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Infinite Campus SIS Implementation Guide Now Available!
We’re excited to announce the release of the Infinite Campus SIS Implementation Guide! As we continue to implement BRIDGE, this guide will be your go-to resource as we transition to a new Student Information System.
Our Vision
BRIDGE isn’t just a software change—it’s an enterprise solution designed to transform how we manage education data in North Dakota. With Infinite Campus, we aim to simplify processes so that teachers and administrators can focus more on North Dakota’s K-12 vision: ensuring that all students graduate choice ready with the knowledge, skills, and disposition to be successful.
Systems might change, but we will remain focused on our outcomes. This transition is about empowering educators and administrators to drive student success, and Infinite Campus will serve as a strong foundation to help make that vision a reality.
Timeline & Preparation
Here’s what’s coming up, along with some steps your district can take now:
- Soon: Data Extraction/Migration RFP will be released to potential vendors by DPI.
- Prepare by:
- Cleaning up existing data
- Inventorying current systems
- Inventorying third-party vendors
- We will keep you posted on the status of the procurement process whenever possible.
- Fall 2025: Implementation activities begin.
- Winter 2025: Analysis and discovery phase.
- Spring 2026: Implementation and training sessions.
- Summer 2026: Go live with Infinite Campus.
- Fall 2026: New school year, new SIS!
Meet Your Infinite Campus Implementation Team
Before implementation activities begin in Fall 2025, an implementation team will be assigned to your district to guide you through the entire process. This team will be with you every step of the way, ensuring the transition to Infinite Campus is smooth and successful. Here’s a breakdown of the key members of your Infinite Campus team and the roles they play:
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Project Manager The Project Manager is your main point of contact during the implementation. They’ll ensure that tasks are completed on time, keep the project on track, and facilitate status meetings. The Project Manager will also identify any risks, issues, or barriers and work with you to address them.
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Data Conversion Analyst The Data Conversion Analyst is responsible for converting your data from the legacy SIS to Infinite Campus. They’ll provide a Data Conversion Plan, assist with data cleanup efforts, and offer guidance on any data-related questions that arise during the process.
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Business Consultant The Business Consultant provides guidance on change management and supports the implementation of new or revised workflows that align with Infinite Campus. They’ll also configure key system settings to ensure it’s optimized for your district’s needs.
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SIS Training Specialist The SIS Training Specialist will create and deliver a Training Plan, facilitate training workshops, and provide ongoing support throughout the implementation. They’ll help ensure that your staff is well-prepared to use Infinite Campus effectively.
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Premium Products Training Specialist (if applicable) If your district is using premium products, this specialist will create a tailored Training Plan and provide specialized training and support for those products.
Why This Matters:
With Infinite Campus, we’re streamlining the way education data is managed, so your focus can stay on what matters most—preparing students for success. Your implementation team is prepared to set your district up for a successful transition, paving the way for smoother, more efficient processes in the future.
For any questions or comments, feel free to email us at bridge@nd.gov. We’re here to help!
NDDPI Presents at 2025 NDCEL Summer Conference
Several members of the NDDPI team had the opportunity to present during this year’s NDCEL Summer Conference, sharing key updates and initiatives with education leaders from across the state. If you were unable to attend—or would like to revisit any of the presentations—slides and materials are now available below!
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Steve Snow and Tony Ambrose provided an overview of BRIDGE, North Dakota’s K–12 data modernization effort, including next steps for districts preparing to implement the Infinite Campus SIS.
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Jim Upgren shared important information about the North Dakota Scholarship, including updates tied to the new eligibility requirements starting with the Class of 2025.
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Amanda Peterson delivered a session focused on Federal Program Updates, helping districts stay informed and prepared for compliance and funding opportunities.
Thank you to NDCEL for the opportunity to engage and collaborate with school leaders statewide!
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IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Choice Ready Information Due June 20
Districts that haven’t yet completed the Choice Ready reporting are urged to do so immediately to stay compliant with Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) guidelines and support student success.
📋 What You Need to Know
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Choice Ready Reporting tracks vital student indicators, including ACT/SAT participation, dual‑credit coursework, military enlistment, workforce readiness, and more.
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Accurate and timely reporting helps highlight district achievements and secure future education funding.
🗓️ Deadlines Approaching
✅ Why It Matters
📞 Need Help?
If you're encountering issues or need support with report submission, contact Ross Roemmich at (701) 328‑2189. We are ready to assist with formats, system errors, or data questions!
Teacher Effectiveness Reports Due June 30
Per North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) 15.1-15-01, all teacher evaluations must be completed by April 15, and the Teacher Effectiveness Report must be submitted by June 30, 2025. If your school has not yet completed this reporting, immediate action is required to remain in compliance with state and federal requirements.
How to Submit:
- Log in to STARS
- Go to Personnel → Teacher Effectiveness
- Select your district, school year, and evaluation model
- Enter evaluation counts (Total teachers, Levels Zero–Four)
- Save, validate, and submit before June 30
✅ Why It Matters
- Federal ESSA compliance requires this data to identify areas where low-income or minority students may be taught by ineffective teachers
- Accurate and on-time reporting ensures North Dakota maintains its approved ESSA plan and avoids potential penalties.
📞 Need Help?
If you encounter technical issues or need clarification, reach out to Ross Roemmich at (701) 328‑2189.
Mandated Reporter Training Required for Licensure Applicants
In alignment with House Bill 1562, all initial licensure candidates must complete the Mandated Reporter Training for Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect provided by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services.
🔹 Complete the training here: ND Mandated Reporter Training
🔹 Time Commitment: Approximately 1 hour
🔹 What You’ll Receive: A certificate of completion
🔹 What You’ll Need to Do: Upload your certificate in the To Do Item section of your licensure application
This training is required for all new licensure applicants and must be completed prior to submission.
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Consolidated Application Narrative Section: DUE DATE EXTENDED to July 17 at 5 p.m.
All districts are now able to access the Consolidated Application narrative section in WebGrants. Under Funding Opportunities, click "57645 Consolidated Application 2025-2026," and you will see your Pre-Application (i.e., Intent to Apply). Select “Create Final Application” on the far right to begin completing the narrative section.
The following Consolidated Application resources are available:
Consolidated Application Budgets are due Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 5 p.m. CDT. Budgets will be created when final allocations are released from the U.S. Department of Education and the NDDPI approves the Consolidated Application Narrative. Some of the Title programs Estimated 2025-2026 Federal Title Allocations have been released and posted on the Consolidated Application webpage. Please use the estimates when planning for the budgeting process.
If you have any questions regarding the Intent to Apply for Federal Title Funding process, please contact Melanie Pudwill at (701) 328-2282.
Paid Lunch Equity (PLE) tool available for SY 25-26
The USDA has released the most current Paid Lunch Equity (PLE) tool, designed to help schools and other sponsors who participate in the National School Lunch Program calculate new weighted average meal prices for the 2025-2026 school year. This requirement helps to ensure that sponsors charge enough for Paid meals; therefore, not using funding meant for Free/Reduced price meals to cover the cost of all meal production.
Sponsors with a negative balance in their Food Service Account (05 Fund) as of June 30, 2024, must complete the PLE tool or an equivalent procedure to determine student meal prices for the upcoming school year. These sponsors must increase meal prices by a minimum of 10 cents but are encouraged to follow the prices recommended by the PLE tool.
Schools and sponsors with a positive or net-zero balance in their 05 Fund as of June 30, 2024, are exempt from the requirement to complete the PLE Tool, as well as schools that participate in the Community Eligible Provision (CEP) or Provision 2.
More information:
Updates to the Non-Profit Food Service Account (05 Fund)
The Non-Profit School Food Service Account (05 Fund) can now hold up to six months of average operating expenses at any time. NDDPI CNFD has determined that allowing schools to maintain six months of operating expenses helps improve program management. Previously, schools could only hold up to three months of operating expenses.
A few reminders that
1) excess funds in the 05 Fund need to be spent on program purposes such as improving the quality of food served, purchasing needed supplies, services or equipment, or other ways that benefit the federal school meal programs,
2) excess funds in the 05 Fund cannot be used to clear unpaid meal debt,
3) 01 Fund General Expenses cannot be included in the 05 Fund ending balance,
4) funds from the 05 Food Service account may not be transferred to the 01 General Fund unless there is a clearly documented food service-related expense,
5) if any food service expenses are paid from the 01 General Fund, a transfer should be made from the 01 account to the 05 Food Service account at the end of the fiscal year to properly allocate these costs,
Before submitting the School Finance Report to NDDPI, please ensure that your district’s School Food Service Account (05 Fund) does not have more than six months of expenses held in its ending balance, and that any transfers are appropriately documented and aligned with the requirements above.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES |
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Now Open: 2025–2026 ND RISE Mentoring Program Enrollment
Enrollment is open for the 2025–2026 ND RISE (Retaining, Inspiring, and Supporting Educators) Mentoring Program!
🔹 Important Reminder: Returning teachers entering their second year of mentoring must be re-enrolled to continue.
Why Enroll in ND RISE?
ND RISE offers a free, statewide support system that helps beginning teachers:
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Build classroom management skills
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Strengthen instructional effectiveness
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Feel professionally supported
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Stay in the profession longer
For Mentors:
Mentors gain a meaningful leadership opportunity, high-quality PD, and a stipend each semester.
Early Enrollment = More Training Options!
Mentors can only register for training after being officially enrolled, so don’t delay.
2025 New Mentor Training – Choose One Option
Required for new mentors or those who haven’t participated in the past five years.
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Option 1: Online Cohort (Zoom + Self-Paced)
July 8–17 (Mornings) | Register by June 26
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Option 2: Online Cohort (Zoom + Self-Paced)
July 29–August 7 (Mornings) | Register by July 18
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Option 3: In-Person in Bismarck
September 3–4 (All Day) | Register by August 18
Focus on building trust, belonging, and cultural awareness
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Option 4: Last-Chance Online (Zoom + Self-Paced)
September 30 & October 7 (Full Days) | Register by September 18
Sub reimbursement available
Mentors will receive KickUp registration access after enrollment is submitted.
Saturday Webinars for Paraeducators Return August 2025!
The National Resource Center for Paraeducators (NRCP) and TAESE are launching another year of engaging, low-cost professional development webinars — perfect for paraeducators, teachers, and administrators.
📅 Join them the second Saturday of each month (11 a.m.–1 p.m. CDT) for fresh topics like bullying prevention, AI in education, behavior management, dyslexia support, and more!
💻 Registration is open now for all 12 sessions:
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$25 per webinar (14-day recording access)
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$125 for 6 webinars
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$250 for all 12 (extended access through August 2026)
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Team and large group discounts available
For questions or group pricing, email Laura Lema.
Child Passenger Safety on School Buses Training
Join Safe Kids Grand Forks for a one-day training focused on safely transporting children with unique needs on school buses.
🚌 Child Passenger Safety on School Buses
📅 Date: August 5, 2025
🕗 Time: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
📍 Location: 2639 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501
💵 Registration Fee: $20 (includes lunch)
🎓 CEUs available for CPSTs
This course is ideal for anyone involved in child transportation safety and will cover specialized restraint strategies, technical updates, and key considerations when transporting children on buses.
📧 Questions? Contact safekids@altru.org
Explore Industry 4.0: Educator Training in Bismarck, August 6–8
Join a hands-on, three-day training at Bismarck State College’s Advanced Training Center to gain the skills, tools, and certifications needed to bring Industry 4.0 into your classroom.
What’s Included:
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Industry 4.0 Overview: Explore key technologies and workforce trends.
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Hands-on Training: Work with cutting-edge systems used in today’s classrooms.
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Instructional Guidance: Learn classroom setup, curriculum mapping, funding strategies, and how to build industry partnerships.
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Certification Opportunities: Learn about and earn industry-recognized credentials.
This high-impact training, attended by over 400 instructors across the Midwest, covers essential topics such as mechatronics, robotics, smart sensors, AI, data analytics, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
Cafeteria Credit Available:
North Dakota educators can earn graduate credit through the VCSU Cafeteria Plan, a flexible option that allows PD hours from this training to be applied toward graduate credit.
📍 Location: Bismarck State College Advanced Training Center
📅 Dates: August 6–8, 2025
📞 Contact: (414) 258-6415 | ✉️ info@labmidwest.com
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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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