Thursday, October 22nd, 2026
Session 1 Options (9.15am to 10.15am)
- Introduction to Ed-Fi in Synergy
State Reporting BeginnerTrack
Are you new to Ed-Fi in Synergy? Has it been a while since you last thought about it and are needing a refresher? We will go through the Synergy screens you need to use, the data pieces that should be entered, and how that data gets to MDE.
Presenters: Amanda Hayes, Region 1
- Advanced Ed-Fi in Synergy
State Reporting Advanced Track
Ready for the next step with Ed-Fi? Let's dive into the JSON logs. Learn how to read and utilize them to your advantage. Pair them with the Ed-Fi Portal to take control of your Ed-Fi data. You never know, you might find the Ed-Fi deep end is not that scary after all.
Presenters: Alyssa Purrier, Region 1
This is the annual Tips & Tricks class! With the 2027 release of Synergy there are many new tips and tricks to help you fully use Synergy. See some of the new features and hopefully learn some time saving hints. This class is fast paced and fun!
Presenters: Adam Joramo, Region 1
Session 2 Options (10.30am to 11.30am)
- Early Education: Get a Jump Start
State Reporting Beginner Track
Work on your Early Education reporting early! Get started this year on the right track and get your data submission ready well before you head out the door for summer. Review the screens and data pieces used for Early Education and how to get your data to MDE.
Presenters: Amanda Hayes, Region 1
- Comparison Report: Your Gateway to Ed-Fi
State Reporting Beginner & Advanced Tracks
Kari Johnson from MDE is going to dive into comparison reports. Find out what you should be looking for, common issues, and what you can ignore. Leave this session knowing you can tackle your report, and everyone is rooting for you!
Presenters: Kari Johnson, Minnesota Department of Education (MDE)
A guided walkthrough of the K-12 payments and operations platform used by school business offices, food service directors, and families. You'll see both sides of the system: how administrators assign fees, process transactions, run reports, and handle compliance, and how parents pay, apply for meal benefits, and manage what they owe the school from one account. The demo covers Food Service (POS, meal tracking, state reporting), Tuition and Fee Management, and how EduTrak connects to Synergy SIS so everything stays in sync. EduTrak will also demonstrate FastTrak, our new automated self-service checkout built specifically for schools.
Presenters: David Belford, EduTrak CEO
Session 3 Options (12.15pm to 1.15pm)
Everyone will get a chance to check out the new features in version 2027, plus some helpful tips and tricks.
Presenter: Kadie Stoltz, Region 1
Session 4 Options (1.30pm to 2.30pm)
- Enrollment Records in Synergy
State Reporting Beginner Track
Student enrollments in Synergy are the bread and butter for your district. Learn how to add and delete enrollments, determine summer leavers, and handle other common situations.
Presenters: Amanda Hayes, Region 1
State Reporting Advanced Track
This voyage takes us deep into the Compare MARSS A/B to Ed-Fi document. Find out which reports to use as your map, the discrepancies that throw you off course, and when to jump ship from your physical files. This not-so-secret treasure map is your key to Certify!
Presenters: Kari Johnson, Minnesota Department of Education (MDE)
Are you getting the most from your attendance in Synergy? Freshen up on all of the attendance options that are available. Learn about the many ways to make Synergy Attendance work for you.
Presenters: Cassy Peterson, Region 1
Session 5 Options (2.45pm to 3.45pm)
State Reporting Beginner & Advanced Tracks
We are excited to have Tim Miller from Edupoint join us to share his tips and tricks for Ed-Fi in Synergy! Find out what processes he used when he was in your shoes and his recommendations for improving your experience when reporting via Ed-Fi.
Presenter: Tim Miller, Edupoint
- Grade Book Troubleshooting
Learn some useful tips and tricks to help with troubleshooting grade books with your teachers. This session applies to both Elementary schools using the objective based report cards and the Secondary schools using the subject based report cards. Learn what you need to know to make your teachers successful in using the grade book and updating report cards.
Presenters: Diana Van Raden, Region 1
Friday, October 23rd, 2026
Session 1 Options (9.15am to 11.30am)
- Synergy MCCC Setup: Structured Work Session
State Reporting Beginner & Advanced Tracks
We are going to go step by step through the MCCC setup in Synergy to report your data via Ed-Fi. The goal is to leave this extended session with most of the setup in place that is needed to report your MCCC data via Ed-Fi for 2026-27. As we go through each step, we want you to follow along and do your setup with us. Bring your laptop and let us help you check this process off your list!
Presenters: Alyssa Purrier/Amanda Hayes, Region 1
State Reporting Beginner & Advanced Tracks
For those that are not responsible for the MCCC setup in their district but would like to have some time away from your desk to work on Ed-Fi data. Kari will be available for questions.
Presenter: Kari Johnson, Minnesota Department of Education (MDE)
This session provides an overview of typical tasks that school staff may perform throughout a regular school day. It is especially helpful for new users of Synergy or those looking for a refresher on its basic features. By the end of this session, you will be familiar with key functions such as navigating within Synergy, enrolling students, recording daily and period attendance, and managing student schedules.
Presenters: Adam Joramo/Cassy Peterson/Diana Van Raden/Kadie Stoltz, Region 1
If you have any questions regarding registration or the conference, please contact Amanda Kadrmas at amanda@region1.k12.mn.us or (800) 450-2990 x 100.