Celebrating CTE Month: Did You Know?
February has been Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, and we’re excited to highlight some of the amazing opportunities available to students across Bismarck Public Schools! CTE programs provide hands-on, real-world learning experiences that prepare students for future careers. Check out some of the exciting things happening year:
🔹 Early Exploration: Every 6th grader at BPS experiences two CTE activities at the Career Academy & Technical Center (CATC), and every 8th grader takes a tour to explore future CTE opportunities.
🔹 Expanding Access: This year, 157 non-BPS students from home schools, MPS, St. Mary’s, and Shiloh participated in our CTE classes.
🔹 Hands-On Learning Highlights:
Tech Engineering: High Schoolers work collaboratively with elementary students to test their creativity with duct tape boats, while others master woodturning through a community partnership with Dakota Woodturners.
Graphic Design: Students created a billboard design featured in the community.
Health Careers: Students earned Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certifications to kickstart careers in healthcare.
Aviation: Students are working towards a private pilot license through hands-on aviation training.
Construction Trades: Students applied their skills building houses in Bismarck!
Automotive: Capstone students visited 12 local auto shops for real-world industry experience.
Welding: Students toured the Theodore Roosevelt Library and the new train bridge construction site.
Athletic Training: Students gained field experience through athletic trainer shadows and game coverage.
Robotics: Our FTC Robotics teams continue to innovate and compete.
🔹 Career Readiness & Community Impact:
Over 250+ mock interviews and 100+ job shadow experiences!
The Empower[Ed] program supported student-driven, career-connected projects.
Horticulture students work with local greenhouses.
Tech interns applied their skills supporting BPS technology.
.....and More! BPS CTE is proud to provide students with hands-on, career-connected learning experiences that prepare them for success. Thank you to our students, educators, and community partners for making these opportunities possible!
Career Academy - Silver Ranch
Work on the Career Academy - Silver Ranch is on track, with the district expecting to welcome students in August. The facility is being constructed in two phases. Phase 1 will be finished for the 2025-2026 school year and will offer students programming in agriculture and construction trades. The ultimate vision for the facility is to bring multiple trades and skills together to collaborate on construction-based projects that model real-world working experiences.
Aviation
Last month, one of our Aviation Capstone students, Isaiah, had a chance to fly with Basin Electric.
Electronics
Students had a chance to visit the Telecom Training and Safety Conference a few weeks ago and participate in some hands-on stations.
Carpentry
Carpentry students built a 12x16 shed, handling everything from the permit process, to the foundation, framing, and siding.
Small Animal Care
Our small animal care class had some tiny visitors. This is a great class for those with an interest in veterinary science.
School Times Update
After planning out routes for students, the district has determined these finalized start/end times for our schools beginning in the 2025-2026 school year:
- Elementary: 7:50 AM - 2:20 PM
- Middle: 8:40 AM - 3:50 PM
- BHS and CHS: 8:30 AM - 3:38 PM
- LHS: 8:30 AM - 3:50 PM
The district continues to collaborate with childcare providers and community partners, such as BLAST and CREA, to make sure the needs of families are considered as we work towards this change. More information will be shared in the near future as we continue to prioritize a smooth transition for next school year.
ACT Testing and Registration
ACT testing is available on select Saturdays at certified testing locations. Testing Locations ND.
Early registration is recommended–ACT Registration Link.
Testing Dates:
- April 5, 2025
- Registration deadline of February 28
- Late registration (additional fee) through March 16
- June 14, 20205
- Registration deadline of May 9
- Late registration (additional fee) through May 26
- July 12, 2025
- Registration deadline of June 6
- Late registration through June 20
BPS will provide reimbursement for one test per student, to be used to cover the exam fee for either ACT or the WorkKeys.
Can only be used once starting with the class of 2026
Must pick one: ACT or WorkKeys
Does not cover late registration fees or writing
Bring/email your receipt and scores to a building secretary
Reimbursement check will be mailed out
Up to four fee waivers, free resources, and additional benefits
Visit with your school counselor to see if you qualify
Students will register for the ACT at the following link: ACT Registration or act.org
You will need a device with internet access, payment/voucher, photo, and high school code below
BHS- 350158 CHS-350159 LHS-350161 SCHS-350165
What about accommodations and English Learner Supports?
ACT does support approved accommodations and English Learner Supports.
These must be requested during registrations and sent to your school for additional documentation and submission before the late registration deadline.
These requests must match current IEP, 504, or EL ILP
Resources:
Quarter 2 Honor Roll
Congratulations to our Quarter 2 Honor Roll students! View the full list here: https://www.bismarckschools.org/post-details/~board/bismarck-public-schools-news/post/quarter-2-honor-roll
HMS Students Recognized at Capital
Some students from Horizon Middle School had their constitution projects displayed at the capital this month. The middle schoolers also got to tour the building and meet Governor Kelly Armstrong! Their projects were selected as the top student work from Horizon's Constitution Fair last month.
South Feeder Chess Tournament
Last week was the first annual South Feeder Chess Tournament. Around 50 students from South Bismarck met to go head-to-head and show off their impressive chess skills.
Congratulations to our top three finishers, and to all students who participated. The tournament made use of a Swiss pairing system, meaning that students continued to play even after a loss. A huge thank you to Todd Wolf for his work on this event!
Pioneer Pacesetters
Pioneer Elementary Pacesetters were quite active this past holiday season collecting hats, gloves, and socks for Ministry on the Margins! A representative visited the students recently to collect donations and talk about the work they do with individuals facing hardship in the Bismarck community.
The Pacesetters asked students and staff to donate new items and hang them on the tree in the entryway of the school. The 40-some students in the Pacesetters club then voted on who to give the items to. Pacesetters have also been active in the school helping with morning announcements, paper recycling, helping other students and staff, and gathering pictures and raising funds for the yearbook. Pacesetter advisors are Pam Baker and Anna Erhardt.
Joan Hall Named ESP of the Year Finalist
Each year, North Dakota United recognizes an outstanding Education Support Professional (ESP) for the impact they have in their school, community, and profession. This year, Joan Hall, an Instructional Aide from Myhre Elementary School, was selected as a finalist based on nominations that highlighted the difference she makes in students' lives. She is one of three finalists; in March, the final winner will be announced. Congratulations to Ms. Hall!
Teacher Spotlight Program
A few years ago, a new teacher recognition program was rolled out at Bismarck Public Schools in partnership with Active Life Chiropractic and several community donors. Given the continued popularity of this program, we're pleased to announce that it has returned this fall.
Students district-wide have an opportunity to nominate their favorite teachers to be recognized. The winning teachers will be surprised with a generous basket of items and gift cards donated by local businesses, with a special emphasis on self-care.
BPS would like to thank Active Life Chiropractic for spearheading this program, along with the many other community sponsors who have helped make it a reality.
Use the button below to nominate an educator you'd like to see recognized!
BPS Board
Information about the School Board, including agendas and a meeting schedule, may be viewed at the Bismarck Public Schools website.
Friday Flier
Every two weeks, BPS sends out a newsletter created in collaboration with community organizations. The purpose is to share things going on in the community that may be of interest to district families. You can view the most recent publication here. You can view our submission guidelines and share something with us here.
Bus Reminder: Students Not Riding
If your student doesn't plan to ride the bus on a given day, a notification is greatly appreciated and ensures service continues for your family. When a BPS rider doesn't ride for two consecutive days without notice, the bus will not stop again until the parent/guardian calls and requests busing be started again. When a Harlow's rider does not ride for five consecutive days without notice, bus service will be discontinued until a parent/guardian requests it is restarted.
There are several convenient options to provide notice for a non-riding student and ensure your bus service continues uninterrupted. Sharing your student's name and bus number when giving notice is extremely helpful.
BPS Buses (1 - 38):
- Call 701.323.4500
- Text 701.299.7967
- Email bpstransportation@bismarckschools.org
Harlow's Buses (40 - 93):
- Call 701.222.0222
- Text 701.354.2625
Now Hiring
BPS is hiring:
- Bus Drivers
- Bus Monitors
- Counselors
- Custodians
- Speech language Pathologists
- Substitute Teachers
For a comprehensive view of all listings, click here.
There is a great need for bus drivers at BPS. Individuals without a CDL are still encouraged to apply, as training opportunities may be available for qualified individuals.
