As elected representatives on the Austin School Board, members make decisions about the district's policies, programs, people, and infrastructure. To provide the greatest possible education for all of our students, they keep the best interests of our school district in mind. Our new video highlights how the School Board's policy governance model operates.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joey Page, Superintendent

Our school district will send out a community survey in the next few weeks. For your convenience, we will be emailing the survey to you. Please be on the lookout for an email from School Perceptions. The survey aims to gather input on informing our planning and support processes. You have the opportunity to participate in this survey. Therefore, be on the lookout for an email from School Perceptions on October 23.

School Perceptions is an independent education research firm we work with to administer the survey. Therefore, your feedback will be confidential.

APS policies are routinely reviewed and/or revised. These policies provide the governance structure and guidance in school district matters and decisions. Please check this site periodically to be sure you have the most current version of any given policy.

Recent Update

• 503 - Student Attendance

Check out the flyer below to learn more about an exciting opportunity to receive music lessons for your child at up to 75% off!

The Minnesota Department of Education's (MDE) Division of Early Learning Services is leading a project to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the state-funded full-day kindergarten. A part of this project is conducting focus groups to learn more about kindergarten in Minnesota from various perspectives. MDE would like to hear from kindergarten teachers, elementary school administrators, families, early childhood/elementary school volunteers, childcare providers, community partners, and others involved in the kindergarten experience.

$25 Gift Card included.

Space is limited for these virtual sessions; please reserve your space soon.

Who and When

Families w/children who attended half-day or full-day kindergarten

• October 16, 6 p.m.

• October 17, 6 p.m.

Individuals who work in early childhood special education (ECSE)

• October 16, 6 p.m.

Early Childhood/Elementary School Volunteers

• October 17, 6 p.m.

Elementary School Leaders

• October 23, 6 p.m.

Community Partners (cultural and community centers, local government, health providers, human services, and education service providers)

• October 23, 6 p.m.

Kindergarten Classroom Staff

• October 24, 6 p.m.

Child Care Providers

• October 24, 6 p.m.

This week, students at Austin High School helped welcome home a student in our community who was injured in a car crash this summer. Students and staff were excited to see him come back to Austin!

Minnesotans can now officially submit their ideas for the next state flag and seal. The State Emblems Redesign Commission is accepting public submissions on its website, State Emblems Redesign Commission, through October 30, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Submissions are also accepted via US Mail at the address listed on the website.

Note that submissions by those under 18 years of age must be submitted by a parent/legal guardian.

The State Emblems Redesign Commission was established in the 2023 legislative session to develop and adopt a new design for the official state seal and a new design for the official state flag no later than January 1, 2024.

Did you know that Workforce Development Inc. provides scholarships to Youth/Young Adults interested in pursuing short-term training, up to a two-year degree? All WDI services are free! Our services include assessment, career planning, skills training, job search guidance and resources, and preparation for further training and education. We also offer scholarships and connections to many other great programs and resources in Southeast Minnesota. Contact them today!

Austin's Adult Learning program serves any community member 17 or older working towards a high school credential, learning English, improving basic skills such as literacy and math, digital literacy, and/or preparing for post-secondary education or employment. For more information, contact ABE Coordinator Kristy Rooney or visit here.

Class is in session at the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) with the launch of our new blog—Class in Session.

Through Class in Session, MDE will offer updates about what is happening at the Minnesota Department of Education and highlight the stories from Minnesota schools. They'll keep our visitors up-to-date with the Commissioner's Cabinet tour of schools and offer highlights from within the Minnesota Department of Education walls. They'll break down new initiatives happening at the department in plain language and bring perspectives to light about how agency programs are making a difference in the lives of Minnesota students.

Follow along as they grow Class in Session. If you have a success story to share about implementing a grant or program to consider for their Class in Session blog, please connect with them at mde.communications@state.mn.us.

• HPV immunization: Who can benefit?
• Student's determination inspires others
• Timesaver for busy moms: Mobile Health Clinic

In this week's Alumni Spotlight, we catch up with alumnus Larry Hogrefe.

Are you an alumnus of Austin Public Schools? If so, we'd love to hear from you! We're excited to hear about your accomplishments and are eager to share your successes and advice with our current students, families, and the Austin community.

All you need to do is take a minute to answer a few quick questions at https://www.austin.k12.mn.us/alumni-spotlight.

Thanks, and we look forward to hearing all your wonderful stories!

At Austin Public Schools, our mission is to inspire, empower, and accelerate every one of our learners, and we know that the only way for us to reach this goal is through the efforts of all our incredibly hard-working staff.

In this week’s Staff Spotlight, we’re highlighting IJ Holton Intermediate School science teacher Adam Ansorge.

"Mr. Ansorge is so passionate and knowledgeable about science he makes students excited about science also. He makes so many connections to Austin and the community in his teaching that it really makes information authentic and tangible for kids. He is a great leader who finds the positive in most situations!"

Congratulations!

If you’d like to nominate an outstanding Austin Public Schools staff member for our weekly Staff Spotlight, please take a moment to fill out the form at https://www.austin.k12.mn.us/district-resources/staff-spotlight. It only takes a minute and can truly make someone’s day. Thanks!

• School shooting hoaxes have terrorized kids across U.S. Who's behind it?
• Students with career role models more satisfied later in life, poll shows
• Book ban attempts on the rise in Minnesota schools

APS offers a wide range of student activities, including competitive athletics, intramurals, academic clubs, fine arts, and performing arts. View schedules and learn more here.

Austin Public Schools is committed to creating an inclusive environment that values the diversity of its employees and does not discriminate against any employee or candidate based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status or membership or activity in a local commission. The school district strongly encourages anyone interested to apply to join our teams. Reasonable accommodations to access job openings or to apply for a job are available. Click here to learn more.

You can review previous issues here.