BECEP Head Start

Reminder Head Start families, there is no school tomorrow, Thursday, April 30th, and Friday, May 1st, as our teachers will be conducting home visits. We will see you back at school on May 4th.

Don't feel like cooking. Please consider supporting the BECEP Policy Council at Space Aliens for a dine to donate event on May 4th. The policy council is raising money to help support BECEP activities, such as field trips, End of the Year Celebration, Parent/Teacher Conference meals for staff, etc. Make sure to bring the below flyer with you or save it on your phone, if you're able to support the BECEP Policy Council! Thank you!

What a great reminder!

In the midst of a busy day it is easy to move quickly and forget the impact of our presence.

When we choose patience we create space for understanding connection and growth for ourselves and those around us. 💜

Bismarck Public Schools has decided to discontinue its transportation for the Head Start program starting next school year. FULL STORY: https://www.kfyrtv.com/2026/02/24/bps-cancels-head-start-transportation-next-school-year/

Teaching is not just about the skills we deliver, but the skills we model.

When we pause, breathe, and choose composure, we show students what self regulation looks like in real time. Those moments matter.
They shape how children learn to respond to stress, mistakes, and challenges long after the moment has passed.

Choosing composure first supports everyone in the room.💜

Friday Conscious Discipline® take away.

What if the key to better behavior isn’t control—but connection?

Conscious Discipline flips the script on traditional discipline and punishment by focusing on adult-first, self-regulation. Our framework helps educators shift mindsets from “Do as I say” to “We’re in this together.”

When connection comes first:
✔️ Students cooperate
✔️ Teachers feel empowered
✔️ Schools become thriving communities- for everyone!

Connection cultivates cooperation—and cooperation changes everything.

Read more about how, here: https://consciousdiscipline.com/blog/from-shame-on-you-to-i-love-you-how-eliminating-punishments-and-rewards-increases-student-motivation/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=connection_cultivates_cooperation

If you have a child attending Kindergarten next year, please take advantage of this opportunity being offered by Bismarck Public Schools.

Dakota Zoo Upcoming Events

FEBRUARY

February 7 Sneaky Snow Leopards Camp 1:00-2:30 PM, Animal Ed-Ventures ages 5-7, (registration required at least 7 days in advance)

February 7 Sneaky Snow Leopards Camp 3:00-4:30 PM, Little Tykes Ed-Ventures ages 3-4, participants with parent/adult guardian, (registration required at least 7 days in advance)

February 12 Toddler Time 10-11:30am (registration required online)

MARCH

March 5 Annual Members’ Meeting, Bismarck Municipal Country Club 6:30-9:00 PM

March 7 Fantastic Farm Animals Camp 1:00-2:30 PM, Animal Ed-Ventures ages 5-7, (registration required at least 7 days in advance)

March 7 Fantastic Farm Animals Camp 3:00-4:30 PM, Little Tykes Ed-Ventures ages 3-4, participants with parent/adult guardian, (registration required at least 7 days in advance)

March 12 Toddler Time 10-11:30am (registration required online)

March 28 Easter Egg Hunt 1:00-3:00 PM, ages 0-12, $5.00 Fee for both members and non-members

APRIL

April 5 Easter Sunday (Zoo Closed)

April 7 Zoo Crew Open House, ages 13-17, 6:00-7:00 PM

April 18 Family Zookeeper Camp Parent(s)/Guardian(s) and any children ages 5-18; 1:00-4:30 PM

April 25 Opening Day of 65th Season, Open Daily 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, weather permitting

MAY

May 2 Endangered Species Celebration Day, 1pm – 4pm

May 9 Playful Primates Camp 1:00-2:30 PM, Animal Ed-Ventures ages 5-7, (registration required at least 7 days in advance)

May 9 Playful Primates Camp 3:00-4:30 PM, Little Tykes Ed-Ventures ages 3-4, participants with parent/adult guardian, (registration required at least 7 days in advance)

May 10 Mother’s Day All moms receive discounted admission and free train ride

May 14 Ambassador Animal Close-Ups 10:30-11:30 AM & 3:30-4:30 PM

May 23 Breakfast at the Zoo 8:00-10:00am

May 26 BioFact Talks 10:30-11:30 AM & 3:30-4:30 PM

May 28 Ambassador Animal Close-Ups 10:30-11:30 AM & 3:30-4:30 PM

Send a message to learn more

Head Start families please join us next Wednesday, January 28th, for our Winters Around the World event!

Good morning, BPS families and community members.

As many of you are aware, the weather forecast for today and tomorrow includes extreme cold and dangerous wind chills. Conditions like this require all of us to take extra care, plan ahead, and use good judgment before leaving home.

While this cold snap is serious, it is not unprecedented for our community. Bismarck will continue to function during this stretch, doctors and nurses will report to work, businesses will remain open, essential services will continue, and Bismarck Public Schools will operate as scheduled. Schools play an important role in allowing families to get to work and keeping our community moving.

Safety always remains our top priority. Families are encouraged to allow extra travel time, bundle and layer up, and take whatever steps they feel are necessary to keep children safe.

It is also important to remember that parents always retain the right to decide what is best for their children. Some families may choose to keep students home during extreme cold, and that decision is respected.

At the same time, we remain committed to being here for the many students who will come to school. For many, our buildings provide a warm, safe place to learn, filled with caring adults, reliable routines, and access to meals.

Please stay warm, stay safe, and thank you for your continued support of Bismarck Public Schools.