Original building of Roosevelt Elementary in the 1930's | Photo from secretary Katherine Engelstad
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Original building of Roosevelt Elementary, April 29 1924 | Photo from secretary Katherine Engelstad
roughriders celebrate 100 years.
roughriders celebrate 100 years.
Roosevelt commemorates centennial anniversary.
FEATURE | April 2025
However, the school’s establishment in 1925 was not without controversy. According to KX News, when the idea of Roosevelt Elementary was first proposed in 1923, many objected, arguing its location was too far from the center of town. Despite these concerns, the city of Bismarck moved forward with construction, and the school officially opened its doors two years later.
Roosevelt Elementary has stood the test of time—both literally and figuratively. In 1931, a fire broke out on the upper level of the school, which posed difficulty for the school. “A fire would be super challenging, with relocating classrooms and finding new student resources that may have been destroyed due to smoke,” said principal Brenda Beiswenger.
Outside of school | Photo by Elizabeth LaDuke
Interviewee Brenda Beiswenger| Official Bismarck Public Schools Administration Photo
Beiswenger has worked as the principal for seven years. Prior to her work at Roosevelt, she worked at two Bismarck elementary schools as the principal at Prairie Rose and a fourth grade teacher at Myrie. Beiswenger “enjoys coaching not only students but teachers and families as well,” leading to her decision to go towards a principal role.
The school expanded in 1958 with a new addition. By 1975, the original structure was dismantled and replaced with the wooden Teddy-Roosevelt-style building still standing today. The reason for the major change was that “the old building was outdated and outlived its existence,” said Beiswenger.
Roosevelt logo on outside of school | Photo by Elizabeth LaDuke
Students pose in costumes during inaugural year, 1924 | Photo from secretary Katherine Engelstad
As Roosevelt marks this historic milestone, Beiswenger reflects on the school's history. One event that stands out is in 2022 when they won the Blue Ribbon Award, which is given out to schools depending on academic data.
“This was really meaningful for staff, students, and families. It showed how hard the students and teachers worked with academics,” says Beiswenger.
Roosevelt has maintained its role as a feeder school for Horizon Middle School and Century High School. Beiswengersays “students look forward to going to larger buildings and the different opportunities they hold.” Its culture has maintained through the years, as “it has always been a small neighborhood school with a large community connection,” said Beiswenger.
Elizabeth LaDuke is a junior, and this is her third year on the Century Star. She is the editor-in-chief. “I am prepared to create my best work yet and lead the class to prepare for a productive year,” LaDuke said. As a passionate athlete, she is captain of the Patriot girls ice hockey team and also runs spring track. For work, she spends her time as a fitness associate at the Family Wellness Center in Mandan. She currently holds the secretary position for the North Dakota Leadership Seminar organization. She enjoys french culture and is president of the French Club at Century. She also participates in the Century Student Council, Spanish Club, library group, and National Honor Society...
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