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Opportunities for Support
BRIDGE Open Office Hours: North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) and project partners are holding general Office Hours on a weekly basis. Our next session is scheduled for next Wednesday, July 29, 12–1 p.m. CDT.
Special Education Town Hall / Q&A: NDDPI is hosting an open forum for Special Education discussion with the transition to Infinite Campus. Join us on Thursday, July 30, 10–11:30 a.m. CDT.
Ongoing Data Import and Bulk Data Edits
NDDPI is aware that many districts are used to being able to import and modify Student Information System (SIS) data elements in bulk via PowerSchool’s Quick Import tools. This could have been used for a variety of reasons throughout the year.
Infinite Campus offers several pre-developed data import tools including:
Infinite Campus also offers a Data Import Wizard. However, the Data Import Wizard is not a general tool for district personnel to import any data into Infinite Campus themselves. This tool is a framework for running custom import modules written by Infinite Campus Technical Services. If you are interested in importing third-party data into Infinite Campus, an Authorized Contact at your school can open a Request Technical Services support ticket. Someone from Technical Services will contact you to gather requirements and design import layouts, then they will develop and install a custom import module.
If additional costs are incurred, districts may utilize state-provided Emergency Fund grant dollars to offset these allowable expenses and support implementation efforts.
Lastly, NDDPI strongly recommends districts/schools use this opportunity to revisit any local processes that require manual exporting and importing of data into your SIS. Your new Infinite Campus SIS may offer a better way to manage this data on an ongoing basis than what was available in PowerSchool, thus preventing the need to for manual imports/edits. This should always be the first option to consider before requesting a custom import module be developed.
Infinite Campus Scheduled Downtime – July 28
Districts, please be aware that Infinite Campus will undergo an update on Tuesday, July 28 at 2 a.m. CDT. During this maintenance window:
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The database and UI will not be accessible.
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Anyone attempting to log in will see a maintenance screen, which may display the default message: “An Unknown Error has Occurred.”
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The outage may last up to one hour.
If your district has nighttime integrations, please ensure they are adjusted to avoid this downtime window.
Transcripts Update
As a reminder, historical student transcripts will continue to be accessible through the legacy eTranscript solution. Districts may continue to access and distribute previous-year transcripts using the existing system, ensuring continued access to historical records beyond the transition period.
Beginning with the 2026–27 school year, new high school transcripts will be generated directly from Infinite Campus. Districts will receive information and guidance on transcript configuration and formatting within their local Infinite Campus instances to support this transition.
The BRIDGE project team, NDDPI, North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT), Infinite Campus, and North Dakota University System (NDUS) partners continue to work through the final stages of testing and validation for transcript distribution workflows. Our goal is to ensure that transcripts and transcript-related data remain available to higher education institutions in a manner that closely aligns with current processes while leveraging the capabilities of Infinite Campus. Additional details regarding transcript request and distribution procedures will be shared with districts as soon as testing is complete and final decisions have been confirmed.
What districts should know today:
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Historical transcripts remain available through the legacy eTranscript solution.
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New transcripts for the 2026–27 school year and beyond will be generated in Infinite Campus.
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Electronic transcript distribution options from Infinite Campus to NDUS are currently being finalized and tested.
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Additional guidance and instructions will be provided before any district action is required.
This remains a high-priority workstream for the BRIDGE project team, and we appreciate districts' patience as we complete testing and ensure a smooth transition for students, schools, and higher education partners.
Data Migration Update
District-to-State Syncing:
As of July 20, District-to-State synching has been enabled. This allows data entered and maintained within your district's Infinite Campus instance to begin synchronizing with the State Edition in near real time.
With syncing now active, districts can begin working more broadly within their Infinite Campus environment. This includes maintaining operational data within your district instance, configuring district‑level settings, as well as continuing the setup and validation of district data needed for state reporting and other statewide processes.
TieNet Documents:
The K‑12 Solutions Group has completed the initial import of TieNet documents into Infinite Campus, and availability was confirmed on Friday, July 17.
Data conversion activities continue as planned. The project team has prioritized moving the most recent student records into Infinite Campus to help ensure districts have access to current student information as they begin working in the new system.
During the migration, the project team identified several student-to-district mismatches resulting from district consolidations, closures, or students being associated with a different district. Work is underway to resolve these cases and complete their migration.
A separate portion of documents requires an additional processing phase before they display as expected in Infinite Campus. These documents remain fully accessible for districts in TieNet through April.
This phased approach ensures uninterrupted access to historical records while the team completes the remaining migration activities.
PowerSchool Documents:
These files include Core Documents, MBA Report Creator documents, and Standards Grades documents. These files have been downloaded by the K-12 Solutions Group conducting the file import into Infinite Campus. They are analyzing the files and will provide an estimated availability within Infinite Campus soon. We will share updates on document availability within PowerSchool as we receive them.
Title VI Indigenous Education Data:
NDDPI is working with Districts and Aurora Educational Technology to prepare data from within PowerSchool for import into Infinite Campus. Data will be finalized by July 31 and made available within Infinite Campus on August 24.
Infinite Campus Free & Reduced Meals:
Districts are strongly encouraged not to accept any Free and Reduced Application Management (FRAM) applications until the State 225 functionality becomes available, which is tentatively scheduled for July 29. All districts using Infinite Campus to process Free and Reduced applications are advised not to enable the FRAM online meal benefit application functionality until August 5 or later.
If your district has already received FRAM applications in Infinite Campus, please remember that applications must still be processed and determinations sent within 10 days of submission. However, these applications do not include State 225 determinations at this time, and any communication sent to families may show inaccurate meal status information.
Please review any FRAM applications received so far to determine whether they qualify for State 225 so you can notify families of their correct status. These applications may still have to be processed through the fully functioning FRAM system once it becomes available.
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If your district is using Infinite Campus to process FRAM, it is advised not to enable the online meal benefit application functionality until August 5 or later.
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If your district has received any FRAM applications, please review them to determine if they qualify for State 225.
NDDPI's Child Nutrition & Food Distribution office will notify districts as soon as the State 225 meal status functionality is fully implemented in Infinite Campus. If you have additional questions, please contact your Infinite Campus Implementation Team.
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Budgeting for the 2026–27 Consolidated Application Due Sept. 1
Title I, Title II, Title III and Title IV are now available on the Consolidated Application webpage.
NDDPI is actively reviewing Consolidated Applications, with initial reviews expected to be completed by the end of the month. Within 5–7 business days after your narrative is approved, NDDPI staff will begin creating budgets for each applicable Title program. When your budget is ready, you’ll receive an email notification from WebGrants.
All funds will initially appear in the unobligated object code (950). Districts are responsible for obligating these funds and entering allowable activities in alignment with their approved plan.
NDDPI will host a Q&A session to support districts as they begin entering project details and obligations.
Using federal funds strategically supports sustainable, evidence‑based efforts that improve student outcomes. The following Funding Your Plan resources offer practical tools to help school leaders align funding with state priorities and long‑term goals:
• Funding Your Plan: Best Practices to Sustain Effective Investments
• Return on Investment Planning Tool Instructions
For questions, please contact Melanie Pudwill at (701) 328‑2282.
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Calling School & District Leaders: Join Our ND A+ Summative Assessment Policy Review & Articulation Panel
Following the standard setting process on July 27–29 with our educator committees, we are preparing to convene a virtual Policy Review & Articulation Panel to help guide the next phase of the ND A+ Summative Assessment standard setting work. We are seeking up to eight experienced leaders to participate, including:
- School principals with strong instructional backgrounds
- District superintendents with instructional leadership experience
- District‑level staff such as curriculum, instruction, assessment, or research consultants
This panel will meet shortly after the standard‑setting workshop, tentatively on August 3 or 4, for a focused three‑hour virtual session. Panelists will review the cut scores recommended by the teacher committees and help refine them into a coherent progression across grades 3–8 and 10 within each content area. This work will inform the final system of recommended cut scores for NDDPI consideration and decision‑making.
If you are available on either date and interested in contributing to this important work, please email Stan Schauer or Kara Welk. Your leadership and expertise are invaluable as we continue strengthening the ND A+ assessment system for students and educators across the state.
NSLP Renewals Are Open in ND Foods
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) renewal process is now open in ND Foods for districts and other sponsors who wish to participate in the following:
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- School Breakfast Program (SBP)
- Afterschool Snack Program (ASP)
- Special Milk Program (SMP)
If you were unable to attend the July 14 Across the Desk session, which reviewed the renewal process and several important updates, you can watch the recording on How to Submit a Renewal.
Child Nutrition and Food Distribution (CNFD) is also hosting office hours for the renewal process beginning Wednesday, July 15, at 10 a.m. CDT. Office hours are intended as Q&A sessions for districts; no registration is required. Please join any session to get your renewal questions answered.
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Join here on Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 2 p.m. CDT
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Join here on Wednesday, July 22, and Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 10 a.m. CDT
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Join here on Thursday, July 23, and Friday, Aug. 23, at 1 p.m. CDT
If your district has already submitted its NSLP renewal and your meal pricing is below the required levels (see School Nutrition Reimbursement Rates Released article below), you will be notified so adjustments can be made before approval.
School Nutrition Reimbursement Rates Released
Reimbursement rates for the School Nutrition Programs have been released, and the new 2026-27 school year (SY) rates are now posted on the CNFD website.
Linked at the bottom of the webpage is the Adult Meal Pricing Tool, which may be helpful if you need to explain pricing calculations to school board members or staff.
Adult Meal Pricing Requirements for 2026–27 SY
Pricing Schools
- Adult breakfast: Highest student breakfast price plus $0.42
- Adult lunch: Highest student lunch price plus $1.01
Non‑Pricing Schools
- Adult breakfast: Must be at least $3.05
- Adult lunch: Must be at least $5.34
Finally, the full commodity value for the coming year has not yet been released. The actual commodity value is $0.01 higher than last year; however, the bonus value has not been established. To keep renewals moving, we are posting an estimated commodity value of $0.47 for next school year.
Free-Reduced Meal Applications Available
Free and reduced‑price meal applications for 2026–27 SY can now be prepared. Districts with staff available to process applications within 10 days may begin distributing them to families any time after July 1.
Note: If you process Free and Reduced Meal Applications in Infinite Campus, please disable FRAM until August 5. See the BRIDGE section of this newsletter for details.
Reminders for the Free–Reduced Meal Application Process
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires all families to receive a paper application accompanied by the Letter to Households
- Districts must use the North Dakota Expanded Eligibility Guidelines to determine eligibility (Federal Free, Federal Reduced, State 225 or Paid)
- Applications must be processed within 10 days of receipt, and all applicants must be notified of the determination
- North Dakota legislation now requires districts to offer an online application option as well. More details are available on the CNFD website under HB 1013
- To request translated meal applications for families with limited English proficiency, contact CNFD at dpicnfd@nd.gov
Copies of the 2026–27 Free and Reduced‑Price Meal Applications, along with additional resources on eligibility and verification, are available on the CNFD website.
Supporting District Technology With Expert Guidance
EduTech is excited to offer Technology Coordinator as a Service (TCaaS), a new solution that provides North Dakota K–12 districts with reliable technology leadership and hands-on support, helping schools improve efficiency, security, and instructional outcomes.
TCaaS helps districts strengthen their technology operations through:
- Assistance with technology planning, policies, and reporting.
- Device management through Intune, including user and device policies.
- E-Rate consulting and filing support.
- Microsoft 365 A3 licensing for all staff and students.
- Microsoft 365 identity and account management (@k12.nd.us).
- No-cost professional learning credits.
- State testing readiness assistance.
- Student data systems migration and ongoing support.
Participating districts assign local staff to support on-site tasks and collaborate on planning and security best practices, fostering a strong partnership with EduTech.
AI for All: Bringing AI Learning to Communities Across North Dakota
Curious about artificial intelligence but not sure where to begin?
This October, EduTech is bringing the AI for All Roadshow to communities across North Dakota. These free, beginner-friendly sessions will help participants understand what AI is, how it works, where it’s being used today, and the ethical considerations that come with it. Whether you’re an educator, parent, student, or simply interested in learning more, AI for All is designed to make AI approachable for everyone.
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Grant Opportunity for Rural School Wellness Equipment
Please see attachment for information about the opportunity for $25,000 for exercise/wellness equipment in rural schools. There will be approximately 20 awards.
The application deadline is July 30, 2026, at 5 p.m. CDT.
District Grants to Support Professional Development in Dyslexia
The application for a grant opportunity to help districts strengthen professional learning in dyslexia is now open. Funding can support training on the characteristics of dyslexia and structured literacy instruction and improved systems for assessment, progress monitoring, and intervention.
Grant applications are due Sept. 11, 2026, with award notifications issued by Oct. 1, 2026.
Districts may also meet the professional learning requirements in NDCC 15.1-32-26 through:
Visit the ND Dyslexia webpage for state dyslexia law, resources, and additional opportunities. For questions, contact Brenda Ehrmantraut.
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EDUCATORS |
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Join the 2026 Third Grade Mock Trial on Constitution Day
Third‑grade classrooms nationwide are invited to take part in the 2026 Virtual Mock Trial on Constitution Day, Sept. 17, from 10:30–11:30 a.m. Central. This engaging event brings the courtroom to life for students as they explore the Constitution, civic responsibility, and how our justice system works.
Teachers are encouraged to register early, as this is a nationwide event. Instructional materials are available to help prepare students in the days leading up to the mock trial.
View the promotional video from Kansas District Court Judge Robert J. Wonnell and visit the website to register today. For questions, email education@kscourts.gov.
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2026 Back-to-School Drill Down
Don't miss the 2026 Back-to-School Drill Down on Aug. 5, 2026, at the Radisson Hotel in Bismarck, North Dakota from 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. CDT.
The final agenda will be posted the week before the event as planning is finalized with Infinite Campus. Infinite Campus will present during the general session and lead three breakout sessions in the afternoon.
Attendees are asked to bring their laptops and chargers so they can follow along and participate in hands-on activities during the presentations, if needed.
This event is open to all staff members, not just administrators and principals. Secretaries, counselors, department leads, and any other staff who would benefit from the sessions are encouraged to attend.
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The NDDPI Messenger is sent out on a weekly or as-needed basis. Visit our website to view previous bulletins.
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