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BRIDGE Update
Opportunities for Support
BRIDGE Open Office Hours: North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) and project partners will now be holding general Office Hours on a weekly basis. Our next session is scheduled for next Wednesday, May 13, 12–1 p.m. CDT.
Data Migration/Validation / Support Sessions: Project team members from NDDPI, Aurora Educational Technology (our data migration vendor), EduTech, and REAs will be available on a weekly basis to assist districts with specific data questions & support. Our next session is scheduled for next Wednesday, May 13, 9–10 a.m. CDT.
District / NDDPI Data Sharing Agreements
District superintendents can expect to receive their new data‑sharing agreements from NDDPI by or before May 22, 2026. These will be distributed via WebGrants, along with instructions for review and approval. As a reminder, per NDCC 15.1‑06‑06(1)(h), beginning July 1, 2026, schools must execute a data‑sharing agreement with NDDPI under sections 15.1‑07‑25.3 and 15.1‑07‑33 to obtain certification as an approved school.
CTE Centers Update
It was previously communicated that all Career & Technical Education (CTE) Centers would be set up as a “school” in Infinite Campus under a single, statewide CTE Center district instance. As discussions have continued, the decision has been made to allow CTE Centers to operate in the structure that best fits their needs. For example, a CTE Center may function as its own Infinite Campus district edition, as a separate school within a district edition, or within an existing school structure.
This decision was made in collaboration with the ND Department of Career and Technical Education and individual CTE Centers across the state to ensure flexibility for enrollment and reporting scenarios unique to each center’s operations.
Districts that have not already done so are encouraged to stay in close communication with their local or partner CTE Center(s). This will help them understand the center’s selected Infinite Campus structure and any shared processes that may affect their district’s SIS.
21st Century/After School Program Update
As a reminder, all 21st CCLC (Century Community Learning Centers) programs should be partnered with a public school. 21st CCLC program management is transitioning from the current application (Cityspan) to Infinite Campus. That said, learning centers will complete their upcoming summer school programs in their current system and will begin using Infinite Campus for the 26–27 regular school year. In preparation, both a 21st CCLC summer school (for summer 2027 programs) and regular school year calendar have been made available in Infinite Campus. Going forward, partner schools will need to set up a calendar for their 21st CCLC and grant permissions to 21st CCLC staff as needed. NDDPI will be providing guidance and how‑to documentation for these configuration activities when possible.
This consolidation of systems will promote a closer relationship between the partner school and after‑school program to help enhance learning for the impacted students.
Infinite Campus Training Metrics
After two months of holding Topic-Based Workshops, Infinite Campus has shared the following statistics with NDDPI:
- 75 Topic-Based Workshops have been offered so far
- 139 districts have engaged in at least one training workshop
- 792 individual learners have attended at least one training workshop
- 4.6 / 5 average rating by workshop attendees (329 responses)
If your district or school personnel are not included in the above statistics and have not engaged with Infinite Campus’ Topic-Based Workshops, we highly recommend they do!
These live, topic-based workshops will continue to be held through Aug. 2026. You can find more information here or reach out to your Infinite Campus Training Specialist with any questions.
FAQs
Q: What is happening to Point‑of‑Sale (POS) systems currently used with PowerSchool (Power Lunch)? Will districts be able to use alternative POS solutions with Infinite Campus?
A: The PowerSchool‑integrated POS solution will retire as part of the statewide transition to Infinite Campus. Districts may choose to adopt the Infinite Campus Food Service Module for their front‑end POS operations at no additional cost, as it is included in NDDPI’s statewide contract with Infinite Campus.
Districts that prefer to continue using a third‑party POS system (e.g., MOSAIC, LINQ, PrimeroEdge POS) may do so. These systems are expected to be able to interface and exchange necessary data with Infinite Campus. However, any licensing or operational costs associated with these alternative POS solutions will remain the responsibility of the district and are not covered by the state. Districts should contact their Infinite Campus Implementation Project Manager as early as possible to confirm integration details for the 2026–27 school year.
Q: Can districts continue using PrimeroEdge or other eligibility and electronic meal application systems alongside Infinite Campus?
A: Yes. The PrimeroEdge Eligibility and Electronic Application module will continue to be provided statewide by NDDPI at no cost. This module will interface with Infinite Campus to transfer eligibility and electronic meal application determinations.
Districts may also choose to use eligibility or application systems from other vendors. These solutions are expected to interface with Infinite Campus; however, any licensing or operational costs for non‑state‑funded systems are the responsibility of the district. A reminder that beginning with the 2026–27 school year, the ND Legislature requires that all districts must implement an electronic method to collect free/reduced meal applications.
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Now Open: Intent to Apply for Federal Title Funding
The Intent to Apply for Federal Title Funding for the 2026–27 school year is now open in WebGrants. All authorized representatives must indicate whether their district intends to accept or decline funding for each Federal Title program.
Deadline: Submit by 5 p.m. CDT on May 20, 2026. Districts that do not submit by the deadline will forfeit their Federal Title funds.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Although the U.S. Department of Education has not yet released final allocations, districts may still complete their Intent to Apply. Final allocations will be posted on the Consolidated Application webpage once they are available and communicated through NDDPI channels.
Preliminary allocations are available here.
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Summer Meals: Guidance for All School Food Authorities
As we approach the end of the school year, this is a reminder that all School Food Authorities (SFAs) must conduct outreach to inform families where children can access free summer meals.
- If your district participates in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP):
Promote your SFSP sites and share the nationwide Summer Meal Site Finder.
- If your district does not participate in the SFSP, you still need to promote Summer Meals using the nationwide Summer Meal Site Finder, along with the additional resources listed below.
The nationwide Summer Meal Site Finder will go live on May 11, 2026. Please share the link with all families and include it in all district communications.
Additional Resources for All Schools:
Your efforts help ensure families—whether staying in your community or traveling—know how to access free meals throughout the summer.
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program 2026–27 Application Now Open
The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) application is now available online. Please coordinate with your Authorized Representative to complete the application and submit it to the Child Nutrition and Food Distribution office by June 5, 2026. Returning schools from the 2025–26 school year only need to complete pages 3 and 6 of the application. All other schools must complete the full application. Please email completed applications to dpicnfd@nd.gov. Additional program information is available on this webpage Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Program.
If you have any questions, please contact Kellen Leier.
2026-2027 Amira Update
On May 1, 2026, North Dakota schools and districts received correspondence from NDDPI regarding Amira Learning license counts needed for the 2026–27 school year. This step is critical for NDDPI to understand how licenses will be distributed across the state.
Q: Is the state paying for Amira for the 2026–27 school year?
Yes. The state has funding to continue supporting Amira for the 2026–2027 school year.
Q: What does the funding projection look like for future school years?
NDDPI recently received a research grant (REACH-ND) that will allow us to continue implementing Amira through 2030.
Q: If we used Amira in 2025–2026, how do we secure our spots for 2026–27?
Signing up for the 2026–2027 school year is simple and at no cost to your district. Click the Amira License Request Form to get started — all training and support are included.
Q: Our district did not use Amira in 2025–26 but would like to for the upcoming school year. Can we sign up now?
Yes. Signing up for the 2026–27 school year is simple and at no cost to your district. Click the Amira License Request Form to get started — all training and support are included.
Q: Who can answer questions regarding support and implementation?
• Amira Support and Implementation: Justin Suder
• General Information: info@amiralearning.com
• Amira in North Dakota: Ann Ellefson
Learning Opportunities Through Sponsoring Entities
North Dakota’s “Learn Everywhere” program NDCC 15.1‑07‑35 allows students in grades six through twelve to earn course credit for approved learning experiences outside of school through a sponsoring entity such as a business, organization, or community member. A licensed teacher of record evaluates the learning and awards credit.
To participate, schools must adopt a policy for each sponsoring entity and submit each learning proposal to NDDPI for tracking. Proposals do not require NDDPI approval, but the agency reports on program outcomes every two years. Additional application details are outlined in NDCC 67‑19‑04.
There is no application deadline, but approval must occur before the learning experience begins. More information is available in the Learn Everywhere Guidance.
For questions, contact Jim Upgren at (701) 328‑2244.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES |
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Growing Connections: Farm to Child Nutrition Seminar
Join us for a day of cultivating partnerships for healthy kids and thriving farms - connecting local food with education and nutrition.
Location: North Dakota State Capitol, Brynhild Haugland Room
Date: Thursday, June 25 | 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CDT
Cost: Free registration; lunch provided
Discover how local food can make a meaningful impact on children’s health and learning at this engaging in‑person seminar. Participants will explore practical ideas, exchange insights, and learn about Farm to Child Nutrition initiatives across North Dakota. Whether you’re a producer, educator, parent, or simply interested in supporting local food systems, this event offers valuable information and opportunities to build lasting connections.
New Kitchen Manager “Boot Camp”
Are you new to your role as a Lead Food Service Worker? Join us for the New Kitchen Manager Boot Camp to learn the fundamentals of operating your School Nutrition Program and to build confidence in meeting record‑keeping requirements.
Dates: Wednesday, June 3 through Thursday, June 4, 2026
Location: North Dakota State Capitol, Pioneer Room
Cost: Free registeration
2026 NDDPI Child Nutrition and Food Distribution Back‑to‑School Workshop
Join us for a full day of essential updates and training for the upcoming school year! These in‑person workshops will cover important changes to the School Nutrition Programs and include separate presentation tracks for:
- Food Service Directors and Kitchen Managers
- School Administrators and Business Managers
Cost: $45 per session; lunch included
Workshop Locations & Dates
Fargo, ND:
Minot, ND:
- Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026
- Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Center
- Register here
Bismarck, ND:
- Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026
- University of Mary - Lumen Vitae University Center
- Register here
PowerSchool Workshops Available in May
We are pleased to announce the upcoming Pre–End of Year and End of Year workshops. Please review the details below carefully to ensure you register for the correct sessions. All sessions will be via Microsoft Teams. If you have any questions regarding workshop options, please submit a ticket to the NDIT Helpdesk.
Pre–End of Year Workshops (Requirements for Ending the School Year)
To assist districts in completing the required steps prior to the End of Year workshop, several Pre–End of Year Requirements sessions will be offered via Teams.
A step‑by‑step document was emailed to the Student Data Services list in early April. Districts may complete these steps independently, but those who prefer guided support are encouraged to register for one of the available sessions by clicking Requirements for Ending the School Year.
PowerLunch Exports Workshops
Districts using PowerSchool PowerLunch may register for dedicated Teams sessions focused on PowerLunch export processes. Please note that PowerLunch exports are not included 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.
Please click to view the list of available End of Year workshop sessions and ensure all district representatives select the same session.
Additional PowerSchool Workshops
Tuesday, May 12
Thursday, May 14
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Consolidated Application Training Webinar
Join NDDPI staff on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 10:30–11:30 a.m. CDT for an overview of the Consolidated Application process, followed by a live Q&A session. A recording will be available on our website for those unable to attend.
For questions, contact Melanie Pudwill at (701) 328‑2282.
 IgniteND - Intellegence, Ignited logo.
Get Ready: IgniteND Registration Now Open
IgniteND 2026 is bringing educators and technology leaders together in Valley City for two days of hands‑on learning, practical strategies, and inspiring sessions on AI, cybersecurity, computer science, and today’s classroom tools. Early‑bird pricing is available, and the first 250 registrants receive $50 off.
To learn more, click here for the details.
Take Your Team to the ND Literacy Summit This July!
The 2026 North Dakota Literacy Summit, to be held July 22–23, 2026 in Bismarck, ND, marks The Implementation Chapter—a pivotal moment for educators ready to move beyond awareness and into aligned, effective practice grounded in the Science of Reading. Through intentional learning experiences, role‑aligned breakout sessions, and targeted content strands—including Early Childhood, Dyslexia, and Adolescent Literacy—participants will engage in practical, actionable professional learning that strengthens instructional coherence across classrooms, schools, and districts. Join us as we turn the page together. This is The Implementation Chapter, and it’s time to do the work.
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS |
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Third-Grade Nationwide Mock Trial – Constitution Day, Sept. 17, 2026
Get ready for an unforgettable Constitution Day experience! Olathe Public Schools, together with Judge Robert J. Wonnell and the Kansas 10th Judicial District Court, invites third‑grade classrooms nationwide to join the annual Constitution Day Mock Trial. This dynamic virtual event brings the courtroom to life, giving students an exciting, authentic look at how justice works while exploring the Constitution, the branches of government, and civic responsibility.
Last year, more than 17,500 students from 736 classrooms—including classrooms from North Dakota—took part, with special guest appearances from U.S. Supreme Court and state‑level justices. This year promises to be just as inspiring!
During the mock trial, each class will serve as a jury—reviewing evidence in real time, submitting a collective verdict, and participating in a live Q&A with Judge Wonnell via Zoom. It’s an engaging, hands‑on learning opportunity that aligns seamlessly with third‑grade social studies standards and helps students understand how communities and governments function.
Ready to participate? Learn more and register here to receive your Zoom link and preparation materials. You can also view this promotional video for a quick overview of the experience. Let’s empower young learners to discover justice, leadership, and civic engagement this Constitution Day!
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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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