In observance of Veterans Day, there will be no school on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. The District Office will also be closed that day.
As we approach Veterans Day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have served and continue to serve our country. Your courage, dedication, and sacrifice safeguard the freedoms we enjoy every day.
WillistonSchools.org/calendar
Regular School Board Meeting Monday, November 10 5:30 PM District Office 820 E Broadway View Agenda & Attachments: https://meeting.sparqdata.com/Public/Organization/2185 Livestreamed on YouTube: youtube.com/@WillistonBasinSchoolDistrict7/streams WillistonSchools.org
Through a partnership with the State of North Dakota, Waterford.org 𝗨𝗽𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 is a free, at-home early learning program that helps prepare children for kindergarten.
𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗦
For children ages 4–6 entering kindergarten in the next school year.
Enrollment is still open for this year’s group (kindergarten in fall 2026).
Families with younger children (ages 3–4) can pre-register to join the program before they enter kindergarten.
𝗖𝗢𝗦𝗧
Free for families — children can learn anytime, anywhere.
𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗠 𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗦
🔹Fun online lessons in reading, math, and science (15 minutes a day)
🔹Family coaching and easy-to-use learning resources
🔹Computer access available for qualifying families
🔗 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗡 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘
Visit www.waterford.org/upstart
or call 888-982-9898
This program is not affiliated with WBSD7. It is being shared as a community resource.
Th program is funded by the ND Department of Public Instruction and ND Health and Human Services.
No School, Early Dismissal, and District Office Closures
📅 Tuesday, November 11 – Veterans Day
No school & District Office closed
📚 Wednesday, November 19 – Early Dismissal at 11:00 AM
• Buses will run at dismissal time
• No after-school childcare
• Sack lunch available before dismissal
🦃 November 26-28 – Thanksgiving Break
• No school Wednesday through Friday
• District Office closed Thursday & Friday
🏢 Additional District Office Closure
Tuesday, November 25 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
View the full calendar at WillistonSchools.org/calendar
*This information applies to all WBSD7 schools and includes only No School days, Early Dismissal dates, and District Office closures. Other events and activities vary by school and activity calendar.
✅ 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲!
We are providing an important update following our September 23 message about volunteer background checks.
Earlier this fall, the FBI notified the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) that they are no longer authorized to conduct background checks for school volunteers. Because of this change, WBSD7 temporarily paused new volunteer approvals while reviewing secure and compliant alternatives.
After careful review and school board approval, we have implemented a new online background check system for volunteers that meets all district safety requirements and complies with Policy KAAB (Volunteers).
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄
• Beginning November 3, 2025, all new volunteers will complete their background check online.
• Volunteers will upload a photo and a copy of their ID within the secure portal.
• Most background checks are processed within 48–72 hours.
• This system allows WBSD7 to continue maintaining the highest standards of safety for students and staff.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝗮𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱
• The new hire and employee background check process remains the same.
• The visitor procedure (Policy KAAA – Visitors in Schools) is unchanged.
• WBSD7 continues to prioritize student and staff safety in every step of this process.
How to Get Started 💻
Visit our Volunteer page: www.WillistonSchools.org/volunteer
✔️ Select Request Background Check.
✔️ Follow the on-screen prompts to complete your submission.
𝗪𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿
There are many ways to get involved in our schools, including assisting in the library, lunch rooms, crosswalks, classroom activities, or other school events.
Contact a school or the District Office to learn more about volunteer opportunities: www.WillistonSchools.org/contact
School Board Policy Committee Meeting Thursday, November 6 at 5:30 PM District Office 820 E Broadway View Agenda & Attachments: https://meeting.sparqdata.com/Public/Organization/2185 WillistonSchools.org
School Board Governance Committee Meeting Thursday, October 23 at 5:30 PM View Agenda & Attachments: https://meeting.sparqdata.com/Public/Organization/2185 WillistonSchools.org
School Board Policy Committee Meeting Tuesday, October 21 at 5:30 PM District Office 820 E Broadway View Agenda & Attachments: https://meeting.sparqdata.com/Public/Organization/2185 WillistonSchools.org
No School October 16 & 17
Class will resume on Monday, October 20th.
WillistonSchools.org/calendar
Regular School Board Meeting Monday, October 13 5:30 PM District Office 820 E Broadway View Agenda & Attachments: https://meeting.sparqdata.com/Public/Organization/2185 Livestreamed on YouTube: youtube.com/@WillistonBasinSchoolDistrict7/streams WillistonSchools.org
School Board Governance Committee Meeting Friday, October 3 at 3:00 PM Virtual Meeting View Agenda & Attachments: https://meeting.sparqdata.com/Public/Organization/2185 WillistonSchools.org
Fall Break & Parent-Teacher Conferences
Oct 2 & 7 - WHS Parent-Teacher Conferences
Oct 16 & 17 - NO SCHOOL for Fall Break
Oct 21 & 30 - WMSCC Parent-Teacher Conferences
Oct 23 & 28 - Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences
WillistonSchools.org/calendar
🧹✨ Happy Custodian Appreciation Day!
Today, we celebrate the incredible custodial staff across WBSD#7.
Our custodians are the unsung heroes who keep our schools and facilities safe, clean, and welcoming every single day. From early mornings to late nights, they work tirelessly to create an environment where students can learn, grow, and thrive.
🧡 Thank you for all you do to support our students, staff, and community. Your hard work makes a difference every day!
School Board Governance Committee Meeting Thursday, October 2 at 5:30 PM District Office 820 E Broadway View Agenda & Attachments: https://meeting.sparqdata.com/Public/Organization/2185 WillistonSchools.org
🏫 Sloulin Elementary School Updates
🌟 Staffing Process Underway
Today, we officially kicked off the internal staffing process for the 2026-2027 school year. Teachers and support staff are completing questionnaires to share where in the district they’d like to work next year as we prepare for the opening of Sloulin Elementary.
🌟 Construction Progress
• On schedule and over 50% complete
• Sitework and building envelope finishing this month
• Interior painting and ceilings underway
• Flooring begins this month
• Indoor air handlers and mechanical equipment arriving this month
🌟 Construction Budget
The Sloulin Elementary project continues to track $4.4 million under the original $55 million budget. At the February 3, 2025, board meeting, the WBSD7 School Board adjusted the project budget to $50,575,741 after several costs came in lower than expected, keeping the project well-funded and on track.
Learn more and follow the full project journey at www.WillistonSchools.org/sloulin.
📸 Thank you to JE Dunn for providing the stunning aerial photo we’re sharing today!
‼️ Action Needed for Some Families: Free & Reduced Meals
📅 If your student qualified for free or reduced-price meals during the 2024–2025 school year but you have not yet submitted an application for the 2025–2026 school year, your temporary eligibility will expire on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
▪︎ After September 30, any students still on temporary status will move to paid meals until a new application is submitted and approved. Families may apply at any time, but to avoid meal charges, you must have your 2025–2026 application on file before the deadline.
▪︎ NOTE: If there is a lapse in eligibility and meal charges are incurred, those charges will not be covered retroactively. Families are responsible for any unpaid meal balances during that period.
🚫 If you have already completed the application for the 2025–2026 school year, this message does not apply to you.
𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗬 𝗡𝗢𝗪: WillistonSchools.org/meals-app
🔶EXPANDED ELIGIBILITY
For the 2025–2026 school year, North Dakota expanded free school meal eligibility to households earning up to 225% of the federal poverty level.
This means that students who qualify under this threshold receive free meals.
North Dakota has eliminated reduced-price meals. Students who qualify now receive meals completely free instead!
(By comparison, federal guidelines provide free meals only up to 130% of the poverty level and reduced-price meals up to 185%, making this North Dakota expansion a significant benefit for families.)
🔗2025-2026 Income Eligibility Guidelines: https://5il.co/3m7t0
WillistonSchools.org/meals
for meal prices, payment information, menu information, and more
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘃𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗲
Recently, the FBI notified the ND Bureau of Criminal Investigation that they are no longer able to conduct background checks for school volunteers.
🚫 WBSD7 is pausing new volunteers for schools, athletics, and activities until other options are reviewed and approved by the school board.
✅ Current volunteers remain approved.
👥 Visitors will continue to follow the visitor procedure (Policy KAAA - https://5il.co/2w5ee )
Volunteer policy: KAAB ( https://5il.co/2w5ef )
Visit our Volunteer page for more information: WillistonSchools.org/volunteer
Updates will be posted on the district website, ParentSquare, and social media.
📅 September 26 • 4:00 PM
🚩 Route circles Williston High School. Starts at the CTE parking lot (north side), ends at WHS.
🅿️ Plenty of parking, including the vacant lot south of WHS. See the map created by WHS Student Council for “P” is for parking!
🪑 Lawn-chair seating available
🍔 Tailgate to follow with food vendors & entertainment
www.WillistonSchools.org/homecoming
🔸 Full schedule of events
🔸 Parade route map
🔸 Dress-up day schedule for every school
#Homecoming2025 #WBSD7
Tuesday, September 23 School Board Workshop 4:00 PM WMSCC - Coyote Center Library 501 14th St W View Agenda & Attachments: https://meeting.sparqdata.com/Public/Organization/2185
🥪 Sack lunches will be available
🚌 Buses will run at dismissal time
🚫 No after-school childcare on this day
www.willistonschools.org/calendar
