Austin Packer Bulletin - 1/10/2025

I'm excited to highlight another tool we launched this year at Austin Public Schools: SchooLinks, our new college and career readiness platform that helps students develop skills that will serve them long after graduation. This one-stop resource offers a range of tools for students at all grade levels to explore their career interests, connect with industry professionals, discover college options, and locate scholarship opportunities. In addition, students are building their Packer Portfolio on the SchooLinks platform, a digital hub of their growth and accomplishments.

A recent Education Week article highlighted gaps in financial literacy and career readiness among high school graduates. We designed the Packer Profile to fill these gaps, support students as they explore careers, and cultivate the Packer Core Values to become responsible, resilient learners, contributors, and communicators. SchooLinks allows students to apply these values in real-world contexts and add to their Packer Portfolios over time, demonstrating the significance of every skill they develop.

This school year's focus on the power of "Connection" is reflected in the SchooLinks platform. As students at APS consider various career paths, SchooLinks provides opportunities to connect and engage with mentors and advisors, fostering a support network as they pursue their goals. In addition, families and caregivers can access the platform to stay updated on their students' progress, engage in discussions on their goals, and support career exploration at home.

SchooLinks is a meaningful step in realizing our mission to inspire, empower, and accelerate learning for every APS student. To learn more about our strategic vision, please visit AccelerateAustin.org.

Thank you for supporting every student's path to success and lifelong learning.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joey Page, Superintendent

Austin Public Schools proudly recognizes Sheri Willrodt for 28 years of dedicated service to our district. As Sheri prepares to retire, we celebrate her many contributions through various roles, including teacher, coordinator, supervisor, interim director, director, and executive director. Her exceptional leadership and constant commitment to students and staff marked each position.

Sheri often credits the mentors and colleagues who supported and guided her throughout her career, helping shape her path to leadership. Her dedication and impact have left a lasting mark on our schools, and the broader community, and her presence will be deeply missed.

The district will begin a process of identifying the next leader to carry forward the critical work Sheri has advanced, with more details to come. We thank Sheri for her decades of service and wish her the best in retirement. Austin Public Schools is forever grateful for all she has done!

The Finance & Operations Department at Austin Public Schools excels in managing a budget of over $100 million. Their work drives essential services, including payroll, employee benefits, accounting, accounts payable and receivable, fixed asset management, Facility Services, Food & Nutrition Services, and Transportation Services.

It might be cold outside, but we're already planning for Summer!

For students in grades 9-12, summer school provides a vital opportunity for students to stay on track for graduation by participating in credit recovery courses. These courses are designed to deliver academic content using alternative education methods, making the learning process engaging and tailored to individual needs. Daily in-person attendance is expected to ensure consistent progress and support from qualified educators. This focused environment allows students who are currently behind in earning credits toward graduation to catch up and regain confidence in their academic journey.

For students in grades K-8, summer school:

• provides an opportunity for math and reading enrichment, helping students solidify their understanding of key concepts and prepare for the upcoming school year,
• maintains students' engagement, ensuring they gain knowledge and avoid any decline in academic skills over the break,
• focuses on developing critical skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication,
• and offers activities for students to explore and develop their creative abilities from arts to other programs and projects.

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 Neveln Elementary School Special Education teacher Drue Sponheim.

"Mrs. Sponheim is a shining example of what it means to put relationships first both with students and colleagues. She is a great listener and is attentive to needs. Her growth mindset and positivity help to make everyone's day at school enjoyable."

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!

In the latest episode of Wright Here, Right Now: Discover Austin's Podcast, we talked about the state of the district and highlighted some of the amazing programs available to our students.

The City of Austin and Mower County have jointly partnered to develop Comprehensive Plans. This partnership will ensure a unified vision for the City and County into 2045.

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Please join me and a School Board member at the Coffee House on Main, 329 Main Street North, for coffee and conversation.

Dates:

• 1/27
• 2/24
• 3/31
• 4/30

Time:
7:45 AM - 8:30 AM

You can reach me at joey.page@austin.k12.mn.us or call 507-460-1900 to schedule an appointment.

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.

The school district strongly encourages anyone interested to apply to join our teams. Reasonable accommodations are available to access job openings or apply for a job. Click here to learn more.

You can review previous issues here.

Austin Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity. Individuals may report concerns or questions or make a complaint of sex discrimination to the Title IX Coordinator, Sue Stark.