2021-22 Updates

Safe Return to In-Person Learning Plan (updated 8.19.21)

Based upon guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the MN Department of Health (MDH), and the MN Department of Education (MDE), Cook County Public Schools will implement in-person learning every day for the 2021-22 school year while remaining flexible to respond to the evolving variables of the ongoing pandemic. The academic calendar for the 2021-22 school year can be found on the Calendars page of the district website, and school hours are 8:07am - 3:15pm as in past years.

As recommended by the MDH, a multi-layered approach to reducing the possibility of transmitting illness will be implemented in Cook County Schools. This approach facilitates the ability to increase or decrease mitigation layers in response to the evolving situation in the Arrowhead region. Here are some details about what is currently in place:

  • Continuing to run ionization HVAC units with increased air intake

  • Smaller class sizes (funded through federal funding to address the pandemic)

  • Continuing to keep some students in cohorts including some elementary classes eating meals in classrooms and staggering meal times

  • Continuing with morning health screenings

  • Continuing with more intense cleaning routines and running buses with some windows open

  • Continuing with social distancing in some spaces

  • Continuing to enforce either "test to stay" protocols or quarantine and isolation protocols when symptomatic (here is the MDH decision tree for those who have symptoms) or a close contact of a lab-confirmed case of COVID per MDH guidelines and in partnership with Cook County Public Health

  • Providing a take home rapid antigen COVID test for staff and students as requested (health office)

  • Providing weekly rapid COVID testing at school for staff and secondary students

  • Continue with free meals for all children in Cook County (funded through a federal Dept. of Agriculture grant)

While the Cook County Public Schools community is working hard to implement MDH and CDC recommendations, the district cannot ensure that students, staff, and parents in other school districts will do the same. Please know we will do our best to maintain a safe environment for our students that are in activities/athletics, and that we are very proud of our Viking community!!

Thank you in advance for helping to make the 2021-22 a great school year in Cook County! Go Vikings!

COVID Take Home Test Information

The MN Department of Education has provided a take home antigen COVID test for each student in MN schools. This link will take you to the information provided to the school district about the tests. Families are encouraged to request and use the tests as needed to help us keep COVID out of Cook County Schools!!

Weekly COVID Testing at School

Thanks to a strong partnership with Cook County Public Health, ISD 166 is offering voluntary COVID testing on Mondays for staff and for secondary students. Click here to read more and to find the permission form that must be submitted!

ESSER III Required Postings: