August 18, 2022 was an exciting day for Austin Public Schools. The Strengths-focused work that we have been implementing amongst the Leadership Team (during 2021-2022), in partnership with Flourish Consulting LLC, as a part of our strategic plan, was rolled out to four of our building sites. IJ, Ellis, Oakland Education Center, and CLC are the first buildings whose staff will have the opportunity to Know, Own, Show, and Grow their innate talents, in an intentional way.

KNOW - Our staff will gain a basic understanding of their top five Themes, according to the CliftonStrengths® assessment and deepen their awareness of how those talents manifest in observable behaviors. They will be invited to see how they are uniquely wired to serve our students and community.

OWN - Staff will be invited to internalize the value each of their talents bring, accept their innate talents as what is "right" about them, recognize how pairings of Strengths impact behavior, and grow in their capacity to notice how they might be perceived.

SHOW - Staff will learn how to course correct, regulate the timing and intensity of their Strengths, and dig into how their unique "brand" of talents can be an asset in relationships with students, colleagues, and the community.

GROW - As we continue our journey, beyond the 2022-2023 school year, staff will continue to have opportunities to explore the impact of Strengths in their daily lives and relationships. They will be encouraged to take an asset-based approach to collaboration, communication, and navigating conflict and change.

Over the coming years, staff of all building sites will have the opportunity to on-board to this critical development work. Our goal is that the Austin Public Schools staff would acknowledge the unique contribution they can have on the culture. It takes all of us, bringing the very best of ourselves, to impact the growth and development of our students and this community.

Timeline of Austin Public Schools & Flourish Consulting LLC Partnership

2022-2023 - IJ/Ellis/Oakland Education Center/CLC/ABE

2023-2024 - Elementary Sites

2024-2025 - Austin High School

We are partnering with Bethany von Steinbergs, founder of Flourish Consulting LLC, in this important work. Flourish Consulting is a boutique consulting firm dedicated to engaging and developing talent within organizations.

Best Regards,

Dr. Joey Page, Superintendent

Local schools are an important community asset that helps attract new families and new business to our community while also supporting businesses in need of skilled workers. Strong schools mean stronger communities and local economies.

Early voting on the Austin Public Schools operating levy referendum starts next Friday, September 23! You may vote early by absentee ballot or in person. Learn more at https://AccelerateAustin.org/vote ✅

Bonnie Rietz served as Mayor of Austin for ten years (1997 – 2007), city council member for the eight years preceding, and president of three statewide organizations: League of Minnesota Cities, Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, and Minnesota Mayors Association. In these roles, she testified at the State Legislature, traveled the state, and worked with city officials throughout greater Minnesota.

She helped to start Apex Austin, a group of volunteers who work to welcome refugees and immigrants. One of their first projects was the Welcome Center in Austin in 2000, and Bonnie has been involved in welcoming our new neighbors since she arrived in Austin in 1979.

She is Vice-chair of the Hormel Foundation Board of Directors and serves as Co-chair of Apex Austin, Austin Area Drug Task Force, Austin Page Turners, and the Austin ArtWorks Festival. She is involved in several other community groups and projects. She taught French at Riverland Community College for over ten years and received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in 2015. She was named a Pillar of the City in 2019.

Launching our new strategic plan is a community-wide effort. Bonnie reminded us,"... the world has come to our doorstep." We thank her for sharing inspiring leadership and educational experiences with our District Leadership Team.

In this week's APS Alumni Spotlight, we catch up with alumna Caitlin Kaercher. Check it out!

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/aps-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 Woodson Kindergarten Center teacher Julie Wanous.

"Mrs. Wanous goes above and beyond and is always caring, loving, and kind. She is a true role model, not only for the children in her class, but for her fellow coworkers as well."

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/aps-staff-spotlight. It only takes a minute and can truly make someone’s day. Thanks!

Homecoming 2022 is already almost here! Here's a list of the special events taking place next week.

The Homecoming parade is Friday, September 23, starting at 4:00 from AHS. Check out the route below!

APS policies are routinely reviewed and/or revised. These policies provide the governance structure and guidance in school district matters and decisions. The school board recently approved the following:

• 504 - Student Dress and Appearance
• 534 - Unpaid meal charges
• 603 - Curriculum Development
• 604 - Instructional Curriculum
• 605 - Alternative Programs

Please check this site periodically to be sure you have the most current version of any given policy.

• Green files to run again for APS board
• Young: More work to do
• Driven to serve: Austin senior hopes to join the Navy with her brother
• Sister support system: Shutes have learned about work ethic and competition together
• What Is Behind Teenagers’ Mental Health Problems?
• Schools, bus companies installing cameras to catch more lawbreaking drivers

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