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 Today marks 25 years since September 11, 2001. We honor those we lost, thank the heroes who responded, and remember the responsibility we share to teach our students the values that carry us forward: courage, compassion, and unity.
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2026 State Reporting Due Date Extension
In collaboration with internal staff, school districts, and partners it has been decided to offer an extension and modify the due dates for the Fall Enrollment and MIS03 report. Typically, the Fall Enrollment report is due Sep. 15 and the MIS03 is due Sept. 30.
The new due dates are listed below:
- Fall STARS Enrollment Report: Sept. 25 at 9 a.m. CDT
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MIS03 Licensed Personnel Report: Oct. 16 at 9 a.m. CDT
Opportunities for Support
BRIDGE Open Office Hours – Teacher Tools: 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 Teacher Tools 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.
Session #1: 504 Dashboard, Cycle of Developing a plan, parent options, new meeting options, staff dashboard, print/review forms & reports, uploading 504 docs.
Session #2: Import option, historical data, import history, settings and district customization options, tool rights for users.
Infinite Campus Scheduled Downtime – Sept. 12
Districts, please be aware that Infinite Campus will undergo an update on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 2:00 AM CDT for the installation of the 504 module.
During this maintenance window:
- The database and UI will not be accessible.
- 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.
‘Serving District’ Now Required on Student District Residency Records
To improve the accuracy and completeness of statewide reporting, the Serving District field on a student's Special Education-District Residency record will now be required in Infinite Campus.
NDDPI relies on both resident district and serving district information for key reporting processes, including child count reporting. When the Serving District field is left blank, it can create data gaps and reporting inconsistencies. Requiring this field helps ensure districts have complete, reliable data and support more accurate state reporting.
EL ACCESS Test Data Field
NDDPI has identified an issue affecting the English Learners: Parent Refused Testing/Refused Services field. During migration, this field was incorrectly set to checked by default for all EL students.
To correct this, the field will be set to null statewide at 3 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
Districts should manually update the field after the Sept. 15 data correction only for EL students who truly refused the ACCESS test or EL services.
Infinite Campus Support Site
Infinite Campus offers robust support options to help districts get the most value from their system. Through the Infinite Campus Support Site, staff have access to self‑paced training materials, detailed knowledgebase articles, release notes, and step‑by‑step guides covering core functionality and new features.
District users can also submit service tickets, track support requests, and stay informed on upcoming changes, all in one place.
Districts will learn about the Support Process as postproduction activities complete. If you're curious now, visit: Support - Infinite Campus.
**Additionally, NDDPI continues to get questions and concerns from districts about being charged based on the number of support cases submitted to Infinite Campus. We want to clearly recommunicate that districts will NOT incur additional charges for submitting support tickets/cases to Infinite Campus. This support is covered by NDDPI’s existing, state-level contract with Infinite Campus.
NDDPI Resource Hub - Latest Resources
The NDDPI Resource Hub has new guidance available:
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21st CCLC Infinite Campus
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District Residency Wizard
Infinite Campus Resources: Child Nutrition and Food Distribution
Educators can find North Dakota–specific Infinite Campus materials in the “All Resources” tab and the Child Nutrition folder on the NDDPI Resource Hub. Available documents include guidance for point‑of‑sale reports, state meal eligibility configuration and usage, the Infinite Campus Child Nutrition Setup Checklist and the Free and Reduced Applications Module (FRAM) State225 setup event and action. Additional Infinite Campus resources are available in the Knowledge Base on the Infinite Campus website.
The Office of Child Nutrition and Food Distribution will hold office hours throughout September to assist with related questions. Sessions are offered as follows:
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 ND COUNTS FAQ Now Available
Looking for clarity on ND COUNTS requirements? A new FAQ is now available with guidance on curriculum expectations, professional development requirements, intervention programs, reporting rules, and upcoming statewide supports. Districts can also find information about approved trainings and future curriculum recommendations.
Read the full FAQ and explore additional ND COUNTS resources.
Afterschool Snack Program Monitoring Reminder
As districts begin Afterschool Snack Programs, remember to complete the first site monitoring worksheet within the first four weeks of program operation. Two copies are included in the front of your ASP production record book: one for the initial four‑week monitoring period and another for the second visit later in the school year.
For questions, contact the Office of Child Nutrition and Food Distribution.
Register Now for the 2026 Crunch Off
The 2026 North Dakota Crunch Off will run Oct. 1–31, celebrating local foods, supporting producers and encouraging more fruits and vegetables in daily meals. The statewide goal is 80,000 bites into local foods.
Schools, child‑care centers, businesses, organizations and families are invited to participate by crunching into fresh fruits and vegetables while supporting local producers.
Eligible items include locally grown or raised fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, popcorn and meat. Regionally grown foods from programs such as the Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (DOD Fresh) or United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foods also qualify. Participants may still register even if local products are not available.
To register for your Crunch Off event visit: North Dakota Crunch Off Event Registration 2026.
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS |
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NDDPI Launches Student Legislative Summit
NDDPI is launching a new Student Legislative Summit, scheduled for Nov. 16–17 in the House of Representatives Chambers at the State Capital. This two‑day simulation will bring together top high school students from across the state to explore this year’s theme focusing on educational technology and artificial intelligence, offering lawmakers and state leaders firsthand student perspectives ahead of the 2027 legislative session.
Members of the 2026–27 Student Cabinet will serve as automatic delegates, and additional students from all 47 legislative districts will be selected through an open application process. NDDPI is encouraging high school administrators to nominate civic‑minded, high‑achieving students who show leadership and interest in public policy.
State Superintendent Levi Bachmeier has committed to hosting the Summit annually to elevate student voices in statewide policy discussions and help develop the next generation of North Dakota leaders. “I’m excited to continue the existing student cabinet format for a sustained conversation with North Dakota students. As a former high school government teacher, I’m looking forward to the new Student Legislative Summit to give more students the unique opportunity of participating directly in shaping the future of education policy. They will quickly learn the rewarding and challenging aspects of lawmaking.” Bachmeier said. “When students from all corners of the state come together, we establish a strong, informed foundation that can influence the future of our schools.”
Schools may nominate up to three students for consideration. Nominations require minimal information and will give students additional consideration during the selection process. Administrators interested in participating should submit the Student Summit Nomination Form by Friday, Sept. 25.
Applications for students will be available on the NDDPI website, Student Legislative Summit Application, until Oct. 9.
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.
For questions, contact Kassie Schaff.
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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.
Reading Curriculum Report Q&A Webinar
NDDPI will host a brief webinar on the curriculum portion of the Reading & Professional Development Report on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 10:00 a.m. CDT. Join the webinar using this link: Join the webinar.
The K–3 Reading Curriculum and Professional Development Report is now open in STARS, and districts must submit their information by Oct. 1.
Schools can review the the public or nonpublic school list to confirm whether they are required to report this year.
For questions, contact Brenda Ehrmantraut at (701) 328‑1809.
Webinar to Address Literacy for Students With Complex Support Needs
The North Dakota Dual Sensory Project and North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind will host a webinar Thursday, Sept. 17 from 3 to 4 p.m. CDT on literacy development for students who are deafblind or have complex support needs. Dr. Christopher Brum of San Diego State University will present evidence‑based strategies to support communication and literacy, including shared reading, individualized instruction and adapted materials.
Participants will receive a free Textured Paper Collection from the American Printing House for the Blind to create experience books. The session, “Shared Reading/Experience Books,” will be offered on Zoom using this link: Join from Zoom.
School‑Based Symposium for Speech‑Language Professionals
The State Education Agencies Communication Disability Council (SEACDC) will host a free, two‑day webinar to support Speech‑Language Pathologists and Speech‑Language Pathology Assistants working in public schools. The event is offered at no cost through the generosity of speakers who have donated their time. Sessions will be held Oct. 15–16, from noon to 3:30 p.m. CDT. Participants will receive a certificate verifying completed professional development hours.
Attendance is limited to 1,000 participants per day. Organizers ask registrants to sign up only if they are able to attend the full session on the days they select.
Speakers include:
Thursday, Oct. 15
- Tiffany White, American Speech‑Language‑Hearing Association — Dismissal
- Dr. Doug Petersen, Baylor University — Narrative Language
- Lauren Arner, American Speech‑Language‑Hearing Association — Artificial Intelligence and the School‑Based Speech‑Language Pathologist
Friday, Oct. 16
- Tera Sumpter, Seeds of Learning — Executive Function
- Angie Neal, State Education Agencies Communication Disability Council president — Screen Time
- Jason Travers, Temple University — Behavior
Registration is available for one or both days:
For additional information or questions, visit the State Education Agencies Communication Disability Council - Home or email SEACDCBoard@gmail.com.
Innovation on the Plains: Teaching History with Primary Sources
North Dakota teachers in grades 6–12 are invited to apply for Innovation on the Plains, a primary sources workshop at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota.
Teachers will practice historical thinking and primary source analysis while exploring topics including the Garrison Dam in central North Dakota and coal mining on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Montana.
The workshop offers 9 OPI renewal units, plus a travel and one-night lodging stipend. Space is limited; apply by Oct. 1.
For questions, contact Melissa Hibbard. Learn more about National History Day through the educator interest form, the website, or Facebook.
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 Grand Forks Central Marketing Program Named Best in North Dakota
Grand Forks Central High School’s marketing program has been recognized as the best in North Dakota, following marketing teacher Hannah Freese’s receipt of the 2026 Director’s Award of Excellence at the North Dakota Career and Technical Education Professional Development Conference in Bismarck. The award reflects the strength of Central’s marketing education program, which combines classroom instruction with real‑world experience, including participation in the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), operation of the school’s retail store and partnerships with local businesses.
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR SCHOOLS |
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Seniors Foster Grandparent Program Seeking Volunteers in Western ND
School districts across western North Dakota have an opportunity to partner with the AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program, which provides trained volunteers to work one‑on‑one with students who need extra academic or social‑emotional support. The program is offered at no cost to schools.
Foster Grandparent volunteers, all age 55 or older, assist teachers and counselors directly in the classroom. They help reinforce reading and foundational skills, provide encouragement, and build confidence for students who benefit from individualized attention. Educators often report that students thrive with consistent one‑on‑one support, improved engagement, and strengthened social‑emotional development.
The program benefits seniors as well, offering meaningful community involvement, renewed purpose, and daily connection with children. Volunteers frequently describe the experience as personally rewarding and energizing.
Administered by ND Senior Career Development in Dickinson, North Dakota, the program includes training and requires federal, state and NSOPW background checks. Eligible volunteers may receive a tax‑free stipend and mileage reimbursement, removing barriers to participation.
For more information, contact ND Senior Career Development at (701) 483‑5335 or visit ndseniorcareerdevelopment.org.
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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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