Austin Packer Bulletin - 10/25/2024

This October, our theme of "Connection" remains at the heart of everything we do. Connecting with our students means truly knowing them, understanding their needs, and fully committing to their success. In doing so, we must recognize and address our students' challenges, particularly Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

ACEs is a term that refers to potentially traumatic events that occur during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. Research has shown that such experiences can have long-term effects on mental health, behavior, and academic performance. Based on the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey Results, many students in our district have dealt with a traumatic experience, making them more likely to face difficulties in school. At Austin Public Schools, we are committed to addressing these issues by helping ensure that all students have the support they need to thrive.

From teachers to support staff and administrators, our staff members strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where every student feels seen, heard, valued, and ready to learn. Further, we take a holistic approach to student well-being, with initiatives addressing their academic needs and their lives' cognitive, physical, emotional, and social aspects. By building strong connections that promote trust and understanding, we can help students overcome adversity, build resilience, and make healthy choices that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Our school district's mission is to Inspire, Empower, and Accelerate student learning. Our vision is to prepare every learner to make a difference in the world. By addressing the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences and fostering student well-being through meaningful connection, we are equipping our students with the tools they need to become responsible, resilient, effective

communicators, learners, and contributors to society – values that will help them succeed long after graduation.

This is Part 1 of a three-part newsletter series on student well-being. Please stay tuned for the next installment, which will share district-specific data on how Adverse Childhood Experiences affect our students and how our district-wide, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support help address these challenges. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has provided an interactive website for the public.

Thank you for your partnership in this vital work.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joey Page, Superintendent

Please check out the 2024 election guide by clicking the link below for important details on the upcoming election.

On Wednesday, September 25, all Austin Elementary students enthusiastically participated in the annual Walkathon to raise funds for field trips, special programs, playground equipment, and more.

Their goal was to raise $60,000 and walk a combined 4,000 miles across all four sites, and we’re happy to share that both goals were met with great success!

We’d like to extend a huge shoutout to all our sponsors - their support means the world to our students and staff. Thank you!

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. Since last week was MEA, there was no Austin Packer Bulletin, so this week we're highlighting two staff members!

In last week’s Staff Spotlight, we highlighted AHS Science teacher Robin DeGlavin.

"Ms. DeGlavin is a phenomenal science teacher. She works hard to create engaging, educational lessons, has a great rapport with students and is a great person all around."

Congratulations!

In this week’s Staff Spotlight, we’re highlighting AHS Science teacher Tisha Pischke.

"[Ms. Pischke] goes above and beyond to ensure her students have a great year. She brings a fun and engaging learning experience to the classroom at all times, even when she isn't feeling great."

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/aps-staff-spotlight. It only takes a minute and can truly make someone’s day. Thanks!

The Minnesota Department of Education recently shared information regarding the Intent to Submit, now open for the Scholars of Distinction program. The program recognizes the academic and intellectual accomplishments of talented Minnesota students in grades 11 and 12 that happen both in and out of the classroom. Are you a student who wants to apply? Plan to complete your Intent to Submit by November 1. Learn more here.

The City of Austin and Mower County are partnering to develop their comprehensive plans in a joint partnership and asking the public for help. An online survey is available where people can offer their vision for the City of Austin and Mower County. This is an opportunity to reflect on what a high quality of life will mean for future generations. Click here to share your input.

The Minnesota Department of Education has announced the household income guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for free and reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program. The income guidelines are effective from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Contact your school, childcare center, family childcare home, or adult care center to determine whether it participates in these programs. Please visit our Food and Nutrition informational page to learn more.

Except for regularly scheduled classes, public elementary or secondary schools may not hold school-sponsored events between 6:00 and 8:00 pm on the day of a regularly scheduled election in any political subdivision where the school is located. Community Education and Adult Education classes that are already scheduled may still occur if not at the voting location. This means no Board meetings, athletic practices, or activities will be held between 6:00 and 8:00 pm. See MN Statute 204C.03

Increased reports of pertussis (whooping cough) have been occurring throughout our childcare/campus/workplace/community. Take a minute to learn more about pertussis by reviewing the information below.

• 5 tips for managing ADHD in children
• Preventing suicide through awareness and intervention
• Why more preventive screenings are needed in the Hispanic community

• The Elite College Students Who Can’t Read Books
• Connective Education: Austin Online Academy seeing growth, rising GPA’s
• NASA launches mission to investigate a potentially habitable ocean world
• APS expands district-wide multi-tiered systems of support
• School board: The forgotten race

Please join me and a School Board member at the Coffee House on Main, 329 Main Street North, for coffee and conversation.

Dates:

• 11/25
• 1/27/25
• 2/24
• 3/31
• 4/30

Time:
7:45 AM - 8:30 AM

You can reach me at joey.page@austin.k12.mn.us or call 507-460-1900 to schedule an appointment.

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.

The school district strongly encourages anyone interested to apply to join our teams. Reasonable accommodations are available to access job openings or apply for a job. Click here to learn more.

You can review previous issues here.

Austin Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity. Individuals may report concerns or questions or make a complaint of sex discrimination to the Title IX Coordinator, Sue Stark.