McKenzie Snow, director of the Iowa Department of Education, visited three local schools Tuesday for a first-hand 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 medical occupations classroom. He then visited the craft room to learn about future trades and production classes. Once implemented, these classes will provide students with practical skills in carpentry, joinery and other trades, equipping them with hands-on experience.

Next stop was the family and consumer science 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 the students led her to first grade. There, classes were engaged in the 95 Core curriculum, a basic literacy skills program that focuses on essential reading skills. The students in the group were learning about closed syllable patterns.

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

The last stop of the day was at the Early Childhood Center, where Snow observed 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.