Information & Updates

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

This information is intended to update the District 196 community on our response plan to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The situation is rapidly-evolving and updates change daily as new information becomes available.

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.

Sign up for an appointment: COVID-19 Community Testing Sites
What to expect: Community Testing
More about nasal swab and saliva tests: Types of COVID-19 Tests

Important Links for 2020-21

More information available on our Restart 2020 webpage >

SUPPORT

Direct classroom questions about coursework to the classroom teacher.

Guidelines for Staying Healthy

Know how COVID-19 spreads

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread from person-to-person. Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet if you need to be out in public but the best way prevent is to #StayHomeMN

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

Washing hands for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash.

Take steps to protect others

Stay home if you are sick. Keep kids home if they or someone you're in contact with is sick.

Avoid close contact

Put distance, at least 6 feet, between yourself and other people. Putting distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting sick.

Clean and disinfect

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

Communication Updates

Distance Learning Plan

The District 196 distance learning plan is unique to support the learning of students at all grade levels.

District 196 is implementing distance learning in compliance with an executive order from Governor Walz. The distance learning plan supports the learning of students at all grade levels in District 196 with a goal to provide meaningful learning for students and maintain personalized connections in the event that students are unable to be in the school building(s) due to an emergency situation (e.g. epidemic or other emergency).

The distance learning plan includes grades K-3 learning opportunities, both online and offline, and grades 4-12 learning opportunities that incorporate a larger use of our digital platforms. We are fortunate that for grades 4-12, we have a robust one-to-one technology learning environment that includes Schoology, our learning management system.

We recognize that learning at home and/or online provides a different educational experience than the traditional learning environment we are accustomed to within schools. We are dedicated to facilitating meaningful learning as effectively as possible in these circumstances, given the tools available. We also recognize our staff, students, and families may be facing unprecedented challenges during an emergency closure and we all need to be patient, supportive, and understanding. Flexibility and communication is key as we navigate emergency school closure and distance learning.

Asistencia en español | Caawinta Afka ee Af-soomaaliga

Elementary Distance Learning

The goal is for K-5 students to be engaged in learning for a total of 2.5 hours throughout each day as the students navigate and complete learning activities and related tasks as part of the learning community.

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Secondary Distance Learning

The goal is for secondary students to be engaged in learning, as a general guideline, for no more than 40 minutes per class per day for those classes that met on a daily basis. This includes time for completing assignments/tasks and any direct instruction.

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For all other programming, visit our District Learning page.

FAQs & Resources

Dakota County COVID-19 Resources (opens in new window/tab)

Helping children cope with changes resulting from COVID-19 (opens in new window/tab)

Where can students get free meals?

How is attendance taken during distance learning?

What is the Families First Coronavirus Response Act?

What do I do if I have a Charter/Spectrum internet connectivity issue?

What do I do if I don't have reliable internet access?

What should I do if I have traveled to an area highly affected by COVID-19?

What should I do if someone in my household is sick?

What are the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)?

District 196 Values

In District 196, we believe learning is maximized in a safe, respectful and inclusive environment. As a learning community, we must continue to be united and support one another as the coronavirus (COVID-19) becomes more widespread. In our schools, we will continue to demonstrate compassion and care with all students and staff.

It is important to avoid prejudice to students, staff and community members during this time who may be ill or assuming that someone may have COVID-19. Preventing the spread of misinformation will help us continue providing safe and healthy learning environment for all of our students.

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