May 2026

Dear Parents and Guardians of Our 5th and 6th Grade Students,

This is such an exciting time for your children and a meaningful moment to reflect on how far they have come. The transition from 4th grade into 5th grade is a significant milestone, and your students have risen to the challenge. They have taken on new responsibilities, worked with multiple teachers, and grown in confidence and independence. Along the way, they have learned to manage more rigorous academic expectations, build stronger friendships, and better understand themselves as learners and individuals.

As your children continue through 6th grade, they are now preparing for another important transition—moving on to middle school and 7th grade. This next step will bring new opportunities, new challenges, and many more chances to grow. Students will encounter new subjects, new people, and increased independence in their learning. While this transition can feel exciting and a bit nerve‑wracking at times, it is also an opportunity for them to continue developing the skills and resilience they have been building over the past few years.

We are incredibly proud of the progress your children have made and grateful for the partnership we share with you in supporting their growth. Please encourage them to take pride in how far they’ve come, remain curious and kind, and continue believing in themselves as they move forward. Also, your child's counselor will be traveling with them to the next grade. I will also continue to be your principal until our students move to Austin High School. Please never hesitate to reach out if you have questions or concerns.

Thank you for your continued support. We wish you and your family a safe, relaxing, and joyful summer.

Sincerely,
Mr. Schara

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Mr. Malo's Shout Out

Dear IJ Holton Families,

I hope you and your children are well. Thank you for your ongoing support in making this school year meaningful for our students — we are grateful for your partnership every step of the way.

Important Announcements Please mark these dates on your calendar.

May 5 & 6 — STAR Reading Test
May 6 — Young Scientists End of Year Celebration
May 11 — 5th Grade Band and Orchestra Concert
May 12 — 6–8th Grade Orchestra Concert
May 13 & 14 — STAR Math Test
May 18 — Choir Fest at AHS (All Day)
May 18 — 5–8 Spring Choir Concert
May 19 — 6th Grade Band Concert
May 20 — 5th Grade YAYA
May 20 — Student Council Field Trip
May 27 — 6th Grade Tours Ellis
May 28 — 1/2 Day — Last Day of School

If you have questions about any event or need assistance, please contact the office or your child’s teacher.

Celebrations from the Week: End-of-the-year events are wonderful reminders of how much our students have grown. This week, we celebrated many accomplishments — creative projects, musical progress, and strong academic strides. Students had the chance to demonstrate learning, show teamwork, and share smiles with classmates and teachers. We’ve had a really great year — let’s finish strong and head into summer with pride in all we’ve achieved.

A Note to Our 6th Graders and Families It has been a pleasure to work with the 6th graders over the last two years. Good luck as you move on to Ellis — we are excited for the opportunities ahead of you. We look forward to watching all you will accomplish in the future, and are grateful to families for the support that helped each student grow.

Thank you for your ongoing support in attending events and encouraging your children each day. We are grateful for the partnership between home and school — it makes a real difference.

We look forward to finishing the year together and continuing our collaboration next year. If you need anything, please reach out.

Mr. Malo

Holton Friends and Families-

It's something unpredictable- But in the end, it's right- I hope you had the time of your life- Green Day

MCA testing is complete. The snow is gone. Winter clothing has been replaced with Spring and Summer wear. Grass has turned green, and the trees are budding. That only means one thing: School is nearing its end. Of course, nearing does not mean over. We still have so much to do. We have 4th graders coming to visit Holton, 6th grade visiting Ellis, our last PBIS Celebration, another Book Fair, STAR Testing, lots of outdoor learning, and so much more.

I must confess. As Dean of Students, this time of year brings mixed emotion. Like everyone, I am excited for summer vacation but sad to see our students go. Knowing how hard they have worked and how important each and every one of them is to our school’s success makes saying goodbye difficult. Yet, exciting as we watch them move on and grow. The excitement that the end of the year brings sometimes overtakes the expectations we have of our students and unwanted behaviors do increase at this time of the year. Please encourage your child to finish the year strong. Don’t let the excitement of the end of the year create an issue that may put a damper on what a great year they have had.

Also, as a reminder, make sure our students follow the district established dress code. According to Policy 504 “Student Dress and Appearance” Appropriate clothing includes, but is not limited to, the following: Students must wear opaque (non-see-through) clothing including both a shirt or equivalent top, a skirt, pants, shorts, or equivalent bottom, and/or a dress. A student’s clothing must cover the front, back, and sides including the student’s private parts and abdomen.

One quick reminder: On the last day of school, students should not bring their backpacks to school. There will be no place for them to be kept.

Lastly, I can’t begin to thank you enough for entrusting your child to us. We are honored and privileged to see your child every day. Every staff member in this building is here because of his or her love of children. I hope your child felt that love every day. It has been an absolutely incredible year! We have seen so much growth in so many ways. As we Watch it count down to the end of the day. I say thank you!

Of course, we still have one month left. I’d be remise if I didn’t remind you that at IJ Holton, we encourage our students to be Respectful, Responsible, Safe, and to Do Their Best! If at any time you have any questions or concerns, please email me david.brown@austin.k12.mn.us or call me at 460-1525. Summer Break, we see you!!

David Brown

IJ Holton Dean of Students

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we approach the last day of school, please note the following important reminders:

Parents will not be allowed to enter the building on the last day of school for photos.
If you would like to take pictures, please do so outside the building.
Students are NOT allowed to bring backpacks on the last day of school.
All medication should be picked up in the nurse's office by the end of the last day, or they will be disposed of.
All Fees should be paid

We wish all of our Holton students and families a safe, restful, and enjoyable summer. We hope you have time to enjoy sunshine, warm weather, water activities, and relaxation—and time to rejuvenate for the upcoming school year.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in the fall!

***LOST AND FOUND

Please remind your child to check the lost and found area. All items will be disposed of after the last day of school.

Warm regards,

IJH Office Staff

Please ensure that all outstanding fees are paid in full by the end of the year,. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

Minnesota School Immunization Law (Statute 121A.15.) requires that all 7th grade students have 2 MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella), a Tdap (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis) booster, a 3 dose Hepatitis B vaccination series, a Meningococcal vaccine, and 2 doses of Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccine or physician’s documentation of Chickenpox disease history before starting school in the fall of 2026. If your child is unable to get vaccinations for medical reasons or if you are conscientiously opposed to immunization, contact the school health office at 507-460-1531. We will provide you with a document that must be completed to receive exemption status.

Thank you,

Kim Taylor, LPN

Building Nurse

Parents and guardians,

We have made it to May and are nearing the end of a wonderful school year. We want to take this opportunity to thank you for sharing your student(s) with us! As the school year ends, there are a few things to highlight.

Between IJ and Ellis, we had 144 students with perfect attendance in the 3rd Quarter. These students’ tireless commitment to attendance does not go unnoticed. We see you!

Students entering 7th grade will have an opportunity to participate in school organized sports. Eligibility to participate requires a sports physical has been completed and is on file with the athletic office. Austin Medical Center offers a free sports clinic every summer; once the date for this is released, we will post it on our social media pages. Sport physicals can also be completed at Mayo Clinic Express Care or various chiropractic offices. For athletes that have already had a sports physical, they are good for 3 years

For our 8th grade students heading to AHS, you will be eligible to start working on your volunteer hours for the Austin Assurance Scholarship starting on June 1. To qualify, students are required to log 50 volunteer hours, and those hours must be an unpaid activity that benefits or is a service to the community. Providing a service for someone with challenges related to age, illness or physical ailments may also be approved. More information about Austin Assurance can be found on their website: https://www.austinassurance.org/volunteer-hours

As we near summer vacation we encourage students to take advantage of various activities offered in our community. Community Education, Austin Aspires, Parks and Rec, and the YMCA offer several opportunities for students to get involved, stay active, and expand their interests over the summer months. If you’re able, please take advantage of these great opportunities! brochure.pdf

We want to remind you that our counseling department loops with our grade level students. Therefore, since Mr. Langreck’s current 8th graders are headed to the high school, he will loop to IJ Holton to become next year’s 5th grade counselor, Mrs. Dickman will become the 6th grade counselor, Mrs. Norby will loop to Ellis as the 7th grade counselor, and Mrs. Oelfke will become the 8th grade counselor. We wish all our families a wonderful summer and look forward to seeing you in the Fall!

Your IJ and Ellis Counselors,

Kayla Dickman [5th grade] 507-460-1533 kayla.dickman@austin.k12.mn.us

Kirstin Norby [6th grade] 507-460-1536 kirstin.norby@austin.k12.mn.us

Lea Oelfke [7th grade] 507-460-1517 lea.oelfke@austin.k12.mn.us

Zackary Langreck [8th grade] 507-460-1513 zachary.langreck@austin.k12.mn.us

Rebecca Gullickson [Social Worker IJ and Ellis] 507-460-1500 x8306 rebecca.gullickson@austin.k12.mn.us

IJ Holton Families,

BARR Strategies

Focus on the whole student.
Provide professional development for teachers, counselors, and administration.
Use BARR’s U-Time Curriculum to foster a climate for learning.
Create a cohort of students.
Hold regular meetings of the cohort teacher teams.
Conduct community connect meetings.
Engage families in student learning.
Engage administrators.

Review of U-Time Sessions in April

4/2/26
Grade 5 Together We Can Build Something Extraordinary The purpose of this lesson is to help students understand that accomplishing extraordinary things requires a variety of skills, talents, and strengths. Students worked in small groups to brainstorm about places that need a team for things to go well.
Grade 6 Groupthink This lesson introduced the concept of groupthink and how it can affect people in different situations. Students were put in groups and given tasks. Later, they reflected on who the major decision-makers were and why others chose to follow their lead.

4/9/26

Grade 5 Going Places The lesson helped students understand that everyone has their own gifts and skills. When we work together, we can accomplish great things. The book, Going Places, was read as part of this lesson to reinforce this idea.
Grade 6 Baby Face This lesson encouraged students to reflect on their memories from a younger age. Students drew a picture of themselves at a young age and wrote descriptors of themselves at that age along with descriptors of themselves now. The lesson concluded with a chance for students to reflect on how they can continue to be “young at heart”.

4/16/26

Grade 5 Limitless Possibilities The students listened to a book about the importance of Ideas; then they had time to work with a partner to figure out creative ways to utilize a classroom object. Finally, they shared their ideas with their classmates.
Grade 6 Dreams Students took time to identify their dreams and write down ways that they can pursue them. They had a chance to share their dreams with a partner and also share the steps needed to pursue their dreams.

4/30/26

Grade 5 Shoot for the Moon and Live Among the Stars Students recognize the individuals who challenge them to grow, as well as those who support them.
Grade 6 BARR Survey Students respond to a survey from the BARR Center. This data is used to better understand the implementation of the BARR model at our school.

BARR Center | Same Students. Same Teachers. Better Results.

https://secure.smore.com/n/sa0nq

Consistent Attendance Matters!

At Austin Public Schools, we know that showing up matters. Consistent attendance is one of the clearest predictors of a student’s success, not only in the classroom, but in life after graduation. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve academically, graduate on time, and find success in college, careers, or both.

Strong attendance also tells us something important: it reflects how connected students and families/caregivers feel to their school community. When attendance drops, whether for specific groups or across the district, it often signals challenges we can help address, including school climate and engagement, as well as social, emotional, or family barriers.

That’s why we’re focused on building schools where students want to be. Through strong instruction, supportive relationships, and programs that care for the whole child, Austin Public Schools is working to ensure every student feels welcome, supported, and ready to learn each day. When students feel that connection, they show up, and when they show up, they succeed.

Please watch our new video about the importance of attendance.

English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6QScFl1yD0

Spanish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN2NBvMfdZw

Safe and welcoming learning environment:

BARR meeting to review strengths and determine next steps in creating Teams for 26-27 school year
CRT met in March. Review of threat assessments and back-up plans for staff absences during emergencies were discussed.
Final student survey (Building wide IGDP goal) to be given to students in May to determine changes from mid-year survey
2 Hour Connect included PBIS expectations in the hallway/classroom/bathrooms and lunchroom. In addition, the spring play Seusical Jr. was livestreamed into the classrooms for student enjoyment. Students who displayed the Packer Core Values were given a PBIS ticket to watch the event live.
6 to 7 tours are scheduled for 5/27 and will include a building tour, Ellis PBIS expectations and introduction to the administrative team
Last CRT meeting for the year is scheduled for 5/25
First 20 Days of school planning committee developed. Currently reviewing past practices to determine next steps. This will include the planning/implementation of a 7th grade orientation day in August (Potential dates: 8/10, 8/17 or 8/18)

Packer Profile for All Learners:

We have started our work with Emily Hovland. She will help coordinate our Career project and our Eagle Bluff trip along with Rod Pesch.
Parent Academic Engagement Event on 3/19. Utilization of Title funds to feed our families. Student performances and department led activities throughout the building. Positive staff/student feedback received. During the 26-27 school year we would like to incorporate this event into an academic day, abbreviate the time frame and expand to include the career project:
Ellis Scheduling Pathways: Ellis Course Pathways.docx

Multi-tiered systems of support:

Dr. Gabrielson/Dr. Cabeen:
ALC/Math intervention work for next year is in full swing:
Still going to have roughly two sections of "core" ALC students who will have a structured Academic Coach class.
Goal planning, LA, SS, Science Support, Social/Emotional learning

We will have a paraprofessional in there full-time to help with the groups.
Student identification process
Urgent Intervention, non-SPED, still figuring out EL.
Some Intervention kids may be considered.
High SGP Fall-Winter
May adjust after Spring scores are in for STAR Assessments
Working on student identification as well and resources.
Reading Intervention pre-planning is complete. This course will be in addition to core content instruction. Students will be enrolled for a full year of services and re-evaluated at the end of each quarter to determine if the level of intensive instruction continues to be necessary.
The proposed LIEP has been reviewed as well as the data pulls to make informed decisions regarding placement for students receiving EL services. Co-Taught sections will be reduced, and content area focus shifts (more math and language arts) are occurring.
6 to 7 special services meetings have occurred to assure an appropriate transition and correct classroom placement for students who qualify for services
7 to 8 special services meetings have occurred to assure correct classroom placement for students who qualify for services
We have approval and finalized the digital music class for next year.
We met with the music department to begin work on new music offerings for the 27/28 school year.
Presidential Awards and NJHS Induction is scheduled for 5/21

Excellence in resource management:

Re-Evaluation of PBIS/STAND for the building for 26-27. Both are stipend positions.
Substitute satisfaction surveys will be sent by May 15. Names/emails have been secured to complete the process