Dodger Happenings this week - August 17th - 22nd
Click here for more information on these events -
https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/fortdodge/calendar?includePractices=false&v=week&date=2026-08-21
Have a great week Dodgers! ⚫🔴
Click here for more information on these events -
https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/fortdodge/calendar?includePractices=false&v=week&date=2026-08-21
Have a great week Dodgers! ⚫🔴
Dodgers,
We are pleased to announce that the Fort Dodge Community School District will continue participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2026–27 school year. CEP is available to schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.
Under CEP, all students enrolled in the Fort Dodge Community School District may receive one healthy breakfast and one healthy lunch each school day at no cost. Families will not complete a free or reduced-price meal application, and no action is required for students to receive these meals.
Charges will still apply for extra servings, a la carte items, and additional milk.
#proud2bFD
We are pleased to announce that the Fort Dodge Community School District will continue participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2026–27 school year. CEP is available to schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.
Under CEP, all students enrolled in the Fort Dodge Community School District may receive one healthy breakfast and one healthy lunch each school day at no cost. Families will not complete a free or reduced-price meal application, and no action is required for students to receive these meals.
Charges will still apply for extra servings, a la carte items, and additional milk.
#proud2bFD
🎨 Welcome to the District, Kate Tyre! 🎨
We're excited to introduce Kate Tyre, who will be teaching 5th Grade at Duncombe Elementary this year!
What inspired her to become a teacher?
"My inspiration for teaching came from working with students in various ways and finding joy in seeing them interact with the world around them."
Fun fact about Kate:
She loves being creative through many different forms of art — she thinks it's so cool when you can make something instead of buying it! 🖌️
Join us in giving Kate a warm welcome to Duncombe Elementary! 👋
We're excited to introduce Kate Tyre, who will be teaching 5th Grade at Duncombe Elementary this year!
What inspired her to become a teacher?
"My inspiration for teaching came from working with students in various ways and finding joy in seeing them interact with the world around them."
Fun fact about Kate:
She loves being creative through many different forms of art — she thinks it's so cool when you can make something instead of buying it! 🖌️
Join us in giving Kate a warm welcome to Duncombe Elementary! 👋
🚗 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, Morgan Jacobs! 👑
We're excited to introduce Morgan Jacobs, who will be teaching ELA at the Senior High this year!
What inspired her to become a teacher?
"I worked with a lot of younger kids throughout middle/high school and wanted to continue working with them. I love being able to see their passion for different topics grow into what could be their future careers. Seeing what my students pursue in life after graduation and seeing how they can be successful in their own ways is honestly what inspired me to become a teacher."
Fun facts about Morgan:
She currently holds the Miss America Opportunity title of Miss Wild Rose, which lets her meet amazing people and go on all kinds of adventures! She was also a collegiate swimmer for four years! 👑🏊♀️
Join us in giving Morgan a warm welcome to the Senior High! 👋
We're excited to introduce Morgan Jacobs, who will be teaching ELA at the Senior High this year!
What inspired her to become a teacher?
"I worked with a lot of younger kids throughout middle/high school and wanted to continue working with them. I love being able to see their passion for different topics grow into what could be their future careers. Seeing what my students pursue in life after graduation and seeing how they can be successful in their own ways is honestly what inspired me to become a teacher."
Fun facts about Morgan:
She currently holds the Miss America Opportunity title of Miss Wild Rose, which lets her meet amazing people and go on all kinds of adventures! She was also a collegiate swimmer for four years! 👑🏊♀️
Join us in giving Morgan a warm welcome to the Senior High! 👋
Important dates to remember Dodgers!!
Next week starts the kick off the 2026-2027 School year! 🔴⚫
#proud2bFD
Next week starts the kick off the 2026-2027 School year! 🔴⚫
#proud2bFD
☔🎉LAST DAY WEATHER UPDATE - THE MEALS ARE MOVING INSIDE!🎉☔
Join us TODAY, August 13, from 10:30 am–noon at Duncombe Elementary for the final day of our Summer Food Service Program! The weather is moving us indoors - but not far! Meal pick up will be just inside the doors at our usual pick up location.
Pick up 5 days worth of FREE lunch and breakfast meals for all children ages 18 and under, no matter their school or district!
🚪Friendly Reminder: Doors will not open until 10:30 am
💧🎈Water Balloons: Keep those throwing arms ready! If the weather decides to cooperate, we might be able to toss a water balloon or two at Superintendent Porter.
Come hungry, leave stocked up, and help us send summer out with a splash!💦
First come, first served!
📋 Mark your calendars, families! Starting this Friday, August 14th at 5:00 PM, you'll be able to see your student's teacher for the 2026-27 school year on Infinite Campus.
Then next week, come meet them in person! 🎒 Open House is coming to all FDCSD schools, drop in anytime during these come-and-go windows to meet your teacher, visit your classroom, and drop off school supplies:
🗓️ Thursday, August 20 - 4:00–8:00 PM
🗓️ Friday, August 21 - 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
No set arrival time, swing by whenever works for your family!
Here's to a wonderful 2026-27 school year! 🍎
#proud2bFD
Then next week, come meet them in person! 🎒 Open House is coming to all FDCSD schools, drop in anytime during these come-and-go windows to meet your teacher, visit your classroom, and drop off school supplies:
🗓️ Thursday, August 20 - 4:00–8:00 PM
🗓️ Friday, August 21 - 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
No set arrival time, swing by whenever works for your family!
Here's to a wonderful 2026-27 school year! 🍎
#proud2bFD
📖 Welcome to the District, Madison Pingel! 📖
We're excited to introduce Madison Pingel, who will be teaching 7th Grade Math at the Middle School this year!
What inspired her to become a teacher?
"My teachers inspired me to become a teacher. Watching them have a career they were passionate about inspired me to follow in their footsteps. I hope I can make them proud as I start my career."
Fun fact about Madison:
She enjoys cataloging and organizing her personal book collection — she loves reading, but thinks cataloging might be even more fun! 📚
Join us in giving Madison a warm welcome to the Middle School! 👋
We're excited to introduce Madison Pingel, who will be teaching 7th Grade Math at the Middle School this year!
What inspired her to become a teacher?
"My teachers inspired me to become a teacher. Watching them have a career they were passionate about inspired me to follow in their footsteps. I hope I can make them proud as I start my career."
Fun fact about Madison:
She enjoys cataloging and organizing her personal book collection — she loves reading, but thinks cataloging might be even more fun! 📚
Join us in giving Madison a warm welcome to the Middle School! 👋
🎉 Big News from Fort Dodge Middle School
We are so excited to announce that Whitney Ford is stepping into the role of Assistant Principal at Fort Dodge Middle School!
If her name sounds familiar, that's because it should — Whitney is a true Dodger family member. She started as our ELA teacher, later became our Middle School Lead Teacher, and now she's ready to bring that same passion and dedication to her new role.
In her own words:
"The middle school has always held a special place in my heart, and serving our students is my passion. Moving into this new role is so exciting because it lets me support our students and families in an even bigger way. Middle schoolers are simply the best! Their energy, humor, and potential make every single day an absolute joy! I couldn't be more eager to walk alongside them, watch them grow, and celebrate all of their big and small wins this year and for years to come!"
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Ford on this well-deserved promotion!❤️🖤
#proud2bFD
💦 The end is near and Superintendent Porter is bracing for impact!
Join us August 13th, 10:30am - Noon @ Duncombe Elementary for the LAST DAY of our Summer Food Service Program.
Pick up 5 days worth of FREE Lunch & Breakfast meals available to all children 18 and under; then stay for the splash! 🎈🥪
First come, first served!
Join us August 13th, 10:30am - Noon @ Duncombe Elementary for the LAST DAY of our Summer Food Service Program.
Pick up 5 days worth of FREE Lunch & Breakfast meals available to all children 18 and under; then stay for the splash! 🎈🥪
First come, first served!
👶 Welcome to the District, Jesslyn Shannon! 👶
We're excited to introduce Jesslyn Shannon, who will be teaching Kindergarten at the ECC this year!
What inspired her to become a teacher?
"I've always worked around children, and I took a class in high school that inspired me to become a teacher."
Fun fact about Jesslyn:
She and her husband are expecting their first baby in August! Congratulations, Jesslyn! 🎉
Join us in giving Jesslyn a warm welcome to the ECC! 👋
#proud2bFD
We're excited to introduce Jesslyn Shannon, who will be teaching Kindergarten at the ECC this year!
What inspired her to become a teacher?
"I've always worked around children, and I took a class in high school that inspired me to become a teacher."
Fun fact about Jesslyn:
She and her husband are expecting their first baby in August! Congratulations, Jesslyn! 🎉
Join us in giving Jesslyn a warm welcome to the ECC! 👋
#proud2bFD
💜 Welcome to the District, Jessica Lohoff Piper! 💜
We're excited to introduce Jessica Lohoff Piper, who will be teaching 2nd Grade at Butler Elementary this year!
What inspired her to become a teacher?
"I knew I always wanted to help children in some kind of way, so I took nursing classes and an exploration teaching class in high school. Teaching just had a stronger impact on my heart, and I'm very grateful I picked this career!"
Fun facts about Jessica:
She loves spending quality time with friends and family, and a couple of fun things to know about her — her favorite color is purple and she loves Dr Pepper! 💜🥤
Join us in giving Jessica a warm welcome to Butler Elementary! 👋
#proud2bFD
We're excited to introduce Jessica Lohoff Piper, who will be teaching 2nd Grade at Butler Elementary this year!
What inspired her to become a teacher?
"I knew I always wanted to help children in some kind of way, so I took nursing classes and an exploration teaching class in high school. Teaching just had a stronger impact on my heart, and I'm very grateful I picked this career!"
Fun facts about Jessica:
She loves spending quality time with friends and family, and a couple of fun things to know about her — her favorite color is purple and she loves Dr Pepper! 💜🥤
Join us in giving Jessica a warm welcome to Butler Elementary! 👋
#proud2bFD
🎤 Welcome to the District, Haley Hernandez! 🎤
We're excited to introduce Haley Hernandez, who will be teaching Preschool at the ECC this year!
What inspired her to become a teacher?
"I was one of the lucky few who always knew what I wanted to be growing up. Throughout my schooling, I was blessed with influential teachers who made me feel seen, valued and capable of achieving anything. Their passion for learning and reading helped shape my own love for education. I understand that not every child's challenges are visible, which is why I have always been driven to be a positive, supportive influence in my students' lives. As a teacher, I create a safe and loving environment where children feel empowered, supported and inspired just as my teachers did for me."
Fun fact about Haley:
She's been to 30+ concerts of her favorite artists — live music is one of her favorite things, right after her toddler, of course! 🎶👶
Join us in giving Haley a warm welcome to the ECC! 👋
#proud2bFD
We're excited to introduce Haley Hernandez, who will be teaching Preschool at the ECC this year!
What inspired her to become a teacher?
"I was one of the lucky few who always knew what I wanted to be growing up. Throughout my schooling, I was blessed with influential teachers who made me feel seen, valued and capable of achieving anything. Their passion for learning and reading helped shape my own love for education. I understand that not every child's challenges are visible, which is why I have always been driven to be a positive, supportive influence in my students' lives. As a teacher, I create a safe and loving environment where children feel empowered, supported and inspired just as my teachers did for me."
Fun fact about Haley:
She's been to 30+ concerts of her favorite artists — live music is one of her favorite things, right after her toddler, of course! 🎶👶
Join us in giving Haley a warm welcome to the ECC! 👋
#proud2bFD
⚠️ Final FREE MEAL pick up days for the Summer Food Service Program are THIS WEEK, August 11th & 13th!
Don't miss out! We've got crowd favorite meals planned to wrap up summer! ☀️
Don't miss out! We've got crowd favorite meals planned to wrap up summer! ☀️
Dodger Happenings this week - August 10th- 15th
For more information, click here - https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/fortdodge/calendar?includePractices=false&v=week&date=2026-08-14
Have a great week Dodgers! 🔴⚫
For more information, click here - https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/fortdodge/calendar?includePractices=false&v=week&date=2026-08-14
Have a great week Dodgers! 🔴⚫
There's nothing quite like seeing Dodger Denny take a break to swing with the kids at Duncombe Elementary! Yesterday he greeted families coming out for free lunches and made sure everyone had a little extra fun in their day.
We're so grateful for every family who's taken part in this Tuesday/Thursday program. Just a reminder, next week is your last chance!
📍 Duncombe Elementary
🗓️ Tuesday & Thursday
⏰ 10:30am–12:00pm
#proud2bFD
We're so grateful for every family who's taken part in this Tuesday/Thursday program. Just a reminder, next week is your last chance!
📍 Duncombe Elementary
🗓️ Tuesday & Thursday
⏰ 10:30am–12:00pm
#proud2bFD
🎒 FDSH RESOURCE FAIR 🎒
Welcome back, families! Join us for our annual Resource Fair on Tuesday, August 20th, from 4–6 PM at the FDSH Student Center.
Stop by before or after Open House to connect with local organizations offering:
🏠 Housing Services
💼 Career & Education Resources
🍎 Food & Financial Assistance
❤️ Health & Wellness Support
♿ Disability Services
Featuring: Thrive Iowa, IVRS, One Vision, Lifeworks, CIS, FD Housing, Iowa Primary Care Association, IWD, Obria Med Clinics, Berryhill, ICCC, UDMO/1st Five, and more!
📍 Enter through the East doors
👨👩👧👦 Open to all families in the District
We hope to see you there!
Welcome back, families! Join us for our annual Resource Fair on Tuesday, August 20th, from 4–6 PM at the FDSH Student Center.
Stop by before or after Open House to connect with local organizations offering:
🏠 Housing Services
💼 Career & Education Resources
🍎 Food & Financial Assistance
❤️ Health & Wellness Support
♿ Disability Services
Featuring: Thrive Iowa, IVRS, One Vision, Lifeworks, CIS, FD Housing, Iowa Primary Care Association, IWD, Obria Med Clinics, Berryhill, ICCC, UDMO/1st Five, and more!
📍 Enter through the East doors
👨👩👧👦 Open to all families in the District
We hope to see you there!
🌭 Free Lunch Alert! 🌭
Head to Duncombe TODAY from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM for free lunches for all kids 18 & under, any school, any district!
Plus, meet Dodger Denny and snap a photo with him! 📸
First come, first served , don't miss out!
#proud2bFD🔴⚫
Head to Duncombe TODAY from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM for free lunches for all kids 18 & under, any school, any district!
Plus, meet Dodger Denny and snap a photo with him! 📸
First come, first served , don't miss out!
#proud2bFD🔴⚫
🖤🍋 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
