because she believes the best conversations happen when we consider different perspectives. 🗣️
Join us in giving Heather a warm welcome to the Middle School! 👋
#proud2bFD
🏊♀️ Swim season is BACK!
First practice: Monday, Aug 10th @ 8AM, Senior High Pool. Bring your suit + towel — let's dive in! 💦
First practice: Monday, Aug 10th @ 8AM, Senior High Pool. Bring your suit + towel — let's dive in! 💦
🎶 Welcome to the District, David Reed! 🎶
We're excited to introduce David Reed, our new Vocal Music Teacher at the Middle School!
What inspired him to become a teacher?
"I've always had a passion for helping people figure out who they are and what they love. In my experience, nothing beats the joy of collaborating with students to help them feel successful, seen, and valued. For years, I've looked up to teachers who help their students bring their best foot forward as musicians and as members of a community. I'm excited to continue that work with Fort Dodge's talented student musicians!"
Fun fact about David:
For the past five years, he's spent his summers working as a zipline tour guide in the Minnesota River Valley! 🌲🪢
Join us in giving David a warm welcome to the Middle School! 👋
#proud2bFD
We're excited to introduce David Reed, our new Vocal Music Teacher at the Middle School!
What inspired him to become a teacher?
"I've always had a passion for helping people figure out who they are and what they love. In my experience, nothing beats the joy of collaborating with students to help them feel successful, seen, and valued. For years, I've looked up to teachers who help their students bring their best foot forward as musicians and as members of a community. I'm excited to continue that work with Fort Dodge's talented student musicians!"
Fun fact about David:
For the past five years, he's spent his summers working as a zipline tour guide in the Minnesota River Valley! 🌲🪢
Join us in giving David a warm welcome to the Middle School! 👋
#proud2bFD
UnCrustable Madness!
🏃 Cross Country Practice Starts Friday, August 10th! 🏃
📍 Senior High East Parking Lot (near the electronic sign)
🕒 3:20 PM
See you there! Bring water and be ready to run! 💪
📍 Senior High East Parking Lot (near the electronic sign)
🕒 3:20 PM
See you there! Bring water and be ready to run! 💪
📚 Welcome to the District, Danielle Sjogren! 📚
We're delighted to introduce Danielle Sjogren, who will be teaching 2nd grade at Butler this year!
What inspired her to become a teacher?
"Great teachers have been my biggest inspiration — the ones I had growing up and the ones I've worked with over the past ten years. I've seen firsthand how they connect with students, make lessons engaging, and create classrooms where everyone feels supported. What stood out most was how intentional they were, no matter what needed adjusting from their teaching style or taking extra time with a student who needed it. Seeing the difference they made motivated me to become a teacher so I can create that same kind of positive impact."
Fun facts about Danielle:
She's an avid reader, a big Disney fan, and loves sports — always finding creative ways to balance relaxing, staying active, and having fun! 📖🎢⚽
Join us in giving Danielle a warm welcome to Butler! 👋
#proud2bFD
We're delighted to introduce Danielle Sjogren, who will be teaching 2nd grade at Butler this year!
What inspired her to become a teacher?
"Great teachers have been my biggest inspiration — the ones I had growing up and the ones I've worked with over the past ten years. I've seen firsthand how they connect with students, make lessons engaging, and create classrooms where everyone feels supported. What stood out most was how intentional they were, no matter what needed adjusting from their teaching style or taking extra time with a student who needed it. Seeing the difference they made motivated me to become a teacher so I can create that same kind of positive impact."
Fun facts about Danielle:
She's an avid reader, a big Disney fan, and loves sports — always finding creative ways to balance relaxing, staying active, and having fun! 📖🎢⚽
Join us in giving Danielle a warm welcome to Butler! 👋
#proud2bFD
🎾High School Girls Tennis Season Kicks Off Monday, August 3rd!
Get ready for an exciting season on the court! Practice details are available on the attached flyer!
Questions? Contact Julie Astor at jastor@fdschools.org.
✏️Welcome to the District, Nicole Blackschleger! ✏️
We're excited to introduce Nicole Blackschleger, who will be supporting ELL students at the Middle School.
What inspired her to become a teacher?
"I want to make the world a kinder place, one student at a time."
Fun facts about Nicole:
She loves languages and different cultures, lived in South Korea for 3 years, and enjoys playing video games! 🌍🎮
Join us in giving Nicole a warm welcome to the Middle School! 👋
#proud2FD
We're excited to introduce Nicole Blackschleger, who will be supporting ELL students at the Middle School.
What inspired her to become a teacher?
"I want to make the world a kinder place, one student at a time."
Fun facts about Nicole:
She loves languages and different cultures, lived in South Korea for 3 years, and enjoys playing video games! 🌍🎮
Join us in giving Nicole a warm welcome to the Middle School! 👋
#proud2FD
The Summer Food Service Program is serving up free meals for kids 18 and under!
Turn it into a whole adventure:
🚲 Bike over with your crew
🛴 Scooter squad roll-up
🎒 Make it a “grab & go” treasure hunt
🚗 Quick family pit stop between summer fun
Whether you're fueling up for playground domination, backyard games, or just chilling in the sun—the FDCSD has got you covered. ☀️
Bring your friends, bring your siblings, bring your appetite! First come, first served—so don’t sleep on it! 😄
Duncombe Elementary School
June 2 - August 13, 2026
10:30am - 12:00pm
Tuesdays (2-Day Meal Pack)
Thursdays (5-Day Meal Pack)
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Turn it into a whole adventure:
🚲 Bike over with your crew
🛴 Scooter squad roll-up
🎒 Make it a “grab & go” treasure hunt
🚗 Quick family pit stop between summer fun
Whether you're fueling up for playground domination, backyard games, or just chilling in the sun—the FDCSD has got you covered. ☀️
Bring your friends, bring your siblings, bring your appetite! First come, first served—so don’t sleep on it! 😄
Duncombe Elementary School
June 2 - August 13, 2026
10:30am - 12:00pm
Tuesdays (2-Day Meal Pack)
Thursdays (5-Day Meal Pack)
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
🌻 Welcome to the District, Barbara Hottman! 🌻
We're delighted to introduce Barbara Hottman, our new Instructional Interventionist at Feelhaver!
What inspired her to become a teacher?
"I am excited to be joining the school district this year. I grew up in this community and decided to return to my hometown after retiring from my teaching career in Texas. When I moved back to Iowa, I thought I was finished with teaching, but after spending time as a substitute teacher, I quickly realized how much I missed working with students. The children in this community have truly captured my heart. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and energy reminded me why I became a teacher in the first place. What I expected to be a short experience as a substitute teacher turned into a renewed passion for education, and I am thrilled to continue serving the students and families of this district."
Fun facts about Barbara:
Outside of school, she loves spending time with family and friends, caring for her dogs and cats, working in her yard, and kayaking outdoors! 🐕🐈🛶
Join us in giving Barbara a warm welcome to Feelhaver! 👋
#proud2bFD
We're delighted to introduce Barbara Hottman, our new Instructional Interventionist at Feelhaver!
What inspired her to become a teacher?
"I am excited to be joining the school district this year. I grew up in this community and decided to return to my hometown after retiring from my teaching career in Texas. When I moved back to Iowa, I thought I was finished with teaching, but after spending time as a substitute teacher, I quickly realized how much I missed working with students. The children in this community have truly captured my heart. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and energy reminded me why I became a teacher in the first place. What I expected to be a short experience as a substitute teacher turned into a renewed passion for education, and I am thrilled to continue serving the students and families of this district."
Fun facts about Barbara:
Outside of school, she loves spending time with family and friends, caring for her dogs and cats, working in her yard, and kayaking outdoors! 🐕🐈🛶
Join us in giving Barbara a warm welcome to Feelhaver! 👋
#proud2bFD
DON'T MISS OUT! It's Uncrustable Madness Week with the Summer Food Service Program! We will be serving up Uncrustables for ALL distributed lunch meals Tuesday & Thursday this week!
*FREE Meal Packs: Eligible to ALL children 18 and under, no matter which school you attend in the area!
Dates: 7/28 & 7/30
Free Meal Pick Up @ Duncombe Elementary
10:30am - 12pm
First Come, First Served!
*FREE Meal Packs: Eligible to ALL children 18 and under, no matter which school you attend in the area!
Dates: 7/28 & 7/30
Free Meal Pick Up @ Duncombe Elementary
10:30am - 12pm
First Come, First Served!
#proud2bFD
