Austin Packer Bulletin

This is Part 3 of a three-part newsletter series on student well-being. Please refer back to previous newsletter editions for Parts 1 and 2.

Greater connectedness is essential for students affected by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). As a reminder, ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, that can have long-term effects on mental health, behavior, and academic performance.

The pattern has stayed consistent since 2022. Students are telling us they generally feel safe at school and are learning during the day, which matters. But they’re also telling us something deeper: many still struggle with confidence, identity, and feeling that adults in their world truly know them and care about them.

That’s not a school problem. That’s a community opportunity. Young people build belief through everyday moments, a neighbor asking how practice went, a coach noticing effort, a mentor talking about careers, a family friend checking in after a tough week. Schools lay the foundation, but belonging grows across an entire community.

If we want stronger outcomes, we don’t need one more program; we need more people. When students are surrounded by consistent encouragement, at home, at work, at activities, and in the community, their confidence rises, and learning follows. This work succeeds when every student can point to several adults, not just one, who show up for them.

At APS, we strive to create a safe and welcoming school environment where every student receives the support they need to thrive. By serving our students in their formative years, our K-4 elementary schools strengthen student well-being in several key ways:

• Connection to Community: By attending school close to home, students experience a greater sense of belonging and connection. Neighborhood schools also promote close relationships between students, teachers, and staff. This sense of community helps students, particularly those impacted by ACEs, feel emotionally supported and secure in their learning environment.
• Collaboration with Families/Caregivers: Our neighborhood schools also foster stronger family engagement, allowing parents/caregivers to partner more closely with teachers to support their child’s well-being and academic progress.
• Individualized Attention: Because teachers in neighborhood schools know their students and families/caregivers well, they are better equipped to identify those who may be struggling and to use our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework to respond with the right level of support at the right time.
• Successful Implementation of BARR: Alongside the stronger sense of connection created by our neighborhood schools, the Building Assets, Reducing Risks (BARR) program is a key part of how we support students impacted by ACEs within our MTSS framework. BARR strengthens relationships between students and staff and helps teams identify concerns early, allowing for timely, coordinated support. The program now serves students in grades 5–10 and remains a key focus area as we work to improve outcomes.
• The Packer Profile: The Packer Profile strengthens our focus on each student’s individual strengths across the district and supports confidence and resilience, particularly for students impacted by ACEs. Now in its second year, the ninth-grade Seminar is designed to support students as they begin high school by building academic, social, and soft skills aligned with our Packer Core Values. The seminar emphasizes organization, time management, self-advocacy, study skills, digital literacy, four-year planning, career exploration, community service, and the development of personal strengths, while helping students build their Packer Portfolio for success in high school and beyond.
• The Role of Community Partnerships: Our commitment to creating a safe and supportive learning environment extends beyond the classroom. We are fortunate to collaborate with numerous community organizations that play a key role in supporting student and family/caregiver well-being. Partners such as Austin Aspires, APAC, United Way of Mower County, Hometown Food Security Project, and the Parenting Resource Center provide crucial resources that support students and families facing the challenges of ACEs.

These partnerships enable us to offer additional services addressing food insecurity, parenting resources, mental health support, and academic enrichment. Working hand-in-hand with these community organizations strengthens our ability to ensure that every student has access to the support they need to succeed.

Our focus on student well-being and connection, along with our commitment to providing safe, supportive school environments, helps us advance our mission to inspire, empower, and accelerate student learning. By partnering with our community to ensure every student feels seen, heard, and valued, we are fostering the Packer Profile characteristics we hope to see in every APS graduate: Responsible, Resilient, Learner, Communicator, and Contributor. This is how we fulfill our vision of preparing every learner to make a difference in the world.

Thank you for taking the time to engage with this ongoing series on student well-being. We will continue to share what we’re learning and the steps we’re taking, alongside our community, to address ACEs and improve outcomes for all students.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joey Page, Superintendent

We are proud to celebrate Public Schools Week! Taking place February 23-27, this week provides an opportunity to reflect on the essential role public education plays in shaping the future of our children, our community, and our nation. It also gives us a chance to express our gratitude for the dedicated educators and staff who make it all possible.

The individuals who serve our schools work tirelessly to ensure every student receives the academic, social, and emotional support they need to succeed. Their commitment, creativity, and care make a meaningful difference in our students' lives each day, and we are deeply thankful for their efforts.

Here in the Austin Public Schools, there is so much to celebrate.

Public schools are strongest when they are supported by the communities they serve, and we are fortunate to partner with community members and families/caregivers who care deeply about education. Your involvement, whether supporting learning at home, in the community, communicating with teachers/staff, or participating in school activities, plays a vital role in student success and strengthens our schools.

As we celebrate Public Schools Week, let us continue working together to ensure our schools remain strong, welcoming, and prepared to serve future generations. Thank you for your continued support of Austin Public Schools and public education.

Thank you, staff, for the many ways you support students, families/caregivers, and one another.

The City of Austin has the opportunity to add more substitute Crossing Guards. These individuals are an essential part of providing for the safety of our youth to and from school.

The hours for this position would be from 7:00-8:00 am and then 2:00-3:00 pm each day school is in session during the regular school year. Starting pay is about $13.00/hr.

The 4 school crossings are listed below and you would be a substitute to cover any of these 4 spots in the case that a permanent guard would need time off.

BANFIELD

Oakland Avenue W at 15th Street

12th Street SW at 3rd Avenue

SUMNER

4th Street NW at 7th Avenue

SOUTHGATE

12th Street SW at 19th Avenue

If you are interested in becoming a substitute Crossing Guard, please stop by the City of Austin office located at 500 4th Ave NE or call 507-437-9940 and tell them you are interested in applying for the Crossing Guard position.

Thank you for helping make our venues safe and welcoming for everyone. Our events don’t run without the work of site supervisors, ticket sellers and takers, table workers, concessions teams, and security staff.

Last Friday, the Austin High School Concert Choir, directed by Kalle Akkerman, performed at the Minnesota Music Educators’ Association (MMEA) Conference, an honor reserved for only a small number of ensembles statewide. Their performance adds to a strong Austin tradition, with multiple district groups selected to perform at the conference in recent years.

Check out some pictures from the show, and make plans to come on out and see it this weekend!

Get ready for a fun, interactive night inspired by your favorite TV game shows—right here in Austin at the newly renovated Paramount Theater. Audience members may be randomly selected to join the action on stage, or you can sit back, cheer, and enjoy the show from your seat.

Whether you’re competing or just along for the laughs, this is an evening of entertainment you won’t want to miss.

Get your tickets here: https://www.austinareaarts.org/paramount-events

A New Way to Stay Connected: The Austin Packer Bulletin Podcast.

It's time for another Packercast! In this episode, we sit down with IJ Holton Dean of Students Dave Brown.

https://tinyurl.com/Packercast0315

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 Southgate Elementary School EL Teacher Marianne Davidson.

"Marianne consistently goes above and beyond to support her EL students, finding creative ways to meet their individual needs. She is a tireless advocate for students who may not always have a voice, ensuring they feel valued and supported both in and out of the classroom.'

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!

Parents and community members, join us on Wednesday, February 25th, at 5:15 pm in the Austin Public Library Meeting Room, 323 4th Ave NE, to learn how to get involved in this long-standing Austin tradition.

If you can't attend but want to be involved, please get in touch with the co-chairs:
monicaslillis@gmail.com or kathy.ewing@austin.k12mn.us

The Project Graduation celebration has been held annually since 1989. The event allows AHS, AOA, ALC, and Pacelli SENIORS to celebrate together in a safe and fun environment. This year's Project Grad will be held at Austin High School on May 29th, following graduation. The event requires many volunteers on the night and into the morning.

Parents and community members do not need to have a senior to be involved; volunteering time when students are in 7th-11th grade helps ensure the celebration continues each year. Parents of seniors are welcome to help; they will see firsthand the fun experiences their seniors have with friends.

Ways to get involved include helping deliver donation request letters/donations, chairing an event/space at the party, or signing up to work a shift that night.

We look forward to seeing you.

SAVE THE DATE: July 13, 2026, at Austin Country Club

Austin Public Education Foundation invites you to join us for an afternoon of golf in support of education in Austin Public Schools. Register here.

If you're a Minnesota homeowner, you may qualify for a Property Tax Refund. The refund provides property tax relief depending on your income and property taxes. For details, visit here.

Reminder for Renters!

Starting in 2024, you claim and get the Renter's Credit as part of your income tax return. You no longer file a Renter’s Property Tax Refund return (Form M1PR). For details, visit Renter’s Credit.

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

• March 6 – 11:30 am-12:00 pm
• April 30 – 7:30-8:00 am
• May 26 – 7:30-8:00 am

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

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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.

The Austin Packer Bulletin (APB) is an award-winning external newsletter that provides another opportunity for APS to share information with families/caregivers and the greater Austin community. It is an exciting time in the Austin Public Schools, and keeping everyone informed about what is happening is essential. You can review previous issues here.

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