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Opportunities for Support
BRIDGE Open Office Hours – Census Information & Online Registration: The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) and project partners will continue to hold general Office Hours on a weekly basis. During the month of September, additional Infinite Campus experts will be joining these sessions to help answer questions around specific topic areas. The session next week will be targeted at answering questions around Census Information and the Online Registration module within Infinite Campus.
SSO & User Authentication Support Sessions: As part of the transition to Infinite Campus, districts will be required to use a Single Sign-On (SSO) provider so staff & students can securely access the Infinite Campus student information system (SIS). We will also cover the generation and management staff usernames and staff IDs that support authentication in Infinite Campus.
K12 Solutions Group – 504 Module Training: Infinite Campus’ channel partner, K12 Solutions Group, will host a series training sessions related to their 504 Module. As a reminder, this is one of three additional modules purchased by NDDPI and will soon be available in all district instances of Infinite Campus. The primary audience for these sessions will be 504 Coordinators + SIS Admins and will cover initial setup/configuration activities to effectively manage 504-related data in Infinite Campus. After setup is complete, end-user training will be the responsibility of each district as there will be unique processes and data capture from district-to-district.
Multiple sessions are being planned for the week of Sept. 21. Specific dates/times and agendas will be distributed when available.
Transcripts Update
NDDPI is working closely with NDUS to identify recommended transcript configuration settings for districts using Infinite Campus. While each district will continue to control its own settings, NDDPI will distribute statewide recommendations to support accuracy, consistency, and alignment with higher education expectations.
As this work moves forward, districts should expect some differences between transcripts generated in Infinite Campus and those previously produced through the legacy eTranscripts system. Additionally, transcript delivery to higher education institutions will undergo significant changes as electronic distribution shifts to new processes and platforms.
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.
More information and guidance will be shared with districts as configurations are finalized.
NDDPI Resource Hub
K12 Accounts Guidance: NDIT has created a brief guide showing how to properly create and manage K12.nd.us email accounts for faculty and students.
English Learner (EL) Infinite Campus Tool Rights and Guidance: This document serves as a starting point for schools to configure appropriate access and assists EL staff in navigating the system effectively based on their roles and responsibilities.
SubLink Now Available
The K12 Solutions Group’s “SubLink” substitute teacher module is now available for districts using Infinite Campus. This tool helps schools manage substitute teacher access and required functions more efficiently. Training session recordings from K12 Solutions are linked here. As a reminder, this is one of three additional modules purchased by NDDPI available in all district instances of Infinite Campus.
State Reporting Reminder
As districts begin working through another year of STARS reporting, you may notice that many of the reporting processes remain similar to what you've experienced in the past. While some may have hoped for more immediate efficiencies, we want to assure you that the long-term vision of the BRIDGE project has not changed.
BRIDGE is a multi-year data modernization effort focused on creating the foundation for a more streamlined, efficient, and connected reporting ecosystem across North Dakota. Many of the investments being made today, including the implementation of Infinite Campus and the modernization of underlying data infrastructure, are necessary for improved reporting capabilities in the future.
We appreciate your patience and partnership as this foundation is put in place and look forward to delivering those benefits together in the years ahead.
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Consolidated Application Budgeting Due Sept. 1
Initial budgets for the 2026-27 Consolidated Application must be submitted by Tuesday, Sept. 1. Follow the steps below to obligate funds, enter program activities, and ensure your submission is complete and aligned with your approved plan.
How to Submit Your Budget in Webgrants.
- Log into WebGrants.
- Select “Grants” from the left menu and choose your grant.
- Review the awarded amount displayed at the top of the page. This amount is prepopulated in the “unobligated” category.
- Under “Grant Components” tab, choose “Contract Amendment”, then select “Add Amendment.”
- Confirm the Amendment Status is “Editing” and the Amendment Type is “Initial Budget” (even though this is an initial budget).
- Enter “Initial Budget” in the Title line and select Save.
- Choose “Edit Amendment.”
- In the Budget tab, select “Edit Form” to add your Amendment Justification.
- Input “Initial Budget” in the narrative box for the initial justification.
- Save the form and Mark as Complete.
- Add a row for each program activity under the correct object code section.
- Provide a brief (but specific) description for the program activity. Use similar verbiage for related activities across object code sections.
Important Reminders
- Budget Submissions must be completed by Sept. 1.
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Final allocations and the set-aside chart are posted on the Consolidated Application webpage to guide your budgeting and submission.
- Funds will initially appear in the unobligated object code (950); districts are responsible for obligating funds and entering allowable activities aligned with the approved plan.
Helpful Resources:
Additional training resources can be found on the Consolidated Application Website.
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Updated Virtual Education FAQ Guidance Available
Updated Virtual Education Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) guidance for the 2026-27 school year is now available. The update includes important changes to district-paid courses through the North Dakota Center for Distance Education (NDCDE).
Beginning this school year, districts have some discretion when determining whether to pay for a student-requested NDCDE course. Districts are required to pay for an NDCDE course when specific circumstances apply, such as when the course is not offered locally, scheduling prevents the student from taking a locally offered course, or the course is needed for graduation or Choice Ready requirements and cannot be offered locally in time.
Districts must provide students requesting a district-paid NDCDE course with the NDCDE Virtual Course Enrollment Application. NDCDE Virtual Course Enrollment Application. The application is used by the district to determine whether the request meets the requirements for district payment and is separate from the standard NDCDE registration process.
Districts also must have a written appeals process for denied requests and track approved and denied applications for reporting purposes.
For complete details, review the updated Virtual Education FAQs. For questions, contact Jim Upgren at (701) 328-2244.
K–3 Reading Curriculum and Professional Development Report Now Open
The K–3 Reading Curriculum and Professional Development Report is now open in STARS, with a reporting deadline of Oct. 1.
Schools should review the public or nonpublic school list to determine whether they are required to complete the report this year.
Support is available for schools that need assistance completing the report. Schools may visit the NDDPI Science of Reading webpage or contact their North Dakota Regional Education Association (REA) for assistance. An opportunity to attend a work session to complete the report also is available.
For questions about the reporting process, contact Brenda Ehrmantraut at (701) 328-1809.
North Dakota Behavioral Health Program Directory Revised
The newly revised North Dakota Behavioral Health Program Directory helps North Dakotans easily locate and access behavioral health services across the state. The expanded directory allows users to search for mental health and substance use programs by location, specialties, telehealth options, insurance accepted, translation services and more.
For questions, contact programregistry@nd.gov at (701) 328-8920.
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Legendary Learners Literacy Grants Accepting Applications
NDDPI is now accepting applications for a new round of Legendary Learners literacy grants. The grant program supports elementary schools partnering with their communities to strengthen school readiness and promote literacy development from birth through kindergarten.
The application window is open through Sept. 2.
Schools interested in applying are encouraged to visit the ND CLIMBS webpage for information on the grant opportunity, application requirements and available resources.
For questions, contact Taylor Olsen.
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TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
& PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
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Title I Schoolwide and Targeted Assistance Training
We are pleased to announce a one-day Title I Schoolwide and Targeted Assistance training. Schools with new Title I personnel, as well as those seeking a refresher, are strongly encouraged to attend. The training will cover Title I Schoolwide and Targeted Assistance programs, participation in the schoolwide planning year, best practices, and available resources. Schools interested in entering the schoolwide planning year are required to attend.
Date: Oct. 1
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT (Lunch is on your own)
Place: North Dakota State Capitol, 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Bismarck, N.D., Brynhild Haugland Room
Fee: No cost (Title I funds may be used to reimburse travel expenses.)
For questions, contact:
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Angie Richter, assistant director, Title I Program, (701) 328-2287
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Michelle Siegfried, program administrator, Title I Schoolwide Program, (701) 328-3544
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Lisa Johnson, administrative assistant, Title I Program, (701) 328-3610
An email containing the agenda will be sent out prior to the event. The deadline to register is Sept. 24 at 5 p.m. CDT.
Professional Development Credit Opportunities Available
NDDPI’s Office of Specially Designed Services (SPED) offers free professional development for general and special educators, administrators, paraprofessionals and related service providers through the ND Educational Hub.
Courses run live from Sept. 4 through May 14 and will be offered again in summer 2027 to ensure ongoing access and support for educators. Find the courses on the ND Educational Hub under Statewide Professional Development > Specially Designed Services (SPED).
For questions, contact Allison Miller.
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Fall OHOA Courses Available Through Dual Sensory Project
The North Dakota Dual Sensory Project has announced the Fall 2026 “Open Hands, Open Access” (OHOA) course offerings. Developed by the National Center on Deafblindness, these online modules provide training on deafblindness education and practical strategies for supporting children and youth with deafblindness and other disabilities.
North Dakota educators and professionals are eligible for tuition reimbursement, contingent on continued grant funding.
Registration is open now at Welcome to the Minot State University Store!. Professional Development and closes Sept. 11. Courses run from Sept. 21 to Dec. 11.
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EDUCATORS |
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Plains Art Museum Offers Opportunity for ND Educators
The Plains Art Museum in Fargo, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is inviting North Dakota teachers to participate in the Smithsonian’s Creating Portraits of Community project for the 2026–27 school year. The program will form a statewide cohort of five educators who work with students ages 13 and older.
Teachers from any subject area may participate, including art, social studies, English/language arts, history, science, agriculture, journalism or photography. Educators will receive Smithsonian curriculum, take part in virtual professional learning, and adapt the project for use in their classrooms. Each selected teacher will receive a $1,700 stipend. The time commitment is about 18 hours over the fall semester.
The first virtual cohort meeting is set for Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 6 p.m. CDT. Interested educators can contact Anna Jacobson for details.
Third Grade Mock Trial on Constitution Day Event
Educators and school leaders preparing for the 2026 nationwide virtual Third Grade Mock Trial on Constitution Day are invited to join a live Q&A session via Zoom on Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 2 to 3 p.m. CDT. The session is open to administrators, principals, board members and teachers who have questions about the event. The Zoom link is available on the Constitution Day event webpage.
The mock trial, hosted by Kansas District Court Judge Robert J. Wonnell and Olathe Public Schools, will take place Sept. 17 and is free, live and interactive for classrooms across the country. Organizers encourage early registration and recommend that teachers use the companion instructional materials to prepare students. Additional details, registration information and promotional resources can be found on the event webpage.
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS |
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High School Juniors and Seniors Invited to Apply for U.S. Senate Youth Program
The 2027 application for the 65th Annual United States Senate Youth Program is now open to North Dakota high school juniors and seniors interested in government and public service. The program offers a fully funded weeklong civic leadership experience in Washington, D.C., where delegates meet with senior federal officials, including U.S. senators, executive branch leaders and members of the Supreme Court.
Washington Week is scheduled for March 6–13, 2027. Selected students will also receive a $12,500 undergraduate scholarship from The Hearst Foundations.
The application deadline is midnight on Oct. 18. More information about eligibility requirements, the application process and program details is available at United States Senate Youth Program | North Dakota Department of Public Instruction.
For questions, contact Kassie Schaff.
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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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