It's hard to believe the school year has only seven weeks left. Our District continues to experience the effects of strategic growth and positive change, and momentum is building as commencement draws near.

As we look forward to honoring our graduates next month, we are still celebrating that Austin Public School District has excelled compared to a few other districts in Minnesota. Despite a statewide drop in graduation rates, APS has seen a 3% rise – from 71.9% in 2021-22 to 75.5% in 2022-23. See our detailed graduation report here.

This is truly a collective victory for our District. From our teachers and staff who guide and support our students, our administrators who collaborate on innovative strategies, and our hardworking students themselves, each person plays a vital role in shaping our students' educational journey. Families, caregivers, community members/partners, and local businesses also contribute by fostering an environment that values education and provides resources for student success. Working together, we help every student thrive, equipped with skills and knowledge for a bright future. Thank you for your partnership!

Undoubtedly, improved graduation rates reflect many successful programs within our schools. Several of these programs were spotlighted in the Austin Daily Herald this past month, including the intervention program Targeted Services and the Transition Program that helps students with disabilities gain self-independence.

Another element that will bring tremendous change to our District starting next year is the Minnesota Reading to Ensure Academic Development (READ) Act, signed into law last year. This legislation aims to have every Minnesota child reading at or above grade level every year, beginning in kindergarten, and to support multilingual learners and students receiving special education services in achieving their individualized reading goals. APS has been planning and preparing for the READ Act, and we have developed an informational website to share current and ongoing updates.

In addition, we will soon share the results from our biennial community survey. This survey provides important opportunities for Austin Public Schools to hear from everyone. However, you are always welcome to share your questions and feedback directly. You can contact me at joey.page@austin.k12.mn.us or call 507-460-1900 to schedule an appointment.

Thank you for all you do for our students and schools. It's a privilege to be part of our amazing District.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joey Page, Superintendent

Let's catch up on what's happening across our District! In step with our mission to Inspire, Empower, and Accelerate, we're making great strides in several initiatives that enhance learning and support our students' success.

Exciting news for our community! This summer, we're unveiling the brand-new playground at Neveln Elementary School. It's a fantastic space for kids to play, explore, and make memories.

Packer Speech made history at the 1AA Speech Sectional tournament, hosted by Northfield High School. as Nawras Zaki finished 3rd overall in Informative Speaking, qualifying for Austin High School's first MSHSL State tournament birth in over 20 years.

Rounding out an extraordinarily competitive evening were Sugar Wradislavsky, who finished 6th in Extemporaneous Reading, Alice Osmonson and J.B Holtorf, who finished 5th in Duo Interpretation, and Enar Zaki and Elaine Chumba, who finished 4th in Duo Interpretation.

Go Pack, go!

Coach Guillaume is an Austin High School graduate, Class of 2009, where she was also a member of the Packer’s Volleyball Team. Most recently she had been the Head Volleyball Coach for Rochester Century the past six seasons. “There truly are no words to express my excitement for this opportunity to lead the Austin Packer Volleyball Program. As a former Packer Volleyball player, I am thrilled to take on this role. I look forward to building a positive culture and helping our players grow athletically and as young adults. I cannot wait to meet both parents and players and get back in the gym to start preparing for a successful Fall Season. Go, Packers!”

Guillaume is currently employed with Austin Public Schools. She serves as the Dean of Students at Ellis Middle School.

“Austin Activities is excited to have Coach Guillaume on board. She brings along Head Coach experience that will help with the transition to a program where positive things are happening on the court. We are excited to have her in Scarlet and White leading our volleyball program,” shared Activities Director, Katie Carter.

Austin High School art students and AP human geography students have been learning about food security in our community and worldwide. In partnership with Hormel Foods and the Hometown Food Security Project, our students are participating in some genuine, authentic learning experiences. Dr. Tanya Rodriguez, a food anthropologist from Hormel Foods, presented information about food insecurity to students, including how it might look around the world and how we can find solutions together. She shared that art can be a powerful way to draw attention to an issue or make a statement. She encouraged students to be bold and to think creatively about how they can make a difference.

On Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the SPAM Museum from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the AHS art students can showcase their work at an event, A Work of Art Creating Food Security. Students will showcase paintings, sculptures, drawings, and photographs depicting their understanding of food insecurity and to help draw attention to the global issue. As Dr. Rodriguez shared with students, art can be a powerful voice, and the students' work will send a powerful message. AP human geography students will also share their work and research on a global food insecurity issue they have been preparing for the Minnesota Youth Institute, part of the World Food Prize.

The Minnesota Youth Institute will be held at the University of Minnesota in May. Students in the AP Human Geography class have been researching a food insecurity issue in a country researching and proposing possible solutions to the food insecurity issue. Many factors can cause food insecurity, and they have been learning about social, political, and economic factors. Austin High School will have nearly 40 students participating in this project. After presenting their paper, including a description of the food insecurity issue and proposed solutions at the Minnesota Youth Institute, students will earn a $1000 scholarship to CFANS at the U of M. They will be eligible for internships and participation at the World Food Prize in Des Moines next fall.

Whether it is through creating art or conducting research, our students are not just learning but making a difference.

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.

The AHS Music Hall of Fame has announced this year's addition to the Austin High School Hall of Fame. This year's inductees include Tony Alonso, Jacob Dalager, and Brandon Lawhead. They will be honored during a dinner at the MacPhail Center for Music in Austin at 5 p.m. on May 9 and at the Austin High School Spring Orchestra Concert at Knowlton Auditorium that night. The dinner is open to the public, costing $25 per person. Those interested in attending should contact Sue Radloff at 1-507-437-4940. Deadline to reserve is May 1. See ADH for the full article.

The Computer Science Education Advancement Act (Minn. Stat. 120B.241 [2023]) formed Minnesota's Computer Science Working Group. This group developed a Minnesota Computer Science State Strategic Plan, finalized in March 2024, which describes 10 recommendations for long-term and sustained growth of computer science education across all public K-12 and charter schools in Minnesota. The recommendations are aligned with the requirements outlined in the Computer Science Education Advancement Act, such as licensure, high-quality professional development, continuous improvement, and standards, among others.

The Austin Public Education Foundation invites you to join us on Monday, July 15, 2024, for an afternoon of golf to support education in Austin Public Schools. Register here.

New this year - thanks to an 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 eligible for a short-call substitute license.

Call us at 507-460-1903 or email us for more information!

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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 Banfield Elementary School Grade 4 teacher Jessica Bednar.

"Ms. Bednar is kind, compassionate, and caring. She makes sure each of her students' needs are met and keeps communication open with parents. She really truly cares for each student she encounters."

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.