#492Happenings - January 24
0422
Dear Staff,
We are writing to provide updated guidance about what to do if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents come to your school building. Recent changes at the federal level require us to review and clarify our protocols to ensure we prioritize student safety and uphold their legal rights.
Under a recent Executive Order issued during President Trump's administration, schools and churches are no longer classified as "protected areas." Immigration authorities are no longer restricted from conducting enforcement actions on school property. While this change is concerning, our commitment to protecting our students remains steadfast.
Immediate Actions if ICE Comes to Your Building:
- Ask for Identification:
- Politely ask ICE agents to provide official identification. Make a copy of their ID.
- Escort Agents to the Building Administrator's Office or Conference Room:
- Escort the ICE agents to the building administrator's office or conference room to wait. Share all available details with the building administrator, such as the agents' names, the purpose of their visit, and any documents they provide.
- Request Documentation:
- Politely ask ICE agents to provide legal documentation, such as a warrant or subpoena. Do not attempt to validate or interpret the official documents yourself.
- Contact District Office:
- The building administrator must immediately notify the District Office. No action should be taken until the administration and legal counsel have reviewed the request and provided guidance.
- Follow Policy 519:
- District Policy 519 outlines strict procedures for handling requests from outside agencies, including immigration authorities:
- Interviews with Students: In general, the District does not allow outside agencies, including ICE, to question students during the school day on non-school-related matters.
- An exception should be made when ICE has a court-ordered warrant or subpoena for a student or other person signed by a federal or state judge (which is different from an administrative warrant or subpoena that a judge has not signed) or in the rare circumstance that an ICE agent states there are exigent circumstances (such as some sort of urgent national security or public safety threat).
- Student Rights: Students have the right against self-incrimination and do not need to provide any information that would establish their residency status.
- Review of Legal Documentation:
- Administration and district legal counsel will thoroughly review any court order, warrant, or subpoena to ensure it complies with all applicable laws and to determine the appropriate response.
- Request for Information about Students:
- Both state and federal law prohibit staff from releasing most student information without parental consent or a valid court order signed by a judge; this includes, but is not limited to, a student's immigration status and address. Check with the District Office before releasing student information.
- Ensure Student Safety and Privacy and Avoid Disruption:
- Keep students from the area where ICE agents are present and maintain normal routines to avoid disruptions.
- Refrain from discussing the situation with students, parents, or media unless directed by the District.
- Keep Notes of Incident:
- Keep notes of the date/time, names and titles of the agents, the name of the student they are inquiring about, and any other pertinent information.
Communication with Families/Caregivers:
If an ICE incident occurs, the District will manage all communication with families/caregivers to ensure accurate and consistent messaging. This is critical to maintain trust and transparency while protecting students' rights.
Staff Preparation:
To prepare for potential situations, we will provide training on your roles and responsibilities under Policy 519 and strategies for responding to situations involving ICE.
We understand that this change in federal policy may create concern among our staff, students, and families. We are committed to protecting every student's right to a safe and supportive educational environment. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please get in touch with your building administrator or the District Office.
Thank you for your dedication and vigilance in ensuring the safety and well-being of our students.
Dr. Joey Page, Superintendent
We want to connect current federal actions to local protections that align with the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA). The MHRA provides some of the strongest protections against discrimination in the country, going beyond federal laws like the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. It's designed to ensure fairness and equity for everyone in Minnesota, including students and school staff.
How the MHRA Protects Students and Staff
More Protected Categories
The MHRA prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, gender, disability, and national origin, similar to federal laws. However, it also includes additional protections for gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, and public assistance status, ensuring comprehensive coverage for individuals from all backgrounds.
Applies to All Schools
Unlike federal protections, which often apply only to schools receiving federal funding, the MHRA covers all educational institutions in Minnesota, public or private, guaranteeing consistent protections statewide.
Protection for Small-Scale Issues
Federal laws sometimes have thresholds; the MHRA has no such limits, extending its protections to smaller settings that federal laws might overlook.
Broader Disability Protections
While federal laws like the ADA and Section 504 offer protections, the MHRA often goes further by requiring stronger accommodations and ensuring full accessibility in schools and activities.
Strong Public Accommodations Protections
The MHRA ensures that all students can fully participate in school activities, including clubs, sports, and events, without facing discrimination, even in areas where federal laws might not explicitly provide coverage.
Enforcement Through the State
If a student, family member, or staff member believes they've experienced discrimination, they can file a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR). The MDHR investigates these complaints and works to resolve issues quickly and effectively at the state level, often offering a more accessible option than federal processes.
The MHRA's expanded protections and state-level enforcement demonstrate Minnesota's commitment to ensuring a safe and equitable environment for all students and staff. If you have questions or need support, feel free to ask. I recommend checking out our Well-Being resource page for more information.
Registration for the 2025-26 school year at Austin Public Schools is underway! Throughout the next few months, we are focused on making this process as straightforward as possible, highlighting the opportunities that make APS an exciting place to learn and grow.
This year, our district is highlighting the purpose and benefits of the Packer Profile, which has become a cornerstone of our curriculum and the student experience at APS. Rooted in our community's shared vision for every APS graduate – a responsible, resilient, learner, communicator, and contributor – the Packer Profile is a comprehensive framework designed to ensure all learners are prepared for life after graduation.
This past fall, APS launched the Packer Profile seminar for 9th graders, fulfilling the Minnesota Statute 120B.125 requirement for 9th-grade students to access a Personal Learning Plan. The Packer Profile seminar course supports our 9th graders through the often challenging transition from middle to high school. It empowers them with the academic, social, and soft skills needed to thrive well into their futures. Upon completing the full-year course, each student will have built a portfolio documenting their growth, earned an elective credit toward graduation, and started to chart their path through high school and beyond.
Families and caregivers with students entering kindergarten will find the registration process aligned with this year's transition back to K-4 neighborhood schools. This change has brought some of our youngest learners closer to home, fostering stronger community ties and a sense of belonging from day one.
Another change is on the horizon for the fall of 2025: IJ Holton Intermediate School will adopt a different instructional schedule. This transition will provide a more consistent and supportive learning environment for our 5th and 6th graders, promoting deeper connections between students and teachers. In the months ahead, APS staff and leadership will work diligently to ensure a smooth transition for all students and families involved. Learn more here.
Looking ahead, our district will continue emphasizing attendance as a critical factor affecting student success. The link between attendance and academic performance is undeniable; more on that in the next section. Research shows that students with consistent attendance are more likely to earn higher grades, develop meaningful relationships, and stay on track for graduation. With a new year before us, I encourage families to prioritize attendance and reach out if barriers arise. APS is here to support you with resources and partnerships that can address challenges like transportation, health needs, or other concerns.
By working together as a team—educators, staff, and school leaders—we can ensure a strong finish to this school year while building a solid foundation for the next. For details on the registration process, the Packer Profile Seminar, K-4 neighborhood schools, IJ Holton, or attendance, visit austin.k12.mn.us. As a reminder, our district’s long-term strategic plan is available at AccelerateAustin.org.
I appreciate all you do.
During the 2024-2025 school year, the EL department has made significant progress in addressing recommendations from the EL Program Review conducted in 2023-2024 by the University of Minnesota-CAREI. The newly established EL Leadership Team has updated the Language Instructional Education Program (LIEP) Plan for APS, focusing on providing targeted resources for staff, students, and families. The updated LIEP Plan, currently in its final editing stages, will be implemented for the 2025-2026 school year. It emphasizes leveled EL support tailored to student's needs as they progress in English acquisition.
APS hosted an informational parent meeting in November to enhance communication with families of multilingual students in the EL program. Additionally, the AHS EL staff has been piloting Talking Points, a new tool designed to facilitate two-way communication with EL families.
At the secondary level (grades 7-12), staff have participated in High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) training during monthly professional development sessions to strengthen their instructional strategies for supporting EL students in the classroom. For grades K-6, similar training will begin next year, following the completion of the OL&LA (Read Act) training, which also includes embedded EL strategies.
An update on the progress of the EL department, including these initiatives, was also presented to the School Board on January 13.
The annual Mower County CEO class business for 2024-2025 is "Local Legends," a night of music featuring local musicians Martin Zellar, Molly Kate Kestner, and Riley Olson. The show is scheduled for Friday, February 21, beginning at 6:30 PM in AHS Knowlton Auditorium. Tickets start at $30 and all proceeds will benefit the CEO program.
There will also be a silent auction in the commons right outside Knowlton Auditorium with winners being announced during intermission.
Doors open at 6:00 PM for this amazing concert experience, so make sure you get your tickets today!
The Austin Public Education Foundation is pleased to announce that the 2025-2026 APEF Instructional and Building Grants submission window is now open. Visit the foundation website to submit your online application. Last year, they awarded over $100,000 in grants, supporting various impactful projects! They are eager to help you bring innovative ideas and resources to your classroom, grade level, or building.
Grade K-5 Help Kids Make Friends and Interact Safely Online – Soon after kids start reading and writing, they often begin interacting with others online. Kids need the skills to interact respectfully, whether chatting in games or texting family members. These skills will help kids -- and the people they're communicating with -- have positive experiences online. Click here.
Grade 6-12 Help Kids Make Friends and Interact Safely Online - Many kids' social lives happen online. Middle and high schoolers can learn to communicate safely and healthily, whether texting with their study group, flirting on social media, or voice-chatting on game platforms. These skills will help kids -- and the people they're communicating with -- have positive experiences online. Click here.
Are you ready to take your teaching to the next level? Join us for an evening of peer-to-peer professional development on Wednesday, February 26, from 4:30 to 7:30 pm.
What to Expect: Expert-Led Sessions: Learn from experienced educators and industry professionals. Topics include AI, STEM integration, renewable energy education, and more.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with colleagues from across the region and build lasting relationships.
Dinner: Enjoy a complimentary meal while you learn and network.
CEUs: Earn valuable continuing education units to advance your career.
Who Should Attend: Early childhood and K-12 teachers and staff, future educators in high school and college pathway programs, post-secondary faculty, and industry professionals
RSVP today! Space is limited, so be sure to register early. This event is free for STEM Forward participating members and their staff.
We communicate this deadline each year to ensure we conclude our spending on time.
- Please ensure all 2024-2025 fiscal year purchase orders have been entered into Skyward by Friday, April 25, 2025.
All purchases should be sent through the purchase order system for pre-approval and budget verification. Please create the purchase orders before making the purchase, and if you happen to make an error and make a purchase without the PO, please enter the purchase order right away so there is time to cancel the order if necessary.
- All supplies, goods, and services are expected to be received (grant-related, supply budget, etc.) by Friday, May 23, 2025.
Please contact Amy Hauser with any details and questions about late purchases needed.
- To boost kids' reading, Minnesota schools start to shift the way they teach
- READ Act millions didn't close education funding gap, administrators say
- Trump won't ban immigration arrests at school. Some families are now weighing school attendance
- Minnesota AG says office will not enforce federal immigration laws as DOJ threatens to prosecute officials who resist
