Austin Packer Bulletin - 1/3/2025

Welcome Back!

As we reflect on 2024 and look ahead to the New Year at Austin Public Schools, I am proud to celebrate our progress and share some exciting updates. Our district is making great progress, driven by our commitment to create a supportive and inclusive environment where every student gets the help they need to succeed. Thanks to our students, staff, families/caregivers, and community, Austin Public Schools is ready to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

Celebrating Growth and Diversity

Based on our October 1 district enrollment count, our district saw a 3.7% increase in K-12 enrollment, up from 0.7% in 2023-24 and bringing our total student population to over 5,400 students. This increase is unlike anything we have seen in decades, reflecting a growing population in Austin and a heightened interest in the quality of our programs.

In addition, our diversity is a source of strength. Currently, 61.4% of our students identify as non-white, far exceeding the state average of 38.6%. Our students learn from each other, which fosters respect, empathy, and a global perspective in our classrooms.

As student enrollment climbs, our district remains dedicated to ensuring students from every background feel connected and ready to learn. This includes carefully evaluating our curriculum, programs, services, activities, and facilities to ensure they meet the needs of our students.

Launching the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council

This year, the district established the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council. The council has about 30 students in grades 9-12. The purpose of this council is to help create two-way communication between our student body and me, focusing on listening to our learners' needs and interests. In December, the group met to brainstorm how to support students in numerous areas, including policies and curriculum. The council will meet monthly to discuss important matters impacting the student experience.

Welcoming New Leaders

We will welcome one new school board member in January. Dan Zielke began his term in November, and we look forward to welcoming Robert Hartman II to the school board in January. These individuals will bring fresh ideas and perspectives to our leadership team. I look forward to collaborating with them on key decisions as we continue to drive our district's strategic plan forward.

For more information on the district's strategic plan, visit AccelerateAustin.org.

Changing the Instructional Schedule at IJ Holton Intermediate School

Starting in the 2025-26 school year, IJ Holton Intermediate School will implement updates to its instructional schedule. These changes are designed to enhance student learning, strengthen connections, and uphold our dedication to academic excellence. For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Continuing to Focus on Attendance

A recent Minnesota Public Radio article takes a deeper look at chronic absenteeism, an issue we have been spotlighting at Austin Public Schools. We know that students who maintain attendance above 90% are more likely to have higher grades, perform better on tests, and graduate on time. Going into 2025, improving student attendance will continue to be a focus of our district.

Thank You!

Thank you for your ongoing support of Austin Public Schools. I am excited for 2025, knowing that "Connection" remains at the heart of everything we do.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joey Page, Superintendent

The Austin School Board is a policy-making body responsible for the district's curriculum, personnel, and physical facilities. They work hard for Austin Public School students and encourage your involvement and feedback. The public is invited and encouraged to attend School Board meetings. Regular School Board meetings are held at 5:30 pm in the AHS Annex Recital Hall at 205 4th St NW. Please enter through Annex Door #1. Meeting dates are noted in the calendar. Please call 507-460-1900 with any questions concerning school board meetings.

The meeting agenda is posted on the district website and in the Superintendent's Office at 401 Third Avenue AHS three days before each meeting. School Board minutes are also posted on the district website and published regularly in the Austin Daily Herald. The Regular Meetings are live-streamed on the A.P.S. YouTube channel, and the link will be made available on the meeting agenda and via social media. Please note that only regular monthly meetings are live-streamed (this does not include study sessions).

During each Regular School Board meeting, the Board will allow audience members to address the Board. Don't hesitate to contact the Superintendent's office at 507-460-1900 to address the School Board.

It’s time for another PackerCast! This month, we're talking to Adult Education Teacher Jodi Vortherms. Check it out!

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 Banfield Elementary School Special Education teacher Hilary Rubio.

"[Ms. Rubio] is a patient and caring teacher who does an amazing job with her students. You can easily see her passion for helping her students succeed."

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!

Did you know early childhood screening helps provide a snapshot of a child's development and highlights areas where additional support may be needed?

Early childhood screening provides opportunities for improved school readiness. By addressing any developmental concerns early, children are better prepared to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.

For more information or to schedule a FREE screening today, please contact Amy Goette at amy.goette@austin.k12.mn.us.

If your student was not born in Austin, please fill out the form at https://bit.ly/CLCScreeningInfo so that your student can be added to our district census, which is used to send out information about Early Childhood Screening and Kindergarten. Information is requested only if your student is age 6 or younger.

Substitutes wanted!

New this year - thanks to a MN pilot program, more people than ever are eligible to be substitute teachers!

During the pilot, individuals with an associate's degree in any field and educational support professionals (paraeducators) with a high school diploma who have worked at APS for at least a year are both eligible for a short call substitute license.

Check out the video above and give us a call at 507-460-1903 for more information!

Minnesota Bilingual and Multilingual Seals were legislated in the Learning English for Academic Proficiency and Success (LEAPS) Act in 2014. Austin Public Schools may award Minnesota bilingual and multilingual seals to our high school students upon graduation who have demonstrated the required levels of language proficiency through assessment in languages other than English, including American Sign Language (ASL) and Indigenous American Indian languages. The necessary proficiency levels are ACTFL Advanced Low for a Platinum Seal; ACTFL Intermediate High for a Gold Seal in all four modalities—listening, reading, speaking, and writing—Contact Council for Educational Equity Integration Collaboration Coordinator Kristi Beckman with any questions.

• Bridging the digital divide to help rural smokers quit
• Clean out old medications safely
• Protect your family from seasonal respiratory infections

• Education Department withdraws proposed Title IX athletics rule
• AI is a game changer for students with disabilities.
• Experts confused but delighted by low rates of teen drug use

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

Dates:

• 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.