District 196 enrollment down 1 percent due to COVID-19 decisions
Enrollment declined by 215 students, with families choosing educational alternatives or keeping kindergarten-eligible students out of school.
Highland Elementary named a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School
The U.S. Department of Education recognition is for Highland's efforts to close the achievement gap.
District 196 focusing on safety, equity and achievement
Superintendent Mary M. Kreger shared an update for 2020-21, in which she outlines the district's goal for this unprecedented school year.
Starting the 2020-21 school year safely
Welcome back, District 196! We are looking forward to having students back in our building, and safety is our top priority. Make sure you are familiar with our Student and Family Operational Plan.
Free meals extended for District 196 students
The USDA has temporarily extended its free meals program, which will provide students with breakfast and lunch regardless of their learning model.
One District. Infinite Possibilities.
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.
![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}
Of the 29,008 total students enrolled this year, approximately 9,000 are in the 196 Digital Academy full-time distance learning option and the other 20,000 are participating in the district’s hybrid learning model.
![Calendar graphic]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1601575269/district196org/izbuv5hqttqax9b18gnq/GettyImages-1016284552.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1601575269/district196org/izbuv5hqttqax9b18gnq/GettyImages-1016284552.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1601575269/district196org/izbuv5hqttqax9b18gnq/GettyImages-1016284552.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1601575269/district196org/izbuv5hqttqax9b18gnq/GettyImages-1016284552.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1601575269/district196org/izbuv5hqttqax9b18gnq/GettyImages-1016284552.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1601575269/district196org/izbuv5hqttqax9b18gnq/GettyImages-1016284552.jpg","width":2200}])
Both calendars are based on an all in-person learning model, although the district does plan to continue to offer the 196 Digital Academy as an all distance learning option for families.
The proposed levy is $121,465,415, an increase of $5,388,113 or 4.6 percent compared to the levy for payable 2020 property taxes.
The EAC has authority to make recommendations to the Superintendent’s Cabinet on potential changes needed to ensure equitable practices and systems are in place in District 196.
![Elementary students climbing on a climbing wall]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1601060779/district196org/qqvgwgkkgelhcgtmm3vl/HL2020.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1601060779/district196org/qqvgwgkkgelhcgtmm3vl/HL2020.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1601060779/district196org/qqvgwgkkgelhcgtmm3vl/HL2020.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1601060779/district196org/qqvgwgkkgelhcgtmm3vl/HL2020.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1601060779/district196org/qqvgwgkkgelhcgtmm3vl/HL2020.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1601060779/district196org/qqvgwgkkgelhcgtmm3vl/HL2020.jpg","width":2200}])
Highland Elementary was selected for its exemplary work in closing the achievement gap between groups of students.
![Family Cooking]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1598380531/district196org/d2qelqpeexe54hm4c7do/F20CvrPhotoCropped.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1598380531/district196org/d2qelqpeexe54hm4c7do/F20CvrPhotoCropped.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1598380531/district196org/d2qelqpeexe54hm4c7do/F20CvrPhotoCropped.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1598380531/district196org/d2qelqpeexe54hm4c7do/F20CvrPhotoCropped.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1598380531/district196org/d2qelqpeexe54hm4c7do/F20CvrPhotoCropped.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1598380531/district196org/d2qelqpeexe54hm4c7do/F20CvrPhotoCropped.jpg","width":2200}])
Register now for fall learning opportunities. As always, the safety of you, your family and our staff is our primary concern.
![National Merit Semifinalists logo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1600272225/district196org/ssgek2abbyxm02g7xpxm/NationalMeritSemifinalists.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1600272225/district196org/ssgek2abbyxm02g7xpxm/NationalMeritSemifinalists.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1600272225/district196org/ssgek2abbyxm02g7xpxm/NationalMeritSemifinalists.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1600272225/district196org/ssgek2abbyxm02g7xpxm/NationalMeritSemifinalists.jpg","width":1000}])
Twelve district students are semifinalists in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program and 44 are National Merit commended students.
![Free meals extended]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1599859412/district196org/bpwxnwiuqlojxdss0pgg/FreeMealsExtended.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1599859412/district196org/bpwxnwiuqlojxdss0pgg/FreeMealsExtended.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1599859412/district196org/bpwxnwiuqlojxdss0pgg/FreeMealsExtended.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1599859412/district196org/bpwxnwiuqlojxdss0pgg/FreeMealsExtended.png","width":810}])
District 196 students are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch every school day, whether in school or distance learning at home. A la carte items available at school are not included in this program.
Find information about free school meals, back-to-school information and safety protocols in a message from Superintendent Kreger.
![Qorsho Hassan in front of the MN State Capitol with her Teacher of the Year award.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1598387038/district196org/x5lserc3nqm5qzw77hhi/F5A0196-1-1568x1045.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1598387038/district196org/x5lserc3nqm5qzw77hhi/F5A0196-1-1568x1045.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1598387038/district196org/x5lserc3nqm5qzw77hhi/F5A0196-1-1568x1045.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1598387038/district196org/x5lserc3nqm5qzw77hhi/F5A0196-1-1568x1045.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1598387038/district196org/x5lserc3nqm5qzw77hhi/F5A0196-1-1568x1045.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1598387038/district196org/x5lserc3nqm5qzw77hhi/F5A0196-1-1568x1045.png","width":1800}])
Qorsho Hassan is the first Somali-American to earn the title of Minnesota Teacher of the Year. She is a fourth-grade teacher at Echo Park.
![paypams logo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1598370186/district196org/kko5c6cwl1uksf7nvyof/PayPamslogo.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1598370186/district196org/kko5c6cwl1uksf7nvyof/PayPamslogo.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1598370186/district196org/kko5c6cwl1uksf7nvyof/PayPamslogo.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1598370186/district196org/kko5c6cwl1uksf7nvyof/PayPamslogo.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1598370186/district196org/kko5c6cwl1uksf7nvyof/PayPamslogo.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1598370186/district196org/kko5c6cwl1uksf7nvyof/PayPamslogo.jpg","width":2200}])
PayPAMS is the platform families will use to pay for meals. Meal account balances from the 2019-20 school year have automatically been transferred over.
![College Board AP Scholars]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1597935922/district196org/lbnbuevg0mk5kffbqxlw/APScholars_1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1597935922/district196org/lbnbuevg0mk5kffbqxlw/APScholars_1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1597935922/district196org/lbnbuevg0mk5kffbqxlw/APScholars_1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1597935922/district196org/lbnbuevg0mk5kffbqxlw/APScholars_1.png","width":810}])
An AP exam score of 3 or higher (on a scale of 1 to 5) earns credit at many of the nation’s colleges and universities.
![Restart 2020 logo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1596651848/district196org/wkxuushlelpacirmnb4w/Restart2020graphic.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1596651848/district196org/wkxuushlelpacirmnb4w/Restart2020graphic.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1596651848/district196org/wkxuushlelpacirmnb4w/Restart2020graphic.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1596651848/district196org/wkxuushlelpacirmnb4w/Restart2020graphic.png","width":810}])
Information about the start of the 2020-21 school year, including sample schedules, cohort assignments and an updated calendar, is now available.
![mypaymentsplus login screen]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1596837277/district196org/wgfkkpyhidkm6otunizs/ScreenShot2020-08-07at45354PM.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1596837277/district196org/wgfkkpyhidkm6otunizs/ScreenShot2020-08-07at45354PM.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1596837277/district196org/wgfkkpyhidkm6otunizs/ScreenShot2020-08-07at45354PM.png","width":572}])
MyPayments Plus replaces FeePay. Learn more about the platform, create accounts and register for activities and athletics.
![A student washing his hands and wearing a colorful mask.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1596646030/district196org/vlepoobefkdgxgzpvb04/washinghands.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1596646030/district196org/vlepoobefkdgxgzpvb04/washinghands.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1596646030/district196org/vlepoobefkdgxgzpvb04/washinghands.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1596646030/district196org/vlepoobefkdgxgzpvb04/washinghands.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1596646030/district196org/vlepoobefkdgxgzpvb04/washinghands.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1596646030/district196org/vlepoobefkdgxgzpvb04/washinghands.jpg","width":2200}])
Free child care will be available for all district-enrolled students (ages 5 to 12) whose parents or guardians are Tier 1 critical workers. Families must register by Friday, August 21.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Dakota Ridge School, 4629 144th Street West, Apple Valley
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Dakota Ridge School, 4629 144th Street West, Apple Valley
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