‘Opportunities to grow’
Fort Dodge begins new school year with new teachers, initiatives
-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla <br> Chloe Black, 17, of Fort Dodge, left, and Emily Hauswith, 15, chat with Matt Elsbecker during the first day of school at Fort Dodge Senior High on Wednesday.
-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla <br> Wendy Daniel-Wisman, of Fort Dodge, leads Juan Delrio, 11, and the rest of her seventh grade class down the hall to the computer lab on Wednesday at Fort Dodge Middle School.
-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla <br>Gage Williams, 14, of Fort Dodge, walks into Fort Dodge Senior High for the first day of school on Wednesday,
-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla <br>From left, Daniel Carrillo, 12, Korbin Berube, 12, Josh Peltz, and Aiden Hull, 14, eat breakfast before school in the Fort Dodge Middle school cafeteria on Wednesday.
-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla <br>Lily Mead, 17, of Fort Dodge, left, and Michael Steven, 16, of Fort Dodge, attend their first day of school at Fort Dodge Senior High on Wednesday.
-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla <br>Damian Hanrahan, 18, of Fort Dodge, and Adrianna Temple, 18, of Fort Dodge, chat in front of Fort Dodge Senior High school before the doors open on Wednesday.
-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla <br> Chloe Black, 17, of Fort Dodge, left, and Emily Hauswith, 15, chat with Matt Elsbecker during the first day of school at Fort Dodge Senior High on Wednesday.
-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla <br> Wendy Daniel-Wisman, of Fort Dodge, leads Juan Delrio, 11, and the rest of her seventh grade class down the hall to the computer lab on Wednesday at Fort Dodge Middle School.
-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla <br>Gage Williams, 14, of Fort Dodge, walks into Fort Dodge Senior High for the first day of school on Wednesday,
-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla <br>From left, Daniel Carrillo, 12, Korbin Berube, 12, Josh Peltz, and Aiden Hull, 14, eat breakfast before school in the Fort Dodge Middle school cafeteria on Wednesday.
-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla <br>Lily Mead, 17, of Fort Dodge, left, and Michael Steven, 16, of Fort Dodge, attend their first day of school at Fort Dodge Senior High on Wednesday.
-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla <br>Damian Hanrahan, 18, of Fort Dodge, and Adrianna Temple, 18, of Fort Dodge, chat in front of Fort Dodge Senior High school before the doors open on Wednesday.
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Dodger Nation is back in session as more than 3,500 students walked back into the classroom Wednesday to begin the 2024-2025 school year.
"We are incredibly excited for the new school year to begin," said Fort Dodge Community School District (FDCSD) Superintendent Josh Porter. "Every year brings fresh opportunities to grow, learn, and make a difference in the lives of our students. As a district, we look forward to seeing our students and staff thrive."
"I'm so excited for the start of the school year," added Erica Conley, third grade teacher at Duncombe Elementary School, who is in her 15th year of teaching. "I can't wait to see my 22 third graders. I can't wait to get to know them and learn with them."
For the 2024-2025 school year, FDCSD is launching multiple new initiatives district-wide to strengthen students base learning as well as social skills.
"Our 95 Core program is set to strengthen foundational skills in reading, ensuring all students have the tools they need to succeed," said Porter. "Additionally, our Wit and Wisdom curriculum will enhance students' knowledge and critical thinking, while our Character Strong initiative will focus on building social-emotional skills. These programs align perfectly with our vision of making sure that everyone matters, everyone belongs, and everyone thrives in our district."
Another added initiative in the district is that every student now has the opportunity to receive a free breakfast and lunch during the school day.
"This ensures that students are well-nourished and ready to learn," said Porter.
Twenty-eight new teachers also joined the classroom roster in the district this week..
"Each of them brings unique skills and experiences that will enrich our schools and help us continue to provide a high-quality education for all our students," said Porter.
While K-12 started school on Wednesday, the first day of preschool will be on Sept. 4.
"Getting back into a routine is hard, but exciting," said Jill Rasmussen, a fourth grade teacher at Cooper Elementary School in her 10th year of teaching. "I've only had my students for one day, but I can't wait to keep building our positive classroom culture. I can already tell I have a classroom full of students that are eager to learn, lead, and succeed this year."