Central ND News

The Mandan Public School District has announced it is seeking additional volunteers to support its Summer SPARK program through Mandan Little Learners.

According to the Mandan Public School District, Mandan Little Learners is looking for teen volunteers to assist with Summer SPARK sessions at the public library on June 4 and 18, July 16, and August 6. The one-hour sessions are scheduled for 10:15 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., and interested teens can email Miss Janet to sign up.

SPARK is an early learning initiative offering story time and hands-on activities for young children and their families or caregivers. Sessions are held at the Morton Mandan Public Library on the first and third Wednesdays, with additional family playgroups hosted in collaboration with University of Mary students. According to Mandan Little Learners, SPARK also provides on-site sessions for early care and education programs, where a guest teacher leads activities based on the program's needs, including a story and related learning task lasting from 20 minutes to an hour.

Mandan Public Schools launched Mandan Little Learners as a new initiative offering free resources to help families and caregivers support children’s development from birth to age five. The program provides tools such as activity ideas, developmental milestone charts, local event calendars, and contact information for screenings and early learning programs. The materials, including SPARK activities (Simple Play-based Activities and Resources for Kids), align with Mandan Public Schools’ Kindergarten Readiness guidelines and North Dakota Early Learning Standards. The goal is to equip families with clear guidance to help children prepare for each stage of learning.

The mission of the Mandan Public School District is to provide students with rigorous and personalized learning experiences while helping them develop social and emotional skills for success. According to the district, the Mandan School Board consists of nine members serving as the policy-making body with authority only during formally called meetings. 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 focused on facilities, finance, policy, personnel, and student achievement. Dr. Mike Bitz serves as superintendent.