Dr. Jeff Fastnacht, BPS Superintendent

It was great meeting with North Dakota students participating in National History Day. Congratulations on representing our state at the national competition!

Author Melissa AHonan spoke with students about her book It’s Great To Be Me. Daily affirmations for children. Teachers were given a copy of the signed book purchased by Bar Down Energy Services.

The storywalk boards are back up in some parks in the community. These were purchased several years ago with Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy funds. and are still supporting young readers in our community today. Hope you find them, and take a story book walk.

Best of luck to both the BPS boys golf teams competing at State Class A golf today at the Oxbow Country Club in Fargo. Along with any other individuals that may have qualified.

Thank you Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC for this article about our Work-Based Learning Program at BPS. This is published in the June edition of the Connection. Huge shout out to Kasey Janz and also our student Riley Sathren.

The State of North Dakota is currently seeking input from parents, educators, students, and community members regarding the use of technology in our schools. This is an important conversation, and one that Bismarck Public Schools believes deserves thoughtful discussion at the local level as well.

The role of technology in education is not a simple issue. Research continues to expand our understanding of brain development, attention, screen use, and the impact technology can have on learning. At the same time, our students are preparing for a future that requires strong digital literacy and cyber skills, priorities that have also been emphasized by the North Dakota Legislature.

Technology has the potential to personalize learning, provide targeted support, and help educators more precisely meet the needs of individual students. For some learners, particularly those who rely on adaptive technologies, digital tools are not simply helpful—they are essential to accessing their education.

At the same time, educators and families continue to ask important questions about balance, student well-being, appropriate screen time, distraction, and the value of face-to-face interaction, hands-on learning experiences, and meaningful human connection.

As part of the district's strategic planning work, Bismarck Public Schools will be convening parents, students, educators, and community members this September to engage in a deeper discussion about the role of technology in teaching and learning. We believe the best path forward is one informed by research, practical classroom experience, student needs, and the values of the Bismarck community.

There may not be one perfect answer, but there is tremendous value in having the conversation together. Watch for additional information this fall about opportunities to participate and lend your voice and insights to this important discussion.

If you would like to provide input to the state's survey, you may do so here:

forms.office.com