The Fort Dodge Community School District is pleased to announce its students and employee of the month for November. This program recognizes one elementary, one middle school and one high school student, as well as one staff member monthly for exceeding expectations.

Emma Estlund is the elementary student of the month. She was nominated by her teachers, Lisa Stephenson and Chelsey Danielson.

They said that Estlund works very hard every day and takes pride in her work and the work she turns in.

She is willing to share her answers with the class and does a fabulous job explaining her thinking to others.

Estlund helps other students understand the concepts the class is working on. She is respectful of others, not scoffing at their mistakes and listening when others are speaking.

She goes out of her way to be kind and does not complain if things do not go her way. They concluded by saying, “Emma tries her best every day, both academically and socially. She is a wonderful example of the four B’s and a great role model both inside and outside of the classroom.”

Estlund is the daughter of Will Estlund and Tawnie Bell.

Drew Moritz is the middle school student of the month. He was nominated by one of his teachers, Melissa Davis.

Davis said Moritz is very motivated to be successful. He is on task, focused and uses his time wisely in class. He is willing to learn new things beyond what the whole class is doing.

Recently, he worked on a lesson regarding scientific notation. He never complained or asked why he was doing something more difficult than the other students, he did the learning and checked in to make sure he was understanding correctly.

Moritz meets the expectations of the four Bs and other students notice that he is always doing the right things. His maturity shows in that he knows what is appropriate and when it is okay to joke around and be humorous, too.

Davis concluded by saying, “Drew is an outstanding example of a Dodger student and our team is thankful he is part of 6 Discover this year. He exhibits so many positive qualities that prove he will be extremely successful in his future regardless of what he chooses to do.”

Mortitz is the son of Matt Moritz and Alecia Moritz.

Boston Gordon is the high school student of the month. He was nominated by teacher, Ed Birkey.

Birkey shared that Gordon has always done well in the classroom and has demonstrated a passion for the classes Gordon takes in his classroom.

He said Gordon demonstrates a lot of character in the robotics clubs and at competitions. He is the first student to volunteer for outreach events, reminds other students about appropriate behavior and how to represent the school and robotics team, and allows special needs students to drive the robot in competition knowing it may not result in a win for the team.

Birkey said Gordon has discovered that what they do in robotics club is about more than just building robots. This season, Gordon was named to the First Tech Challenge Dean’s List and is now one of 12 Iowa students who have the chance to represent the state at the World Championships this spring.

Birkey concluded by saying, “As a result of a lot of what Boston does, our robotics team was given the 2018 Inspire Award, which is the most prestigious and sought after award that First Tech Challenge gives. This has been a goal of the team for six years.”

Gordon is the son of Matt Gordon and Kim Gordon.

Theresa Luth, custodian at Butler Elementary, is the employee of the month. She was nominated by Steph Anderson, principal.

Anderson said Luth has been a great addition to the Butler staff this year. Her willingness to engage with families, students and staff has been instrumental in the transition toward the positive culture and climate within the building.

Anderson shared how in the mornings as Luth is going about her duties, students run up to her for a hug to start their day. She said Luth embraces them so they know they are cared about. Anderson indicated Luth is helpful beyond her duties and keeps the building looking clean always with a smile.

Anderson concluded by saying, “Theresa emulates the character we would like to see in all the Butler staff. Even on her toughest days, cleaning up vomit or tracked in dirt and snow, her smile and optimism light up the building.”