Pizza with a Principal!! 🍕🍕
5th Grade Families, please RSVP by April 24th if you plan on attending on May 7th!
This is a great way to visit the Middle School, meet the Principal, get pizza and tour the building!!
Scan the QR code to sign up!!
The curtain is about to rise on The Addams Family, bringing plenty of laughs and unforgettable moments, while also marking the final high school performance for our senior cast members.
We’re proud to celebrate our four seniors throughout the week, spotlighting each one as they take their final bow.
First up: Mina DeJong🎭
⚫Name, character you are in the musical, what are your plans after high school?
I’m Mina DeJong and I will be playing Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family. After high school, I plan to major in Biology at the University of Iowa on the pre-med or pre-dental track.
🔴Who has made the biggest impact on your journey in theater, and why?
The person who made the biggest impact on my journey in theater is Owen Hamlow. I used to be terrified to put myself out there and sing, but he convinced me to overcome my nerves and join choir in 6th grade. Through joining choir, I developed a love of performing in musicals, and I would have never stepped out of my comfort zone without Owen’s encouragement!
⚫How has your cast/crew become like a family to you?
After so many years of late night practices and being together everyday after school, the entire musical cast and crew always becomes like a family to me. We always bond through our ambition to put on a good show. In The Addams Family, there are a lot of humorous moments in the show and because I am so close to my friends on stage, I always struggle not to laugh because my character, Wednesday, is very serious. This year's show has strong themes about the importance of being connected as a family, and we wouldn’t be able to put on a good show without there being true connection within the cast.
🔴What will you most miss about high school?
The thing I will miss most about high school is seeing my friends every day. Whether we’re in class, choir, or any of our activities after school, my friends never fail to leave a smile on my face. Even though some of my friends are going to the University of Iowa as well, not seeing many of the people I am closest to every day will be a hard adjustment.
⚫ When you take your final bow, what do you think will be going through your mind?
Taking my final bow will definitely be a bittersweet experience. I don’t know what my future in theater and performing arts will look like, but if this is my last experience on stage, I am grateful that it will be a good one.
It’s game night! ⚽
Dodger Boys Soccer hosts Waterloo East tonight at 6:00 PM
🎟️ Get your tickets: bit.ly/48TQBTb
Perfect night to spend at Dodger Stadium cheering on your Dodgers!
Dodger Boys Soccer hosts Waterloo East tonight at 6:00 PM
🎟️ Get your tickets: bit.ly/48TQBTb
Perfect night to spend at Dodger Stadium cheering on your Dodgers!
It’s a great day for tennis! 🎾
Your Dodger Boys Tennis team hosts Ames tonight at home!
⏰ Action starts at 4:00 PM
📍 Dodger Tennis Courts
🎟️ Get your tickets: https://bit.ly/48TQBTb
Come out, enjoy the weather, and cheer them on!
Your Dodger Boys Tennis team hosts Ames tonight at home!
⏰ Action starts at 4:00 PM
📍 Dodger Tennis Courts
🎟️ Get your tickets: https://bit.ly/48TQBTb
Come out, enjoy the weather, and cheer them on!
Brandon Hansel, Executive Director of Business Services for the Fort Dodge Community School District, has received a prestigious award from the Iowa Association of School Business Officials (IASBO).
Hansel was honored with the Iowa Professional Leadership Award—one of the highest distinctions awarded by IASBO. This award recognizes school business officials who have demonstrated excellence in service to their school district, community, and profession throughout their careers.
Recipients are selected based on several key criteria, including leadership within schools, contributions to the profession, commitment to professional development, and active involvement in their community.
With 16 years of experience as a school business official, including 14 years serving the Fort Dodge Community School District, Brandon has made a lasting impact through his leadership and innovation. His work has earned recognition for excellence in financial reporting from both the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and ASBO International.
Brandon has led several impactful initiatives within the district, including transitioning to a paperless business office, implementing self-funded insurance, and expanding electronic payment systems.
Beyond his district role, Brandon has contributed significantly to the profession. He has served on the Iowa Department of Education’s Finance Roundtable, taught budget and finance courses for the Iowa School Finance Leadership Consortium, and participated in multiple finance-related advisory groups. He has also supported colleagues as an IASBO Regional Director and mentor.
His dedication extends into the community as well, serving on the boards of Community Health Centers of Fort Dodge and the Ann Smeltzer Charitable Trust, and coaching through the Fort Dodge Soccer Association.
Congratulations, Brandon, on this well-deserved honor!
Hansel was honored with the Iowa Professional Leadership Award—one of the highest distinctions awarded by IASBO. This award recognizes school business officials who have demonstrated excellence in service to their school district, community, and profession throughout their careers.
Recipients are selected based on several key criteria, including leadership within schools, contributions to the profession, commitment to professional development, and active involvement in their community.
With 16 years of experience as a school business official, including 14 years serving the Fort Dodge Community School District, Brandon has made a lasting impact through his leadership and innovation. His work has earned recognition for excellence in financial reporting from both the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and ASBO International.
Brandon has led several impactful initiatives within the district, including transitioning to a paperless business office, implementing self-funded insurance, and expanding electronic payment systems.
Beyond his district role, Brandon has contributed significantly to the profession. He has served on the Iowa Department of Education’s Finance Roundtable, taught budget and finance courses for the Iowa School Finance Leadership Consortium, and participated in multiple finance-related advisory groups. He has also supported colleagues as an IASBO Regional Director and mentor.
His dedication extends into the community as well, serving on the boards of Community Health Centers of Fort Dodge and the Ann Smeltzer Charitable Trust, and coaching through the Fort Dodge Soccer Association.
Congratulations, Brandon, on this well-deserved honor!
Only 1 week until The Addams Family!
The countdown is on! Our Senior High Students take the stage in just one week for their performance of the musical comedy, The Addams Family. It’s going to be a "creepy and kooky" night you won't want to miss! Get your tickets early: Scan the QR code on the image below to secure your seats today. See you at the show!
The countdown is on! Our Senior High Students take the stage in just one week for their performance of the musical comedy, The Addams Family. It’s going to be a "creepy and kooky" night you won't want to miss! Get your tickets early: Scan the QR code on the image below to secure your seats today. See you at the show!
A "sweet" end to the quarter! 🍪
Our 6th graders wrapped up their Lifestyle & Wellness rotation in the most delicious way possible, baking homemade chocolate chip cookies! From mastering measurements to practicing teamwork, these students definitely earned their treats.
Our 6th graders wrapped up their Lifestyle & Wellness rotation in the most delicious way possible, baking homemade chocolate chip cookies! From mastering measurements to practicing teamwork, these students definitely earned their treats.
Fore! ⛳️ Dodger Girls Golf Team is back in action at home tonight at the Ft Dodge Country Club against Manson NW Webster & Humboldt.
Action starts at 3:30 PM.
Let’s bring that quiet (but powerful!) Dodger spirit to the course. 🤫💪
🎟 Grab your tickets here: https://bit.ly/47GFldY
Go Dodgers! 🔴⚫️
Congratulations to our newest National Honor Society Inductees!
This past Sunday at FDSH, we celebrated an outstanding group of Juniors and Seniors officially inducted into the National Honor Society. These students were selected for consistently excelling in the four NHS pillars:
📚 Scholarship | 🤝 Service | 📣 Leadership | 💎 Character
FDCSD is incredibly proud of your hard work, integrity, and dedication to our community. Join us in celebrating these amazing student leaders! 🎓✨
#FDSH #DodgerPride #NHS #FutureLeaders #Scholarship #Service #Leadership #Character#proud2bFD
This past Sunday at FDSH, we celebrated an outstanding group of Juniors and Seniors officially inducted into the National Honor Society. These students were selected for consistently excelling in the four NHS pillars:
📚 Scholarship | 🤝 Service | 📣 Leadership | 💎 Character
FDCSD is incredibly proud of your hard work, integrity, and dedication to our community. Join us in celebrating these amazing student leaders! 🎓✨
#FDSH #DodgerPride #NHS #FutureLeaders #Scholarship #Service #Leadership #Character#proud2bFD
👟Dodger Relays Tonight at Dodger Stadium!
It’s going to be a great night to cheer on the Dodger boys!
Events begin at 4:30 PM.
🎟️ Tickets: https://bit.ly/3V9kXuo
🔴⚫ Dodger Shack open from 5:00–6:30 PM
It’s going to be a great night to cheer on the Dodger boys!
Events begin at 4:30 PM.
🎟️ Tickets: https://bit.ly/3V9kXuo
🔴⚫ Dodger Shack open from 5:00–6:30 PM
Dodgers! No School on Friday!! Enjoy your three day weekend!
Dodger Happenings this week!
April 13th-18th
For more information on these events please check here -
https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/fortdodge/calendar?includePractices=false&v=week&date=2026-04-17
Have a great week Dodgers! 🔴⚫
#proud2bFD
April 13th-18th
For more information on these events please check here -
https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/fortdodge/calendar?includePractices=false&v=week&date=2026-04-17
Have a great week Dodgers! 🔴⚫
#proud2bFD
Congratulations to our Student of the Week, Emmitt Pesina! He is a 1st Grader at Cooper Elementary. Emmitt is the epitome of a natural born leader. He comes to school every day ready to give it his best. Emmitt leads by example, is extremely dependable, motivated to learn, stays curious and has a great sense of humor. He is an all around amazing kid! FDCSD is very proud of you Emmitt!!
#proud2bFD
#proud2bFD
Tonight's the night! 🔴⚫
Join the fun & come support a great cause for the Ft Dodge Community Schools Foundation!
#GoBigGoDodgers#Proud2bFD
Join the fun & come support a great cause for the Ft Dodge Community Schools Foundation!
#GoBigGoDodgers#Proud2bFD
⚽ Girls Soccer Tonight!
The Dodgers take on Ames at Dodger Stadium this evening!
🕠 JV: 5:30 PM
🕖 Varsity: 7:00 PM
🎟️ Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/47GFldY
Come out and support the Dodger Girls! ❤️🖤
The Dodgers take on Ames at Dodger Stadium this evening!
🕠 JV: 5:30 PM
🕖 Varsity: 7:00 PM
🎟️ Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/47GFldY
Come out and support the Dodger Girls! ❤️🖤
Senior High Families - mark your calendars!
3rd Trimester Conferences are Tuesday, April 14th from 4:00–8:00 PM.
This is a come-and-go event, so stop in at your convenience and see the great progress your student has made this trimester!
3rd Trimester Conferences are Tuesday, April 14th from 4:00–8:00 PM.
This is a come-and-go event, so stop in at your convenience and see the great progress your student has made this trimester!
The Go Big Go Dodgers Event is our annual fundraiser supporting Fort Dodge Community Schools! 🔴⚫
Make plans to join us, this Friday April 10th for friends, food & fun!
Your support helps provide resources and programs that go above and beyond what our schools’ budgets allow.
Hear from Principal Ryan Flaherty about the impact this event has on Duncombe Elementary:👇
Join us in celebrating Assistant Principal Week! 🙌
Our assistant principals go above and beyond to support students, staff, and families each day. Their leadership, compassion, and commitment help make our schools a great place to learn and grow.
Thank you for everything you do - we appreciate you! ❤️🖤
#proud2bFD
Our assistant principals go above and beyond to support students, staff, and families each day. Their leadership, compassion, and commitment help make our schools a great place to learn and grow.
Thank you for everything you do - we appreciate you! ❤️🖤
#proud2bFD
We are excited to share our new sensory room at FDSH, made possible through a generous grant from the Fort Dodge Community Schools Foundation. This space provides a safe, calming environment for students with special needs and accommodations to regulate their senses and emotions throughout the day.
Equipped with sensory tables, calming lights, soothing sounds, an indoor swing, and a rocking/vibrating therapy chair, the room offers a peaceful place for students to reset and refocus.
Beyond relaxation, this space also supports the development of 21st-century and employability skills, helping prepare students for a successful transition from high school to post-secondary living.
This space would not be possible without the dedication of Shanette Poldervaart, who has poured her heart and soul into making this room a reality. She plays a key role in supporting our students, and FDCSD is incredibly fortunate to have someone with such compassion and commitment to her profession.
We would also like to thank the many people involved in this project - Jessica Froisland, Matt Elsbecker, Troy Porter (Painting), Don Poldervaart, Jody Ekstrom, Andrew Kavanaugh, James Groat, Jim Rossow, Bobby Thompson, Staci Laird, Level 3 Para Educators, Tracy McCormack, Fort Dodge Community Schools Grant Foundation & Jim's Floor Covering
Equipped with sensory tables, calming lights, soothing sounds, an indoor swing, and a rocking/vibrating therapy chair, the room offers a peaceful place for students to reset and refocus.
Beyond relaxation, this space also supports the development of 21st-century and employability skills, helping prepare students for a successful transition from high school to post-secondary living.
This space would not be possible without the dedication of Shanette Poldervaart, who has poured her heart and soul into making this room a reality. She plays a key role in supporting our students, and FDCSD is incredibly fortunate to have someone with such compassion and commitment to her profession.
We would also like to thank the many people involved in this project - Jessica Froisland, Matt Elsbecker, Troy Porter (Painting), Don Poldervaart, Jody Ekstrom, Andrew Kavanaugh, James Groat, Jim Rossow, Bobby Thompson, Staci Laird, Level 3 Para Educators, Tracy McCormack, Fort Dodge Community Schools Grant Foundation & Jim's Floor Covering
They’re creepy, they’re kooky… and they’re coming to FDSH! 👻
Join us for The Addams Family on April 23, 24, and 25, this is one show you won’t want to miss!
🎟️ Grab your tickets now by scanning the QR code or clicking the link below:
https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/fortdodge/tickets
Join us for The Addams Family on April 23, 24, and 25, this is one show you won’t want to miss!
🎟️ Grab your tickets now by scanning the QR code or clicking the link below:
https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/fortdodge/tickets
