Welcome Back!

I hope everyone had a chance to unwind and recharge during Spring Break. It's somewhat astonishing that we're down to just a few Fridays left in this 2023-2024 school year. Time flies, and it's important to savor these moments as we gear up for the final stretch.

Upon our return from break, AHS held a Career Pathways Fair, where employers and colleges from the region were showcased. Students got the chance to explore high-demand careers across five key areas, connect with industry representatives seeking new talent, discover various career paths and how to prepare for them, ask questions about day-to-day job realities, and learn job openings for the summer and beyond. The event provided our students with a wonderful and engaging learning opportunity while closely tying into the values outlined in the Packer Profile.

As some marvel at how many of their basketball brackets remain surprisingly intact, let's brace ourselves for the one-two weather punch that seems to be gearing up. It will be fun to see which proves more unpredictable: our March brackets or snow showers!

Best Regards,

Joey

Austin Public Schools (APS) has partnered with the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) at the University of Minnesota to identify strengths and areas for growth related to English Language (EL) programming. Your information is part of an evaluation effort to help us understand how to plan, prioritize, and implement best practices related to EL programs in APS. The goal of CAREI's review of programming in the District is not to judge whether current practices are good or bad but to identify what is working well and opportunities to improve to better suit the needs of APS students, families, and staff. Click here to provide your input.

The award honors women who "have demonstrated a commitment to leadership in their community. As a result of [their] service, the community is a better place to live."

Kristi will be honored at the 11th annual Women of Achievement Dinner on April 9, 2024, at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center in Austin. The mission of the Women of Achievement Dinner "is to honor the personal and professional leadership and service of women," and it functions as a fundraiser for area agencies that benefit women and children, as well as providing scholarships to women in the county.

Former APAC employee Danielle Nesvold will also be honored at the event.

"Since Zonta helps women and girls, and these two are such a force for doing that, that's why they were nominated for this," said Cheryl Retterath of the Zonta Club.

Zonta International is a nonprofit organization that envisions a world where women's rights are recognized as human rights and every woman can achieve her full potential. In such a world, women have access to all resources and are represented in decision-making positions that are equal to men's. In such a world, no woman lives in fear of violence.

Exciting Opportunity for High School Students at The Hormel Institute Research Symposium

Great news for high schoolers entering 11th and 12th grade this fall! The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, is thrilled to announce our upcoming Research Symposium. It's a fantastic chance for students to dive into the world of science and biomedical research.

What's Happening?

• Educational Experience: The symposium will be the grand finale of our Summer Undergraduate Research Experience internship. High school students will explore scientific posters, hear scientific talks, learn about various science careers through a panel discussion, and meet undergrads who've just completed their research internships.
• Date and Location: It's all happening at The Hormel Institute, 801 16th Ave NW, Austin, MN, on August 1, 2024. Registration starts between 8-9 am, and we wrap up around 5 pm.
• No Cost: There's no charge for high school students to attend. We've got you covered with a complimentary continental breakfast, lunch, drinks, and afternoon snacks. Please note that transportation isn't provided.

What They're Looking For!

They need help to find four students who stand out in biomedical research and would thrive at this event. It's a golden opportunity for those keen on a science career. These students will learn from experts, network with pros, see the latest research, and engage in enlightening discussions.

Nomination Criteria:

1. Passion for Biomedical Research: Students should be interested in scientific exploration, especially biomedical research.
2. Academic Excellence: They're looking for students who shine in their science classes.
3. Leadership Skills: If they're natural leaders at school or in the community, that's a big plus.
4. Your Recommendation: A quick note from you vouching for their fit for this symposium.

Get in Touch

Do you have questions about the nomination process? Need more info? Feel free to reach out to Kelly Vincelette. We're excited about this event and appreciate your help finding students who would benefit the most. Here's to nurturing the next generation of scientists!

Minnesota Department of Education has completed the formal rulemaking process for the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Social Studies. The standards became effective March 11, 2024. They are scheduled for full implementation in the 2026-27 school year. For more information, please visit the Social Studies webpage.

Derek, who has worked at Sumner Elementary for many years, has worked to provide unique experiences for students, including the Bike Mobile, which allows students (who might not otherwise have the opportunity) to learn how to ride a bike and host a Family PE Week. His overarching goal is to empower students to lead physically active lives outside of school by helping them develop fundamental motor skills and providing exposure to as wide a variety of movement experiences as possible through physical education.

SHAPE (Society of Health and Physical Educators) serves as the voice for 200,000+ health and physical education professionals across the United States. Their mission is to advance professional practice and promote research related to health and physical education, physical activity, dance, and sport.

The Minnesota P20 Education Partnership (MNP20) has published its annual report, outlining progress and accomplishments over the past year. MNP20 works toward ensuring a seamless system of education across the state. From hiring its first executive director to strengthening operational growth, MNP20 is focused on strengthening pathways for Minnesotans from early childhood to K-12, to higher education, and into the workforce.

There has also been advancement in four priority projects intended to advance the state's postsecondary attainment goal—to help more Minnesotans complete a postsecondary credential by 2025, while simultaneously working to increase equity, strengthen access, and eliminate success barriers for historically underserved groups. Read more here.

• Recently, the Prep Orchestra traveled to Minnetonka to participate in the MNSOTA Mid-Level Orchestra Festival.
• At the Minneapolis Convention Center, Dori Olana, 9th grade violist, performed with the MNSOTA Mid-Level ALL State Orchestra on Saturday, 2/17. She was 1st chair!
• At the March 7 concert, the Symphony performed Dvorak's famous Fourth Movement of the New World Symphony. They were also joined by the Wind Ensemble performing "Alpenglow," written by Austin's Blake Zimmerli.
• Austin had three "Best in Site" winners at the MSHSL Region 1AA Solo/small-ensemble Contest: Dori Olana, Narwas Zaki, and Pak Jaw Bee Moo.
• Orchestra director Mr. Schott has been invited to perform with the Minnesota Orchestra in April at Orchestra Hall.

As reported in the ADH:

What: Learn more about a construction project to replace and improve Interstate 90 bridges and interchanges in Austin, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Date: Wednesday, March 27

Location: The meeting will be from 5–7 pm at the Austin Public Library, 323 4th Ave. NE, Austin.

Project: Construction is expected to begin in mid-April and finish in the fall of 2026 to replace or repair bridges at six sites along the I-90 corridor in Austin.

The work will include bridges at:

• Oakland Avenue West (Hwy 105),
• replace in 2024 14th Street Northwest (Hwy 218 North),
• replace in 2026 Fourth Street Northwest,
• replace in 2024-2025 I-90 over Cedar River,
• replace in 2024-2025 I-90 over Sixth Street Northeast,
• rehabilitate in 2024-2025 21st Street Northeast (Hwy 218 South), replace in 2026

To learn more about the project, visit the MnDOT project website, where you can also sign up for email and text message updates, review information, and follow up after the meeting.

Did you know that, as an Austin Schools employee, you have access to resources and discounts through MERSC (Minnesota Employee Resource + Service Company)? With special deals and discounts on everything from auto service and sales to restaurants, sports, and travel, MERSC offers Austin's employees the chance to save money and experience some of the best Minnesota has to offer. You can access the program via the staff tab on the APS website or directly at https://mersc.com/.

• Why you should stop texting your kids at school
• How are you, really?
• Balancing Act: Austin freshman golfer has widened her horizons
• School cell phone policy required districtwide in 2025 under new proposal

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 Austin Packer Bulletin (APB) is an external newsletter that is another opportunity for APS to share information with families/caregivers and the greater Austin community. It is an exciting time in the Austin Public Schools, and knowing everyone knows what is happening is essential.

Previous issues can be found here.