In 2014 Liberty Elementary started a program called Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students). Our goal is to get student's fathers (and father-figures) to take the time to volunteer one day a year in their child's school. Statistics show that by having fathers more involved, children develop more fully socially, physically, academically, and emotionally. When you volunteer, it also shows your child that education is important to you.

We are asking that you make the commitment to volunteer for one full day (8:00-3:00). When volunteering, you will spend time in your child's classroom helping the teacher and the students with an activity such as reading to students, helping with a math game, recess, an art project etc. You will also have the opportunity to spend time in other classes, such as music, gym, library, and counselor, so that more students can benefit from your presence as a role model. In addition, you will be able to have lunch with your child. We want the students to know when there is a Watch D.O.G. in the building. On the day you volunteer, your child will get to introduce you over the intercom. If you would like to learn more about the program, you can check out the official Watch D.O.G. website.         

Reminder:  You must complete a volunteer form through the BPS District.  Please review the handbook at this link   Volunteer Handbook .  At the end of the handbook is the form that MUST be submitted to the Liberty Office.  We will submit it for a background check.  Once the background check has come back approved (which takes approximately 30 days), a follow-up email will be sent to you that must be completed to finish the background check.  Be sure to look for the email. 

The directions are as follows for sign up:

We ask that you sign up 1 month in advance.Email: liberty_secretary@bismarckschools.org 

1. 1. Student’s name/names and grades
   2. Potential dates (top three days in the month that you want to volunteer)

For more questions, please contact Shane Ringdahl or Heather Upgren at Liberty Elementary.  

Please use the information at the link below to set up your parent PowerSchool account.  

Parent PowerSchool Instructions

BPS has a new process for ensuring that all of our volunteers have had background checks.  If you wish to volunteer in a classroom, on a field trip or for our Watch D.O.G.S. program, you will need to read through and complete the volunteer handbook which is linked below.  Please turn in the back page to the office and we will send it in to start the process.  

Volunteer Handbook

Liberty Parents' Guide to Understanding Reading Behaviors

The link below will help you to understand reading behaviors:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1se79sDATF_ak7kkLpr5JdBCtDIBCG751C2RC5-Q2DNE/edit

The Bismarck Public Schools Foundation (BPSF) has established a BPS Family Assistance Fund.  Those that wish to donate may do so through the foundation website or by mail. To donate online, go to https://www.bpsfoundation.com/donations/bps-faf/. To donate by mail, send checks to the BPS Foundation at 806 N. Washington St., Bismarck, ND 58501 and write “BPS-FAF” in the memo line. Families seeking assistance are encouraged to reach out to their counselor or social worker who will connect them to established community resources as well as submit requests for funding needs that cannot be met within existing resources. The BPSF thanks those who have already reached out to volunteer and/or provide monetary donations to help those within our community who are struggling.