Horizon Middle School

Dear Horizon Students and Families,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! I am honored to begin my sixth year as principal of Horizon Middle School, and I am truly excited about the opportunities ahead for our students, staff, and families.

This year, we are pleased to welcome several new members to the Horizon family, including our new assistant principal, Mrs. Courtney Crane. We are also adding talented educators and student-support professionals who share our commitment to helping every learner thrive. While there will be some new faces in our building, our purpose remains the same: building strong relationships and creating a safe, inclusive, collaborative, and innovative school where students feel known, supported, and challenged.

Middle school is a time of tremendous growth, discovery, and change—and it goes by quickly. As we begin this new year together, I encourage every student to make the most of their time at Horizon. Surround yourself with people who bring out your best. Take pride in your decisions. Try something new. Ask for help when you need it, and do not be afraid to make mistakes along the way. Growth rarely happens when we remain completely comfortable.

One of the best ways to make the most of your middle school experience is to get involved. Whether your interests are in the arts, athletics, clubs, activities, or student leadership, Horizon offers many opportunities to explore your interests, discover new talents, build friendships, and strengthen your sense of belonging. You may not know what you enjoy until you are willing to give it a try.

We will also continue expanding opportunities for students to connect their learning to the world beyond middle school. Through personalized learning, career exploration, hands-on experiences, and clearer expectations for learning, we want students to better understand what they are learning, why it matters, and where it may take them in the future.

We are fortunate to have an exceptional staff at Horizon who are committed to the academic success and personal well-being of every student. Our teachers and support staff are here not only to teach, but also to listen, encourage, challenge, and advocate for students. Programs such as the Husky Hub, our academic and behavioral support systems, and our focus on organization and executive-functioning skills are designed to help students successfully navigate the challenges of middle school.

Horizon belongs to all of us, and each person plays an important role in shaping our school’s climate and culture. Be kind to one another. Include others. Take care of our building. Speak up when you see something that does not feel right. Celebrate the successes of others and remember that your words and actions matter. Together, we can continue to make Horizon a place where students feel safe, connected, and proud to belong.

Throughout the year, we will do our best to keep students and families informed and connected. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions, ideas, or concerns. Strong schools are built through strong partnerships, and we value the role our families play in supporting students and strengthening our school community.

Students, do not be shy—stop by my office and say hello. I look forward to reconnecting with our returning students and getting to know our new students and families.

Let’s make the 2026–2027 school year one of growth, belonging, discovery, and success.

Go Huskies!

Sincerely,

Dr. Shawn Oban
Principal, Horizon Middle School

Schedules will be made to view on Infinite Campus on August 7th. follow the link below to request schedule changes after viewing your students schedule.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6DMxqEnBHnY_m1pJfvMuxJag_y8n1Up8G8qer9DBWtOOdBg/viewform

We are excited to welcome you all to the 2026-2027 school year here at Horizon Middle School! Below you will find a list of opening events and helpful information for the upcoming school year.

Chromebook Repairs

August 10th & 11th from 10am - 2pm

The library will be open from 10am to 2pm. Students may pick up their Chromebooks during this time. If not, Chromebook will be disbursed on the first day of school in homebase. Students may also bring in their Chromebooks if they are in need of repair.

Building is Open to Families (student + adult)

August 10th through August 13th from 9am - 3pm

Our building will be open to families August 10th - 13th. During this time, students can walk their schedules and practice lockers. This is an opportunity for students to build confidence in navigating the building. Families need to check into the office before walking through the building. No students will be allowed into the building without an adult chaperone. Staff meet and greet will be reserved for the Open House on August 17th.

Parents of 6th grade students, please know that although you are welcome in the building any of these days, we are having a special event specifically for 6th graders on August 13 (please see below).

For this event, you can enter the building through Door 1 (South Side/Main Entrance/Gym & Music Wing), Door 7 (East Side/Gym & Wrestling Wing), or Door 15 (North Side). Families will start in the cafetorium. Be sure to pick up your schedule in the cafetorium.

6th Grade Welcome

We are excited to welcome incoming 6th grade students and their families to Horizon! This event is designed to help students feel comfortable and prepared for the upcoming school year.

**The 6th Grade Welcome IS the Open House for 6th graders. If you are able to attend the 6th Grade Welcome, you DO NOT need to attend the Open House on the 17th. **

During the event, students will:

• Receive their class schedules
• Practice opening lockers
• Walk through their daily schedules
• Meet some of their teachers
• Get an introduction to life at Horizon

Event Date: August 13

• Last names A–O: 12:00–12:40 PM
• Last names P–Z: 1:20–2:00 PM

We look forward to seeing you and helping make the transition to 6th grade a great experience!

Open House

August 17th from 12:00 pm to 12:40 pm (last name A-O)

1:20 pm to 2:00 pm (last name P-Z)

The school will be open for students and parents to pick up their schedules, walk their

student’s schedule, meet their team of teachers and put their school supplies in their

locker. There will also be informational booths present in the cafetorium such as Horizon

Clothing, nursing, and the Parent Advisory Committee.

To help with traffic control, we are asking that students only attend during the indicated

times below. Students with last names starting with:

A-O: 12:00 pm to 12:40 pm

P-Z: 1:20 pm to 2:00 pm

**If students attended the 6th Grade Welcome, they would not need to come back for the Open House.**

For these events, you can enter the building through Door 1 (South Side/Main Entrance/Gym & Music Wing), Door 7 (East Side/Gym & Wrestling Wing), or Door 15 (North Side) any of the following doors for Open House. Please enter the cafetorium from the south side (closest to main entrance) to collect your schedules before walking your schedule.

The office hours will be 8am-4pm on this day.

First Day of School

• School will begin on Thursday, August 20th.

• School times are 8:40am - 3:30pm.

• On the first day of school when students arrive, they should go to the following:

• 6th graders – East Gym

• 7th graders – Middle Gym

• 8th graders – West Gym

September 4th - Picture day

September 7th - Labor Day - No School

September 8th - PAC Meeting - ALL Parents welcome to join

September 21st - Staff Development day - No School

For more information on the upcoming events:

2026-2027 Opening Events PDF

• School times are 8:40am - 3:30pm.
• Breakfast is served at 8:00am.
• Lunch is served at:
• Grade 6 - 11:18am - 11:45am
• Grade 7 - 12:03pm - 12:30pm
• Grade 8 - 12:48pm - 1:15pm
• Students may arrive at school after 7:00 am; supervision is provided at this time. Students will either go to their designated areas or eat breakfast in the cafetorium. If students are eating breakfast, they will go to their designated areas once they are done. Designated areas are as follows:
• Grade 6 - East Gym
• Grade 7 - Middle Gym
• Grade 8 - West Gym

To avoid waiting in line during open house, feel free to bring medications, health plans,

allergy forms, or immunization records to the Front Office or Student Services now

during the month of August between 8:00am-4:00pm.

Online applications are now being accepted for the 2026-2027 school year.

Free and Reduced meal benefits do not carry over from one school year to the next. A new application must be submitted each year.

If your student received Free or Reduced meal benefits during the previous school year, those benefits will continue for the first 30 school days of the new school year. If a new application is not approved by the end of the 30-day grace period, your student will be charged full price for meals. Meal charges incurred after benefits expire are the parent's or guardian's responsibility and cannot be reversed.

Applications are accepted any time during the school year. If your household income changes, you may apply at any time online or submit an application at your student's school or the Child Nutrition Department, Facilities & Transportation Building, 705 S. 9th Street, Bismarck.

Free and Reduced meal benefits apply only to reimbursable school meals. À la carte items are not covered and must be purchased with available funds in the student's meal account. Charging is not permitted for à la carte items.

WE ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO APPLY ONLINE WHENEVER POSSIBLE

Online Application

To submit an online application, you must first create a LINQ Connect account.

1. Visit www.bismarckschools.org/LINQ for account setup instructions.
2. Create your LINQ Connect account.
3. Select Bismarck, ND as your district.
4. Choose Start Meal Application and complete the application.

For assistance, contact the Child Nutrition Department at (701) 323-4090.

Paper Applications

Beginning August 3, 2026, paper applications may be: Dropped off at your student's school or the Facilities & Transportation Building:

Student Pick-Up & Drop-Off Updates

Horizon families, thank you for helping us keep our students safe and our traffic flowing smoothly!

Here are a few important reminders:

🚗 Student Drop-Off & Pick-Up

• All students must be dropped off and picked up at the front of the school.
• To help improve traffic flow, we’ve added a crossing guard—please follow their directions to keep things moving quickly and safely.

🚍 Back of the Building
The back of the building is only for:

• Bus students
• Bike riders
• Walkers
• Students with special needs

This allows us to split student arrivals and dismissals about 50/50 between the front and back, reducing congestion and keeping everyone safer.

We’re All in This Together
Please respect the rules and the many families who follow them each day. By working together, we ensure a smoother process and, most importantly, a safer environment for our kids.

Courtney Crane - Assistant Principal

Tara Renner - Social Worker

Trisha Van Voorhis - Speech Pathologist

Corey Morin - 6th Grade Science on Team Inspire

Julie Seifert - Overflow English

Chelsea Battles - 6th Grade Science on Integrity

Jessica Young - 7th Grade Math on team Quest

Carista Benesh - 8th Grade Communications and Collaboration on Team Dream

Megan Jacobs - Special Education Teacher on Explorer

Joey Patchen-Mills - Special Education Teacher on Explorer

Samantha Ward - Special Education Teacher on Explorer

Isabelle Vignieri - Special Education Teacher on Explorer

Chelsea Laswell - 7th Grade Communications on team Quest

Alicia Overbeck - 7th Grade Social Studies on team Quest

Derrick Leithold - 8th Grade Physical Education Teacher

Makenzie Smith - on team Odyssey

Anna Erhardt - 6th Grade English on team Integrity

If you are looking for information on how to sign up for the Infinite Campus Parent Portal, please review the email that was sent by the district on July 28. It contains the instructions and information needed to create your parent portal account.

Need Assistance?

If you have difficulty accessing or creating your Infinite Campus account, please call your school or 701-323-4000 for assistance.

We appreciate your patience as we continue the transition to Infinite Campus. Additional information about the portal and its features will be shared throughout the summer.

You are receiving this email because you are opted in to receive messages from your school. For more information, please contact your school.

Pictures will be held on Friday, September 4th with retake pictures on

Tuesday, October 20th. Students will be called down from class to take pictures.

Horizon fall sports get rolling on Monday, August 17!! Please get your athlete registered online for Horizon Activities. All registration information can be found here: https://horizon.bismarckschools.org/activities/athletics If you don’t already have an account on Arbiter, you will need to create one before you can register. A link to registration is on the Horizon athletics website (link above). 7th & 8th grade athletes require a current physical (conducted after April 15, 2026) be uploaded to the registration. The registration cannot be completed without a current physical uploaded.

Information regarding pre-season parent/participant meetings is also available on the Horizon athletics website. Please plan to attend the parent meeting for your child’s sport. Most meeting are Thursday, August 13 and Monday, August 17. Exact dates and times are linked on the Horizon athletics website.

There is also information regarding Sandford athletic training on the Horizon athletics website. Please review that information to understand what services are provided by the Sanford trainer, Ashlynn Dix.

Horizon's fall sports will be starting soon:

Boys Golf- 7th & 8th grade boys will have an informational player/parent meeting on Thursday, August 13 at 4:00 pm in the cafetorium. Practice starts on Monday, August 17th. If you are unable to attend the informational meeting, simply show up at the first practice.7th & 8th grade girls golf will be with the high schools.

Boys Soccer- A player/parent meeting in the cafetorium on Monday, August 17th at 6:30 pm. Practice will start Tuesday, August 18th at 5:30 pm.

Boys Tennis - TBD

Cheerleading- Fall cheerleading will be offered for 7th & 8th grade girls interested in cheering for football. There will be an information meeting on Tuesday, August 18th at 5:00 PM at Horizon Middle School in the cafetorium. The first practice will be Thursday, August 20th from 3:45 – 6:15. This information could change pending the schedule of the coach. We hope to have it set by August 1.

* 6th graders will cheer for the 7th & 8th girls basketball season beginning October 21st.

Cross Country-6th, 7th and 8th grade boys and girls cross country will start on Monday, August 17 at 4:30 PM in the front entrance of the school. A short parent meeting will be held that evening at 5:30 PM in the cafetorium.

Football- 8th grade gear handout will be Thursday, August 13 at 10:00 AM. Players/parents will meet in the cafetorium for an informational meeting before getting their gear. All players will need to complete concussion baseline testing, which is done via an app on a phone or tablet. All players are asked to bring their phone or tablet to the meeting/gear handout. Accommodations will be made for those athletes that do not have a phone or tablet. On field practice begins on Monday, August 17 at 4:30 PM. If you are unable to attend the gear handout, simply show up on the field at the first practice.

7th grade gear handout will be Thursday, August 13 at 2:00 PM. Players/parents will meet in the cafetorium for an informational meeting before getting their gear. All players will need to complete concussion baseline testing, which is done via an app on a phone or tablet. All players are asked to bring their phone or tablet to the first practice. Accommodations will be made for those athletes that do not have a phone or tablet. On field practice begins on Monday, August 17 at 4:30 PM. If you are unable to attend the gear handout, simply show up on the field at the first practice.

Girls Swimming- TBD

Volleyball -

There will be a player/parent informational meeting for all 7th & 8th grade volleyball players on Thursday, August 13 at 3:00 PM in the cafetorium. On court practice begins on Monday, August 17 at 4:30 PM (last name A – L at 4:30, M – Z at 5:30). If you are unable to attend the informational meeting, simply show up at the time based on last name.

Check out this link for sports information: HMS - Activities

For more information about sports and athletic registration, please contact Mark Hager, Horizon Activities Director.

https://www.bismarckschools.org/families/cell-phones

In regards to the updated cell phone policy Horizon Middle School will follow these consequences:

First violation - The device is confiscated and turned into the attendance office. Phone will be returned to the student at the end of day after re-teach/ conversation with administrator.

Second violation - The device is confiscated and turned into the attendance office.

Required in-person parent meeting with AP or designee prior to returning device to parent

at the end of the school day. Device will not be returned until a parent meeting has been

completed. Loss of test exemption.

Third violation - The device is confiscated and turned into the attendance office. Required

in-person parent meeting with AP or designee prior to returning device to parent at the end of the school day. Device will not be returned until a parent meeting has been completed. Student will be required to turn the device into the office daily for 10 school days.

Fourth violation - The device is confiscated and turned into the attendance office. Required in-person parent meeting with AP or designee prior to returning device to parent at the end of the school day. Device will not be returned until a parent meeting has been completed. Student is required to turn device into office for remainder of school year.

*Detention and/or suspension could be added to cell phone/device consequences.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the new cell phone policy changes, please reach out to Horizon Middle School Office at 701-323-4550, to schedule a time to meet with our administration.

Next PAC Meeting will be September 8th.

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.
You can also attend the meetings via Google Meet. If you have any questions, please contact the President Brittani Reim.

horizonpac678@gmail.com

Horizon will be doing a snack drive through the end of September.

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!