The number one priority of our Austin Public Schools is to provide support and resources to ensure a safe and welcoming learning environment. We are implementing critical measures to enhance the safety of all our facilities. Here are some significant updates we will undertake in the upcoming months:

• Key Card Access:
  Our Facility and Technology Services Departments are collaborating on substantial updates to our infrastructure, enhancing the monitoring of secure door access through key cards and fobs. These upgrades will improve security by ensuring that only authorized individuals can access our sites. The new software is also equipped for future enhancements, including advanced door monitoring and detection capabilities powered by AI.
• Elevator Modernization:
  Elevator upgrades across the district are scheduled for December 2024. These improvements will include secure access via keycards and restrict elevator use to students with an authorized keycard. Moreover, all elevators will have safety phones that remain operational during power or network outages.
• Security Monitoring Stations:
  By the end of 2024, every building will have at least one security workstation capable of viewing, reviewing, and storing footage from all on-site cameras. This system will support monitoring several cameras simultaneously, enhancing surveillance of multiple hallways and doorways.
• Phone Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) System:
  This July, we're completely overhauling the district's phone system, which involves replacing all desktop and classroom handsets and introducing several new features. These enhancements will ensure compliance with the latest e911 legislation and include mobile and Microsoft Teams integrations to facilitate communication from any location.
• Digital Signage:
  We are upgrading digital signage across the district to ensure uniformity and multifunctionality. Each display will feature consistent district-wide messaging and content specific to each building. The new hardware will also support security alerts like our Standard Response Protocol and weather announcements.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joey Page, Superintendent

We live in a rapidly changing world that can be complex to navigate. About half of Americans can remember when we were not constantly connected, and tuning out the world's noise was easier. In contrast, the younger half of the population can't imagine life without the internet.

Modern life can significantly impact mental health — for better or for worse. The disturbing imagery in the media we are exposed to today can be deeply unsettling. At the same time, our current technology also allows us to mobilize and provide collective support more efficiently during natural disasters or injustice. And ironically, while our devices make us more connected than ever, loneliness is an increasingly serious public health concern. In real-time, we can now have conversations with friends and family on the other side of the world. However, a constant connection also means we will know if we weren't invited to a friend's party down the street. Recent survey data show that more than half of U.S. adults (58%) are lonely.

Finding a sense of calm and focusing on well-being when you are having mental health concerns can be daunting in our fast-paced society. It can be incredibly challenging to know where to start.

May is Mental Health Month, and Austin Public Schools is raising awareness of mental health's important role in our lives. We are encouraging community members to take action toward protecting their mental health and overall well-being.

This May, Austin Public Schools will focus their efforts on helping community members advocate for improved mental health for themselves, the ones they love, and their community.

Mental Health America has created a toolkit to help individuals figure out where to start. The toolkit provides free, practical resources for addressing mental health. Go to mhanational.org/may to learn more.

If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition and are unsure of where to start, take a free, private mental health test at mhascreening.org to determine the next steps. Finally, we are launching a new website with helpful resources. Well-being for students and staff is a part of a high-quality education that supports academic performance, school climate, and other important developmental outcomes and core values.

It's important to remember that working on your mental health takes time. Change won't happen overnight. Instead, by focusing on small changes, you can move through the stressors of modern life and develop long-term strategies to support yourself — and others — on an ongoing basis. (adapted from Mental Health America)

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.

To determine whether being a school board member is right for you, you'll want to understand the duties and responsibilities of this nonpartisan position, the legal requirements for running for and holding office, and the process for running for election. You'll also want to consider the personal attributes needed to be an effective board member, including understanding the code of ethics you must abide by once elected.

The Austin School Board is a policy-making body responsible for the district's curriculum, personnel, and physical facilities. Please review this Policy Governance Handbook to understand the School Board's work better.

Please review our School Board Election informational site.

In last week's issue, we highlighted our Packer Profile and introduced the second of several Pathways Posters. Our next one focuses on engineering, manufacturing, and computer science (EMC). The EMC Career Pathway exposes students to careers and experiences that develop tools and/or integrate machinery to implement effective manufacturing processes.

My name is Anita Rao, and I am a junior at Austin High School. I am one of two student representatives for the Austin School Board and an active student at AHS. So far, junior year has been amazing, partly due to all the great opportunities that our district provides. For example, the CEO program has allowed me to forge many new connections and grow in ways I didn't even know possible. I also have grown and learned so much from being a part of our school board. I admire all the members as they are great leaders in this community and have much knowledge to share.

I got involved with the CEO and the Board of the Austin Swim and Dive Team. Looking at a town of Austin's size, I always appreciate our school district's vast range of extra-curricular activities. There is something for every student at AHS, and the large variety of sports and clubs helps build a sense of community throughout the student body. Both the school district and the community of Austin provide a tremendous amount of support for its students. This support allows AHS's students to reach their full potential. From offering great programming like CEO, PSEO, and RCC classes to a wide range of extra-curricular activities, there is everything a young student like myself needs to prosper. Overall, being a student at Austin High School has been a positive experience with many opportunities. I wouldn't trade my time in the Austin Public School district for anything.

A huge congratulations to Austin's All-State musicians (L-R):

• Alex Schuster (Choir)
• Haylie Meyer (Band)
  
• Emma Stanley (Band alternate)
• Dori Olana (Orchestra)

Great job and way to represent Austin!

It's time for another episode of #PackerCast! This month, we're talking to Ellis Middle School Multilanguage Learner (ML) teacher Renee Gogolewski. Check it out!

Be sure to check out all our previous episodes as well at https://spoti.fi/49ZmR5N!

A huge congratulations to Austin High School orchestra director Gene Schott who recently got the chance to perform with the Minnesota Orchestra.

"It was an amazing privilege [to] perform with the Minnesota Orchestra," said Schott. "Truly a dream come true."

According to Austin Superintendent Dr. Joey Page, "It's truly inspiring to see [Mr. Schott] sharing the stage with such a prestigious ensemble. [His] dedication and passion for music shined brightly this weekend [and will hopefully be an] inspiration to others who dream of such moments."

School Lunch Hero Day is a national celebration to recognize and honor the dedicated school nutrition program professionals who prepare healthy and delicious school meals for our students every school day. For many children, the meals they get at school are the most important meals of their day, and since we know the positive impacts that proper nutrition can have on a child’s education, this makes our nutrition program professionals true School Lunch Heroes.

Here in Austin, we serve over 1,000,000 meals every year, a feat that’s only possible through the tireless efforts of our amazing nutritional staff, who work hard every school day serving not only lunch, but breakfast too! Between preparing healthy meals for students, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, our school kitchen staff members are true heroes.

So, take a second today to thank a School Lunch Hero for all the amazing things they do for our students.

Austin Public Schools’ Austin Online Academy received a Bronze Star of Innovation Award from the Minnesota Association of Secondary Principals (MASSP). The Star of Innovation Award is “designed to recognize schools statewide for the development and support of … exemplary and innovative education program[s].”

"We are humbled and grateful to be recognized for our collaborative efforts in shaping a school environment that prioritizes innovation and excellence in education,” said Austin Online Academy principal Jessica Cabeen. “This award symbolizes the dedication and hard work of our entire team, and we are thankful for the support of MASSP and Horace Mann.”

According to MASSP Executive Director Bob Driver, Austin’s “school community is better because of the willingness [of school leaders] to be open to new ideas and the ability to continually improve the school environment by finding creative and innovative ways to build on [AOA’s] success.”

“I am incredibly proud that Austin Online Academy has been recognized with the Bronze Star of Innovation Award,” says Austin Superintendent Dr. Joey Page. “It truly highlights our commitment to innovative and growing educational options.”

“Austin High School and Austin Online Academy are supporting students in meaningful and innovative ways," says Austin High School principal Matt Schmit. “We are honored to be recognized for our efforts and are excited to see what the future holds.”

Austin Online Academy will be recognized at a special event on Monday, June 24, as part of the MASSP summer conference.

Congratulations, Dr. Baskin, on earning your Ph.D.! Your dedication and perseverance have truly paid off, well done on this remarkable accomplishment!

May 1 was the first annual Success Coach Appreciation Day at Austin Public Schools, and we would like to take this opportunity to recognize our incredible success coach team!

Multilingualism is a superpower and while interpreting is an important part of their role, their efforts go far beyond interpreting and we appreciate their work to build connections and bridge cultures so that students, parents, staff, and the community can build stronger relationships and partnerships.

We know that your hard work and dedication to our students and families helps make APS a more welcoming and inclusive district. Our goal is to prepare ALL learners to make a difference in the world, and you are an integral part in that mission. Thank you for being amazing!

May 1 was also School Principals’ Day, and we wanted to take a moment to express our gratitude and appreciation for all our APS principals. Not only are you exceptional leaders, but your kindness, compassion, and dedication have touched the lives of so many students, parents, and staff members.

As principals, you wear many hats, from setting academic goals and overseeing curriculum to handling discipline issues and managing staff. But you do all of these tasks with grace, wisdom, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those around you. Your commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment has not gone unnoticed, and it is truly appreciated.

Thank you for your tireless efforts, your unwavering dedication, and your genuine care for the well-being of your students and staff. You have made a difference in the lives of so many, and your impact will be felt for years to come.

If you see a school principal today, be sure to let them know how much you appreciate them and the impact they have on their students and staff!

For over ten years, Taste of Nations has been an annual event with a mission to celebrate the diverse cultures that make up Mower County. We will have entertainment, food samples, food trucks, craft vendors/exhibitors, cultural ambassadors, and more! The Parenting Resource Center's Welcome Center program brings this event to you. Learn more here.

Ava did a great job redesigning the Annex auditorium! Her modern approach has transformed the space and thoughtfully incorporated student voices. Thank you, Ava, for your creativity and vision!

Discover Science Together promises an engaging and interactive experience where families can dive into the wonders of science. Check out this informational flyer!

We need 3 MathCorps tutors at Ellis Middle School. There is a modest stipend, daycare allowance, housing allowance, education credit, and insurance for full-time tutors. The curriculum is research-based, and all necessary materials and training are provided. To participate in the program, tutors don't have to be 'great math students.' Tutors receive guidance and assistance from internal coaches within the building, along with tremendous support from an Ampact supervisor. If you know of any retirees, college-age students, etc., who are interested, please share this information! Please let me know if you have questions. Learn more here.

Mayo Clinic Health System is excited to introduce a new mobile app, Primary Care On Demand, which gives you 24/7/365 access to care, including video visits with a physician. Using the mobile app, patients and community members ages 18 and up can receive assessment and treatment for symptoms and conditions like sore throat, rash, cough, aches and pains, upper respiratory infection, sinusitis, urinary tract infection, and more.

Primary Care On Demand is an extension of your care team. The on-demand team will be available to care for patients in the evenings, overnight, weekends and when same-day appointments in-clinic are filled.

If you complete a video visit with a Primary Care On Demand physician, Mayo Clinic Health System will bill your insurance like other primary care video visits.

• What's lurking in your body? Mayo probes health risks of tiny plastic particles
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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 Austin High School Credit Recovery teacher Dewey Hagan.

"Mr. Hagan brings an enthusiasm and positivity to AHS that is appreciated by his students and by staff. His passion and leadership have helped countless students reach great levels of success."

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.