Dear Parents and Guardians,

First and foremost, it is with a heavy heart that I share the tragic news of the passing of senior Whin Gay. Whin was a valued member of our school community, and his loss has profoundly impacted us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

On a brighter note, I am pleased to report that Homecoming week was a resounding success. A new addition to Homecoming this year, we saw over 1,800 students, staff, and community members come together to pack 24,000 snack bags for our students. This incredible event was made possible by the Hometown Food Security Project, Hormel Foods, and Matter. It is inspiring to see our community unite for such a worthy cause.

Another highlight of Homecoming was the initiative taken by a group of students. Supervised by two teachers, they gathered on Thursday night to deliver hundreds of dollars’ worth of food and toiletries to those in need. Their selflessness and willingness to help others exemplify the values we strive to instill in our students.

While it can be easy to focus on challenges, especially when we have high expectations for our students, I want to take this opportunity to celebrate their achievements. The vast majority of our students are making positive choices, and I am incredibly proud of them. Their good behavior reflects the strong support they receive from you and our community.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support. Together, we can continue to nurture an environment where our students thrive.

Warm regards,

Matt Schmit
Principal

• This past week Austin High School celebrated Homecoming with a record breaking attendance to our homecoming dance. Last year we had around 500 attend the dance and this year we had just over 760. We are excited to continue to see our students joining in on the fun.
• Our entire school of 1,600 plus students worked with staff and 150 plus community volunteers to pack 24,000 snack packs for our school, district, and community. They learned about The Hometown Food Security Project and competed in packing the food in partnership with Hormel Foods, Hometown Food Security Project, and The United Way of Mower County. Students completed this task in 22 minutes! Fantastic job, AHS!
• Last week Austin Online and Austin Area Learning Center staff participated in professional development aligned to increasing student engaging in the classroom setting. Part of that work will align with our goals this year of increasing credit attainment and attendance in courses.

• Premier piano soloist Osip Nikiforov visited Austin High School today to work with choir students. He shared his journey and answered questions before playing the recently refurbished 1921 Steinway piano for the students.
• Osip will be performing a free concert tonight at 7:00 in AHS Knowlton Auditorium.
• This month we had the first official speaker for our Packer Profile Seminar. The 9th graders learned about the career pathway of cosmetology and asked awesome questions! They even were able to see how extensions are applied! We are thankful to Katlyn and Katherine, AHS alum, from The Style Lounge Salon, Mariah, AHS alum, from the The MOD Medspa, and Luis, CEO alum, from vidabarberlounge for sharing their career path with our students!
• Katherine shared a great quote today, “Take advantage of what you have through this course because I didn’t have this and it would have benefited me a lot in looking at what I want to do in the future. It is a great opportunity, so take advantage of it!”
• Wildlife Management class visited the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center to select and gather seeds to help restore a prairie.
• Ninth graders had presentations about the Austin Assurance Scholarship and Get Connected through their Packer Profile Seminar. This is a great opportunity for our students and a great way for them to learn about giving back to their community as well

• Packer Profile courses in the ALC now integrate Social Work support, helping students develop emotional intelligence and social skills alongside academic growth.

September - October 2024 (Initial Setup & Early Implementation)

1. Identifying At-Risk Students:
   Currently analyzing data from the previous academic year alongside early progress reports to identify students at risk of credit loss or with chronic attendance issues. By the end of October, a comprehensive list of at-risk students will be finalized, allowing for timely intervention.
2. Establishing Interventions:
   In the process of developing and implementing academic support structures, including tutoring sessions, mentoring programs, and targeted interventions for identified at-risk students. By the end of October, these interventions will be fully operational, with staff regularly monitoring student progress and adjusting strategies as needed.
3. Initiating Attendance Tracking:
   The daily attendance tracking system has been launched, and attendance incentive programs are being introduced. By the end of October, these systems will be fully embedded into the school’s routine, with data-driven strategies in place to address attendance challenges and reward consistent attendance.
4. Providing Staff Training:
   Professional development for staff on MTSS implementation and intervention strategies is underway. By the end of October, all relevant staff will have completed training and will be applying effective intervention strategies to support at-risk students, ensuring a collaborative approach to student success.

• Austin Online and Austin ALC continue to utilize the BARR model to review multiple data points and make early interventions and supports during this first quarter of the school year.

• The district is exploring the use of Talking Points to enhance communication with our English Language Learner families, aiming to overcome language barriers and improve credit attainment and academic performance through stronger family engagement. Currently, this pilot program will be exclusively available to English Language Learners' families.
• Semester 1 progress grades have been shared with families. Staff communicated with families regarding student progress on September 25. If you have any concerns about your student's academic performance, please contact the staff directly.
• Austin Online enrollment is increasing statewide, showcasing efficient resource utilization in providing educational access to a broader student base.

To learn more about the Packer Profile and the district’s long-term strategic plan, please visit AccelerateAustin.org.

October 10, 2024: AHS Student Picture Retake Day

October 16, 2024: No School - Professional Development

October 17-18, 2024: No School - MEA

October 27, 2024: End of Quarter 1

October 28th, 2024: Josten Senior Presentation

November 5, 2024: No School - Professional Development

November 27, 2024 - November 29, 2024: No School Holiday Break

Hello esteemed AHS Parent,

My name is Colleen Owens and I am the Future Teacher Coordinator at Austin Public Schools and I would like to share with you some exciting opportunities available to your student here at AHS.

If your child has expressed an interest in a career in Education or if they have exhibited the following characteristics:

• Natural Curiosity and Love for Learning

• Strong Communication Skills

• Empathy and Patience

• Creative Problem-Solving

• Leadership and Teamwork

Then your student could have what it takes to be an excellent teacher and a great member of our Future Teachers Club! Please click below for more information in the language that works best for you.

Every student is "college material". This core belief is the driving idea behind the Office of Higher Educations new program called Direct Admissions. This pilot program will notify graduation high school seniors from selected Minnesota high schools that there are multiple partner colleges and universities that are eager to admit them based on their academic records and their projected graduation date. This program will allow students to apply with confidence, knowing that the "will I get in?" question has already been answered with a "Yes!"

Austin is entering its second year of this program! Seniors will receive a letter in October that lists all the colleges and universities they are admitted to next year. All they have to do is apply! Check out the Direct Admissions webpage for more information: https://ahs.austin.k12.mn.us/counseling-office/direct-admissions

PSAT/NMSQT Testing: October 9 (8:30 - 11:00). This is an optional test for sophomores and juniors, pre-registration is required. This is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship awards. If you have questions, contact Ms. Carlson in the Career Center.

AP Testing will be held May 5 - 9 and May 12 - 16. Students will be receiving their AP Test Order forms in their AP classes during October. AP Tests must be ordered by November 8, 2024.

Students should check out the October Career Pathways Newsletter for a list of events and opportunities. Refer below to the calendar for help with your planning process. We will be using the SchooLinks program for our college and career exploration, check that out on the AHS homepage under the Student tab.

Peer Power Partners (PPP) is a mentoring program that encourages students of ALL abilities to intermingle and grow together. We teach about differences and helpful techniques to encompass many different abilities, and we also do activities for peer interaction. This promotes an inclusive school environment and builds relationships both within the school setting that carries over to the community.

Our goals are to increase knowledge, understanding, acceptance, awareness and to promote friendship and advocacy. PPP is a beneficial program for ALL students.

We will only be able to accept 50 participants per school this year, applicants will be reviewed after the application deadline. Participants will be notified upon acceptance.

Application Deadline is October 31st

Please use this link to sign up: https://forms.gle/B8oK6BtJkxANZ89X6

It is important to be at school every day. If your child is going to be absent, please notify our attendance office.