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BRIDGE Updates
Data Sharing Agreements
NDDPI is working in partnership with the Attorney General’s Office to finalize updated data sharing agreement language. A final draft is anticipated by the end of the month and will be shared with districts once available. Districts are encouraged to review the draft upon release.
Statewide Longitudinal Data System (SLDS)
NDDPI continues to collaborate with North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT) and other key stakeholders to review requirements and use cases for SLDS tools. The goal is to determine which, if any, current solutions and business functions will continue to operate after July 1.
For SLDS tools that will not be functional in their current form after July 1, the project team is actively identifying potential solutions and next steps. Additional updates will be shared as decisions are finalized to ensure districts have clarity moving forward.
BRIDGE Office Hours
Join us for BRIDGE Office Hours, an open forum designed for district personnel and partners to get real-time answers about the BRIDGE project. This session provides a direct opportunity to submit your questions, clarify project details, and engage in conversation with the BRIDGE project team. Whether you’re looking for technical guidance, implementation support, or clarity on upcoming milestones, Office Hours are your chance to connect, collaborate, and stay informed.
If you missed the January Office Hours, you can access the recordings in the links below:
Measles on the Move: What Schools Need to Know
NDDPI encourages schools to reinforce measles awareness and preparedness. Up to 90% of people nearby can become infected if unvaccinated.
Key School Actions
ND Health & Human Services School Guidance
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Zero vaccine doses: Students are excluded from school but may return to school immediately if they receive their first MMR/MMRV dose within 72 hours of exposure.
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One or more doses: Students may stay in school without exclusion.
Take action now to keep schools safe and protect student health!
For questions or additional information about measles or immunization, visit the NDHHS measles webpage or contact NDHHS at 701-328-3386.
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District Meal Debt Survey
Due to significant statewide interest in school meal policy and student meal debt following recent legislative discussions, NDDPI is seeking district-level insight into school meal debt. The issue has been widely discussed across the state as part of efforts to understand how meal costs and unpaid meal balances are affecting students, families, and district finances.
We need your input. We ask that North Dakota public and nonpublic school districts take this brief survey to provide insight into meal debt to help inform a clearer statewide picture.
Please submit one response per district by 5 p.m. on Feb. 26.
Thank you for your participation and for helping inform ongoing conversations about school meal programs in North Dakota.
Release of 2024 Census Data for 2026–2027 School Year Title I Funding
The U.S. Department of Education (USED) has released the 2024 Census data for review. The 2024 Census data is used to calculate Title I allocations for each state for the 2026–2027 school year.
It is important that all districts review this memo to verify the accuracy of the boundary survey data on which Title I allocation data is based. This memo also provides access to North Dakota’s Census data and information on USED’s methodology and comprehensive approach to the allocation process.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this information, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau before March 27, 2026.
ND Student Engagement Survey Window is Fast Approaching
The 2025–2026 North Dakota Student Engagement Survey (NDSES) will be open from Feb. 1–28, 2026.
This year, NDDPI updated and improved the survey based on feedback from students and educators to provide a more meaningful and relevant measure of student engagement across schools. Our statewide goal is 95% student participation so results accurately reflect the student experience at each school.
Students will access the survey through a link in the Quick Guide and in LaunchPad, the same single sign-on platform used for the ND A+ Summative and Interim Assessments.
NDDPI has also updated the NDSES FAQs and created new support tools, available on the ND A+ Portal under the NDSES tab.
For general questions about NDSES or accountability, contact Amanda Peterson.
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Paraprofessional Certificate Application Process
NDDPI recently updated the application process for the General Education Paraprofessional Certificate. Previously, students applied for this certificate through the ND Teach portal. The process has now been simplified, and NDDPI has developed a new, standalone online application that is easier to access and complete. The move away from the ND Teach portal means applicants can now apply directly using the new online form, making the process faster and more user-friendly for students, families, and school personnel.
The General Education Paraprofessional Certificate provides a solid foundation in educational pedagogy and enables students to contribute to their communities actively. It signifies students' early dedication to education and prepares them for a career focused on teaching and nurturing student development. More information, including eligibility requirements and the updated online application, can be found on the NDDPI website.
Questions about the General Education Paraprofessional Certificate or the updated application process may be directed to Kelsie Molesworth at (701) 328-4571.
End-of-Year Data Review Webinar Series
As the school year comes to a close, districts are preparing to submit end-of-year data that directly impacts accountability determinations. To support districts in this important process, NDDPI is hosting a series of informational webinars focused on reviewing data prior to submission to help ensure accuracy and completeness.
Each session will cover the same content, so participants only need to attend one.
Webinar Dates (2–3 p.m. Central Time):
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March 18
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March 25
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April 1
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April 8
During these sessions, NDDPI staff will walk through the data review process, highlight common issues, and provide guidance to help districts confidently finalize submissions.
Microsoft Teams invitations will be sent prior to the selected meeting date.
For questions, please contact Angie Thomas at 701-328-2597.
Share Your Feedback on NDDPI Communications
NDDPI is seeking feedback on its communication and messaging strategies, including routine and weekly bulletins such as the NDDPI Messenger.
This brief form is designed to gather input on what formats, timing, and content are most effective in supporting awareness, engagement, and usability. Feedback will help guide improvements to future communications and ensure updates are clear, timely, and valuable to districts and partners across the state.
Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts by the end of the day on Wednesday, Feb. 18. Your input is appreciated and will help strengthen how we connect and communicate.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES |
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PowerSchool Early Scheduling
Districts are invited to attend an upcoming scheduling support session designed to assist with early planning and preparation in PowerSchool. This session is intended for elementary and high school staff supporting early scheduling processes.
Upcoming session:
This session will provide practical guidance, best practices, and an opportunity for questions to help districts prepare for a successful scheduling cycle.
For additional information, please contact Amanda Wilson, student data specialist.
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ND Best in Class Applications Open for 2026–2027
Applications are now open for the ND Best in Class (Four-Year-Olds) program for the 2026–2027 school year.
This program supports four-year-old classrooms by connecting teachers with fellow educators and providing access to resources, ideas, coaching, and ongoing support.
Best in Class focuses on:
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Classroom environment
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Curriculum and assessments
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Affordability
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Health and safety standards
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Screenings
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Coaching and professional development
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Family engagement
Funding ranges from $15,000 to $120,000 per section, based on group size and hours of operation.
Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. CST on Friday, Feb. 20, to dhsec@nd.gov.
For questions, contact Shonda Wild at 701-328-1980.
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West Fargo: January Tray of the Month
Congratulations to January's Tray of the Month winner: West Fargo Public Schools!
Their submission included an "out of this world" cheeseburger with star-shaped cheese and potatoes. Amazing creativity!
Let’s keep celebrating the creativity and hard work happening in your cafeterias! Tray of the Month is a fun, optional activity to highlight the delicious meals you serve every day.
February’s Theme – Soup & Stew Month
Share your favorite soup or stew—bonus points if you share your school recipe with us. Due: Feb. 27
How to Enter
- Submit a high-resolution photo of a full lunch tray (all components + milk).
- Make sure the photo is well-lit and focused.
- Students and staff may be included—just ensure photo release forms are handled through your district’s process.
- Submit your photo to Amanda Olson at amolson@nd.gov
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 The Litchville-Marion Money Hounds student team, along with their coach, stand with their awards after winning the 2026 North Dakota Varsity LifeSmarts Championship on Feb. 5. The competition was held at the North Dakota State Capitol in Bismarck.
Litchville-Marion Money Hounds win 2026 North Dakota Varsity LifeSmarts Championship
The North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions (NDDFI) announces that the Litchville-Marion High School Money Hounds are the 2026 North Dakota Varsity LifeSmarts Champions. The Money Hounds outperformed seven other teams by tackling real-world consumer and financial questions during the state competition on Feb. 5 at the North Dakota State Capitol.
The NDDFI administers the state LifeSmarts program. LifeSmarts is part of North Dakota’s commitment to improving financial literacy in schools, a priority established by House Bill 1533. The program is designed for students in grades 6-8 (Junior Varsity) and 9-12 (Varsity), testing their knowledge in personal finance, consumer rights, technology, health and safety, and the environment. LifeSmarts is a program of the National Consumers League.
Students from across the state first competed online for a chance to advance to the in-person state finals. As state champions, the Money Hounds will represent North Dakota at the National LifeSmarts Championship in Orlando, April 16-17, 2026. The Litchville-Marion Money Hounds earned second place last year at the national competition.
“LifeSmarts participants gain many of the consumer ‘smarts’ they’ll need to make it in the real world,” said NDDFI Commissioner Lise Kruse. “We’re proud to have the Money Hounds represent North Dakota in the National LifeSmarts Championship.”
All middle and high schools in North Dakota are invited to participate in LifeSmarts. Educators interested in starting a LifeSmarts team can learn more by contacting the NDDFI at nddfi@nd.gov.
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 2026 North Dakota Literacy Summit: The Implementation Chapter
Educators from across the state are invited to attend the 2026 North Dakota Literacy Summit, July 22–23 in Bismarck, with a Pre-Summit Dyslexia Simulation & Social on July 21.
This year’s theme, “The Implementation Chapter,” focuses on aligned literacy implementation—bringing educators together to move research into practice and strengthen instruction for every learner. Breakout sessions will feature role-aligned learning and strands in Birth–5 Literacy, Dyslexia, and Adolescent Literacy, grounded in the Science of Reading.
Registration opens in March.
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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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