Welcome Back!

I hope everyone had a chance to unwind and recharge during Spring Break. It's somewhat astonishing that we're down to just a few Fridays left in this 2023-2024 school year. Time flies, and it's important to savor these moments as we gear up for the final stretch.

This week, AHS held a Career Pathways Fair, where employers and colleges from the region were showcased. Students got the chance to explore high-demand careers across five key areas, connect with industry representatives seeking new talent, discover various career paths and how to prepare for them, ask questions about day-to-day job realities, and learn job openings for the summer and beyond. The event provided our students with a wonderful and engaging learning opportunity while closely tying into the values outlined in the Packer Profile.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joey Page, Superintendent

Congratulations to Austin Public Schools' Equity and Integration Coordinator, Kristi Beckman, for her 2024 Zonta Woman of Achievement selection.

The award honors women who "have demonstrated a commitment to leadership in their community. As a result of [their] service, the community is a better place to live."

Kristi will be honored at the 11th annual Women of Achievement Dinner on April 9, 2024, at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center in Austin. The mission of the Women of Achievement Dinner "is to honor the personal and professional leadership and service of women," and it functions as a fundraiser for area agencies that benefit women and children, as well as providing scholarships to women in the county.

Former APAC employee Danielle Nesvold will also be honored at the event.

"Since Zonta helps women and girls, and these two are such a force for doing that, that's why they were nominated for this," said Cheryl Retterath of the Zonta Club.

Zonta International is a nonprofit organization that envisions a world where women's rights are recognized as human rights and every woman can achieve her full potential. In such a world, women have access to all resources and are represented in decision-making positions that are equal to men's. In such a world, no woman lives in fear of violence.

Exciting Opportunity for High School Students at The Hormel Institute Research Symposium

Great news for high schoolers entering 11th and 12th grade this fall! The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, is thrilled to announce our upcoming Research Symposium. It's a fantastic chance for students to dive into the world of science and biomedical research.

What's Happening?

• Educational Experience: The symposium will be the grand finale of our Summer Undergraduate Research Experience internship. High school students will explore scientific posters, hear scientific talks, learn about various science careers through a panel discussion, and meet undergrads who've just completed their research internships.
• Date and Location: It's all happening at The Hormel Institute, 801 16th Ave NW, Austin, MN, on August 1, 2024. Registration starts between 8-9 am, and we wrap up around 5 pm.
• No Cost: There's no charge for high school students to attend. We've got you covered with a complimentary continental breakfast, lunch, drinks, and afternoon snacks. Please note that transportation isn't provided.

What They're Looking For!

They need help to find four students who stand out in biomedical research and would thrive at this event. It's a golden opportunity for those keen on a science career. These students will learn from experts, network with pros, see the latest research, and engage in enlightening discussions.

Nomination Criteria:

1. Passion for Biomedical Research: Students should be interested in scientific exploration, especially biomedical research.
2. Academic Excellence: They're looking for students who shine in their science classes.
3. Leadership Skills: If they're natural leaders at school or in the community, that's a big plus.
4. Your Recommendation: A quick note from you vouching for their fit for this symposium.

Get in Touch

Do you have questions about the nomination process? Need more info? Feel free to reach out to Kelly Vincelette. We're excited about this event and appreciate your help finding students who would benefit the most. Here's to nurturing the next generation of scientists!

Earlier this year, Sumner Elementary School PE teacher Derek Picha was named the 2024 SHAPE America Central District Elementary School PE Teacher of the Year. This incredible honor made Derek one of four finalists for the 2024 SHAPE America National Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. While he didn't ultimately win the National Teacher of the Year award, it is still a tremendous accomplishment.

Derek, who has worked at Sumner Elementary for many years, has worked to provide unique experiences for students, including the Bike Mobile, which allows students (who might not otherwise have the opportunity) to learn how to ride a bike and host a Family PE Week. His overarching goal is to empower students to lead physically active lives outside of school by helping them develop fundamental motor skills and providing exposure to as wide a variety of movement experiences as possible through physical education.

SHAPE (Society of Health and Physical Educators) serves as the voice for 200,000+ health and physical education professionals across the United States. Their mission is to advance professional practice and promote research related to health and physical education, physical activity, dance, and sport.

• What's Happening: Information, applications, and updates on Health and Human Services like SNAP, Medical Insurance, WIC, and many more! Interpreters will be available.
• Date: March 26
  
• Time: 4-7 pm
• Location: Austin Public Library

As reported in the ADH:

What: Learn more about a construction project to replace and improve Interstate 90 bridges and interchanges in Austin, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Date: Wednesday, March 27

Location: The meeting will be from 5–7 pm at the Austin Public Library, 323 4th Ave. NE, Austin.

Project: Construction is expected to begin in mid-April and finish in the fall of 2026 to replace or repair bridges at six sites along the I-90 corridor in Austin.

The work will include bridges at:

• Oakland Avenue West (Hwy 105),
• replace in 2024 14th Street Northwest (Hwy 218 North),
• replace in 2026 Fourth Street Northwest,
• replace in 2024-2025 I-90 over Cedar River,
• replace in 2024-2025 I-90 over Sixth Street Northeast,
• rehabilitate in 2024-2025 21st Street Northeast (Hwy 218 South), replace in 2026

To learn more about the project, visit the MnDOT project website, where you can also sign up for email and text message updates, review information, and follow up after the meeting.

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In this week's Alumni Spotlight, we catch up with alumnus Mike Kinney.

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 Woodson Kindergarten Center Behavior Interventionist Jaci Gruber.

"She is an amazing teacher. Her passion is evident and she truly wants every student to do well. It felt like our son’s experience was equally important to her as it was to us!"

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.

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.