|
BRIDGE Update
LAST CALL: 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 the end of the day on April 17.
TieNet
As we move forward with the transition from TieNet to Infinite Campus, NDDPI would like to provide clarity regarding which documents and data will be migrated during this process. Please refer to this week's data migration bulletin for clarity from the BRIDGE project team.
PowerSchool Customizations
As part of the transition away from PowerSchool, districts are strongly encouraged to proactively document their current customizations. After July 1, districts will no longer have access to PowerSchool to reference how custom screens, fields, or reports were structured—even though the data itself may still be accessible.
To ensure these items can be accurately rebuilt in Infinite Campus if needed, districts should take screenshots or otherwise inventory existing custom screens (including the fields displayed) and commonly used custom reports such as attendance letters, mailing labels, report cards, etc. Capturing this information now will provide a critical reference point and help reduce rework later.
FAQs
Q: How will student and licensed staff accounts be generated in Infinite Campus?
A: The BRIDGE team has been working with NDIT/EduTech to plan for the continuation of the current automation of the creation of K–12 accounts. We expect to have a solution for both students and licensed staff upon enrollment/ of entry into Infinite Campus. Details surrounding this solution, process and timing of account creation, and other considerations are still being worked out. The BRIDGE team will communicate more information as these details are finalized.
Q: During the data migration process, who do we contact if we find missing or incorrect items in our extracted data?
A: If you encounter missing or incorrect data, please reach out to the BRIDGE project team at BRIDGE@nd.gov.
Q: Is it recommended that districts go through the End of Year process in PowerSchool?
A: Yes. Districts should work with EduTech as normal. EduTech worked directly with Infinite Campus to develop a modified EOY process due to the transition to the new SIS.
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 22, 12–1 p.m. CDT. Special emphasis will be placed on data migration-related questions, but all topics are welcomed.
Data Migration Sessions: Project team members from NDDPI, Aurora Educational Technology (our data migration vendor), EduTech, and REAs will be available to assist districts.
SFTP Guided Support Sessions: These sessions will focus on SFTP access and data cleanup efforts.
School Readiness Survey: Your Voice Matters
NDDPI is partnering with the North Dakota Children's Cabinet to explore how we can best support school readiness for North Dakota children and families. A key goal is ensuring that the definition of “readiness” reflects the experience and expertise of North Dakota educators.
Early‑elementary teachers and other relevant stakeholders should have received an email invitation to complete a brief, confidential survey. The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the importance of this work and highlighted how educators’ insights will guide the development of a statewide school‑readiness framework.
If you received the survey, please take a few minutes to share your perspective. Your input will directly shape future tools and supports for North Dakota's youngest learners.
|
|
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.
Teacher Effectiveness Report Now Open in STARS
The Teacher Effectiveness Report is now open in STARS and must be submitted by June 30, 2026. All districts are required to complete this report for the current school year.
For guidance on how to complete the report, including FAQs and step-by-step instructions, visit NDDPI's Teacher Effectiveness Reporting webpage.
Questions can be directed to the Office of School Approval and Opportunity.
|
|
FY 2026 SRSA Application Now Open
The FY 2026 Small, Rural School Achievement (SRSA) application is now open through May 18 for eligible LEAs.
Upcoming Technical Assistance Webinars
The U.S. Department of Education will host two webinars for eligible LEAs regarding the SRSA application:
• April 15, 2026, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. ET
• April 21, 2026, 2–3 p.m. ET
Join either session using the Microsoft Teams Webinar Link. If joining by phone, dial 1‑202‑991‑0393 and enter access code 34294847#.
Important Reminders
- LEAs eligible for SRSA with an estimated allocation above $0 must submit the SRSA application by May 18, 2026 to receive an award.
- Dual‑eligible LEAs (eligible for both SRSA and RLIS) must choose to participate in either SRSA or RLIS.
|
|
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES |
|
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 23
• PowerSchool ADA/ADM – Microsoft Teams | 2 p.m. CDT
|
|
 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.
 North Dakota Indian Education Summit
Registration is now open for the 12th Annual North Dakota Indian Education Summit, which will be held July 28–29, 2026, at the North Dakota State Capitol in Bismarck.
This year’s summit will feature two inspiring keynote sessions:
• Day 1 Keynote: Nadine Groenig, Owner & CEO of Sun Clan Consulting
• Day 2 Keynotes: Dr. Scott Simpson and Sharla Steever, Learning Specialists with Compass
The summit brings together educators, tribal partners, school leaders, and community members to strengthen knowledge, collaboration, and support for Native education across the state.
|
|
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS |
|
Get Creative and Stay Safe: Join North Dakota’s Severe Summer Weather Awareness Coloring Contest!
Gov. Armstrong has officially declared April 27–May 1 as Severe Summer Weather Awareness Week in North Dakota, and students across the state are invited to take part in a fun and educational opportunity!
To help raise awareness about summer weather safety, the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, in partnership with the National Weather Service, is hosting a statewide coloring contest. This is a great chance for students to get creative while learning how to stay safe during severe summer weather.
Coloring sheets, instructions, and additional learning resources are available at NDResponse.gov. Students should remember to write their name, age, and phone number on the back of each entry. Please note—only one entry per person is allowed.
Completed entries can be mailed, emailed, or dropped off by May 2. Contest winners will be selected and announced on May 12.
|
|
|
The NDDPI Messenger is sent out on a weekly or as-needed basis. Visit our website to view previous NDDPI Messenger/Weekly Blast bulletins.
|
|
|
|
|
