Wahpeton Public School prepares for statewide BRIDGE technology transition

WAHPETON — Schools across North Dakota are preparing for a statewide technology transition designed to modernize how education data is collected, managed and reported.

The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction is leading the Building Reports Informing Data-Driven Growth in Education Project in partnership with Infinite Campus. Wahpeton Public School is among the districts taking part in the transition.

Wahpeton Public School Technology Director Scott Albertson said the project will change how schools manage student, teacher and course information

The BRIDGE Project is designed to bring several education data systems together, including student records, state reporting and school funding processes.

Albertson said the transition involves more than replacing the district’s current student information system.

“BRIDGE will ultimately unify and streamline how North Dakota’s schools manage student, teacher and course data, state reporting and school funding processes,” he said.

Wahpeton Public School is making the change because state support for PowerSchool, its current student information system, ended June 30.

Albertson said many North Dakota schools use state-supported platforms to connect with education resources and services.

Parents and students will begin seeing changes during the first weeks of August as the district completes the transition before the start of the school year.

They will receive new login information and a link to the Infinite Campus Parent and Student Portal. The district will provide step-by-step instructions to help families access the system.

The portal will place grades, attendance, schedules, fees and other school information in one location.

Albertson said teachers will also receive a more streamlined and user-friendly interface.

Wahpeton Public School has spent more than a year preparing for the change. District staff reviewed and verified data, completed training and worked to ensure information is accurate before it is transferred.

Albertson said the district has worked closely with Infinite Campus and the Department of Public Instruction to test the system and prepare for its launch.

“Any technology transition can have a few minor issues, but we expect the process to go smoothly,” he said.

The district expects the new system to improve communication and speed up processes involving schools, families and the state.

Albertson said some tasks that previously required several days may be completed in real time or within 24 hours.

“We’re most excited about improving the connection between our schools, families and the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction,” he said.

The final stages of the migration will take place from July 1 through mid-August. During that period, some automated telephone alerts and notifications may be temporarily unavailable.

The district plans to provide updates through its website, email, social media and local newspapers. Families can also visit the district website and select “News & Alerts” for current information.

Albertson said the BRIDGE Project has required years of statewide planning and preparation.

He encouraged families to watch for login instructions and district updates as the new school year approaches.