BPS Community Newsletter
12/23/2025
Facilities Planning Update
This fall, we hosted several community forums around the district to address needs in our various schools and facilities. Community members were also invited to review planning documents and share feedback through an online survey. This process of community input has been an essential part of updating our Long-Range Facilities Plan, an important strategy document that informs decisions about deferred maintenance, building updates, and more.
To see updated planning information, including an Enrollment Analysis, Needs Assessment, and Updated Long-Range Facilities Plan Draft, please visit: www.bismarckschools.org/facilities
Thank you to everyone who participated in our community forums, and to those who took the time to complete our survey about facility needs. Your input is instrumental in guiding district decisions.
Bismarck Public Schools Receives Grant from Pilot
The One9 travel center in Bismarck, North Dakota, is ready for travelers to experience its new curb-to-counter remodel, featuring a fresh look and enhanced amenities. To celebrate this location’s completion, Pilot is donating a total of $10,000 to Bismarck Public Schools and Mandan Public Schools.
BPS will use these funds to support Career and Technical Education. Pat Phillips, Director of Career and Technical Education, said, "We’re deeply grateful to Pilot for their generous support of our Career and Technical Education programs. This investment strengthens our mission to empower every learner to thrive and reflects a shared commitment to innovative, real-world learning that prepares students for success in both college and career. These funds will help provide a middle school career exploration experience, opening doors for students to discover interests, skills, and future career possibilities at an earlier age."
“We are proud to serve the Bismarck community with our upgraded travel center,” said Sam Edgmon, vice president of operations business development at Pilot. “Whether you’re fueling up on your daily commute or passing through and need a place to refuel, refresh and recharge, we look forward to helping you make the most of every mile.”
ND Insights
The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction has released updated 2024–2025 school district performance data for BPS on NDInsights.
BPS has outperformed state averages in several key areas of student achievement. We are proud of the progress our students and staff continue to make across Bismarck Public Schools.
Highlights include:
- 87% four-year graduation rate, exceeding the statewide rate of 84%
- Academic performance above the North Dakota average in most tested areas
- 94% attendance rate, above the statewide rate of 93%
- Continued growth in measures of college, career, or military readiness
Each year, the state identifies schools in need of additional support. No BPS schools were identified for Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI).
Thank you for your partnership in supporting student learning! Explore district and school-level results: https://insights.nd.gov/
Bell Times and Transportation
Bismarck Public Schools continues to assess the efficiency and impact of the new two-tier transportation system and bell times. In November, 2025, BPS shared a survey with all parents and staff members to collect feedback and help guide future decisions.
See the survey results for additional information:
Reminder: PowerSchool to be Phased Out for New Student Information System
We want to remind you of an upcoming change to how we manage and access student information, such as attendance and grades, that will go into effect for the 2026-2027 school year. The ND Department of Public Instruction will require all ND public schools to transition from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus as the new student information system (SIS).
Some timelines for registration (including transportation registration) and other processes will change as a result of this transition period. More information will be shared in the coming weeks and months. We thank you for your partnership as we take this opportunity to elevate our processes. Please visit DPI's website for more state-level information: https://www.nd.gov/dpi/data/bridge
Save the Date: Kindergarten Registration
CHS Hockey Team Gives Gifts to Sanford Pediatric Unit
A cherished annual tradition going on four years now, the hockey team at Century High School collected gifts to share with children in the Sanford Pediatric Unit, bringing some much-needed holiday cheer to young people facing health challenges during the holiday season. Great job, boys!
BHS Affordable Holiday Store
Through donated items, Bismarck High School was able to set up a holiday store where students could find gifts. This time of year can be stressful for some students who want to give a gift to a sibling, parent, or grandparent, but may struggle with the cost. This store provided another meaningful option and allowed our students to experience the joy of giving during the holidays.
Silver Ranch Student Council Supports Open Your Heart Campaign
Parents, families, students, and community members showed their generosity at Silver Ranch Elementary School in support of the American Legion's Open Your Heart Campaign, which collects donated food to distribute to needy families in the holiday season.
Highland Acres Assembly
Highland Acres Elementary held its December HAWKS Happenings Assembly. Students were recognized as “Superheroes of the Month” for demonstrating the December life skill of compassion. Students also enjoyed a special performance by the Century High School Choir, who visited the school to sing for students.
Rita Murphy Gave Back to Bus Drivers
Rita Murphy Elementary's Bulldog Boosters and Student Council helped arrange for bus drivers to enjoy donuts as a special treat at one of their meetings. Assistant Principal Julie Ward said, "We are big believers in letting people know we appreciate them and are grateful for what they do!"
Central Office Holiday Meal
This year, Cabinet-level leadership at BPS continued their annual tradition of sponsoring a holiday meal for central office staff. Superintendent Dr. Fastnacht was seen answering calls and helping out with registrations so our front office staff could enjoy the meal together while ensuring help was still available for patrons.
Governor Armstrong Visited Pioneer
A huge thank you to Governor Kelly Armstrong for stopping by to visit fourth-grade students at Pioneer Elementary School earlier this week! The students recently wrapped up a lesson about government, so he stopped by for a surprise question-and-answer session!
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!
Ryan Silbernagel
BHS Math Teacher Ryan Silbernagel had many great nominations -- here are just a few of them:
"I think he deserves this award because he is a light across the entire school, especially the third floor. I had him as a teacher last year, which showed me what class could look like... It isn't that he is just a great teacher either though. He is a great person. I have seen him all over the school, constantly chatting with students, or throwing a bouncy ball for students to catch in the hall— which has never failed to put a smile on students faces. He is an overall amazing person and teacher. He deserves this.”
“He is a very fun teacher to be around, he interacts with students in ways to make it fun. He has a great sense of humor and plays lots of games with us.”
“Makes the class so fun very cheerful and awesome to hang out with.”
Eliza Bullock
Centennial Grade 5 Teacher Mrs. Bullock's student nominations really demonstrate how much she supports her students:
"She is nice and funny and almost always makes us laugh she is a good teacher to I learned lots."
"Mrs. Bullock has shown extraordinary compassion and care. She not only recognized our daughter’s emotional struggles but took it upon herself to be a constant source of encouragement. She regularly writes her heartfelt notes filled with prayers and positive words, reminding my daughter that she is not alone."
"Her unwavering support beyond the classroom and thoughtfulness are making a lasting impact on my daughter’s life. In moments when the world feels unbearably heavy for her, Mrs. Bullock’s words and gestures offer a reason to hold on."
"Cause she deserves this because she has to tell the students lots of things to get ready for middle school."
Central Office Holiday Hours
- December 24: Building closes at noon
- December 25: Building closed
- December 26: Building closed
- December 29: Normal hours
- December 30: Normal hours
- December 31: Building closed
- January 1: Building closed
- January 2: Building closed
- January 5: Normal hours
BPS Board
Information about the School Board, including agendas and a meeting schedule, may be viewed at the Bismarck Public Schools website.
BPS Strategic Plan
In case you missed it, the Bismarck School Board officially approved the 2025-2030 BPS Strategic Plan at the end of the last school year. This plan was the culmination of several months of collaborative work by district leaders and the school board, excellence committees, teachers, students, parents, and community members. The full plan can be viewed here: www.bismarckschools.org/strategicplan
The BPS Strategic Plan is designed to serve as a living, active framework that guides decision-making, resource allocation, and our shared pursuit of excellence over the next five years. It is structured to be flexible and adaptive, with a clear commitment to monitoring progress and adjusting as needed.
We invite all community members to review the plan and learn how the district will support and empower our learners to thrive over the next five years.
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 for multiple positions. 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.
