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FDCSD names November students, employee of the month

The Fort Dodge Community School District has announced its students and employees 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.

Simon DeJong is the Elementary Student of the Month. Sara Stepan nominated DeJong.

Stepan said DeJong always tries his best in everything he is presented with academically. He enjoys when things get difficult and is a great role model for persevering in challenging tasks. DeJong is willing to help other students who may not understand, especially when it comes to math. He assists in a kind and calming manner and is supportive and uplifting. He strives for equality in the classroom and has a lot of empathy toward his peers and their situations. Stepan concluded, “Simon is a well-rounded boy who has an emotional understanding of other students and teachers that is beyond his years. He is such a great role model and leads by doing what is right above all else.” He is the son of Jon and Andrea DeJong.

Jahleeyah Garnica is the Middle School Student of the Month. The 5A team of Lexi Lara, Rebecca Gascho and Terry Madden nominated Garnica. They said Garnica has an eagerness to learn and a desire to do well in school. She is a responsible student who stays focused and participates in class. When working in a group, Garnica keeps others on track and acts as the group leader. She listens attentively and is not afraid to ask questions when she is unclear about things. She shows kindness and respect to students and staff alike and goes out of her way to give everyone a smile. They concluded, “The best thing about Jahleeyah is she doesn’t behave a certain way for the accolades and praise. Being respectful, responsible, safe and kind is who she is to the core. She can be trusted to make the right choices and always shows kindness to others, regardless of who they are.” She is the daughter of Sherri Hill.

Marlene Armenta Mondragon is the High School Student of the Month. Rachel Peterson nominated Armenta Mondragon. Peterson said after moving here in fifth grade and not speaking any English, Armenta Mondragon has worked hard to be on track to graduate with good grades this year. She shared that Armenta Mondragon is paying it forward by volunteering in a fifth-grade language arts class at the middle school, serving as a mentor and role model to the middle school girls. She is kind and considerate, helping students whose first language is not English complete their work. She serves as an inspiration to the younger students. Peterson concluded by saying, “Marlene represents responsibility and determination in everything she does. She is a hard worker who will be successful in whatever she chooses to do beyond high school.”

Gail Linde, secretary at Fort Dodge Senior High, is the Employee of the Month. The members of the FDSH Counseling Department nominated her. They said Linde filled in for the open administrative assistant position in the main office, aiding the administrators while continuing to keep up with her own work in the counseling department. They said she volunteered to attend interviews for the open position on her own time. They also shared that even while splitting her time between two offices, Linde was able to positively maintain relationships with students. The students enjoy interacting with Linde and receiving positive encouragement from her. They concluded by saying, “Gail truly goes above and beyond for teamwork indicated by her help covering the office as well as offering to sell tickets at sporting events. With her generous attitude to assist others with a smile, she is a role model for other staff.”

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