Dear Wachter families,

Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning for another great year, we are thrilled to welcome you into our school community. Each new year brings positive changes and improvements, and we are excited for the opportunities ahead.

Even as we grow and evolve, one thing remains constant: our dedicated teachers and staff. They are the heart of our school—committed to ensuring your student experiences care, challenge, opportunity, and belonging every single day.

We look forward to partnering with you in a year filled with learning, connection, and success.

The Administrative Team,

Sharon Espeland - Principal

Angie Edinger - Assistant Principal

Dallas Hinderer - Assistant Principal

6th Grade Orientation

6th-grade student/parent orientation will be on Thursday, August 13th. Students with last names starting with A-O will come from 8:30 - 9:10 am. and last names P-Z will come from 11:30 - 12:10 pm.

7th & 8th Grade Back to School Open House

WMS Open House is on Monday, August 17th from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

First Day of School

Mark your calendars! We look forward to seeing everyone on August 20th at 8:40 a.m. for the start of the school year. School begins at 8:40 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m.

Picture Day

September 3rd

Retake - October 13th

Wachter Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) meets on the second Monday of each month from 12:00–1:00 PM. You’re welcome to join us in person at Wachter Middle School or online (meeting link available on the WMS website under the PAC page).

All parents are invited and encouraged to attend! PAC meetings are a great way to stay informed and involved. Each month, Wachter administrators share important updates about what’s happening at school.

What does the PAC do? We raise funds by selling Wachter gear online and at school events. These funds go directly toward supporting Wachter students and staff throughout the year.

Stop by our shirt table at 6th grade orientation and/or Open House to grab some Wachter gear and receive more information about PAC.

North Dakota state law mandates "bell-to-bell" cell phone restrictions in K-12 public schools. This law requires phones to be inaccessible during instruction times. Bismarck Public Schools is committed to enforcing this requirement while providing safe and effective learning environments for all students.

Students will be required to store their phones in school lockers from the start of the day (8:40 a.m.) to the end of the day (3:30 p.m.).

Communication devices are not permitted for use in locker rooms or restrooms at any time while on campus.

Click on the link below for our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

2026 Wachter Fall Sports Start Information

6th Grade Parent Meeting/Orientation: A brief sports meeting will take place at the 6th grade orientation on August 13th (8:30 - 9:10) or (11:30 - 12:10) in the WMS Cafetorium.

7th & 8th Grade Sports Parent Meeting: Coaches will let athletes know when their sport specific meeting will take place. Meetings will also be posted on the website when date/time is set.

Wachter Fan Gear Online Order: https://shop.game-one.com/north-dakota/bismarck/wachter-wildcats

7th and 8th Grade Parents: PLEASE HAVE YOUR CHILD’S PHYSICAL COMPLETED BEFORE PRACTICE BEGINS. BPS POLICY DICTATES THAT AN ATHLETE MAY NOT PARTICIPATE/PRACTICE UNTIL THEY HAVE A PHYSICAL ON FILE VIA WMS RSCHOOL ONLINE REGISTRATION***

7th & 8th Grade FOOTBALL: 8th grade gear handout is on August 12 at 1:00-2:00 (WMS south gym). 7th grade gear handout is on August 12 at 2:00-3:00 (WMS south gym). The concussion test will be administered at 5:15 following practice on Tuesday, August 18th for all 7th graders and all new 8th graders to football. All players are asked to bring their phone or tablet. First practice is August 17 at 4:30. Gear will also be handed out at the Aug 17 practice.

7th & 8th Grade VOLLEYBALL: Practice begins on Monday, August 17 at 4:00 at WMS.

7th & 8th Grade BOYS SOCCER: Practice begins on Monday, August 17 at 5:15 at WMS.

6th Grade BOYS SOCCER: Practice begins August 17 at 4:00 pm at WMS.

6th, 7th & 8th Grade CROSS COUNTRY: Practice begins on Monday, August 17 at 4:00 at WMS.

7th & 8th Grade BOYS GOLF: Practice begins on Monday, August 17 at 4:00-5:00 at Riverwood Golf Course. 6th Grade is welcome to practice with no competitions. (Parent meeting 4:00)

CHEERLEADING: Fall cheerleading will be offered for 7th & 8th grade girls interested in cheering for football. Practice begins on Monday, August 17 at 4:00. 6th grade girls will have the opportunity to cheer during the 7th & 8th grade girls’ basketball season.

6th Grade GIRLS BASKETBALL: 6th grade girls’ basketball will start Monday, August 24 at 7:00. Participant information and practice schedules will be available at that time.

7th & 8th Grade GIRLS GOLF (played with BHS): First day of practice Aug 10th- Please see BHS website for more information.

6th - 8th Grade Boys Tennis (played with BHS): First day of practice Aug 10th-. Please see BHS website for more information.

7th - 8th Grade GIRLS SWIMMING (played with BHS): First day of practice Aug 17th-. Please see BHS website for more information.

All athletes must be registered on rSchool before they will be allowed to participate. A physical must be uploaded to rSchool before an athlete will be allowed to participate (except 6th grade activities). Sports fees must be paid using My Payments Plus before an athlete is allowed to participate. All forms to be signed are available via the rSchool registration. https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/bismarck-high-school