Interested in learning more about this curriculum? Visit https://starautismsupport.com/

Shanna was recognized for her dedicated work supporting special education teachers in their classrooms, with a focus on curriculum, instruction, and learning environment. The support Shanna provides is instrumental in helping special education teams think creatively and collaboratively to ensure all students have meaningful access to critical content—not only within the resource room, but in the general education classroom as well!

https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1761081867/fargok12ndus/x8ngn15iyd2gx02xtro1/10232025_Employee_Spotlight_Shanna_Olschlager.pdf

• Session 1: 1:30 PM PST / 3:30 PM CST / 4:30 PM EST

• Session 2: 3:30 PM PST / 5:30 PM CST / 6:30 PM EST

OHI: New criteria reviewed in the December PLS

ED: new terminology to reflect Emotional Disability vs. Emotional Disturbance

*Please note that there is an area to add student names who are currently in the evaluation process. Please update throughout the Spring as students exit/qualify for services.

If you are case managing ECSE/ 5^th / 8^th grade students who require an annual IEP between January ’26-June ’26, please include a representative from the receiving middle/high school.

The BRIDGE team continues to make progress on the transition from TieNet to Infinite Campus and is actively working through the remaining technical and process details needed to support a smooth statewide rollout.

While some technical and operational details are still being finalized, the following assurances are in place:

• The PowerSchool Service Team will work with NDDPI to be able to extract all TieNet data needed for the transition, including:

  • Data records

  • Finalized forms and documents in PDF format

  • In-flight forms and documents (as data)

Although final transition steps are still being developed, planning is aligned around a clear timeline:

• TieNet will be used through the end of the 2025–26 school year.

• Districts should plan to stop using TieNet after June 30, 2026.

• Infinite Campus will go live for special education for the 2026-27 school year.

This timing allows districts to complete all 2025–26 reporting in TieNet and begin the 2026–27 school year fully in Infinite Campus.

The BRIDGE team is continuing to finalize processes and will share additional details and decisions as they are confirmed. Regular updates will be provided so districts can plan, prepare, and train with confidence.

TieNet to Infinite Campus Transition

The BRIDGE team continues to make progress on the transition from TieNet to Infinite Campus and is actively working through the remaining technical and process details needed to support a smooth statewide rollout.

While some technical and operational details are still being finalized, the following assurances are in place:

The PowerSchool Service Team, in collaboration with NDDPI, will extract all TieNet data required for the transition, including:

• Data records

• Finalized forms and documents in PDF format

• In-flight forms and documents (as data)

Transition Timeline

Although final transition steps are still being developed, planning is aligned around the following timeline:

• TieNet will be used through the end of the 2025–26 school year.

• Districts should plan to stop using TieNet after June 30, 2026.

• Infinite Campus will go live for special education for the 2026–27 school year.

This timing allows districts to complete all 2025–26 reporting in TieNet and begin the 2026–27 school year fully in Infinite Campus.

Regular updates will be provided to support district planning, preparation, and training.

If a new case manager completes a revision but the cover page isn’t updated, the system will automatically revert the case manager back to the previous staff member.

Thank you for helping keep IEPs accurate and up to date for students and teams!

A parent request is not an automatic referral to special education. It does, however, signal the need for timely, collaborative team review using student data and determining if, as a team, a referral to special education is warranted.

Strong MTSS teaming structures support this work by helping teams clearly describe:

• Interventions provided

• How supports were intensified

• What the data shows about student response

MTSS is a valuable framework, but it is not intended to delay team decision-making. Our shared focus remains on collaboration, data, and student-centered decisions.

After this initial upload, schools and districts are responsible for updating, adding, or editing student accommodations and designated supports directly in ADAM. Instructions for manually updating accessibility supports can be found in the ND A+ Summative Assessment Test Administration Manual, located on the ND A+ Portal under Administration Resources > Summative Resources > User Guides.

Important:

The determined assessment listed in the last finalized IEP on Jan. 15, 2026, will be the assessment used for accountability purposes for the student.

The NDDPI recently shared updated guidance regarding the transition from TIENET to Infinite Campus (IC). Please review these important reminders:

🗂 Document Finalization Deadline

• All documents must be finalized by the last contract day.

• Beginning July 1, 2026, documents will be migrated to Infinite Campus.

• Any TIENET document not finalized will NOT be included in the data migration.

🔐 Future Access to TIENET

• Only a limited number of staff will retain access to TIENET for historical reference.

• To ensure continued access for the upcoming school year, all IDEA-related documents must be uploaded to PowerSchool.

ND DPI recently shared a helpful reminder regarding IEP meetings. If a general education teacher is unable to attend, please be sure to:

✔️ Gather and share the teacher’s input with the team
✔️ Confirm that parents are comfortable proceeding with the meeting
✔️ Obtain signatures for the Excusal of Required IEP Team Member(s) form

Spring staffing season is here, and we are actively seeking passionate professionals to support our students receiving special education and related services. Current openings include SLPs, special education teachers, and paraprofessionals.

If you know someone who would be a great fit — or are interested yourself — please take a moment to share the opportunities above.

Thank you for helping us recruit caring, student-centered professionals to support every learner. 💙

Many of you know Cairra through her outstanding work as our elementary ESY coordinator for the past four summers. Her experience, consistency, and deep understanding of ESY programming have helped ensure smooth operations and strong support for students and staff alike. During the school year, Cairra serves as a 5th grade teacher at Longfellow, where her steady leadership, thoughtful planning, and strong relationships with students and families shine each day.

Rachel brings extensive expertise in special education and currently serves as one of the district’s SPED Coaches, supporting teams across Fargo Public Schools. Her collaborative mindset, problem-solving skills, and commitment to inclusive practices make her an exceptional leader. Rachel consistently helps teams navigate complex needs while keeping student growth and dignity at the center of decision-making.

Together, Cairra and Rachel will coordinate ESY services for students in PreK–12 programs, including Explorer Academy. Their combined experience and leadership will help ensure that our summer programming continues to support student progress while providing clear guidance and support for staff.

As planning begins, please feel free to direct ESY-related questions, ideas, or logistical needs to Cairra and Rachel. They will be connecting with teams in the coming weeks as details take shape.

Thank you, Cairra and Rachel, for stepping into this leadership role and for your continued commitment to our students, families, and staff.

Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, the district will not continue the Adaptive Schools contract that has supported monthly TNT visits for students in district-supported classrooms.

We value our partnership with TNT and the meaningful experiences it has provided. As our district continues shifting toward supporting students within their home buildings, we are prioritizing equitable access to supports and opportunities for all learners. With fewer district-supported programs and ongoing staffing challenges, TNT participation has become limited to a small number of students.

In reflection, and in consideration of budget priorities, this change supports a more equitable and sustainable approach to serving students across the district.

District-supported programs will not attend TNT beginning in 2026–27.

If you have questions, please reach out to Shelby.

Our Speech-Language Pathologists make an incredible impact every day — helping students find their voices, connect with others, and access learning. ASHA offers national recognition opportunities that highlight excellence in clinical practice, leadership, mentorship, and advocacy.

If you know a colleague whose work deserves recognition, please consider submitting a nomination. You are also welcome to share your ideas with me, and I would be happy to support or submit a nomination on your behalf.

Nomination ideas are due to me by April 1.

Celebrating one another elevates our profession and honors the meaningful work you do each day. Thank you for all you bring to our students and teams!

— Shelby

Please use the link above to access both tabs. Begin with the Overview Tab, and then navigate to the Student Support Services Tab for directions on accessing the on-demand courses utilize the google doc. We have added a pre-recorded session for individuals to watch if any of the dates don't work for you.

As more information becomes available, we will continue to share it out.  If you have any questions or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Global Nomads uses the power of storytelling to promote empathy and bring social topics to life through day-to-day realities. Participating youth read authentic, impactful stories from youth participants around the world that reveal deep truths about global issues, then enhance the conversation by sharing their own stories with fellow Student to World users. All participants are eligible to participate in moderated live conversations with other youth from around the world.

Spring staffing season is here, and we are actively seeking passionate professionals to support our students receiving special education and related services. Current openings include SLPs, special education teachers, and paraprofessionals.

If you know someone who would be a great fit — or are interested yourself — please take a moment to share the opportunities above.

Thank you for helping us recruit caring, student-centered professionals to support every learner. 💙

If a student's 3-Year Reevaluation is due before November 1, 2026, the reevaluation must occur in the Spring of 2026.

If your student is in ECSE, 5th Grade, or 8th Grade- Please invite team members from the receiving school.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1fCGXfhiACr2sDl3aqOnKHvacP3e4sjMq5EewjzZiFvA/edit?slide=id.p1#slide=id.p1

Let’s talk about how small shifts in language and classroom practices can make a big difference for autistic students. This free webinar offers practical tools, such as discussion stories, inclusive activities, and engaging media, to help students express themselves and connect with peers. You’ll leave with ready-to-use strategies, a free infinity symbol activity, and ideas for building a more welcoming classroom. Perfect for educators, caregivers, and anyone who wants to support neurodiversity with heart and intention.

We're committed to making our webinars accessible and valuable to all participants. Each session is one hour, includes a certificate of completion, and a recording will be sent to everyone who registers along with session handouts.

If you have any accessibility needs or accommodation requests that would help you fully participate in the webinar, please contact webinar@starautismsupport.com.

Register to join us at:

1:30pm PST/3:30pm CST 3:30pm PST/5:30pm CST

Key Reminder:

* Initial evaluations must be completed within 60 calendar days of parent consent (IDEA & NDDPI).

* This includes completing assessments, finalizing the Initial Written Assessment Report (IWAR), and holding the eligibility meeting.

We know this time of year is busy, and timelines can feel tight.

Team Consideration:

If a student is receiving targeted interventions and making progress, teams may consider continuing supports and, if appropriate, waiting until the start of the next school year to seek consent. This allows for more comprehensive data collection and helps ensure thoughtful, high-quality decisions.

Thank you for your attention to timelines and for all you do to support students—especially during this busy season!

STAR Champions:

Maribel Cepeda- Kennedy

Brandi Miller- Lewis & Clark

Amanda Hetland- Eagles

Jennifer Hoffman- ECSE

LINKS Champions:

Kerri Marucco- North High

Sydney Dale- Ben Franklin

Aya Pandan- Ben Franklin

Abby Blodgett- Discovery

Dayna Estenson- Explorer Academy

SOLER Champions:

John Perez- CBE

Kelli Bourke- Lewis & Clark

Paige Nygaard- Roosevelt

Megan Koestner- Kennedy

Taylor Ludlum- Ed Clapp

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to student success and independence at school!!

The 25-26 school year marks the 4th year of implementation across the District.

Some Highlights:

-Consistency in programming for our most vulnerable learners

-Alignment to the ND- Alternative Standards

-Increased independence in students due to highly structured routines

-Supports students' least restrictive environment

• Level 1 – RED TAG – Hand-to-Hand (High Support) Student must not be released unless a responsible adult is physically present at the door of the bus.  The driver or aide will not escort the student to the door of the residence.  If no adult is present, the student must not be released—drivers will call dispatch and prepare to return the student to school or follow alternate instructions.

• Level 2 – YELLOW TAG – Eye-to-Eye (Moderate Support) A parent/guardian or other approved adult must be visibly outside the home before the student can exit the bus. An adult must be visible before releasing. If no adult is outside, the child will not be released.

• Level 3 – GREEN TAG – Independent Release (Low Support) Student is approved for independent release. They may exit the bus and go to the door on their own. No adult needs to be visible. These students have written permission on file (via the IEP) and are considered capable of getting inside safely on their own.

IMPORTANT: Ensure this is documented in the "Other" section of Present Levels and communicate this to your administrative assistant so they can update the bus form in PowerSchool. If you have already completed this process for students this year, please ensure the bus form in PowerSchool has been updated to include the level of support needed.

As we wrap up the year, please ensure all transportation details are finalized to support a smooth start in the fall.

👩‍🏫 Case Manager Responsibilities

• ✅ Check the SPED Transportation box in PowerSchool if transportation is required in the IEP

• ⛔ Uncheck the box if a student no longer qualifies

• 🕒 Share schedule-specific needs (shortened day, period-based schedules) with your admin assistant

  
  

🗂️ Admin Assistant / Registrar Responsibilities

• 📞 Contact families and complete transportation forms in PowerSchool

• 🤝 Collaborate with case managers for accurate information

• 📝 Include notes for alternative schedules or building transitions

• 🩺 Ensure medical needs are properly documented and reflected in the transportation form

🚦 Support Levels for Bus Arrival/Departure

🔴 Level 1 – Hand-to-Hand (High Support)
Student released only if an adult is physically present at the bus door. If not, student is not released.

🟡 Level 2 – Eye-to-Eye (Moderate Support)
Adult must be visibly outside before student exits the bus.

🟢 Level 3 – Independent Release (Low Support)
Student may exit independently with IEP documentation—no adult visible required.

⚠️ Important

• Document support level in “Other” section of Present Levels

• Communicate level to admin assistant for PowerSchool update

• ✔️ Double-check forms are complete before the end of your contract

💡 Reminder

• Transportation is an IEP team decision aligned to LRE

• All transportation processes are managed at the building level

• Incomplete forms may delay services at the start of the school year

Reach out anytime if you want to problem solve—we’re in this together!

We are using a spreadsheet to maintain information about how to access the test system, what user accounts are available per role, the default password for all accounts, and columns where you can enter your name to indicate which account you plan to use while accessing the test system (multiple users can choose to access the same test account for practice). Recording your name next to one of the sample accounts will help you remember which sample account you have used in the past, and indicate to others which account you plan to use when practicing in this training site.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iNGxNvoIhIDgabKSwRr3yjgU_U_VWyHxkTrh9iPPckM/edit?usp=sharing

Spring staffing season is here, and we are actively seeking passionate professionals to support our students receiving special education and related services. Current openings include SLPs, special education teachers, and paraprofessionals.

If you know someone who would be a great fit — or are interested yourself — please take a moment to share the opportunities above.

Thank you for helping us recruit caring, student-centered professionals to support every learner. 💙

🔹 This is the standard expectation each year to ensure compliance and continuity of services
🔹 As we transition to Infinite Campus (IC), it is especially important that all documents are finalized so they are available for migration
🔹 Only finalized documents will transfer to IC
🔹 Drafts or incomplete documents will not migrate

Please take time now to review your caseload and complete any outstanding documentation.

If the completed rating scale is returned directly to the caregiver or eligible student, an FPS ROI is not required. The caregiver or student is the owner of the information and can decide whether to share it with the provider.

If the school sends the completed rating scale directly to the provider, whether by email, mail, fax, or online provider portal, a signed FPS ROI is required before sharing the information. The ROI authorizes FPS staff to release student information directly to the outside provider.

In general:

• Returned to caregiver/student = no FPS ROI required

• Sent directly to provider = FPS ROI required

If the completed rating scale is returned directly to the caregiver or eligible student, an FPS ROI is not required. The caregiver or student is the owner of the information and can decide whether to share it with the provider.

If the school sends the completed rating scale directly to the provider, whether by email, mail, fax, or online provider portal, a signed FPS ROI is required before sharing the information. The ROI authorizes FPS staff to release student information directly to the outside provider.

In general:

• Returned to caregiver/student = no FPS ROI required

• Sent directly to provider = FPS ROI required

🔹 This is the standard expectation each year to ensure compliance and continuity of services
🔹 As we transition to Infinite Campus (IC), it is especially important that all documents are finalized so they are available for migration
🔹 Only finalized documents will transfer to IC
🔹 Drafts or incomplete documents will not migrate

Please take time now to review your caseload and complete any outstanding documentation.