The Fort Dodge Community School District has announced 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.

Erica Yeoman is the Elementary Student of the Month. Andrea Pavik nominated Yeoman. She said Yeoman is a good listener and is focused on the task at hand. She always does her best and follows directions. Yeoman is a kind friend who shares and takes turns with others. She uses kind words and always has a smile on her face. She is respectful, responsible, safe, and kind at all times. Pavik concluded by saying, “Erica can always be counted on to do the right thing, no matter what is happening around her.” Yeoman is the daughter of Kevin and Amanda Yeoman.

Gavin Mikesell is the Middle School Student of the Month. Katie Moser and Jill Nelson nominated him. They said Mikesell has been working hard to complete his work and stay in the classroom every day. He has made huge strides in his ability to sit through entire class periods without needing a break as well as managing his emotions. Mikesell is kind to peers, he’s responsible with his school work, and he’s respectful to his teachers, paras and other staff in the building while always bringing a smile and a joke! Mikesell goes out of his way to say hello to adults in the building. They concluded by saying, “When Gavin was gone due to quarantine, we definitely noticed his absence because we missed him stopping by our rooms to say hello. He has made huge growth with his social skills and it makes us so proud to see him succeed.” Mikesell is the son of Marie Harvey and Josh Mikesell and Shawna Steding.

Dareona Poe is the Senior High Student of the Month. Susan Keller nominated her. She said Poe attends classes and strives to accomplish her academic goals. She has been kind to students who are new to the building and do not have a lot of friends. Poe also stepped in and helped an underclassman who was struggling with behaviors. She took the time to say kind words and give the student advice that would help get her back to class. She offered the peer advice that the student needed to hear to get her back on track. Keller concluded by saying, “Dari helps out peers and models positive behaviors.” Poe is the daughter of Derome and Veronica Robertson.

Amber Rouse is the Employee of the Month. Lindey Krug nominated her. Krug shared that when she found out this summer that she needed surgery, Rouse volunteered to take care of her fall play duties so the students could still have this memorable experience. She said Rouse volunteered out of the kindness of her heart for her as a coworker and friend, and for her students so that they wouldn’t miss out. Krug said Rouse thought about the drama students at FDSH and rather than leaving them without a fall play, she stepped up to make sure that they would get to perform. Krug concluded by saying, “Amber did not have to do that, nor does she expect compensation. She did it because she puts kids first and didn’t want them to miss out on this experience or memory.”