District 196 high schools to offer socially distanced graduation celebrations
The three-part optional experience includes an individual diploma cover presentation and photo opportunity, a drive-through parade, and a commencement ceremony video.
Distance learning extended through the end of the year
All cocurricular activities, including any on-site events that were scheduled, are also canceled. Options for graduations are being discussed, but no decisions have been made.
Distance learning in District 196
In response to an executive order by Governor Walz, Elementary and secondary distance learning will be implemented for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. The plans provide unique and engaging educational opportunities for students.
Turf field projects move forward at Eagan and Rosemount high schools
The District 196 School Board approved financing for construction of a stadium and practice field at both schools. Fields are expected to be ready in time for fall sports.
At a Glance
We are nationally recognized for providing boundless opportunities in which students can learn and grow. At District 196, the sky's the limit.
Average ACT Score 23
Our graduates scored nearly two points higher than the nation-leading Minnesota average on the ACT college admissions test.
92% graduation rate
Our graduation rate exceeds the state average by 10 points.
29,000 students
We are the 4th largest district in Minnesota, serving learners from the cities of Rosemount, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Coates, Lakeville and Inver Grove Heights, and Empire and Vermillion townships.
4,000 staff
Our high-quality, diverse workforce includes 2,100 licensed teachers and administrators, of which more than half of whom hold master’s or specialist’s degrees.
STORIES OF INFINITE POSSIBILITIES
Sharing stories of Academic, Art and Athletic successes from around the District.
![An audience of seniors sitting in their green and blue graduation caps]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1589562693/district196org/p58psveihozxn2wrqskf/Grad4.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1589562693/district196org/p58psveihozxn2wrqskf/Grad4.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1589562693/district196org/p58psveihozxn2wrqskf/Grad4.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1589562693/district196org/p58psveihozxn2wrqskf/Grad4.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1589562693/district196org/p58psveihozxn2wrqskf/Grad4.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1589562693/district196org/p58psveihozxn2wrqskf/Grad4.jpg","width":2200}])
The three-part optional experience includes a diploma cover presentation and photo opportunity, followed by a parade on graduation day and a video released shortly after.
![Portrait of Rachel Hughes]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1590157348/district196org/fjbcz2ovlmg8smictdhu/RachelHughes.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1590157348/district196org/fjbcz2ovlmg8smictdhu/RachelHughes.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1590157348/district196org/fjbcz2ovlmg8smictdhu/RachelHughes.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1590157348/district196org/fjbcz2ovlmg8smictdhu/RachelHughes.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1590157348/district196org/fjbcz2ovlmg8smictdhu/RachelHughes.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1590157348/district196org/fjbcz2ovlmg8smictdhu/RachelHughes.jpg","width":2200}])
Hughes will fill the position currently held by Mary Jelinek, who will retire at the end of this school year after a 29-year career in District 196, the last 23 as principal of Thomas Lake. Hughes will officially take over as principal July 1.
![District 196 logo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1574456446/district196org/khk54hcmbgppbwz7msnn/District196_Logo_CMYK_copyright.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1574456446/district196org/khk54hcmbgppbwz7msnn/District196_Logo_CMYK_copyright.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1574456446/district196org/khk54hcmbgppbwz7msnn/District196_Logo_CMYK_copyright.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1574456446/district196org/khk54hcmbgppbwz7msnn/District196_Logo_CMYK_copyright.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1574456446/district196org/khk54hcmbgppbwz7msnn/District196_Logo_CMYK_copyright.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1574456446/district196org/khk54hcmbgppbwz7msnn/District196_Logo_CMYK_copyright.png","width":2200}]){kind=logo}
The purpose of the LAC is to increase citizen participation in the legislative process and community understanding of legislative issues and how they impact District 196. Applications are due June 12.
Kusch will officially take over July 1 for Rich Wendorff, who is retiring at the end of this school year after 27 years of service in District 196, including the last 19 as principal at Black Hawk.
![A female student holds her diploma and smiles for a photo during graduation.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1588971136/district196org/xrj1bwczzlqqmoow0kht/EVHS18.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1588971136/district196org/xrj1bwczzlqqmoow0kht/EVHS18.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1588971136/district196org/xrj1bwczzlqqmoow0kht/EVHS18.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1588971136/district196org/xrj1bwczzlqqmoow0kht/EVHS18.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1588971136/district196org/xrj1bwczzlqqmoow0kht/EVHS18.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1588971136/district196org/xrj1bwczzlqqmoow0kht/EVHS18.jpg","width":2200}])
With new guidance from the state, the committee can complete its work on a plan that fits the required guidelines and celebrates our students.
Schultz will fill a vacancy created with the resignation of current Echo Park Principal Scott Thomas at the end of this school year. He will officially take over as principal July 1.
They are role models for the youth of our community, helping them to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful, contributing members of society.
There will be no distance learning May 1 and 4, however free meals will still be available. Also, students will be able to keep devices this summer.
![U.S. News and World Report's Best High Schools ranking logo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1588192118/district196org/s0e7omnhipwndtxorsx0/USNewsbesthighschoolslogo.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1588192118/district196org/s0e7omnhipwndtxorsx0/USNewsbesthighschoolslogo.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1588192118/district196org/s0e7omnhipwndtxorsx0/USNewsbesthighschoolslogo.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1588192118/district196org/s0e7omnhipwndtxorsx0/USNewsbesthighschoolslogo.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1588192118/district196org/s0e7omnhipwndtxorsx0/USNewsbesthighschoolslogo.jpg","width":1228}])
All of our high schools rank in the top 60, with Eastview and Eagan both in the top 10 among Minnesota high schools.
All cocurricular activities and on-site events are also canceled. Alternate plans for graduation are currently being discussed.
![Football turf]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1576014082/district196org/hshtiv2d3wrjifxo08fd/ELEKmynXUAAhtR4.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1576014082/district196org/hshtiv2d3wrjifxo08fd/ELEKmynXUAAhtR4.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1576014082/district196org/hshtiv2d3wrjifxo08fd/ELEKmynXUAAhtR4.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1576014082/district196org/hshtiv2d3wrjifxo08fd/ELEKmynXUAAhtR4.jpg","width":1200}])
Eagan and Rosemount are the first two of four artificial turf projects that will be completed over the next 16 months.
![Apple Valley High School students Hunter Bertram holds trophies at the 2019 Student Production Awards ceremony.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1586813480/district196org/fsipqscxthwxm9c1nh6v/Picture1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1586813480/district196org/fsipqscxthwxm9c1nh6v/Picture1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1586813480/district196org/fsipqscxthwxm9c1nh6v/Picture1.png","width":585}])
The Student Production Awards are sponsored by the Upper Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
![Zoom logo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1586555518/district196org/itnrzvmtketzsvqqnfd7/zoom-logo.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1586555518/district196org/itnrzvmtketzsvqqnfd7/zoom-logo.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1586555518/district196org/itnrzvmtketzsvqqnfd7/zoom-logo.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1586555518/district196org/itnrzvmtketzsvqqnfd7/zoom-logo.jpg","width":1040}]){kind=logo}
Based on the addition of new safety and security improvements, the benefit of key features and our familiarity with the system, the district has decided to continue using Zoom.
Bids for the certificates of participation will be opened the morning of April 13 and results will be presented at the board meeting that night.
![Diffley Road with an illuminated school zone sign during morning traffic.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1586379972/district196org/f8zlmnnfqilrrm9vuk6o/IMG_4290.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1586379972/district196org/f8zlmnnfqilrrm9vuk6o/IMG_4290.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1586379972/district196org/f8zlmnnfqilrrm9vuk6o/IMG_4290.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1586379972/district196org/f8zlmnnfqilrrm9vuk6o/IMG_4290.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1586379972/district196org/f8zlmnnfqilrrm9vuk6o/IMG_4290.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1586379972/district196org/f8zlmnnfqilrrm9vuk6o/IMG_4290.jpg","width":2200}])
Dakota County’s request is for $4.62 million to fund several proposed pedestrian and vehicle safety improvements on Diffley Road, Braddock Trail and the adjacent campuses.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Dakota Ridge School 4629 144th Street West, Apple Valley, MN
Dakota Ridge School 4629 144th Street West, Apple Valley, MN