Ellen Ennis is the Elementary Student of the Month. Hilary Ronnfeldt nominated Ennis.

She shared that Ennis takes risks and inspires others academically. After noticing her free reading book aligned to classroom learning, Ennis and another student asked to create a poster about it and then presented it to the class. Now other students are wanting to create and share posters.

She also engages in learning by sharing her thinking and is always looking for different ways to help others extend their thinking. Ennis is thoughtful and kind and is always checking in on others. She models positive behaviors and is a great leader in the classroom.

“Ellen is kind, caring, smart, creative, thoughtful, respectful, inspiring, helpful, and always looking where she can add more value to the things that we are doing,” said Ronnfeldt. “If you’re looking for someone who exemplifies everything we stand for as a district, Ellen fits all of those things.”

She is the daughter of Jeremiah and Mindy Ennis.

Michael Gonzalez is the Middle School Student of the Month. The 7 Down team of Aaron Miller, Rachel DeBoer, Katie Moser, Breah Hansen, Tina Gerdes and Jeff Hatcher nominated Gonzalez. They shared that Gonzalez is always on task. When he misses school or class due to extracurricular activities, he is sure to make up his work and ask any necessary follow up questions. Gonzalez even goes in during lunch to work on classroom assignments to stay ahead of the curve with future events. He will continuously ask questions to better understand a concept or idea. Gonzalez is a kind individual. He routinely invites others without a group to work with him or his group. Gonzalez consistently follows expectations within the pod, hallway, and classroom.

His nominators concluded, “Michael assists others and is an awesome example of how far students can go together through a collaborative effort, which he promotes and embodies.”

He is the son of Martin and Nicole Cortes.

Desiree Jones is the Senior High Student of the Month. Tom McClimon nominated Jones. He said Jones is an awesome student to have in class. She is willing to help out the teacher and anyone sitting around her. She is always on task and works hard. Jones is respectful, helpful, and courageous.

“Desiree is an all-around awesome kid with a bright future,” said McClimon. “She brings everyone around her up. Fort Dodge is blessed to have her as a student.”

She is the daughter of Shinnette Jones.

Joni Olson is the Employee of the Month. Jen Cordle nominated Olson. Cordle shared that Olson has been a strong instructional leader for the new teachers on her team. She indicated Olson has given countless hours of her own time to revise and create engaging lessons that align with the kindergarten curriculum.

In addition to supporting her coworkers, Olson has done an amazing job supporting the learners in her classroom. With several English language learners in her room, Olson has learned important Spanish terms to help meet their needs and has hosted 5 Minute Fiestas to help all teachers better understand the needs of EL learners, noting that the ideas shared benefit all learners.

She’s also made family connections a priority to help all learners in her classroom be successful. She models kindness and leadership in all she does.

“Joni’s students have made steady growth in meeting the kindergarten standards because she makes instructional decisions based on their needs. Her dedication to the academic and social-emotional growth and success of all learners is a positive example for how everyone at the ECC can best support our learners,” said Cordle.