Austin Packer Bulletin - 09/06/24
0305
Thank you to the individual who submitted the recent letter to the editor, highlighting the important topic of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in our district. The World Health Organization states, “comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) gives young people accurate, age-appropriate information about sexuality and their sexual and reproductive health, which is critical for their health and survival.” Ensuring that our students receive accurate, age-appropriate, and inclusive information about their health and well-being is a priority for Austin Public Schools.
While it’s true that Minnesota does not mandate a specific state-wide sexuality education curriculum, Austin Public Schools follows the Minnesota Department of Education recommendations in utilizing the national health education standards and several state statutes to guide the local development, which emphasize personal and community health to foster informed decision-making among students. We also focus on social-emotional learning, which integrates aspects such as respect, empathy, and recognizing unhealthy behaviors.
I want to assure the community that the curriculum review process is open and transparent, with multiple opportunities for public input. We encourage participation, and the Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness Committee will provide feedback on the health education materials selected this year. We welcome diverse perspectives to ensure that the curriculum we adopt is reflective of our community’s needs.
As we explore options for updating the curriculum, we will ensure alignment with the latest health guidelines and best practices to prepare our students for the challenges they face, both in and outside the classroom.
Thank you again for advocating for the health and safety of our students. Together, we can ensure that Austin’s educational programs empower students to make informed choices and lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Please see last week’s Austin Packer Bulletin for the scheduled meeting dates for the Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness meeting.
Discover the Fall 2024 Community Education classes and sign up today!
The Parenting Resource Center is a nonprofit organization serving southeastern Minnesota. The Parenting Resource Center, Inc.'s mission is to provide resources, services, and prevention education to promote healthy, safe lifestyles for families within communities. PRC serves people of any race, creed, gender, ethnic background, age, income, or geographic location. Check out the PRC and their helpful Mower County Resource Guide.
The Violence Project is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research center dedicated to violence prevention and intervention. The Violence Project believes data and analysis can improve policy and practice. Their research on mass shootings, funded by the National Institute of Justice, has received global media attention. The Violence Project's areas of expertise include gun violence, violent extremism, cyber violence, trauma and mental illness, street gangs, and youth violence. Learn more here.
Understanding the Apalachee High School Tragedy: Initial Insights and Research Perspectives
The 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.
The 2024 Title IX updates include new and clear protections for pregnant students and employees. Schools are now explicitly required to treat pregnancy-related conditions the same as any other temporary medical condition, offering many reasonable adjustments.
The rule also emphasizes that schools must act quickly to address any discrimination or harassment related to pregnancy, ensuring that pregnant and parenting students have equal opportunities to participate in school activities. These changes ensure that pregnant students and staff are supported and treated fairly, with their rights clearly spelled out.
Another significant update is the emphasis on schools' responsibility to promptly address all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex, including discrimination on the basis of sex stereotypes or characteristics. The rule also clarifies that schools must support students' and employees' rights in these areas, focusing on ensuring fairness in how complaints are handled.
Contact Information
Sue Stark
Director of Human Resources
Title IX Coordinator/Human Rights Officer
401 3rd Avenue NW
Austin, MN, 55912
507-460-1902
Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, the United States Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, or both.
The School District's Title IX Sex Nondiscrimination Policy and Grievance Procedure can be found on the District's website here.
The CDC provides guidance strategies you can use to help protect yourself and others from health risks caused by COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. Learn more here.
Please join me and a School Board member at the Coffee House on Main, 329 Main Street North, for coffee and conversation.
Dates:
- 9/16
- 10/21
- 11/25
- 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.
