|
The Electronics Ban Explained: Why SB2354 Is the Law to Follow
North Dakota’s new “bell to bell” ban on student electronics in schools, including smartphones and tablets, has drawn a great deal of attention as our schools begin the 2025-26 school year.
Some media reports and search engine results have identified the new law as HB1160, which was signed by Gov. Kelly Armstrong at an April 25 ceremony held at Bismarck’s Centennial Elementary School. However, the legislation that is in effect is SB2354, which the governor signed May 2. In the Legislature, if two bills that affect the same part of state law are both approved, the last one signed is the one to follow.
Fortunately, HB1160 and SB2354 are almost identical. SB2354 requires all student “personal electronic communication devices” be securely “stowed” away (HB1160 says “locked” away). SB2354 also includes language that says each school district’s policy on electronics restrictions must be published in “student and personnel handbooks” and “communicated to students, parents, and authorized caregivers.”
Again, if you want to see the text of the new student electronics ban, look here.
School Data Migration Update
NDDPI issued an RFP for school data migration in July. Eighteen proposals were received, and an "Intent to Award" was posted on the State Procurement Office website on Aug. 22. The contract is expected to be awarded in early September. NDDPI will continue to share updates and keep districts informed as additional details become available.
NDDPI, Culinary Students Cooking Up Nutritional Partnership
A new partnership between the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) and the North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) culinary arts program will provide school cooks with hands-on training to prepare healthier meals with less sodium and sugar.
College culinary students, guided by NDDPI nutrition experts and a consultant, will train school cooks from across North and South Dakota on updated federal meal standards. The sessions, funded by a $759,474 USDA Team Nutrition grant, will be held this fall in Wahpeton and Bismarck, with additional training in spring 2026 and into the 2026-27 school year.
Participants will learn new recipes and food preparation methods—including banana bread, yogurt parfaits, and a wojapi-inspired berry sauce—while exploring school nutrition as a career path.
“This partnership is a win-win,” said NDSCS professor Benjamin Whitmore. “Students gain real-world training, and school cooks bring healthier options to the table.”
Stay Connected: Don’t Miss Critical NDDPI Updates
The NDDPI Messenger is our official communication tool for sharing the most important and time-sensitive updates with districts. From policy changes and new initiatives to program deadlines and critical alerts, the NDDPI Messenger ensures you have the information you need, when you need it.
⚠️ Please note: If you unsubscribe from any NDDPI GovDelivery bulletin, you will be unsubscribed from all NDDPI communications sent via GovDelivery. This means you risk missing crucial updates that directly impact your district, schools, and students.
We strongly encourage all administrators, educators, and staff to remain subscribed to the NDDPI Messenger so you don’t miss critical information and opportunities.
Accidentally unsubscribe? You can subscribe anytime through our website!
|
|
SB 2275: Foreign Language Pilot – Applications Now Open!
The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction has been tasked with implementing SB 2275, a pilot program to offer grants to schools that provide instruction in a foreign language to students in kindergarten through grade three (K-3).
Based on the parameters of the policy, the following criteria have been identified and prioritized as part of the application process:
-
📝 Narrative Use of Funds & Program Plan
-
💲 Amount Requested (not to exceed $2,500 per school per year)
-
📚 Language Instruction to be provided
The legislative intent of this program is to fund ten schools/districts to explore foreign language programming in grades K-3 and report findings back to the department. Any district receiving a grant will be required to provide a written report on the practices and programming explored.
👉 For more information, please visit our website.
Dual Credit Student Access to Blackboard
The North Dakota University System (NDUS) has issued updated guidance regarding dual credit student access to Blackboard and the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA).
-
MFA is not required for dual credit students to access Blackboard.
-
First-time users will still be prompted to configure MFA when setting up their account.
-
Students without cell phone access or unable to complete MFA setup should contact the Help Desk at their college campus for assistance and alternative options.
Please note: This exception applies only to Blackboard. MFA remains required for all other NDUS systems, including campus email and Campus Connection.
We appreciate your support in sharing this information with high school personnel who assist dual credit students. For additional guidance or technical support, please contact the appropriate institution’s Help Desk or dual credit coordinator.
STARS Reading Curriculum & PD Report Now Open
The 2025 STARS Reading Curriculum and Professional Development (PD) Report window is officially open. Each K-3 building has an assigned submission date based on its prior report review.
Finding Your Due Date You can verify your school’s next due date in two ways:
-
Next Reporting Date List – Check the list for public or nonpublic schools, as applicable.
-
STARS Status Window – Open the report in STARS to view your submission information.
- If your school is reporting this year, you’ll see a message stating the report is due Oct. 1, 2025.
- If you are not reporting this year, you’ll see “Not Applicable” in the status window and your next reporting date listed in the report body.
Guidance NDDPI will host a guidance webinar and Q&A session to walk through the reporting process:
For more details, visit the NDDPI Science of Reading Website and the Reading Curriculum & PD Report page, or contact:
|
|
2025-2026 School Calendars
The submission window for the 2025–2026 Fall Calendar is now open. Please ensure your school’s calendar is completed and submitted by Sept. 15, 2025.
Fall Calendar Requirements:
- Submit a separate calendar for each school.
- Enter the start and end dates at the top of the calendar.
- Record total instructional minutes per day, excluding lunch.
- Grades K–6 must meet a minimum of 962.5 instructional hours annually.
- Grades 7–12 must meet a minimum of 1,050 instructional hours annually.
- Enter all exception days that deviate from the regular instructional schedule.
- Complete the Notification information section on the left menu.
Please read the detailed guidance to help you complete the fall calendar. If you have any questions, please contact Katie Wald at (701) 328-4923.
2025-2026 MIS03s
The 2025–2026 MIS03s are now open for entering North Dakota PK–12 Licensed Personnel information.
To assist you in completing your school’s MIS03 submission, please review the detailed MIS03 Help Document. It contains step-by-step instructions and important guidance.
Please note: Unfilled positions should not be reported on the MIS03. Instead, enter them in the “Exceptions” section of the Annual Compliance Report.
If you have any questions, please contact Katie Wald at (701) 328-4923.
2025-2026 Annual Compliance Reports
Deadlines:
Oct. 1, 2025 (5 p.m.)
- Deadline for school principals and LEA superintendents to submit their School and LEA Annual Compliance Reports; or
- Deadline for superintendents to request the Oct. 15 extension from the superintendent of public instruction.
Oct. 15, 2025 (5 p.m.)
- Deadline for school principals and LEA superintendents to submit their School and LEA Annual Compliance Reports IF a superintendent requested an extension before 5 p.m. on Oct. 1, AND the extension was approved by NDDPI.
Please read the detailed guidance to help you complete the Annual Compliance Report. If you have any questions, please contact Katie Wald at (701) 328-4923.
|
|
 Farm to School: Harvest of the Month at Anamoose
September’s Harvest of the Month is watermelon—a fruit that’s 92% water and filled with vitamins A, B6, and C, making it the perfect hydrating snack for students heading back to school.
This month, NDDPI visited Drake-Anamoose Elementary School, where students are learning firsthand how food is grown through a school garden led by former administrator Deb Reinowski. The community garden not only supplies the cafeteria but also gives children hands-on agricultural experience and fresh fruits and vegetables to take home.
The Harvest of the Month program, part of USDA’s Farm to School initiative, was created to promote healthy eating and highlight foods grown, raised, or processed in North Dakota. Through this program, schools display colorful posters, encourage conversations about nutrition, and connect students to the source of their food.
NDDPI supports schools like Anamoose-Drake through the Farm to School State Formula Grant, which helps districts integrate gardening, local food procurement, and agricultural education into their Child Nutrition Programs. These efforts bring nutrition education to life and inspire the next generation to value healthy, local foods.
👉 Learn more about the Farm to School program: Farm to School Program
|
|
Foster Care/Homeless/Neglected & Delinquent Liaison Meeting
Join liaisons from across North Dakota for training, updates, and collaboration.
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025
Location: North Dakota State Capitol, Brynhild Haugland Room
Who should attend: District Foster Care, Homeless, and Neglected & Delinquent (N&D) liaisons (new and returning)
Schedule (CT):
Questions? Contact Jen Withers.
Title I Schoolwide & Targeted Assistance Meeting
Join NDDPI for guidance, updates, and planning support.
Date: Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025
Time: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (CT)
Location: North Dakota State Capitol, Brynhild Haugland Room
Audience: Title I leaders and teams (schoolwide and targeted assistance)
Attendance requirement: Any school currently in its Schoolwide Planning Year is required to attend.
Registration: 2025 Title I Schoolwide & Targeted Training
Questions? Contact Michelle Siegfried or Angie Richter.
|
|
|
The NDDPI Messenger is sent out on a weekly or as-needed basis. Visit our website to view previous NDDPI Messenger/Weekly Blast bulletins.
|
|
|
|
|
