SES Junior students' reflective pond and river writings were recently featured in a special Write to the River - School of Environmental Studies Edition.

Screenshots of the new website on a mobile phone, tablet and desktop.

SES launches new website in latest phase of district's content management redesign

Dec 18 2019

This is part of the district’s plan to centralize our content management systems and improve communication between schools and families by providing a consistent, user-focused experience across all school websites.

Opportunities to Learn More about SES

Dec 11 2019

There are numerous options for tenth-grade students and their parents to learn more about SES and the opportunities the school has to offer.

SES students work on building a solar suitcase.

Student-built solar suitcases provide electricity to Kenyan refugee camp

Nov 26 2019

We partnered with We Share Solar and Wells Fargo to build Solar Suitcases to send to schools at the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, where there is a lack of access to electricity.

Two female students listening during a lecture in class.

Applications for the 2020-21 school year are now being accepted

Nov 26 2019

The deadline to apply is Thursday, Dec. 19, and a lottery will be conducted to determine enrollment.

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District 196 2021-22 COVID operational plan approved

District 196 shortens COVID-19 isolation period to five days for students and employees

Jan 12 2022

Effective immediately, students and employees who test positive may end isolation after five full days if fever-free and other symptoms have improved.

District 196 board lengthens winter break and approves calendar changes for 2022-23

Dec 14 2021

Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, will be a no-school day for all District 196 students and a paid non-duty day for all contracted and scheduled district employees.

MDH graphic for every minnesotan age 12 years and older is

COVID-19 vaccine available for ages 5-11, on-site testing begins Nov. 9

Nov 5 2021

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is now available for children ages 5-11, and on-site testing is available for students and employees at the District Service Center beginning Nov. 9.

Valley Middle teacher Brian Martin works with his students on a piece of a prosthetic arm.

Application window now open for 2022-23 magnet school enrollment in District 196

Nov 3 2021

Magnet schools offer parents increased choice in their child’s education by providing a concentrated focus that offers innovative ways to meet students’ learning goals through a particular theme.

District 196 students continue to outscore state and national averages on ACT

Oct 18 2021

The district average is 2.6 points higher than the national average of 20.3 and 1.3 points higher than the Minnesota average of 21.6.

Oct 8 2021

The first two days will be “snow days” with no regular classes at school or online. Any additional days beyond the first two will be E-Learning Days.

District 196 seniors recognized in National Merit Scholarship Program

Sep 28 2021

Forty-nine District 196 seniors are receiving special recognition this fall for scores they achieved on a national standardized test taken last year as juniors.

A middle school student waves on the first day of school in September.

Back-to-School 2021-22 Health and Safety Reminders

Sep 3 2021

State officials have given school districts the responsibility to determine COVID-19 mitigation strategies at the local level this school year. Review these before the first day of school.

apply for educational benefits at district196.org/edbenefits

Apply today for Educational Benefits Program and support your school

Jul 19 2021

Formerly known as the Free and Reduced-Price Meals Program, the Educational Benefits Program is more than just a free meal application. It also provides critical funding for your child's school.

Dr Flaten helps students put together their payload for the weather balloon.

SES’s stratospheric balloon experiment takes learning to new heights

Jul 1 2021

This experiment was part of the school’s seven-day intensive theme course, an option available each trimester that gives students an opportunity to immerse themselves in a topic and earn an elective credit.

Superintendent's Message from June 14 School Board

Jun 17 2021

"We will continue to promote a culture of acceptance, understanding and achievement for all students and families in District 196."

Updated COVID-19 protocols for District 196 summer programming

Jun 4 2021

As regulations and executive orders expire with changes in the pandemic, updated protocol include less regulations and requirements, and more personal/family choice and responsibility.

District 196 high schools planning for outdoor graduations in stadiums

May 11 2021

District 196’s four comprehensive high schools will hold graduation ceremonies outside at the Eagan and Rosemount high school stadiums on Saturday, June 5 or, if necessary, Sunday, June 6

SES students pull weeds from the rain garden.

Earth Day at SES plants focus on sustainability and service-learning

May 4 2021

Juniors and seniors rolled up their sleeves April 22 and participated in a variety of hands-on projects aimed at helping locally and making a positive impact globally.

District 196 Community Education spring/summer 2021 catalog now open

Feb 26 2021

Browse our online catalog and register now to ensure your spot in a class that sure to engage, inspire and enrich you and your family!

196Online new fully virtual school opening for fall 2021 (opens in new window/tab)

Feb 23 2021

Interested in your student continuing to learn fully online next school year? Explore our new virtual school, 196Online.

Elementary students don face masks on the first day of school September 2020.

District 196 planning for elementary return to in-person learning per state guidance

Dec 17 2020

Governor Walz announced a change in the state’s Safe Learning Plan to allow a phased-in return of elementary students to in-person learning. Details of our plan for elementary students will be shared by January 8.

District 196 Community Education winter catalog now open

Dec 17 2020

Browse our online catalog and register now to ensure your spot in a class that sure to engage, inspire and enrich you and your family!

District 196 School Board approves calendars for next two school years

Dec 15 2020

Both calendars are based on an all in-person learning mode. Each calendar has 172 days of instruction for elementary students and 171 days for secondary students.

An SES student works on a project during class.

District 196 students earned $2.7 million in U of M credits last year

Dec 15 2020

The 768 participating students in District 196 registered for 1,239 CIS courses in the 2019-20 school year.

District 196 celebrates Native American Heritage Month this November

Nov 25 2020

In recognition of this important declaration, we encourage District 196 families to explore the rich history of indigenous people around the United States and in Minnesota.

District 196 students outscore state ACT average that was highest in nation

Nov 3 2020

The average composite score for District 196 students is 22.7 out of a possible 36. The district average is 2.1 points higher than the national average of 20.6

District 196 middle and high school students shifting from hybrid to distance learning Nov. 12

Oct 30 2020

Due to rising case rates and increased community spread of COVID-19, our middle school and high school students will shift to full-time distance. Elementary students will remain in hybrid.

Learning model and winter weather protocol updates for 2020-21

Oct 27 2020

The district has a process and timeline for determining when to shift to a different learning model based on multiple data points and factors.

District 196 School Board reviews calendars for next two school years

Oct 1 2020

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.