To reach crisis support, the United States has transitioned to a new three-digit dialing code, 988. The change is part of a nationwide effort to transition the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (the Lifeline) to a phone number people can more easily remember and access in times of crisis. The shift also includes an online chat feature and a new texting option.

The new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline code will serve as a universal entry point, so people can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help regardless of where they live. Anyone can dial or text 988 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to reach crisis support or to use an online chat feature to connect with crisis support. People can dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one needing crisis support.

For more information, visit Mental Health and Well-being.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joey Page, Superintendent

Austin High School offers exceptional academic opportunities for our students. Concurrent enrollment (CE) and Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) allow our high school students to take college courses while still in high school. Both concurrent enrollment and PSEO provide opportunities for high school students to get a head start on their college education and can SAVE families money on tuition costs.

Students in Austin will have multiple summer opportunities to inspire, empower and accelerate learning while preparing all learners to make a difference in the world.

Extended School Year Opportunities (ESY)

Students who receive special education services may qualify for Extended School Year Services (ESY). Locations of these services will be across the District, and needs for this programming will include needs for teachers and paraprofessionals. For more information, contact Executive Director of Special Services Sheri Willrodt.

Packers in Training

Packers in Training is a unique opportunity for students who have not had a preschool experience to experience what a kindergarten school day is like before the first bell of the year rings. This co-taught opportunity pairs preschool and kindergarten teachers while exploring Woodson Kindergarten Center. We include students who are "slow to warm" if we have room, but our primary objective is those with no preschool. For more information, contact Director of Community Education Jennifer Lawhead.

Targeted Services: Extended Year Programming

Summer School for our incoming 1st-8th graders will start on June 12 this year and run through July 27, with the week off the 4th. Students are identified based on need and with the recommendation of their classroom teacher and support from their families. The curriculum provides students with weekly reading, math, and enrichment activities. We will need teachers interested in working with students entering grades 1st-8th. For more information, contact Principal, Alternative Educational Programs Jessica Cabeen.

ALC: Summer School Programing (credit recovery)

Students in grades 9-12 will be able to attend classes at Austin High School this summer to gain the credits for graduation. Summer School will run from June 12th-July 20th from 8:30-1 pm (no school on July 3rd/4th). Staff decisions are based on student enrollment and staff licensure area. For more information, contact AHS Assistant Principal Allison Gunderson.

New Austin Online Academy Summer Acceleration courses are open to any Minnesota grade 9-12 student. This is an opportunity to complete courses at your own pace, own time, and try courses that complete graduation requirements (health and physical education), which:

• Provides greater flexibility in scheduling during the school year for students
• Allows students to take a course in a virtual format
• Allows families in Minnesota to see what Austin Online can offer during the summer and school year

Austin Online Academy teachers will be available to provide support and feedback throughout the summer term, which will run from June 12th- July 20th (aligned with AHS). Courses are asynchronous, meaning you can go at your own pace, and students will need their own device and access to the internet.

The cost for this new summer programming is $300.00 per course, which is comparable to other virtual school options available to students. Successful course completion will provide students with .5 graduation credits per course.

This is an amazing opportunity for students to experience learning in an online environment (not emergency distance learning).

For more information, contact Principal, Alternative Educational Programs Jessica Cabeen.

Congratulations to the Austin gymnastics team, which had three top-25 finishes at the Class A state gymnastics meet in Roy Wilkins Auditorium Saturday. Kiki Rodriguez took 18th on the floor and 22nd in the vault for the Packers, and Katelynn Klouse finished 23rd on the beam.

The Austin boys swimming and diving team qualified several athletes in multiple events for the state meet at the Section 1A meet in Rochester Saturday.

Austin's qualifiers by event:

• 200-individual medley - Winston Walkup
• 100-backstroke - Winston Walkup & Brent Dahl
• 200-medley relay - Brent Dahl, Winston Walkup, Joey Hilkin, Kenny Cabeen
  
• 100-freestyle - Zach Evenson & Kenny Cabeen
• 200-freestyle - Zach Evenson
• 50-freestyle - Kenny Cabeen
• 100-butterfly - Joey Hilkin
• 500-freestyle - Brent Dahl
• 200-freestyle relay - Zach Evenson, Joey Hilkin, Lucas Myers, Kenny Cabeen
  
• 400-freestyle relay - Zach Evenson, Brent Dahl, Winston Walkup, Lucas Myers
• Diving - Riley Ferguson

Sam Winkels, a sophomore from Austin, is the first underclassman to qualify for the state wrestling championships in a long time. Good luck, Sam!

Austin High School Prom will be held April 29, 2023 in Packer Gym from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM. This will be preceded by the Grand March at 7:00 PM and followed by Post Prom at Echo Lanes from 11:00 PM to 1:00 AM.

Prom 2023 Information and Expectations (en Español)

For more information, please visit our AHS Senior Corner.

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In this week's Alumni Spotlight, we catch up with alumnus Will Bjorndal.

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. Please take a few minutes to complete the quick questionnaire at https://www.austin.k12.mn.us/district-resources/alumni-spotlight regarding your current position and your career trajectory.

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 Neveln Elementary School paraprofessional Paige Wangen.

"[Paige] does so much for the first graders at Neveln and is just an amazing teacher and classroom influence."

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.

Are you interested in having an impact on students' lives? Check out our Employment page to see our current openings!

You can review previous issues here.