|
BRIDGE Update
We are excited to announce that Infinite Campus has resumed trial data conversions. The teams agreed that perfect data is not required to proceed; trials should move forward when data is directionally correct, systemically consistent, and sufficient to expose issues that only emerge within Infinite Campus. See this week's full data migration update here.
School/District Reports Survey
As part of our ongoing data modernization efforts, we are working to streamline reporting processes and increase access to timely, actionable information for schools and districts. To ensure our work aligns with the needs of instructional and operational leaders, we are gathering feedback on which reports and dashboards should be prioritized for automation.
This brief survey asks you to identify the reports you rely on most, the pain points you experience in your current reporting processes, and which reporting areas would provide the greatest value if automated. Any school or district staff responsible for submitting reports is welcome to take the survey. Please submit responses by April 17.
TieNet
The BRIDGE team has been made aware of some miscommunication regarding TieNet, and the migration of TieNet data to Infinite Campus. Please refer to this week's special TieNet bulletin for clarity from the BRIDGE project team.
FAQs
Q: Three genders are available in PowerSchool: Male (M), Female (F), and Them (X). Does Infinite Campus allow for the same gender options?
A: Infinite Campus has two gender fields: preferred and legal. While state reporting pulls from "legal gender," districts can populate the dictionary in their instance of Infinite Campus to enable additional options.
You can browse our Knowledge Base for the most up-to-date FAQs.
Opportunities for Support
BRIDGE Open Office Hours: NDDPI will now be holding Office Hours weekly basis, instead of monthly. Our next session is scheduled for next Wednesday, April 15, 12–1 p.m. CDT. Special emphasis will be placed on data migration-related questions, but all topics are welcomed.
District SFTP Guided Support Sessions: In addition to office hours, NDDPI is hosting a series of data migration-specific support sessions for district personnel. These first one-hour session will focus on SFTP access (to ensure districts can view their raw data extracts) and data cleanup efforts.
As always, we encourage you to submit specific questions/concerns to the BRIDGE project team at BRIDGE@nd.gov.
|
|
2025-2026 Annual Schoolwide Reporting Platform Is Open in Cognia Diagnostics
Reporting Due June 15, 2026
NDDPI hosted a webinar on March 26, 2026, providing guidance on annual Title I Schoolwide Reporting. Webinar topics included new changes, guidance, and a refresher on how to submit reporting. Below are links to the recording, PowerPoint, and additional resources.
REMINDER: 2025-2026 Annual Schoolwide Title I Reporting is due during the window of June 1–15, 2026, in Cognia Diagnostics.
2025-2026 Requirements for Annual Title I Schoolwide Reporting: webinar was held Thursday, March 26, 2026. To view the recording, click here. To view the PowerPoint slide deck, click here.
Additional Resources
Only schools that are transitioning from targeted assistance are required to submit a cover letter with board approval of the new schoolwide plan due June 1, 2026.
Questions? Please contact Michelle Siegfried at (701) 328-3544.
|
|
2026 Summer Food Service Program Applications Open
Schools interested in offering summer meals in 2026 must submit applications in NDFoods between April 1–30. Schools that operated last year should have received a renewal notice, while schools that did not operate SFSP last summer should contact our office to apply. To determine whether your school is eligible and to review current reimbursement rates, please visit the NDDPI website to access the 2026 Site Eligibility List and the 2026 Meal Reimbursement Rates.
Throughout April, SFSP Office Hours will be held every Thursday at 2 p.m. CDT. These sessions will include guidance on the application process as well as updates on new policies and requirements for this summer. All prospective 2026 program operators are encouraged to attend at least one session.
Years of Service Awards
The Child Nutrition and Food Distribution Office is pleased to offer, upon request, certificates recognizing 10 years of service and every 5‑year milestone thereafter for school foodservice staff. Retirement awards are also available at the request of the school district.
Each certificate is professionally prepared and signed by Director Lynelle Johnson and North Dakota State Superintendent Levi Bachmeier.
If you would like to request Years of Service certificates for eligible employees, please complete the Years of Service Request Form and return it by email to Victoria Silva or by fax to 701‑328‑9566 no later than Thursday, April 16, 2026.
We encourage you to review your staff list now and submit requests early to ensure timely delivery. Certificates will be mailed no later than Tuesday, April 21. Upon receiving them, please review for accuracy and notify our office right away if any corrections are needed.
We encourage districts to present these certificates on School Lunch Hero Day (Friday, May 1, 2026) or during School Nutrition Employee Week (April 27–May 1, 2026). Additional ideas for celebrating your staff can be found on the School Nutrition Association (SNA) website under School Lunch Hero Day resources.
If you have any questions about the Years of Service Awards, please contact Victoria Silva at 701‑328‑2294 or toll‑free at 1‑888‑338‑3663.
|
|
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES |
|
Webinar: Using Amplify for Dyslexia Screening
Amplify and NDDPI will host a webinar on April 13, 2026, at 3 p.m. to demonstrate the Dyslexia Screener available through Amplify. During the session, representatives will explain how the tool meets North Dakota’s requirement to provide a dyslexia screener for all enrolled students age seven and younger.
The webinar will cover how to administer the assessment, interpret reports, and will include time for participant questions.
For additional information, contact Brenda Ehrmantraut.
PowerSchool End of Year Workshops
EduTech is pleased to announce the upcoming Pre–End of Year and End of Year workshops. Please review the information below carefully to ensure you register for the correct sessions. All workshops will be held via Microsoft Teams. If you have any questions about your workshop options, please submit a ticket to the NDIT Helpdesk.
Pre–End of Year Workshops (Requirements for Ending the School Year)
To help districts complete the required steps before attending an End of Year session, EduTech is offering several Pre–End of Year Requirements workshops.
A step-by-step document will be emailed to the Student Data Services list in early April. Districts may complete these items independently, but guided support is available. To register, click Requirements for Ending the School Year.
PowerLunch Exports Workshops
Districts using PowerLunch may register for dedicated sessions focused on PowerLunch export processes.
Please note: PowerLunch exports are not covered in the Pre–End of Year Requirements sessions, as not all districts use PowerLunch. If assistance is needed, please register for a PowerLunch End of Year Exports workshop.
End of Year Workshops – Required for All Districts
All End of Year workshops will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams.
• Each district must ensure all participating schools register for the same date and time.
• At least one representative per school is required. (For example: a district with an elementary, middle, and high school will need three participants.)
• Capacity is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
To view available sessions and register, click End of Year. Make sure all district representatives select the same session.
Additional Training
Thursday, April 16
• PowerScheduler Load Help Day – Bismarck | 8:30 a.m. CDT
• PowerScheduler Load Help Day – West Fargo | 9 a.m. CDT
Get Ready: IgniteND Registration Now Open!
EduTech is excited to welcome education and technology leaders for two meaningful days in Valley City!
IgniteND covers topics like AI for learning and teaching, cybersecurity, computer science, and tools for today’s classrooms. Participants will learn practical strategies to use right away.
Take advantage of the limited-time early bird pricing and be part of the future of education and technology at IgniteND 2026! The first 250 participants will receive $50 off registration from the Al Institute for Teaching and Learning.
Summer 2026 School Bus Safety Training Opportunities
North Dakota pupil transportation professionals will have two opportunities this summer to participate in specialized Child Passenger Safety on School Buses training. These full‑day sessions are designed to strengthen district and program capacity to safely transport preschool-aged children and students with disabilities.
The course provides an overview of child restraint system use on school buses, combining instructional videos, educator-led training, and hands-on practice both indoors and on actual buses. Intended participants include school districts, Head Start programs, special education staff, childcare centers, and busing companies.
Training Dates and Locations
- July 21, 2026: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Jamestown, ND
- Aug. 5, 2026: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Minot, ND
For more information, please call 701‑780‑1489.
|
|
|
The NDDPI Messenger is sent out on a weekly or as-needed basis. Visit our website to view previous NDDPI Messenger/Weekly Blast bulletins.
|
|
|
|
|
