BRIDGE Update: Get Ready for Infinite Campus SIS Engagement
Beginning in October, Infinite Campus will work with LEAs to work toward the implementation of the student information system (SIS). This is one of several pieces included in BRIDGE, the state's K-12 data modernization solution.
To ensure a smooth transition to the new SIS, the Infinite Campus implementation team has outlined several critical preparations, or "extra credit" opportunities. Below are some actionable steps to get ahead and ensure seamless data migration:
Extra Credit 1: Clean Up Your Existing Data in PowerSchool
Before diving into Infinite Campus, it’s vital to ensure your data is clean and consistent. Here’s what to focus on:
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Addresses: Review for consistency in abbreviations (e.g., "St." vs "Street") and spelling (e.g., "Blvd" vs "Boulevard"). Ensure that address data is correctly placed (e.g., apartment numbers should only appear in Address 2). Remove any duplicate addresses.
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Guardianship Information: Verify each student has a designated guardian or a system to identify who the guardian is in the future.
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Contact Information: Make sure each student has an assigned contact and that all sibling information matches, particularly for students living at the same address.
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Special Character Removal: Eliminate any special characters or system-generated prefixes (like asterisks) from names and other fields. For items that need categorization, consider using additional identifiers to clarify their context.
Extra Credit 2: Inventory Your Existing Reports
Take stock of the reports you currently use in PowerSchool and identify which ones are needed in Infinite Campus. Comparing your current reports with those available in Infinite Campus will help ensure that you’re prepared to create and utilize the new reporting features in the system. Training on how to generate custom reports will be available once the system is live.
Extra Credit 3: Inventory Third-Party Vendors
It’s important to inventory your current third-party vendors that will integrate with Infinite Campus. For each vendor, ensure you have:
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A list of administrators and their contact details
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Logins (username and passwords) for vendor portals
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Information on any data exchanges (import/export) between your current systems and vendors
This inventory will help the implementation team configure integrations and streamline the setup process, reducing the time spent later.
By completing these tasks, you’ll be well-prepared for the implementation of Infinite Campus SIS and aligned with the goals of BRIDGE. This preparation will help ensure a smooth transition, supporting the long-term objectives to improve data quality, streamline reporting, and drive better outcomes for students across North Dakota.
PowerSchool Data Security Update
PowerSchool recently informed North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT) that an individual(s) potentially behind the December breach incident has been attempting to contact other states’ school districts, pressuring individuals for payment using the data that was originally accessed. NDIT is closely monitoring this situation. If you believe you’ve received one of these messages, do not respond. Instead, report the incident to NDIT immediately.
PowerSchool is working with leading cybersecurity experts and law enforcement agencies in both the United States and Canada to thoroughly investigate and address the incident. As a reminder, complimentary credit monitoring and identity protection services are available for two years to those affected. This includes educators and current or former students from North Dakota school districts who may not have received the initial incident notification from PowerSchool.
Interested participants should enroll in these services by July 31, 2025: https://www.powerschool.com/security/sis-incident/notice-of-united-states-data-breach
If you have additional questions, PowerSchool has established a dedicated support center. You can reach them at 833-918-9464, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time.
Help Us Improve Our Communication
At the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, we’re committed to making sure our communication works for you. Whether you’re an educator, parent, student, or community member, your input plays a vital role in helping us connect more effectively with everyone.
By completing this quick survey, you’ll help us understand what’s working, what’s not, and how we can better serve you. Your feedback will directly shape how we communicate and ensure that the information we share meets your needs.
We truly appreciate your time and insight as we continue to improve how we keep you informed and engaged with NDDPI.
Proposals sought for Ag in the Classroom programs
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) and the North Dakota Agriculture in the Classroom Council are seeking proposals for developing and conducting educational programs and materials to help young people understand the importance of agriculture in North Dakota and in their own lives.
“Agriculture in the Classroom programs help young people learn where their food comes from and how to make better food choices for themselves,” Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said. “The program provides teachers with curricula and class lesson development materials, training seminars, a magazine, website and other tools to make agriculture part of the school day. The materials provided support all core areas of study.”
Goehring said up to $100,000 will be available for the programs in this biennium.
Information on grant opportunities and on preparing and submitting proposals is available at www.ndda.nd.gov/aitcgrants or by contacting Heather Lang at 701-595-9120 or hlang@nd.gov.
Proposals must be received by 4 p.m. CDT, Friday, June 6, 2025.
Help Make North Dakota’s Voice Heard: Phones in Focus Survey
The Phones in Focus initiative — the first nationwide study of school cell phone policies, led by Dr. Angela Duckworth from the University of Pennsylvania — is underway, and North Dakota is leading the way in participation! However, many schools have yet to complete the survey, and we need your help to ensure every school is represented.
How You Can Help:
• Check your school’s participation status [Click to view the participation dashboard]
The interactive dashboard shows which schools have responded and which still have an opportunity to contribute. If your school has already participated, encourage others who haven’t yet!
• Complete the survey in just 5 minutes at www.phonesinfocus.org.
We need at least one response per school to reach 100%. Teachers, principals, and superintendents are all encouraged to participate. Your response can make all the difference!
• Share the survey link with colleagues if you haven’t already.
Why It Matters:
Preliminary national findings show that bell-to-bell phone policies significantly reduce classroom phone misuse. Even with less restrictive policies (such as phone use during lunch or passing periods), nearly 4 in 10 students still misuse phones during class. Your input will help us understand what’s working in North Dakota and guide future decision-making.
Next Steps:
• Complete the survey by the end of the school year to help us reach 100% participation!
• A full summary of results, including school- and district-level insights, will be shared this summer.
Thank you for helping ensure North Dakota’s story is fully represented — together, we can make informed, student-centered decisions based on solid research.
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