Desktop Schools Popup

Select a School

District 196 COVID-19 Dashboard

The District 196 COVID-19 Dashboard provides families and staff with data to guide decisions about learning models in the 2020-21 school year. Below is data on positive cases and case positivity rates for the county and district, as well as quarantine data for students and staff, and information about vaccinations and testing locations. The dashboard is updated every Thursday after release of data by the state. District 196 values the importance of sharing general health information and remains committed to protecting the privacy of individual student, family and staff information. The Minnesota Safe Learning Plan has been a guide for local decisions about the amount of time students are learning in person this school year, based on a number of factors. [Click here for factors considered presentation at April 12 School Board meeting.]

Current Learning Models

  • Elementary School: In-person learning five days a week
  • Middle and High School: In-person four days a week, Wednesdays are distance learning
  • 196 Digital Academy available to all students who still want to learn in a full-time distance learning setting

Operational Plan for District 196

Practices and protocols to help ensure a safe and healthy learning environment, and help mitigate transmission of COVID-19 in our school communities.

Vaccination Information

There have been three COVID-19 vaccines approved for emergency use. The COVID-19 vaccination campaign is in full swing in Minnesota. See details below to schedule an appointment.

A vaccine for COVID-19 is only one of the ways to stop the spread of the disease. Everyone, whether you have been vaccinated or not, still needs to wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet away from others, wash your hands a lot, and stay home if you are sick. Learn more about the state's vaccination plan >

Dakota County Vaccination Opportunity april 14-june 9

Dakota County Public Health was informed of the opportunity for all county residents 16 and older to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds starting April 14 to June 9. People must reside in one of the following zip codes to schedule at this clinic: 55118, 55122, 55124, 55306 or 55337.

Make an appointment

  • Call 833-431-2053. (Operators available in multiple languages and can assist in making language/ADA accommodations. Operators available 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday-Friday; and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday
  • Or sign up on the COVID-19 Vaccine Connector to be contacted to schedule an appointment.
  • Refugees and Immigrants can call for scheduling help in other languages: 651-318-0989, Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

COVID-19 Community Testing

All COVID-19 testing is no cost at Minnesota community testing sites. The state is working together with communities to make sure everyone can get tested. Testing information has been consolidated onto the Getting Tested for COVID-19 webpage. This page provides links to information on who should get tested, COVID-19 testing locations, FAQs, and the Safe Learning Plan.
district infinite symbol

District COVID-19 Facts & Figures


Data is updated weekly using information from the Minnesota Department of Health, the Dakota County Public Health Department and District 196 Human Resources. Data last updated Thursday, May 6, 2021.

Positive Student Graphic
students in isolation or quarantine
Positive staff graphic
staff members in quarantine or isolation
district infinite symbol

Dakota County COVID-19 Facts & Figures
 

Data is updated weekly using information from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Dakota County Public Health Department. Data last updated Thursday, May 6, 2021.

Case rate per 10,000
Date Reported* Date Range Cases Per 10,000 Residents
Over 14-Day Period
May 6, 2021 4/11-4/24 54.66
April 29, 2021

4/4- 4/17

 57.94
April 22, 2021

3/28-4/10

58.75
April 15, 2021 3/21-4/3 52.99
April 8, 2021

3/14- 3/27

 40.53
April 1, 2021

3/7-3/20

 32.23
March 25, 2021 2/28-3/13 27.31

*Updated COVID-19 data is reported by the Minnesota Department of Health every Thursday.

County case positivity percent

As of Thursday, May 6, 2021, the Dakota County case positivity rate is: 7.4%

A case positivity rate of 5% or higher is evidence of community spread
district infinite symbol

Key Determining Factors
 

Three critical factors guide our decision-making process when determining which learning model is best for District 196: guidance from our state and local officials; the health and safety of our community; and our staff rates.

state and local guidance

As a district, we rely on guidance provided in the Minnesota Safe Learning Plan and by the Dakota County Public Health Department and state departments of education and health. 

Health and safety

The health and safety of our students, staff and families is our top priority. We have implemented a number of safety measures and regularly monitor county and district case rates. 

staffing

Our goal is to provide as much in-person learning as possible based on COVID-19 case rates, state guidance and the ability to adequately staff our schools and fill absences.
district infinite symbol

Process for Considering Changes
 

We discuss the possibility of making changes to the learning models and co-curricular activities with our district incident command team, in consultation with our state and local public health officials and the Minnesota Department of Education as needed. Our district incident command team is comprised of public health officials, district administrators, teachers, community members and a student.

1. review the data

To consider shifting models, our we consult with our district incident command team and district leaders to review data provided by the Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Department of Education and Dakota County Public Health, as well as rates of positive cases, quarantine and isolation in District 196. The foundation of our learning model is based on the guidance in the Safe Learning Plan for 2020-21, as well as other relevant data points. 

2. consult with experts

The Incident Command Team meets to discuss local and school COVID-19 data. As a district, we also consult with the Minnesota Department of Health, Dakota County Public Health Department, Regional COVID-19 Support Team and district leaders. Based on the feedback and guidance from state and local public health officials, a recommendation will be brought to the School Board for a final decision. The board will hold a special meeting to discuss and affirm a decision. All special School Board meetings will be advertised at least three days in advance and streamed live on the District 196 YouTube.

3. communicate decision

The district will use a variety of communications channels to update families and staff when a decision regarding learning models is made. The district uses the following platforms:

  • Website – A popup will be posted on the district website at District196.org and all school websites; this is where the information is available first.

  • District social media – Twitter (@ISD196Schools) and Facebook (@District196) accounts will have the latest information.

  • Notification email and phone call – Parents/guardians and staff receive emails and phone calls from our SchoolMessenger mass notification system

  • Text messaging – Subscribers will receive a text notification. Text "Y" to 67587 to opt in. (Only guardians may opt in. Message and data rates may apply.)