*Banner Photo credit Austin Daily Herald

Earlier this week, Austin High School and Austin Online Academy successfully held a Direct Admissions Minnesota letter ceremony for qualifying seniors. The well-attended ceremony featured an inspiring video message from Governor Tim Walz and enlightening addresses from AHS Principal Matt Schmit and AOA Principal Jessica Cabeen. In addition, there was an interactive Q&A session and a photo booth to capture memorable moments.

Direct Admissions Minnesota is a new innovative program to ensure that all high school students know their post-secondary education and training options through various colleges in Minnesota. During the ceremony, eligible seniors received information about the colleges for which they have already met the admission standards.

Why Direct Admissions? Significant educational attainment disparities exist for Minnesota's Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color. These disparities occur throughout the education pathway. Direct Admissions aims to reduce self-selection bias and reduce equity gaps in college enrollment using four strategies:

• Promoting a college-going culture,
• Connecting students, families, and schools with colleges and universities earlier, giving families time to consider their options and plan,
• Easing the transition from high school to college, and
• Showing students access to a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's degree if they choose to further their education. Learn more here.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joey Page, Superintendent

The Austin School Board has approved the 2024-2025 school year calendar. View the calendar here.

The Hormel Foundation Austin Assurance Scholarship (THFAAS) is a scholarship (free money) that students can use while earning a full-time or part-time education at Riverland Community College. This scholarship covers tuition (65 credits) and fees and includes a stipend for needed books and class materials. The scholarship amount varies for each student, but it will cover 100% of tuition and fees not fulfilled by federal or state grants. THFAAS has a potential savings of over $12,000 for college education costs! Learn more here.

Austin seniors Tu Meh and Marcos Castro have been recognized as 2024 Hormel Foundation Scholars through the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans.

"Horatio Alger Scholarships recognize outstanding students who have exhibited determination, integrity, and perseverance in overcoming adversity," says Horatio Alger Association Minnesota field director Mary Beth Ebert. "We are proud to have Tu and Marcos as members of this select group of students."

"I am incredibly honored and humbled to have been awarded this prestigious scholarship," says Marcos Castro. "It is great to know that my hard work during high school has paid off. An education is, in my opinion, the backbone to success, and this opportunity has opened the door to my future wide open."

"Growing up in an immigrant household," says Tu Meh, "my parents have always shown me the importance of a good education [even though] they were never able to pursue one. I feel honored and surprised to receive this scholarship and am excited to continue my educational journey."

In addition to the scholarship, both students will receive mentoring through the Horatio Alger Association, which will continue throughout their college career and beyond.

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In this week's Alumni Spotlight, we catch up with alumnus Kaytlynn Thordor.

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 Ellis Middle School special education teacher Rod Nelson.

"Mr. Nelson is a compassionate and considerate educator who takes the extra time to meet student needs and collaborate with families and staff to have his students reach their full potential. His years of service & expertise in Emotional Behavioral Disorders are an essential part of the Special Education Team at Ellis Middle School."

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.

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.

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