District 196 COVID-19 Dashboard
The District 196 COVID-19 Dashboard provides families and staff with county and district data used to guide decisions about learning models in the 2020-21 school year. This 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.
determining our learning model
The Minnesota Safe Learning Plan determines the amount of time students can be learning in school buildings based on the COVID-19 case rate and trends of positive cases by county. Public health data and safety guidelines continue to inform development and implementation of our flexible learning models.
Operational Plan for Students, Families & Guests [Español] [Somali]
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.
- 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
State of Minnesota Vaccination Plan
There have been two COVID-19 vaccines approved for emergency use. The COVID-19 vaccination campaign has begun in Minnesota for first priority groups. This will depend on how much vaccine the manufacturers are able to make and send out, and how many people get vaccinated in the first priority groups.
A vaccine for COVID-19 is only one of the ways to stop the spread of the disease. Because the supply of vaccine will be limited at first, doing other things to help stop the spread is still very important. 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.
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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, Jan. 21, 2021.
learning models
Elementary
- Current Model: In-person for some, distance learning for some
- Grades preK-2 and special education grades preK-5: Full in-person learning began Jan, 21, 2021
- Grades 3-5: Full-time distance learning; transitioning to full in-person learning Feb. 4, 2021
Secondary
- Current Model: Full-time distance learning
- Full-time distance learning where all students 6-12 are learning digitally at home.
- Full-time distance learning where all students 6-12 are learning digitally at home.
State Learning Model Guidance
| 14-Day Case Rate Per 10,000 Residents in Dakota County | Learning Model* |
|---|---|
| 0-9 | In-person for all students |
| 10-19 | In-person for elementary students; hybrid for secondary students |
| 20-29 | Hybrid for all students |
| 30-49 | Hybrid for elementary students; distance learning for secondary students |
| 50+ | Distance learning for all students |
*Guidance outlined in the Safe Learning Plan for 2020-21. The 14-day case county case rate is one of several data points to consider when determining a learning model.
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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, Jan. 21 2021.
The Minnesota Safe Learning Plan for 2020-21 calls for all students to be in distance learning when the 14-day average case rate for the county is 50 or higher (see table) and local data within the district is also trending upward.
| Date Reported* | Date Range | Cases Per 10,000 Residents Over 14-Day Period |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 21, 2021 | 12/27-1/9 | 53.01 |
| Jan. 14, 2021 | 12/20-1/2 | 44.98 |
| Jan. 7, 2021 | 12/13-12/26 | 48.92 |
| Dec. 31, 2020 | 11/29-12/12 | 109.25 |
| Dec. 24, 2020 | 11/22-12/5 | 130.15 |
| Dec. 17, 2020 | 11/15-11/28 | 143.81 |
| Dec. 10, 2020 | 11/8-11/21 | 162.94 |
*Updated COVID-19 data is reported by the Minnesota Department of Health every Thursday.
County case positivity percent
As of Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, the Dakota County case positivity rate is: 6.6%
A case positivity rate of 5% or higher is evidence of community spread
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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:
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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.
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District social media – Twitter (@ISD196Schools) and Facebook (@District196) accounts will have the latest information.
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Notification email and phone call – Parents/guardians and staff receive emails and phone calls from our SchoolMessenger mass notification system
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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.)