September News Letter 2026

Dear Austin High School Community,

Dear AHS Families,

We are three weeks into the school year, and it already feels like we've built real momentum. The energy in the building has been outstanding and staff are thrilled to have students back, and you can feel it in the hallways every day.

One of the highlights so far was our first pep fest, where our choir director and a group of students taught the entire student body the AHS fight song. Hearing the whole gym learn it together was a great reminder of what school spirit is all about and a good example of the kind of habit-building we talk about often: something small, done together, that becomes part of who we are.

We also want to recognize a group of students who spent part of their summer planning fun events for their classmates this year. Their work behind the scenes is already paying off, and it's exactly the kind of student ownership we love to see - students stepping up because they see the potential in their school and in each other.

We continue to believe our students are more powerful than they realize, and moments like these, a pep fest, a group of students giving up their summer to plan for their peers are proof of it.

Thank you for trusting us with your student every day. We're looking forward to a great year together.

Just a quick reminder that the MacPhail entrance is not a public entrance to the building. Please have students and staff use one of our designated entrances instead. Thanks so much for helping us keep this consistent — it makes a big difference for building security and knowing who's coming and going.

• AHS Sophomores and all ALC students will be attending the 2026 CareerQuest Fair the morning of September 18th along with students from across the region. This isn't your ordinary career fair, it's a chance for students to visit interactive displays in all career cluster areas and learn about their options for career paths.
• The career pathway center is available to students to find information regarding volunteer hours, job shadow, career pathway exploration, college exploration, scholarship, and much more. If you have questions please reach out to Jane Bumgarner. The career pathway center is located next to the media center on the first floor.
• With our activities in full swing, Austin High School Students have plenty of opportunity to connect their extra-curriculars with their Packer Profile Portfolio to show their evidence of learning after the school day ends.

As we navigate through the academic year's end, I wanted to emphasize the critical importance of regular attendance to parents and students. Attendance is not just about showing up physically; it's about active participation and engagement in the learning process.

Here are a few key points to consider regarding attendance:

• Academic Success: Regular attendance is strongly correlated with academic success. When students attend class consistently, they have more opportunities to engage with the material, ask questions, and participate in discussions. This active involvement leads to better comprehension and retention of the subject matter, ultimately contributing to higher grades and improved academic performance.

• Building Habits: Attending school regularly helps students develop crucial habits that will serve them well throughout their lives. Whether it's meeting deadlines, managing time effectively, or showing commitment to their responsibilities, these habits are essential for success in both academic and professional settings.

• Preparation for the Future: Consistent attendance is not only important for succeeding in school but also for preparing students for the future. Employers and colleges often value punctuality and reliability, qualities that are reinforced through regular attendance. By attending school consistently, students demonstrate their commitment to their education and their readiness to take on future challenges.

Digital Hall Passes & Weight Room Update

We’re keeping our digital hall pass system going this school year. It’s been a great tool for keeping hallways clear, cutting down on class disruptions, and making sure everyone is where they need to be.

Over in athletics, our partnership with ETS continues strong. Our certified strength coach is right here on campus, working directly with our Austin Packers. Plus, our athletes are making full use of the newly renovated weight room thanks to the Adam Thielen Foundation!

To learn more about the Packer Profile and the district’s long-term strategic plan, please visit AccelerateAustin.org.

September 7, 2026 - No School - Labor Day

September 11: HOCO Kick-off Assembly (afternoon)

September 14-19: HOMECOMING WEEK

- 9/15: Announce HOCO 2026 Court (morning)

- 9/16: Battle of Connects

- 9/17: Distinguished Alumni & Coronation; HOCO Bonfire 8:45pm

- 9/18: Closing Pep Fest (afternoon), Parade, Football Game vs. Worthington 7pm

- 9/19: HOCO Dance 8-10pm

September 28, 2026 - No School - Staff Development

October 8, 2026 - Picture Re-Take Day

October 14, 2026 - No School - Staff Development

October 15, 2026 - No School - MEA

October 16, 2026 - No School - MEA

October 23, 2026 - End of Quarter 1

The Austin Public Schools have placed a $24.9 million bond referendum on the November 3 ballot.

The proposed funding would address identified facility needs across the District, including:

• Improving safety and security

• Increasing accessibility

• Addressing water infiltration

• Updating aging building systems and finishes

• Completing needed repairs to keep the Ellis Middle School pool operational

Community members are encouraged to learn more about the proposal, review project information, and submit questions through the District’s referendum website. #AustinPackers

Learn more or submit a question:

Every student is “college material.” This core belief is the driving idea behind the Office of Higher Education's new program called Direct Admissions. This pilot program will notify graduating high school seniors from selected Minnesota high schools that there are multiple partner colleges and universities that are eager to admit them based on their academic records and their projected graduation date. This program will allow students to apply with confidence, knowing that the "will I get in?" question has already been answered with a "YES!"

Austin is entering its third year of this program! Seniors will receive a letter in October that lists all the colleges and universities they are admitted to next year. All they have to do is apply! Check out the Direct Admissions webpage for more information: Direct Admissions - Austin High School

Austin High School is proud to continue the BARR (Building Assets, Reducing Risks) model for the 26-27 school year. Please check out the link below to see how BARR is working at Austin High.

AHS Families:

School fees are assigned each year at AHS.

Grades 9-12 Yearly Fees Assigned:

• Technology Fee (Laptop use) $30.

Additional fees can be added throughout the years, such as field trips, testing fees, library fines, etc. depending on each student's needs.

If you have not yet done so, please take the time to login to Parent Portal to pay any fees/past due fees.

All fees must be paid before graduation. Fees can be paid in increments.

Fees may be paid online or at the Cashier's window located in the Common's.

We accept cash, checks, or credit card payments.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.