Our strategic plan is a roadmap for the future. We recently used it in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to better understand current, and future workforce development needs in Southeast Minnesota. DEED's collaborative work with the Austin Public Schools is crucial as we implement our comprehensive strategic plan, particularly the Packer Profile.

Southeast & South Central Regional Analyst Amanda O'Connell recently shared a Mower County: Labor Market Update, which can be viewed here.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joey Page, Superintendent

We are providing the opportunity for you to offer the Austin Public Schools feedback with “snapshot data.” Each week, we will open a quick 1-minute survey for you to share your thoughts on the district for the week. These data can generate insights into trends and patterns over time, which can help inform our decision-making and strategic efforts as well help us address concerns and celebrate successes.

Thank you in advance for your time!

On Saturday, March 4, the Science Olympiad team competed at the state tournament at Bethel College in St. Paul. Austin placed in the top 10 in three events:

• Dynamic planet (Claudia McDonald - 9th)
• Astronomy (Claudia McDonald - 4th)
• Scrambler (Liam Mayers - 10th)

Congratulations, all!

We need you! Think about becoming a leader for Link Crew for the 23-24 school year. We need leaders who are ready to commit to welcoming the newest class of AHS next August. By participating, you become an ambassador of AHS, gain leadership skills, and complete volunteer hours that count towards Scarlet Cord and the Austin Assurance Scholarship.

Interested!? You can pick up a paper application from the Counseling Office, Ms. Winter (Rm 356) or Ms. Leffers (Rm. 358), or fill out an electronic application here.

Applications are due by Friday, March 31. Paper copies can be returned to the Counseling Office, Ms. Winter, or Ms. Leffers. Check out the AHS presentation here for more information about Link Crew.

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 Ag Mechanics CDE team who placed 1st in the Region VIII FFA competition on Monday, March 6. Individually, Blake VanPelt and Luke Hansen placed 2nd and 3rd overall. Way to go!

March is Women's History Month. Let us remember the innumerable women who have battled for freedom, equality, and the advancement of humanity, and let us commit ourselves to advance women's status worldwide.

The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in American history. Learn more here.

This week is National School Social Work Week, and we wanted to take a moment to thank all the School Social Workers who work diligently to support our students along the way.

• Hand, foot and mouth disease common in children

• Teens and exercise: What parents need to know
• Can children develop Type 2 diabetes?

In this week's Alumni Spotlight, we catch up with alumna Shannon Ferch.

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 Austin High School Special Education Teacher Jeannie Goodew.

"[Ms. Goodew] is a kind, sweet, and hard-working teacher who has helped a lot of kids through hard times."

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!

• Podcast: Can A.I. Treat Mental Illness?

• Minnesota bill would require personal finance class for all high school students to graduate
• Podcast: Why Are American Teens So Unhappy: How Do We Solve This Crisis
• Schools can know and reach each student

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.