The Fort Dodge Community School District has named 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.

Shyeera Pettigrew is the Elementary Student of the Month. Kayla Lata, Josie Shelton and Tara Flowers nominated Pettigrew. They said Pettigrew used to struggle with reading and math but now she is soaring through these classes. They indicated that her improvement in these areas has contributed to a decrease in her behaviors, saying she has become much more safe and respectful. Pettigrew enjoys interacting with all the kids and making sure everyone is included. She invites others to join in games and activities, and is kind to her peers. They concluded, “Shyeera has made great strides in a year’s time and continues to improve every day. We’ve seen an amazing change in her being safe, kind, respectful and responsible.” She is the daughter of Joy Stout.

Rylan Lara is the Middle School Student of the Month. Melissa Davis nominated Rylan. She said Lara is 100% focused in math class, which can be a difficult task for many sixth-graders, especially those who have it at the end of the day. He takes his learning seriously and does not let anyone or anything distract him. He contributes answers and ideas at appropriate times. Lara follows and helps build classroom expectations. He leads by example with his positive behavior. Davis shared that since Lara follows expectations, he may not get as much attention as others do. He does not seek rewards or praise, as he does the right thing, because he knows that is best and is how he chooses to be as a person. She concluded, “Rylan could be rewarded on a daily basis for his choices, but I don’t always get the chance to tell him. I am very proud of him and glad he is a part of our six blue team. I can’t wait to see the great things he does in his future.” He is the son of Matt and Jadie Lara.

Juan Mejia Guillen is the Senior High Student of the Month. Nicholas Allmon nominated Mejia Guillen. Allmon said Mejia Guillen is a conscientious student who completes work on time and participates in class. He is not afraid to try new concepts and strategies. He is a good example of a student who is not afraid to make mistakes in order to grow. His hard work not only helps him, but his peers as well. Mejia Guillen is kind to those who sit around him, willing to help others and share his ideas with the class. Allmon shared that Mejia Guillen has been flexible and patient with him as he has navigated how to be a first-year teacher in the classroom. Allmon concluded, “Juan’s participation and modeling of good academics and positive behavior help everyone in geometry class. I can always rely on Juan to come to class, be himself and be prepared to learn.” He is the son of Gaspar Mejia and Minerva Guillen Vega.

Jennifer Becker is the Employee of the Month. Steph Anderson nominated Becker. Anderson shared that in her second year as an instructional coach, Becker is embracing every opportunity to model leadership. She is very solution driven and willing to think outside the box. She is always thinking of ways to support the staff she serves and is patient and willing to support staff at all levels. Her technological skills help keep the TLC team organized, and she is always thinking about ways to complete tasks in a more efficient manner. Anderson said Becker is a listener who considers a variety of ways to solve problems. Anderson concluded, “Jenny was somewhat hesitant to leave the classroom after just a couple of years teaching, however, she has risen to the challenge of being an instructional coach.”