Central ND News

Mandan Public School District announced that fifth-grade students at Lewis and Clark Elementary have built Bristle Bots to model equipment cleaners for use on Mars. The announcement was made in a Facebook post on April 18, 2025.

According to the announcement, fifth-grade students in Ms. Severson, Ms. Horner, and Ms. Schmidt's classes participated in a STEM activity where they created small vibrating robots called Bristle Bots to simulate a Mars equipment cleaner. The project received support from the North Dakota Space Grant Consortium.

The North Dakota Space Grant Consortium (NDSGC) provides funding and educational opportunities to support STEM engagement and NASA-related programs across North Dakota. Eligible participants include U.S. citizens enrolled in or employed by an NDSGC-affiliated college, university, K-12 public school, museum, or nonprofit organization. Available programs include NASA internships, scholarships, research fellowships, and mini-grants with annual application deadlines. All awards are funded through federal grants and cannot overlap with other federal funding sources. Participants must meet minimum GPA requirements, and awardees are expected to fulfill reporting obligations and participate in the Annual Affiliates Meeting.

Mandan Public School District's mission is to provide students with rigorous and personalized learning experiences while helping them develop social and emotional skills for success. The Mandan School Board consists of nine members who serve as the policy-making body for the district with authority only during formally called meetings. According to the district, the Board sets policies, approves budgets, establishes goals, manages property, and links the district with the public.

Board members also serve on various district and non-district committees. Members include President Sheldon Wolf, Rick Horn, Amy Schanandore, Marnie Piehl, Kama Hoovestol, Darren Haugen, Lori Furaus, Tom Peters, and Jake Schmidt. The Board operates with standing committees focused on facilities, finance, policy personnel issues as well as student achievement under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Mike Bitz.