Austin Packer Bulletin - 2/9/24
Volume 2, Issue 26
To kick off February, Austin Public Schools was honored to welcome several notable guests to our District and city.
On February 1, Dr. Scott Woitaszewski and Dr. Todd Savage returned to Austin High School to share their insights on the importance of psychological safety and security in schools. It's always a pleasure to learn from them about how to cultivate a positive school environment, build relationships, and encourage connectedness.
On February 2, Austin Public Schools took part in a visit from the European Young Leaders, part of the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program. It was a privilege to meet the delegation and highlight the amazing things happening in our District with a global audience. I spoke about our long-term strategic plan, Equity Coordinator Kristi Beckman talked about our success coach program, and Executive Director of Academics Katie Baskin shared the Packer Profile.
It's a great time to recognize our elected community members who selflessly give their time and energy to support high-quality public schooling for our youth. This community entrusts school board members in Austin Public Schools responsible for an annual budget of around $100 million, 5,200 students, over 750 employees, and eight buildings.
School boards are charged with making decisions that can sometimes be quite difficult or require sifting through a great deal of information. They also bear responsibility for developing a vision that will guide the school district for years to come. Through collaboration as a team and with school district staff, their governance and advocacy are building the future of education in Minnesota.
This February, we're encouraging all community members to thank a board member. Please thank them for volunteering their time and playing a critical civic role that helps form the bedrock of our democracy — public education. As a crucial bridge between the local community and the school district, their efforts are instrumental in helping us realize our hopes and dreams for our community's children.
Ellis Assistant Principal: Joni Irvin
Ms. Irvin has worked at Austin Public Schools since 2004, predominantly in Special Education. During her time in the classroom, she has worked with students at all levels of their educational journey, from kindergarten through age 21.
"I am both humbled and thrilled to accept the position of Ellis Middle School Assistant Principal,” says Joni. “I look forward to establishing relationships with students, staff and our community in my new role."
According to Ellis Middle School principal Dewey Schara, “Joni brings a long-term reputation for building strong and lasting relationships with students, staff, and families. Her background in special education as well as her work in the Principal’s Academy will be welcome additions to our administrative team. Ms. Irvin brings positivity to every environment she enters. She is an incredible problem-solver who builds consensus to move work forward. We are very excited to have her join our team.”
IJ Holton Dean of Students: Dave Brown
Mr. Brown holds a MS in Educational Leadership from Southwest State University and completed his Educational Administration licensure through Minnesota State University – Mankato. He has been a part of Austin Public Schools since 1994 as a classroom teacher and behavior coach and has worked extensively with students at the Elementary and Middle School levels.
“We are very fortunate to have someone with Dave Brown’s experience join our administrative team,” says IJ Holton Intermediate School principal Dewey Schara. “Mr. Brown is a former teacher of the year who understands how quality instruction positively impacts student behavior. He is an expert in Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports and has extensive experience in organizing safe and exciting student events. He will be an asset to our administrative team.”
“I am honored to be the new Dean of Students at IJ Holton,” said Mr. Brown. “As one of the original staff members from when Holton was built, this is my home, and I am proud to be a part of a building that proudly and excitedly welcomes and serves every 5th and 6th grade student in the Austin Public Schools. Being the Dean of Students gives me a chance to work with every student and staff member in our building, and I can think of nothing more exciting. I cannot wait to get started!”
Congratulations to Austin High School Spanish teacher Tieler Myers on being selected as a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction by the National Society of High School Scholars. A role model to his students, Mr. Myers was nominated by a student for outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence in the profession.
Each year student members of NSHSS are invited to nominate the educator who has made the most significant contribution to their academic career for the Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction award. This honor recognizes exemplary educators whose passion and devotion inspire their students to grow and develop as scholars, leaders, and citizens.
“I'm very grateful for this award,” says Mr. Myers. “Our students are without a doubt the best part of this job. They are the unlimited potential of the future, so I do my best to create a welcoming environment where they can be themselves, laugh, and enjoy the content, but also be heard, respected, and appreciated for everything they have to offer. They all have incredible life stories, and it is always my hope to connect and show them that they have someone that cares and is in their corner every step of the way.”
Formed in 2002 by James W. Lewis and Claes Nobel, a senior member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes, The National Society of High School Scholars recognizes academic excellence at the high school level and helps to advance the goals and aspirations of high-achieving students through unique learning experiences, scholarships, internships, international study, and peer networks.
“Dedicated educators who exhibit a commitment to excellence deserve our highest praise and appreciation,” said NSHSS President James W. Lewis. “Through our Educators of Distinction program and the grants we provide to support professional development and enrich classroom instruction, we hope to acknowledge and encourage the vital work of the teachers, counselors, and administrators who are shaping the intellect and character of young scholars.”
Several AHS students are joining Hormel Foods for the Hometown Food Insecurity Project in an exciting collaboration. This partnership is part of their involvement in the World Food Prize competition, focusing on global food insecurity issues. The students are set to participate in the Minnesota Youth Institute on May 14 at the University of Minnesota campus, Twin Cities.
Each student in the class is undertaking an in-depth study of food insecurity in different countries, integrating this with their human geography coursework. Their journey begins with intensive research this month, leading to papers that explore potential solutions to the food challenges they identify. These findings will be presented at the U of M in May.
An added dimension to this project is the collaboration with art classes. Both groups will present their work at the Spam Museum in April, with art students creating pieces themed around food insecurity. This event will also feature their work with Hormel's Cultural Anthropologist, offering a multifaceted view of food insecurity.
This initiative provides students with a rare opportunity to engage directly with professionals in the field, including practicing their presentation skills with experts. Hormel Foods' involvement in the Hometown Food Insecurity project underlines its commitment to addressing global food challenges. It provides a practical, real-world context for student learning aligned with the Packer Profile.
Minnesota's Computer Science (CS) Working Group has been meeting regularly since October 2023, and has made important progress toward developing a state strategic plan for long-term and sustained growth of computer science education across all public K-12 and charter schools in Minnesota.
The CS Working Group has identified key priority areas and generated recommendations for the state's next steps for CS education. The plan is now available for public review and comment, starting on February 1, 2024, and closing on February 16, 2024. The finalized plan will be presented to the Minnesota legislature by March 22, 2024.
How to Provide Comments on the Plan
Your input is needed - here's how to provide feedback:
- Review the CS State Plan Draft
- Share your thoughts, suggestions, and concerns through the online comment form.
- Attend Virtual Feedback Sessions: Join virtual feedback sessions where you can engage directly with members of the CS Working Group and share your insights. Sessions will be held via Zoom for one hour each. Register for one of the sessions using the following links:
According to Minnesota statute, a district with more than ten students identifying as American Indian must form an American Indian Education Parent Advisory Committee. Districts with more than twenty American Indian students are eligible to apply for American Indian Education Aid from the state. This funding must directly support the academic, social, and cultural needs of American Indian students in six areas, which include:
- Post-secondary preparation
- Academic achievement
- Ensuring curriculum is relevant to the needs, interests, and cultural heritage of American Indian students
- Providing positive reinforcement of the self-image of American Indian students
- Developing intercultural awareness among pupils, parents, and staff
- Supplementing (not supplanting) state and federal programs
Learn more here.
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!
