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

She began her visit at the Fort Dodge Middle School, where she visited the health occupations classroom. Then she visited the trades classroom to learn about the upcoming trades and manufacturing classes. Once implemented, these classes will offer students practical skills in carpentry, cabinet-making, and other trades, equipping them with 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 real-world skills in culinary arts, sewing and nutrition.

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

-Submitted photo
McKenzie Snow, director of the Iowa Department of Education, visits with students in the first grade pod at Duncombe Elementary on Tuesday. Snow visited three schools in the Fort Dodge Community School District.

The final stop of the day was at the Early Childhood Center, where Snow observed a Kindergarten Professional Learning Community session. 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.