Fort Dodge Community School District

🎉 The 2024-25 school year is officially underway at Fort Dodge Community School District! 🎉 🔴⚫ We kicked off the year with an inspiring Opening Session where Mr. Porter spoke about embracing change as we unveiled our new mission and vision to guide our district forward. Special thanks to guest speaker Gerry Brooks, who delivered a message that was not only inspirational but also funny and relatable. A big shoutout to Nik Moser with the School Foundation and Sondra Holmstrom with the Alumni Association for speaking on how their groups support our teachers. And a heartfelt thank you to Stu Cochrane, who gave his final welcome as our school board president. 🔴⚫ Here’s to a great school year ahead! #proud2bFD

Help us welcome our new Dodger teachers! 🔴⚫ Amanda will be teaching at Fort Dodge Senior High. Amanda has been a registered nurse for twenty-two years at Trinity Regional Medical Center, spending time in medical surgical nursing and telemetry, cardiac and pulmonary rehab, and most recently as a certified diabetes educator. One of her favorite parts of her job has been educating patients and working with nursing students through the years. She feels inspired to use her experience and knowledge to help FDSH students find their passion and direction in the healthcare field. As a lifelong Dodger, Amanda is excited to be working with the outstanding staff at FDSH, and very proud to be joining a quickly growing Health Occupations program! 🔴⚫ #proud2bFD

Dodgers - We're excited for the first days of school! 📚 As a reminder, there is a 2 hour early release on August 28 and 29. August 30 is a full day! 🔴⚫ #proud2bFD

🙌 Big Dodger shoutout to our incredible custodial and maintenance staff! ✨ As we begin our school year, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your hard work and dedication. Your efforts behind the scenes do not go unnoticed – you've transformed our buildings into clean, safe, and welcoming environments for both students and educators. Here's to you for making a positive impact on our learning journey! 🏫📚 #proud2bFD

Central Office will be closed on Monday, August 26, until 12 pm for professional development. 🔴⚫ #proud2bFD

Duncombe Elementary 5th graders voted on careers they were interested in learning more about and Ms. Cowell lined up a Career Day for them. Speakers from various professions visited the classrooms, giving students a glimpse into their career, answering questions, and sparking new interests. Thank you to our community members who took the time to visit with Duncombe Elementary 5th graders! CJ Bio - Todd Anderson Engineer - Brad Cowell, Evergreen Engineers Entrepreneur - Abby Stromberg, Stella's Coffee Nurse - Marie Zaharia, Oral Surgeon Nurse Coach - Jeremy Conley, Iowa Central Football Graphic Designer - Maddie and Kaeli, Dodge Graphix

Help us welcome our new Dodger teachers! 🔴⚫ Lisa will be teaching at the Fort Dodge Middle School. Lisa decided to pursue her teaching degree when she saw how teaching shortages can impact learning. She is excited to work with students and loves the "ah ha" moments when teaching. 🔴⚫ #proud2bFD

📱 Reminder for Dodger Families 📱 FDMS and FDSH families - please check your email or IC inbox for a reminder on the district's policy regarding cell phones. It is important that we all stay informed to support a focused learning environment for our students. Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain a positive and productive learning environment for all Dodger students!

As part of the Arts in the Schools program, Angela Ayala from the Blanden Art Museum introduced Feelhaver 4th grade students to the amazing world of Alexander Calder, American sculptor known for his innovative mobiles. After getting inspired, the students unleashed their creativity and crafted their very own masterpieces with supplies from the Blanden. 🔴⚫ #proud2bFD

🌍 Dodgers spotted abroad! This summer, a group of Fort Dodge students, parents, and staff (both current and former) embarked on an incredible adventure through France, Italy, and Spain! From the Eiffel Tower to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Colosseum to the Vatican, they explored some of the world's most iconic landmarks, sampled delicious new foods, and even put their language skills to the test! Their whirlwind itinerary took them through Paris, Barcelona, Nice, Florence, Rome, and more. What an unforgettable journey! ✈️✨

Help us welcome our new Dodger teachers! 🔴⚫ Kristina will be teaching 2nd Grade and Cooper Elementary Kristina wanted to be a teacher because working with children brings her a lot of joy. She loves the amount of exploration, imagination, and play that occurs in education. Kristina is eager to continue working in a district that she loves, and is excited to learn new things and build relationships in this supportive district. 🔴⚫ #proud2bFD

During the school year, Duncombe Elementary welcomed various community members, businesses, and organizations into their building to greet students on Friday mornings. One morning was especially significant because Mr. Flaherty's father surprised him when he was a part of a group of military service members and veterans greeting students. 🔴⚫ #proud2bFD

Help us welcome our new Dodger teachers! 🔴⚫ Hannah will be teaching at the Early Childhood Center Hannah became a teacher because she had so many great teachers and a grandma who was a teacher to look up to. She wants to help make a difference in children’s lives and help them love learning. She is really excited to be apart of the Fort Dodge Community School District. 🔴⚫ #proud2bFD

🎉 Today was all about welcoming our new teachers to the Dodger family! Our newest educators gathered for a day of training, learning the ropes, and getting to know the amazing team that keeps our district running smoothly. They heard from district leaders about how each department supports our schools, setting them up for success. And, of course, a huge Dodger shoutout to Shiny Top for hosting us all for a delicious lunch! It was a great chance for new teachers, administration, and teacher mentors to connect and recharge. Here’s to an exciting year ahead! 🔴⚫ #proud2bFD

Catch the Dodgers Friday night in their sports drink scrimmage against Humboldt! 6:30 Freshman with Varsity to follow Admission is a sports drink that the team can use throughout the season. 🔴⚫ #proud2bFD

Help us welcome our new Dodger teachers! 🔴⚫ Rebecca will be teaching 2nd Grade at Cooper Elementary Rebecca has had many educators in the past who inspired her to be her best self, and she wants to offer that same inspiration to the future generation. Once she entered the classroom, she became aware of the literacy crisis facing students in the United States, which fueled her passion for teaching literacy. The Fort Dodge community has been very welcoming, and she can tell it is full of wonderful people. Although she was born and raised in Wyoming, Iowa has been a positive change for her. Rebecca is looking forward to joining Cooper’s teaching team and collaborating to best serve each student to the best of their ability. 🔴⚫ #proud2bFD

Help us welcome our new Dodger teachers! 🔴⚫ Shaila will be teaching Kindergarten at the Early Childhood Center Shaila has worked with young people and students for several years as a youth sports coach, youth group leader, and in a daycare, where she discovered her passion for teaching. She has had many inspirational teachers who have guided her throughout her teaching journey. Teaching has always been a huge passion of hers, and she cannot wait to learn and grow more during her time with FDCSD. What excites Shaila most about teaching at FDCSD is that she is back in the district where she went to school. It is super exciting for her to be back because she can see the growth that the schools have gone through. 🔴⚫ #proud2bFD

Help us welcome our new Dodger teachers! 🔴⚫ Taryn will be teaching 2nd Grade at Duncombe Elementary Taryn has worked at Duncombe since 2015 and believes there truly is no place like it. The staff and students are amazing. She is excited to teach and learn alongside the incredible people and kids there. Love. Serve. Care. 🔴⚫ #proud2bFD

Help us welcome our new Dodger teachers! 🔴⚫ Melissa will be teaching at Fort Dodge Senior High Melissa wanted to become a teacher and coach to share her passion for math and softball, and to be an impactful person in her students’ lives. She is excited to build positive relationships with students, staff, and the community, as well as to teach at the high school. 🔴⚫ #proud2bFD

📢 Reminder for Families! 📢 If you haven't registered your child for the 2024–2025 school year yet, now's the time! 📝 #proud2bFD