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FDCSD names December Students and Employee of the Month

The Fort Dodge Community School District has named its Students and Employee of the Month for December. This program recognizes one elementary, one middle school and one high school student, and one staff member monthly for exceeding expectations.

Elfre Merida-Cano is the Elementary Student of the Month. Jen Cordle and Carmen Banwart nominated Merida-Cano. They shared that he has made accelerated progress both academically and behaviorally. He has made steady growth due to his perseverance and determination to reach a goal. He works hard each day and is excited to learn. Merida-Cano does an excellent job modeling the 7 Habits of Leader in Me for his classmates. He is always willing to help others and is respectful of those in his class. He knows that the students need to synergize in order to complete tasks and he demonstrates leadership skills to help his classmates accomplish this goal. His positive energy radiates throughout the school making everyone want to be his friend. “In the past Elfre sometimes struggled to demonstrate the core beliefs of the school,” they said, “however this year he models leadership, empathy, respect and integrity. He is a true leader in and out of the classroom and is a joy to have at the ECC.”

He is the son of Elfre Rodolfo Merida and Sandra Cano Videz.

Kinsley Nelson is the Middle School Student of the Month. The 6 Gold Team of Julia Hatcher, Hannah O’Leary, Zach Steinhoff, Kennedy Campbell, Connor McLeod and Terry Madden nominated Nelson. They shared that Nelson always turns her work in on time and she cares about how she does. She stays focused on her work and gives her best effort every day. She models great leadership through her interactions with other students and participation in class. Nelson is respectful and helpful to both her peers and teachers. She helps her classmates be successful and volunteers to stay after school to assist teachers with whatever they need. “Kinsley exemplifies all of the 7 Habits with a smile on her face,” the teachers said. “She is a positive influence and a wonderful student leader.” She is the daughter of Chris and Mallory Nelson.

Victor Robles Turcious is the Senior High Student of the Month. Andi Adams nominated Robles Turcious. She said Robles Turcious works hard in class and always makes sure he gets his assignments turned in on time. He takes full advantage of the educational tools and resources available to him. As a student whose primary language is Spanish, Robles Turcious helps the other Spanish-speaking students in his class. He offers unique and unexpected perspectives in table and class discussions. “Victor is a kind and hardworking student who is thriving as a result of being an advocate for himself and his fellow students,” Adams said. “I am impressed by Victor’s courage and tenacity with not only trying to learn in another language, but to also succeed and do well as a result of his pride and work ethic.” He is the son of Walter Marroquin and Tania Turcious.

Jon Koenig is the Employee of the Month. Ben Schnurr nominated Koenig. He shared that Koenig has put a tremendous amount of time, energy and effort into starting the girls wrestling program. His doing this serves as a great example of perseverance and dedication for the girls on the team. Schnurr indicated Koenig has done this while being in a new position teaching physical education at the Early Childhood Center, and also finding time to help him with questions about his previous position, which Schnurr now holds. Koenig models good character, kindness and leadership for students and staff alike. Schnurr concluded, “I have heard and seen nothing but outstanding leadership and teaching of the young minds at the ECC from Jon.”

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