BISCO | Past Activities

BISCO's mission at one time was to be a catalyst to start new programs that can then be continued on their own or through other groups. Some of these projects are listed below as well as some projects that have been discontinued due to changing needs or new programs.

SCRUBS – This program began with BISCO financial support to enable students to learn about the many roles in medical care. Students were able to shadow all of the different medical professions and learn about the skills needed. BISCO financed this program for two years for start up costs, and it now continues through Prairie Lakes Hospital.

Alumni Foundation – The Alumni Foundation began as a BISCO idea in the late 1990s,

and the BISCO board served as the first board for the Foundation. The Alumni Foundation

began by helping to unite past alumni with the mission of the district. The association

currently is a part of what is now the Arrow Education Foundation.

Technology and Foreign Language Camps – These began in 1998 as opportunities

for students to learn additional information in the summer time regarding technology and

foreign language. These camps are now a part of the Park and Recreation Program.

Born To Learn -This program helped incoming kindergarten students and their parents

transition into the school setting. Parents and students attended a six week session to

learn about the expectations of school and become familiar with the teachers and staff.

Catharsis – This book of student work was created and distributed throughout the state of

South Dakota to display student work. The BISCO organization funded this project until it

was no longer produced.

Parenting Affair Seminars – Parenting Affair Seminars were held for parenting

information sponsored by BISCO. These seminars focused on seminars for entire

families to attend. These seminars were held on topics such as positive relationships, body

image, and healthy families.

Parents’ Brown Bag Luncheons – These lunches were held for parents once monthly to

discuss important topics related to their children. These were held at LATI and parents

learned about issues such as parenting, drug/alcohol prevention, etc.

PTO Presidents’ Luncheon – PTO Presidents, BISCO Board Members, and school

personnel met several times each year to discuss ways that BISCO can support the

individual schools. The information shared helped schools gather additional ideas to raise

parent participation in their schools goals.

Other Financial Support - BISCO has provided financial support to many organizations

such as After-Prom Party, Gifted Camps, Space Camp, Mentoring Moms, Watertown Healthy Youth, Boys and Girls Club, Odyssey of the Mind, Destination Imagination, and the library wireless project. BISCO continues to award grants.