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BRIDGE Update
Many districts have been seeking clarity on summer school data, and we appreciate your patience as we complete this work. We intended to share this information sooner and understand how timing affects local planning.
NDDPI will share specific recommendations and guidance next week that will focus on two key areas:
- How districts should organize and maintain 2026 summer school program data at the local level, including expectations for managing that information; and
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Steps NDDPI is taking to simplify reporting 2026 summer school data to the state, focusing on reducing burden and improving clarity.
This upcoming guidance is designed to help districts prepare for summer programming and reporting. Thank you for your continued partnership and flexibility as we work to ensure the right information and tools are in place.
BRIDGE Office Hours
If you missed the February Office Hours, you can access the recording here.
National & State Leaders Encourage Students to Compete for Presidential 1776 Award
North Dakota high school students are encouraged to participate in the Presidential 1776 Award, a national civics scholarship competition commemorating America’s 250th birthday. Kirsten Baesler, U.S. Department of Education assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education, along with Gov. Kelly Armstrong and State Superintendent Levi Bachmeier, are urging students across the state to take part in the opportunity.
The competition, independently developed by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation, will take place from February through June 2026 and includes three rounds of multiple-choice and short-answer verbal examinations focused on the Constitution and America’s founding principles. After regional rounds, the top four students from each region will advance to the national final in Washington, D.C., where three winners will receive scholarships totaling $250,000.
Students, principals, and counselors are encouraged to share information and register for this opportunity to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial while competing for significant scholarship awards.
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Feb. 28: North Dakota Student Engagement Survey Deadline
With just over a week remaining before the North Dakota Student Engagement Survey (NDSES) closes, we are happy to report that 45% of students have completed the survey. Because the NDSES plays a significant role in district accountability results, the goal is a 95% participation rate. Please ensure students complete the survey before the Feb. 28 deadline.
Administrators can check survey progress completion by signing into LaunchPad and clicking on the ADAM tile. Further instructions about this and survey administration can be found in the Quick Guide: North Dakota Engagement Survey. Contact dpiassess@nd.gov for any questions related to survey administration.
Additional details, including commonly asked questions, are available on the NDSES website, and more information is available at the ND A+ Portal under the Student Engagement Survey tab. For general information and/or questions related to the NDSES and accountability, contact Amanda Peterson.
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Virtual Education Improvement Task Force Members Announced
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who applied to be considered for the Virtual Education Improvement Task Force. The level of interest and the depth of experience represented in the applicant pool reflect a strong, shared commitment to ensuring high-quality virtual learning opportunities for students across North Dakota. We are grateful to each individual who was willing to lend their time, insight, and expertise to this important work.
After careful consideration, we are pleased to announce the selected members of the task force:
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Annette Beattie (Griggs County Central)
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Noelle Green (McKenzie County)
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Cindy Keplin (Belcourt)
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Dr. Chris Larson (Milnor)
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Angel Lindseth (Hope-Page)
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Dr. Carly Retterath (Mandan)
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Ryan Salisbury (West Fargo)
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Dr. Cory Steiner (Fargo)
These individuals bring diverse perspectives and valuable experience from districts across the state. Their collective leadership will help inform thoughtful, practical recommendations to support and strengthen virtual education programs.
The group will soon convene to gather perspective and discuss strategies to strengthen guidance for virtual education programs. We appreciate the continued engagement of educators and partners dedicated to advancing virtual learning in North Dakota.
National School Breakfast Week: March 2–6
March 2–6 marks National School Breakfast Week (NSBW)! This year’s theme, The Quest for School Breakfast, invites students to embark on a breakfast adventure—traveling through the line to select the nutritious items that build a winning meal and fuel their day.
We encourage schools to celebrate this fun and engaging week as a way to highlight the importance of the School Breakfast Program and the positive impact it has on student learning, focus, and overall well-being.
For promotional materials, activity ideas, and additional details, visit the School Nutrition Association NSBW website.
The NSBW Shop is also open, featuring posters, stickers, student giveaways, decorations, themed t-shirts, and more to help bring your celebration to life.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES |
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NDPLN Launches Spring Learning Cycle
The North Dakota Personalized Learning Network (NDPLN) invites district and building-level teams to participate in its Spring Learning Cycle, Accelerate Personalized Learning.
This six- to eight-week experience is designed for teams of three to six educators or leaders ready to strengthen personalized learning practices through structured collaboration and coaching.
Participants will receive:
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Targeted coaching sessions
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Peer collaboration with North Dakota teams
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A guided six-week cycle: set goals, design, implement, reflect, share outcomes
Cost: $100 per participant
Application deadline: Feb. 23
Learn more: Spring Learning Cycle
For additional information, contact Tom Klapp.
PowerSchool Scheduling Workshops
District administrators and scheduling staff are invited to attend upcoming sessions to prepare for the 2026–2027 scheduling cycle.
District staff are encouraged to attend the session that best aligns with their role and experience level.
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Spring Virtual Sessions: Evidence-Based Practices for Educators
Looking to strengthen classroom management and student engagement? This spring, educators can join virtual sessions from 3–4 p.m. CDT focused on practical, research-backed strategies you can implement immediately. Click on the session titles below to sign up and start transforming your classroom practices.
Upcoming Topics:
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Opportunities to Respond (March 10 & 24)
Boost participation and learning with proven techniques to increase student engagement.
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Behavior-Specific Praise (March 31)
Reinforce positive behavior through targeted praise and real-world classroom examples.
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Good Behavior Game (March 31 & April 8)
Learn this Tier 1 strategy for improving classroom behavior and join an optional planning session.
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Check-In/Check-Out (April 9, 15, or 22)
Explore this Tier 2 intervention to support students needing additional behavioral help. School leaders are encouraged to attend the overview session.
Why Attend?
These sessions provide actionable strategies that can be implemented the very next day. Whether you’re looking to improve classroom climate or support individual students, these evidence-based practices deliver results.
Questions? Contact: bhero.crea@k12.nd.us
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 Hebron, Finley-Sharon Schools Honored for Academic Growth
North Dakota School Superintendent Levi Bachmeier is celebrating national recognition for elementary schools in the Hebron and Finley-Sharon school districts, which have been recognized for exceptional student performance and academic growth during the past two years.
The schools are receiving Distinguished Schools Awards from the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators, which is made up of state school officials who administer federal education aid programs. For Finley-Sharon, it is the second straight year of being named as a distinguished school.
Both Hebron Elementary and Finley-Sharon Elementary have been in the top 10 percent of achievement scores in mathematics and English/language arts during the past two years. Hebron has 86 students in grades K-6; Finley-Sharon has 75 students in grades preK-6.
Bachmeier visited Hebron Elementary on Feb. 18, to celebrate the school’s achievement. He is visiting Finley-Sharon March 13.
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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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