Education director visits FDCSD | News, sports, jobs

McKenzie Snow, director of the Iowa Department of Education, visited three local schools Tuesday to get a firsthand look at the district’s educational programming and new initiatives to improve student learning and career readiness.

She began her visit at Fort Dodge Middle School, where she visited the health professions classroom. She then visited the trade room to learn more about the upcoming trade and production lessons. Once implemented, these classes provide students with practical skills in carpentry, furniture making and other trades, giving them hands-on experience.

The next stop was the family and consumer sciences class, where the students had prepared a snack and drink. The discussion there focused on practical skills in culinary arts, sewing and nutrition.

Snow then moved to Duncombe Elementary School, where students took her to first grade. There, classes were involved in the 95 Core curriculum, a foundational literacy program that focuses on essential reading skills. The students in the pod learned about closed syllable patterns.

-Submitted photo

McKenzie Snow, director of the Iowa Department of Education, visits students in the first grade at Duncombe Elementary on Tuesday. Snow attended three schools in the Fort Dodge Community School District.

The final stop of the day was at the Early Childhood Center, where Snow attended a session of the Kindergarten Professional Learning Community. These weekly meetings allow teachers to collaborate on best practices and strategies to support student learning.

State Sen. Tim Kraayenbrink, R-Fort Dodge, and state Rep. Ann Meyer, R-Fort Dodge, joined Snow for part of the tour.