Last week I outlined work we have been involved with related to the strategic planning process. If you recall, the strategic planning process also yielded a new vision and updated mission and priorities.

Vision: Preparing all learners to make a difference in a global society

Mission: Inspire - Empower - Accelerate

Strategic Priorities:

1. Support and resources to ensure a safe and welcoming learning environment
2. Packer Profile for all learners
3. District-wide multi-tiered systems of support
4. Excellence in resource management

In this week’s issue I want to review key components of the Packer Profile and provide some answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

The Packer Profile is a District Priority designed to help students reach their highest potential. To help them:

• Participate fully in their education and community
• Investigate and develop the skills and abilities that will propel their careers
• Prepare all learners for college and/or other post-secondary endeavors

It is built upon core values.

Packer Profile: 5 Core Values

• Responsible: Demonstrates accountability to self and others
• Resilient: Develops perseverance and self-confidence
• Learner: Challenges self to think critically
• Communicator: Listens actively and shares learning and experiences
• Contributor: Engages as a productive member of the community and global society

Packer Profile FAQs

What does this mean for my student?

The Packer Profile is for all learners. I want to take some time to discuss the high school portion in this communication specifically. We intend our current 8th graders will be the first class to complete the Packer Profile program. In other words, every year (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior), they are going to be participating in projects, choosing different electives, and reflecting on their progress as they go through high school.

How will high school be different for them?

The Packer Profile is designed to transform the school education model towards higher levels of engaged learning. It’s designed to give students room to pursue their interests, engage with their community, and achieve beyond just grades.

For example, students will be completing a “Packer Portfolio” by the end of their high school career. Though every student’s portfolio will look different, it will showcase their progression as they explore different projects, develop their skills, and take electives that align with their personal interests.

We want our students to leave with a clear picture of how they’ve developed and where they can go from there. All said, the Packer Profile will be a vivid demonstration of the core values: Responsible, Resilient, Learner, Communicator, and Contributor. No matter where life leads, your student will be able to say, “here’s what I’ve done, here’s what I can do, and here’s where I’d like to go next.”

How will the Packer Profile prepare them for after high school?

You and your student may have been concerned about the future. Maybe he or she has expressed worries about what they should major in for college, if they should even go to college, or what job they should pursue. The Packer Profile takes those concerns seriously and provides a clear pathway for your student to come to a deeper understanding of who they are, what they can offer the workforce and the world, and how they can get there.

If you haven’t seen our Packer Profile video – The Why – please check it out here. Next issue, I’ll be highlight the What and How of the Packer Profile.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joey Page, Superintendent

Great things are happening at Austin Public Schools!

With a wide range of partnerships and programs to benefit our students, staff, and the community, our #PackerPride shines through in all we do. Thank you for all the support!

Congratulations to Southgate PI Academy teacher Karla Carroll. She was welcomed into the ranks of being a Nationally Board Certified Teacher. According to the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), it is the most respected professional certification available in education and provides numerous benefits to teachers, students, and schools. It was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. In Minnesota, NBPTS reports 545 teachers to carry this certification.

Register now for Restorative Practices in Schools and Communities – First Steps: An Introduction to Restorative Principles. These virtual sessions will take place on three Saturday mornings in Jan. from 9 a.m.–noon.

First Steps is one of seven restorative skills sessions offered by the Minnesota Department of Education Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Division. This invitation is for student support staff, teachers, administrators, educational assistants, school board members, family members—anyone interested in ways to build community in schools and repair relationships. These sessions will be useful for people planning to attend circle or repairing relationships trainings in person in June or August or the online Circle Trainings this February.

For more information, visit Restorative Practices in Schools and Communities: Online Restorative Skills Sessions and Circle Trainings (PDF) or contact Nancy Riestenberg at 651-582-8433.

Austin Public Schools strives to address your questions and concerns quickly and effectively. Therefore, we have developed communication protocols to promote direct, open, and respectful interactions in order to efficiently work through problems and concerns.

If your concern relates to bullying, please use our Bullying Report and Incident Form.

If your concern relates to sexual harassment, please visit our Title IX Information section.

If your concern falls outside those two areas, please follow the communication protocol below to make sure you get to the right person so your issue can be resolved promptly. Allow staff 24 - 72 hours to respond Monday through Friday during regular school hours. Additionally, please fill out the form below to document the contact.

The communication protocol starts with the staff member closest to the situation, as that person will usually have the most information. At times, additional personnel are required to resolve specific situations. Appropriate communication channels for a variety of topics are listed here. The District encourages any and all questions from parents and residents regarding school matters. Please see school board policy 103 for further information.

Please visit our Report A Concern webpage to review our communication protocol.

APS policies are routinely reviewed and/or revised. These policies provide the governance structure and guidance in school district matters and decisions. The school board recently approved the following:

• Policy 208 - Development, Adoption, and Implementation of Policies
• Policy 410 - Family and Medical Leave
• Policy 411 - Student Teaching
• Policy 413 - Harassment and Violence
• Policy 415 - Mandated Reporting of Maltreatment of Vulnerable Adults
• Policy 417 - Chemical Use and Abuse
• Policy 426 - Paraprofessional Certification Policy
• Policy 428 - Employee Use of Social Media
• Policy 433 - Leave for Staff Members Elected to Public Office or Chosen as Party Officers or Delegates to Party Conventions
• Policy 438 - Consulting
• Policy 534 - School Meals Policy
• Policy 716 - Purchasing
• Policy 804 - Energy Usage
• Policy 808 - Naming School Buildings or Facilities
• Policy 909 - Political Activity

Please check this site periodically to be sure you have the most current version of any given policy.

Multilingual Storytime is a new program offered at Austin Public Library. The first event will be held January 5th from 5:00-6:00 PM. The featured language will be Spanish, and multilingual students from AHS will read stories. Whether you're fluent in another language or would like to learn more, all are welcome to join in and enjoy crafts, stories and snacks.

The Minnesota Department of Education's flexible learning year provides optional scheduling approaches for students and educators for a school year by building or program. Sumner Elementary School has utilized a 45/15 schedule for several years in the Austin Public Schools. Starting in the 2023-2024 school year, Sumner Elementary School will return to the same calendar as the other elementary schools in the District.

This means that beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, all Austin Public Schools will be on a traditional calendar when all students begin in the fall, have traditional breaks throughout the year, and have most of the summer off. This transition in schedule also means that all elementary students in the Austin Public Schools will eventually begin the process of adhering to attending their neighborhood elementary school. The elementary boundaries have not changed. This transition will involve several changes throughout the District, and we would like to share as much as possible with you here.

In this week's Alumni Spotlight, we catch up with alumnus Jane Greco.

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. Please take a few minutes to complete the quick questionnaire at https://www.austin.k12.mn.us/district-resources/alumni-spotlight regarding your current position and your career trajectory.

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 Southgate Special Education teacher Chelsea White.

"I have never met a teacher who has more compassion or love for her students then Mrs. White does. She goes above and beyond for her students even outside the classroom, and her dedication and love for her students is beyond words!"

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!

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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.

You can review previous issues here.