Horizon Middle School

November 10th - PAC Meeting

November 11th - Veterans Day No School

November 17th - 8th Grade Band "The Music in Us" at 6:00PM Horizon Gymnasium.

November 17th - 7th grade band will be presenting their concert "Music in Our Community" alongside the Missouri River Winds Community Band at 7:30pm in the Horizon Gymnasium.

November 26th and 27th - Thanksgiving Break

Per the 2026–2027 Student Handbook, Restaurant and fast-food deliveries will not be accepted, and students may not order food to be delivered to school. We also ask families to refrain from dropping off outside food for students during the school day.

Students may bring a cold lunch from home or choose from the school’s lunch options. Students who leave the building during lunchtime should eat before returning to school. Outside food is not permitted in the cafeteria or classrooms. Specialty drinks, such as lattes and iced beverages, are also not allowed.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and consistent school environment by following these guidelines!

Soul57 is partnering with Horizon Middle School to provide safe community for kids who are similar in age to gather and discuss their experiences relating to the losses of a parent, sibling, friend, or primary caregiver. Along with the facilitation of a licensed professional, kids can explore their tangle of emotions, as well as other topics and issues that influence their day-to-day life through an activity-based group. Soul57 is offers a wide variety of services and programs to help address grief and loss within the community. If you believe your child could benefit from this group at school, please reach out to your grade level social worker to get more information.

Tara Renner – 6th Grade & 8th Dream: tara_renner@bismarckschools.org

Jen Duletski – 7th Grade & 8th Phoenix: jen_duletski@bismarckschools.org

More information regarding Soul 57’s community services and programs can be found at www.soul57.org

Horizon's Fall dance will feature music, games, a photo booth, and other activities.

The 6th-grade dance will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.

The 7th and 8th-grade dance will be held from 8:00 to 9:30 pm.

The cost to attend the dance is $5. Tickets must be purchased in advance and will be available at the front of the school the week of the dance.

We would like to share some important updates regarding the Giving Tree this year:

• Each Horizon student who is signed up by their parent/guardian will receive two $25 gift cards.

• Please note: Gift cards will not be provided for adults or students who are not a Horizon student this year.

We appreciate your understanding as we make these adjustments. Thank you for your continued support in helping us provide for our students during this season.

Forms are due November 13th.

Walmart and Target gift card donations are due December 4th.

Cards will be distributed to families week of December 7th.

Select this link to fill out the Holiday Giving Tree

Please reach out to your grade level social worker to get more information or questions.

Tara Renner – 6th Grade & 8th Dream: tara_renner@bismarckschools.org

Jen Duletski – 7th Grade & 8th Phoenix: jen_duletski@bismarckschools.org

We are excited to kick off another great school year! To help keep our students energized and ready to learn, we are asking for snack donations. Individually packaged, nut-free snacks are especially appreciated and will be shared with classrooms and students as needed throughout the day.

Some ideas include:

• Granola bars
• Goldfish or crackers
• Pretzels
• Fruit snacks
• Applesauce pouches

If you’d like to donate, please drop items off in the school office during school hours. Your support makes a big difference and helps us ensure every student is fueled for success.

Thank you for your generosity and continued partnership!

💚🐾 Go Huskies!

November is full of music, and we are excited to share what our talented band students have been working on!

🎵 November 17th at 6:00 PM – Join our 8th Grade Band as they present “The Music in Us” in the Horizon Gymnasium!

🎵 November 17th at 7:30 PM – Our 7th Grade Band will join forces with the Bismarck/Mandan Community Band for a special performance titled “Music in Our Community” in the Horizon Gymnasium. You won't want to miss this exciting collaboration!

🎺 Junior High All-State Auditions: Students auditioning for Junior High All-State Band must have their auditions recorded by December 1st. Please visit with Mrs. Halverson or Mrs. Houle for more information.

Looking Ahead: Our 6th Grade Band concerts are coming up on December 3rd! Stay tuned for more details as we prepare to celebrate the season with music.

Thank you for supporting our young musicians. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming performances!

Jazz Band and Show Choir will perform various holiday tunes on December 4th at 7:00pm in the Horizon Cafetorium.

There is still time to turn in your PAC Raffle tickets! We are only $400 away from reaching this year's goal! Every ticket makes a difference, and we appreciate your support in helping us get there!

We will continue accepting sold and unsold tickets through the morning of Monday, November 2nd. Please make sure all remaining tickets are turned in to the HMS front office by then.

The raffle drawing will also be held on Monday, November 2nd, in the morning!

Thank you for supporting our PAC!

What we do:

• Work as a team with the HMS staff and enhance student experiences
• Organize and manage fundraising opportunities (check out the fundraiser link for info)
• Provide food for Staff Appreciation Snack Days
• Provide staff meals during parent/teacher conferences
• Help fulfill staff wish lists from funds raised which include new technology, needs within the fine arts, Phy Ed equipment, and many other items
• Fund the purchase of PBIS prizes (rewards for students to promote and reward good behavior)
• Organize and assist in funding the 8th grade farewell

Share your ideas or learn more at our monthly meetings. ALL Horizon parents/guardians are welcome and encouraged to attend!

The meetings will be the second Tuesday of every month at 12:00 at HMS during the school year.
If you have any questions, please contact the President Brittani Reim.

horizonpac678@gmail.com

Next months meeting is December 8, 2026.

To view the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) past and most current agenda and meeting minutes, please visit the links below:

• PAC Agendas: https://horizon.bismarckschools.org/pac/parent-advisory-committee/agendas

• PAC Meeting Minutes: https://horizon.bismarckschools.org/pac/parent-advisory-committee/minutes

Stay connected with what's happening at Horizon! Each team has its own website and newsletter to help keep families informed about classroom updates, upcoming events, important reminders, and more.

Fluctuating Friendships in Middle School: How Parents Can Help

Middle school is a time of growth, discovery, and increasing independence. It is also a time when friendships can change quickly. One day, a child may feel included and happy; the next, they may feel left out, confused, or hurt. Friend groups shift, disagreements happen, and once-close friends may grow apart.

These changes can be difficult for parents to watch. While it is natural to want to fix the problem, middle school is an important time for children to learn how to build healthy relationships, manage conflict, set boundaries, and recognize when a friendship is no longer working.

With patience, open communication, and guidance, parents can help children navigate these challenges and develop skills for lasting, healthy relationships.

Why Do Friendships Change in Middle School?

Middle school students are developing their identities, exploring interests, and figuring out where they belong. Peer approval becomes increasingly important, making friendships feel intense. A disagreement or a friend spending time with someone else can feel like rejection.

Children are still learning to communicate feelings, handle conflict, and recognize healthy relationships. Friendship changes are often a normal part of growing up, and not every disagreement is a serious problem. However, repeated exclusion, manipulation, disrespect, or pressure to do something uncomfortable should not be ignored.

The goal is not to prevent every friendship struggle but to help children respond in healthy ways.

1. Help Children Recognize Healthy Friendships

Children may focus on being included or accepted, sometimes overlooking warning signs to maintain a friendship. Parents can help by discussing what makes someone a good friend.

Create a friendship wish list together. Ask your child what qualities they value in a friend. Healthy friendships often include:

• Trustworthiness, honesty, kindness, and respect
• Mutual support and encouragement
• The ability to disagree without being cruel
• Respect for personal boundaries
• Room for other friendships and interests
• Freedom to be yourself without fear of judgment

Also discuss friendship red flags, such as repeated put-downs, threats, sharing private information, intentional exclusion, or pressure to break rules or compromise personal values.

Help your child understand the difference between an occasional mistake and a repeated pattern of hurtful behavior. Healthy friendships allow room for apologies and growth, but ongoing disrespect should not be excused just to fit in.

Remind your child that being included is not the same as being valued. Good friends should help them feel safe, respected, and accepted.

2. Teach Children How to Handle Difficult Friendships

Even healthy friendships experience disagreements, hurt feelings, and periods of distance. Children can learn to communicate calmly and set boundaries by practicing phrases such as, “I didn't like it when you said that,” or “I'm not comfortable doing that.”

Help your child consider different ways to respond when a friendship becomes difficult:

• Talk privately with the friend about the problem.
• Set a clear boundary and explain what needs to change.
• Take a break from the friendship.
• Spend time with other friends or explore new activities.
• Ask a trusted adult for help with bullying, intimidation, or ongoing emotional harm.

Remind children that they can care about someone while recognizing that a friendship is no longer healthy. Sometimes, friendships simply fade as interests and priorities change. Not every ending requires confrontation or blame.

Families can also establish a code word or text message a child can use when they need help leaving an uncomfortable situation. A parent can then step in and provide a face-saving way out of peer pressure.

Friendships can have a beginning, a middle, and an end. Each relationship offers opportunities to learn about ourselves, others, and what we value.

3. Establish Clear and Consistent Boundaries

Middle school students naturally want more independence, but they are still developing the judgment needed to manage every social situation. Parents remain important in setting expectations and providing structure.

Discuss rules for curfews, transportation, social gatherings, online communication, and supervision. Know where your child will be, who they will be with, how long they will be there, and which adults will be present.

Explain the reasons behind your expectations and listen to your child's perspective. Listening does not mean every rule must be negotiable. Consistency helps children understand what is expected, while explaining exceptions prevents confusion.

Whenever possible, meet your child's friends and connect with their parents or caregivers.

Most importantly, keep communication open. Children should feel safe telling you about uncomfortable experiences or mistakes without fearing humiliation or an extreme reaction. Accountability matters, but children are more likely to seek help when they know they will be heard.

4. Strengthen Self-Esteem and Self-Worth

Children who understand their own worth are better equipped to resist peer pressure, recognize unhealthy relationships, and make choices that reflect their values.

Middle school students may base their confidence on popularity, invitations, or who sits with them at lunch. Parents can help build a more stable sense of self-worth by recognizing their child's character, interests, and individual strengths.

Practical ways to help include:

• Recognize who your child is. Celebrate kindness, humor, creativity, curiosity, and courage—not just accomplishments.
• Encourage interests outside their social circle. Sports, music, art, clubs, and volunteering can build confidence and create opportunities for new friendships.
• Model healthy boundaries. Show that caring about others does not mean agreeing to everything or tolerating mistreatment.
• Celebrate independent thinking. Praise choices that reflect your child's values, even when those choices are unpopular.
• Challenge negative beliefs. If your child says, “Nobody likes me,” listen first, then help them consider other perspectives.
• Emphasize that popularity does not determine worth. A few trustworthy friends can be more meaningful than a large group where a child feels unaccepted.

Remind your child that they do not need to change who they are to earn friendship. Healthy relationships allow room for individuality, differences, and growth.

When Should Parents Step In?

Not every disagreement requires adult involvement. Allowing children to work through manageable conflicts helps them develop problem-solving skills.

However, parents should take concerns seriously when there is repeated humiliation, intentional exclusion, threats, coercion, harassment, or pressure to engage in unsafe behavior. Changes in mood, sleep, appetite, school attendance, or participation in activities may also signal that a friendship is affecting a child's well-being.

Start by listening without immediately criticizing the friend or trying to fix everything. Ask questions such as:

• “How did that make you feel?”
• “Has this happened before?”
• “What would you like to happen next?”

These questions help children reflect and identify possible solutions. When bullying, threats, or safety concerns arise, contact the school, communicate with other caregivers as appropriate, or seek additional support.

The goal is to balance independence with protection, helping children build their own skills while ensuring they never have to manage serious harm alone.

The Bigger Picture: Friendships Are Part of Growing Up

Parents cannot guarantee that every friendship will last or that their children will always feel included. They can, however, provide guidance, consistent boundaries, encouragement, and unconditional support.

Friendship challenges teach children about respect, communication, compromise, and knowing when to walk away. These lessons take time, and children may need several conversations before they are ready to make a change.

Rather than expecting them to handle every situation perfectly, help them reflect, learn, and try again. Remind them that healthy relationships should never require them to abandon their values or sacrifice their self-respect.

The goal is not to help children keep every friend. It is to help them build healthy relationships, recognize when a friendship is no longer right for them, and trust that they will be okay—even when a friendship changes or ends.

Art Club is starting Wednesday, October 14! Students will meet Wednesdays from 3:40–4:30 p.m. in Ms. Dornfeld’s Room 132. Art Club meets October, November, and January–April.

Advisors are Leigh Dornfeld and Ashley Eide.

Players of all experience levels are welcome! Whether you are an experienced chess player or have never played before, we would love to have you join us. We will teach you how to play if you don’t already know how!

Meeting Dates: Fridays, beginning October 2
Time: 8:00–8:30 a.m.
Location: Room 221 – Synergy Team

Chess Club Advisor:
Laura Devine

Horizon Congress/Debate/Speech

BPS 2026-27 DEBATE

Debate is middle/high school competition that is held regionally, and at a state and national level. 6th graders can participate in the practices but cannot compete until in 7th grade. Starting in 9th grade, students could compete for the national tournament. Practices have 2 times each week at Horizon Middle School and 2 practices weekly at Century High School starting October 1st until early February. The season has two different topics (one for November/December and another for January/February).

There are two categories of debate. Public Forum debate is a two-person team debate while Lincoln Douglas debate is an individual activity. You will learn how to research, evaluate sources, structure arguments, improve speaking skills and to think on your feet. It is a great activity for anyone who wants to improve their skills in speaking, writing and research that are critical to success in school now, high school, college and jobs-no matter what area of work you want to do.

Practices: It is good to attend twice a week until cases are written; however, it is not required. Students can start at any time. Students can start with either topic. And students do not have to compete at every tournament. The more tournaments tend to provide the best feedback and improvement in skill, but even one tournament can help a student learn.

November
14 - Fargo North Debate
21 - TBD
December
5 – Grand Forks Crosstown Debate - GF Red River
12 – Fargo South HS
19 – NSDA Shanley (high school students only)
January
19 - Fargo Davies Debate - Fargo Davies
16 – Bismarck Century
23 - Horace
30 – NDHSAA competition to qualify for State – Fargo Davies
February
6–NDHSAA State Debate -Davies High School - Fargo

Coach Jannelle Combs (jannelle_combs@bismarckschools.org) and cell is (701) 306-0039

Are you interested in exploring different cultures, celebrating diversity, making new friends, and helping make our school community even more inclusive? Then come join the Diversity Club!

In Diversity Club, students will explore fascinating cultures from around the world through fun activities, presentations from community members, and FOOD! We’ll host monthly events where students can experience vibrant music, cultural traditions, beautiful art and clothing, and delicious foods from different countries and cultures.

If you are interested, please join us!

Meeting Information:
Thursdays 3:30–4:30 PM Occasional evening events in room Room 102
Starts Thursday, September 24, 2026

Advisors: Mrs. Zaun and Mrs. Curzio

Horizon Middle School offers two musical productions each school year:

• 6th Grade Fall Musical – September–October
• Combined 7th & 8th Grade Spring Musical – December–March/Early April

Advisors; Connie Stordalen & Erik Stordalen in the Choir Room

Meeting Days & Times

During production seasons, rehearsals are generally held Monday–Friday from 3:45–5:00 p.m. Rehearsal days and times may vary depending on the production schedule.

When Does Drama Start?

The start of the program depends on the student's grade level:

6th Grade: The fall musical begins in September, with rehearsals taking place throughout September and October.

7th & 8th Grade: The spring musical process begins in December with auditions. Rehearsals begin in January, with the production typically taking place in March or early April.

Students should listen for school announcements for information about auditions, registration, and starting dates.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is a safe and welcoming space for students to grow in their faith, build friendships, and connect with other students before school.

FCA is led by Mr. Humann, Mr. Boles, and Mrs. Young, who work together to provide students with opportunities for fellowship, faith, and encouragement throughout the school year.

Meeting Information:
📅 Fridays
⏰ 8:00 AM
📍 Mr. Kadrmas’ Room - T3

FCA meetings have already begun and will continue through the end of the school year. Students are welcome to join us!

FFA- FFA stands for Future Farmers of America. But FFA is not just for students who want to be farmers; FFA also welcomes members who aspire to careers as teachers, doctors, scientists, business owners and more. Students who are enrolled in Exploring Agriculture can attend Meetings. We meet the second Tuesday of every month at 4:15pm.

Advisor: Mrs. Schmoker and Mr. MacDonald

To get involved see Mrs. Sorch in room 145

This is what is on the Clubs and Committee in the VHB;

2nd Tuesday of every month, 4:15pm at the Silver Ranch Career Academy (5402 Noble Drive) Room 103

Additional Details Coming Soon

This club is for anyone interested in researching, interviewing, and/or writing articles and designing our online school newspaper, On the Horizon. You will also have the opportunity to check out cameras and take pictures during school and at school events for the yearbook as well as create posters to advertise for the yearbook and pass them out in the spring.

Advisor: Mrs. Matties

We will meet every Monday starting mid-September-mid April after school in Room 262 in the Dream Team area from 3:30-4:20

More information will be in the morning announcements and on the monitors located around the school..

https://sites.google.com/bismarckschools.org/onthehorizon64/home

What is MathCounts? MathCounts is a national program aimed at helping students strengthen their critical thinking and mathematical abilities through engaging, team-based activities and competitions. The program includes both individual and collaborative challenges, encouraging students to tackle complex math problems while developing teamwork skills. It culminates in exciting competitions at various levels, from school-wide to national.

First Meeting: October 14th

Where: Mr. Geck’s Room - Team Odyssey
When: Wednesdays After School (Twice a month)
Advisor: Ms. Annmarie DeCoteau

Science Olympiad is a competition club that allows students to explore different sciences and compete at regional, state and potentially national levels to showcase the knowledge that they have learned.

Science Olympiad is open to all students. We meet monthly (sometimes weekly as we get closer to competition dates) to check in on building and study projects from 3:45 to 5:00. A large portion of the projects is completed outside of school hours due to the nature of the projects. Science advisor classrooms will be open during lunch to allow students to work on their projects.

Advisors:

8th Ms. Rolfe- Dream, room 265

7th Mrs. Fisher- Odyssey, room 192

Our mission is to spread Hope, Help, and Strength into every corner of our school community. We help students and staff turn to their strengths and their supports that are all around. We are Connectors to Help and Strength. We recognize that our voice has great power and we use it to BREAK the SILENCE when someone is struggling and help them to make connections.

Advisors: Mrs. Weikum located in the Journey team, room 243 and Mrs. Turner located in the Synergy team, room 224.

Sources of Strength meetings are Mondays from 3:30-4:30

Spelling Bee Club helps students build vocabulary, improve spelling skills, and prepare for spelling competitions in a fun, supportive environment.

Starting Monday, Oct 5. We meet until mid-February (until the County Bee!)

Meetings: Mondays, 8:00-8:30 AM. Room 243

Advisor: Mrs. Weikum located in the Journey team, room 243

What Is StuCo?

Student Council is the leadership of the student body.

Each team's elected leaders will represent their team and school in various capacities.

Student Council Members are LEADERS who have SCHOOL SPIRIT! We are kind, responsible, and a POSITIVE ROLE MODEL for others.

StuCo is actively involved in making our school and community a better place. We work with the administration and the student population to address needs in our school and promote activities that include all students. StuCo sponsors events that promote school spirit, including dress-up days, pep rallies, dances, a dodgeball tournament, and student vs. staff events. We appreciate and celebrate those who make a difference.

Student Council advisors are Jodi Sullivan and Kara Fisher.

Weekly meetings: Wednesday mornings, 8- 8:30 in room 225

Tobacco Prevention is a club where students learn the dangers of tobacco use and help spread that awareness throughout the school. Students attend the Annual Youth Action Summit, participate in activities on the Great American Smoke Out, Kick Butts Day, Great American Spit Out, and/or Red Ribbon Week. Students also work to spread awareness and help pass community policies protecting peers from the dangers of tobacco use including vaping.

Meeting Dates: Beginning September 17 through May

Meeting Time: 1st and 3rd Thursday, 8:00–8:30 AM

The advisor is Andrea Beckler located in the Innovation team, room 142.