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Supporting Student Health and Learning
The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) is aware of the recent measles outbreak impacting schools across the state. As of this week, nine cases of measles have been identified in North Dakota—mostly in children and all in unvaccinated individuals. Some of these cases have resulted in school exposures.
The health and safety of students and school personnel remain our top priority. At the same time, we recognize the importance of supporting a consistent and strong educational experience for every student. Whether students are directly affected by illness or are absent due to quarantine, we want to ensure all learners have the opportunity to successfully complete the school year.
Navigating the balance between health, safety, and educational continuity can be challenging. We encourage school leaders and staff to take proactive steps to stay informed and prepared.
The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued updated Guidance for Measles in Schools and is actively monitoring the situation. Please refer to the following HHS resources for timely updates:
Additional Support and Contact Information:
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HHS Disease Control and Forensic Pathology Section: 701-328-2378
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HHS Immunization Unit: vaccine@nd.gov
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NDDPI School Health Contact: Amanda Peterson
For more information on school health resources, visit our School Health webpage.
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Introducing Our New Look!
We're excited to unveil our refreshed brand! You’ll notice a new logo and updated visual identity, but what hasn’t changed is our unwavering commitment to serving North Dakota’s students, educators, and schools.
At the heart of this rebrand is the same mission: that all students will graduate choice ready with the knowledge, skills, and disposition to be successful.
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K-12 Data Modernization Update
We are continuing our partnership with Infinite Campus to support the statewide rollout of BRIDGE, the state’s comprehensive K-12 data modernization solution. This effort is not limited to replacing student information systems — BRIDGE will ultimately unify and streamline how North Dakota’s schools manage student, teacher, and course data, state reporting, and school funding processes.
To prepare for a successful transition, NDDPI has purchased a comprehensive suite of Infinite Campus tools—available at no cost to districts that opt in. These resources are designed to improve administrative efficiency, strengthen communication, and elevate the overall educational experience.
Explore on-demand demonstrations for each product:
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Infinite Campus SIS
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Campus Analytics Suite
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Campus Data Suite
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Campus Food Service
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Campus Learning Suite
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Campus Messenger with Voice
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Campus Payments
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Campus Online Registration
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Campus Passport
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Campus Report Translation Module
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Campus Workflow Suite
▶️ Learn more: Infinite Campus: Transforming K12 Education®
A preliminary implementation timeline is available. Be sure to check next week’s NDDPI Messenger for a list of activities to help your school or district prepare for onboarding.
We remain committed to proactive communication throughout this project to ensure a smooth transition. Thank you for your continued collaboration and support as we enhance North Dakota’s K-12 technical landscape.
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2025–2026 Consolidated Application Process
NDDPI is moving forward as planned with the Intent to Apply and the Consolidated Application narrative and budget process for the 2025–2026 school year.
Key Information:
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Training Opportunity: Join us for the 2025–2026 Consolidated Application Training and Q&A on May 15, from 2-3 p.m. CDT. NDDPI staff will provide key updates and answer questions. Click here to join the training
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Intent to Apply: Now open and available for districts to complete.
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Title Allocations: NDDPI is still awaiting federal allocation details from the U.S. Department of Education.
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Next Steps: Once funding updates are received, we will provide additional guidance regarding the narrative and budget components of the application.
Questions? Contact Amanda Peterson at amandapeterson@nd.gov or (701) 328-3545.
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North Dakota Scholarship
The North Dakota Scholarship Application is now open and will remain available until Friday, June 6. Seniors in the Class of 2025 may submit their scholarship applications at any time before the deadline.
Please note that starting with the Class of 2025, the new North Dakota Scholarship requirements will be fully implemented. Students will no longer be able to qualify under the previous Academic and CTE Scholarship criteria. It’s important to ensure that both students and parents are aware of these updated requirements and understand the differences between the Choice Ready requirements and the North Dakota Scholarship requirements.
Additionally, the Choice Ready report must be completed and submitted accurately, as many scholarship indicators will be pulled directly from this report. If an indicator is not marked in the Choice Ready report, the student will not be able to use it to qualify for the scholarship—no exceptions will be made.
A detailed email with further scholarship procedures has been sent to secondary principals and school counselors earlier this week.
For any questions regarding the North Dakota Scholarship, please contact Jim Upgren at 701-328-2244.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES |
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May 13: Pre End of Year Cleaning up Enrollment Dates, 10 a.m. CDT, via Microsoft Teams
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May 15: Pre End of Year Graduating Seniors, 1:30 p.m. CDT, via Microsoft Teams
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End of Year Sessions: Registration for "End of Year" sessions is now open! Each school district is required to send one representative from each school to the same session. For districts that can only have one attendee, a session titled "End of Year (Singleton)" is available. If your district has not yet signed up, please do so promptly, as some sessions are already full.
New Kitchen Manager Boot Camp
Did your school recently hire a new Kitchen Manager or head cook? Kitchen Managers hired within the last 3 years or those who want to check their readiness for an upcoming NSLP Review should attend the Kitchen Manager Boot Camp June 4-5 in Bismarck.
✔ Free training
✔ Real-world examples
✔ Strong administrative reviews from past participants
🕐 Mark your calendar!
Child Nutrition and Food Distribution Back-to-School Workshops
Join us for a full day of essential updates and training for the upcoming school year! These in-person workshops will cover critical changes to the School Nutrition Programs, including separate presentation tracks for:
Topics Include:
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New menu changes and added sugar limits
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State 200 parameter updates in line with North Dakota legislative mandates
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Procurement strategies and forecasting
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Infinite Campus rollout and its impact on your Point of Sale (POS) system
Cost: $55 per session (includes light breakfast and lunch)
Workshop Locations & Dates:
Fargo
📅 Tuesday, July 29
📍 Hilton Garden Inn, Fargo
👉 Register here for the Fargo BTSW
Minot
📅 Thursday, July 31
📍 The Grand Oasis Hotel
👉 Register here for the Minot BTSW
Bismarck
📅 Monday, August 4
📍 The Bismarck Hotel
👉 Register here for the Bismarck BTSW
Don't miss this opportunity to prepare your team for a successful school year!
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS |
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Looking for a meaningful way to engage students in grades 3–12 this summer or fall? Start a free Girls Who Code Club and gain access to a complete coding curriculum, leadership resources, and ongoing support—no coding experience required!
Girls Who Code provides everything you need to create inclusive computer science learning spaces for all students. When you enroll three or more members, your Club becomes eligible for additional perks, including a Clubs Fund of up to $300 to spend on supplies and snacks through an Amazon Wish List.
Here’s how to get started:
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Complete the Clubs Application: girlswhocode.com/clubsapply
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Enroll 3 or more members to qualify for Club funding
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Submit your Amazon Wish List by May 21, 2025
Whether you’re planning summer activities or preparing for fall, Girls Who Code makes it easy to inspire the next generation of coders!
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Honoring Outstanding ND Educators
On Friday, May 2, 2025, NDDPI held its second annual Educator Appreciation & Recognition Ceremony at Memorial Hall in the State Capitol. Superintendent Kirsten Baesler had the honor of presenting awards to outstanding educators from across the state. These dedicated individuals are making a significant impact on the lives of students and contributing to the success of education in North Dakota.
We are proud to highlight the following 2025 honorees:
Celebrating Excellence in North Dakota Education:
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Kelsy Achtenberg — The Innovation School
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Kelsey Boedeker — South Heart Public School
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Shelly Christensen — Glen Ullin Public School
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Miranda Frovarp — Thompson Public School
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Jim Green — Watford City High School
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Zoe Hodenfield — Longfellow Elementary, Minot
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Paul Monson — ND Center for Distance Education
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Jodi Northrop — Lincoln Elementary, Dickinson
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Angel Poitra — Ojibwa Indian School
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Kathy Rohfling-Delorme — Turtle Mountain Middle School
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Connie Soderholm — Minneaukan Elementary
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Jarred Wagner — Belfield High School
Milken Educator Award:
National Board Certification:
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George Gauld — Brooks Harbor Elementary, West Fargo
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Megan Homuth — Sheyenne High School, West Fargo
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Samantha Olson — Eastwood Elementary, West Fargo
Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST):
These educators have demonstrated exceptional dedication and innovation in their teaching, helping students thrive and succeed in all aspects of their education. Congratulations to each of our honorees! Their hard work is truly making a difference in North Dakota education.
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The NDDPI Messenger is sent out on a weekly or as-needed basis. Visit our website to view previous NDDPI Messenger/Weekly Blast bulletins.
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