Latest news with #AustinPublicSchools
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
UPDATE: APS cancels last day at Ellis, IJ over 'potential safety concern;' AHS graduation unaffected
May 30—Due to what was termed as a "potential safety concern," at Ellis Middle School, the Austin Public Schools District has made the decision to cancel the last day of school for both Ellis Middle School and IJ Holton Intermediate School. In a letter to district parents, Superintendent Dr. Joey Page made the announcement early Friday morning. "Due to the timing of this report and our need to fully assess the situation, we have made the decision to cancel the last day of school for Ellis Middle School students," Page explained in the letter. "Additionally, IJ Holton, due to its close proximity to Ellis, will also be closed to students." Citing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Page said he was unable to go into details regarding the situation saying only that the district was working with law enforcement to investigate the threat's nature and that it is "taking every precaution to ensure the safety of our community." "All threats of violence — even those made in jest — are taken seriously and may result in student discipline, including possible expulsion and involvement of law enforcement," Page's letter said. However, later in the day on Friday, Page confirmed that the report of a possible safety threat had come in late Thursday evening. Austin Police Chief David McKichan confirmed that the district had reached out to the Austin Police Department, which continues to look into the threat. "Austin Public Schools received information about a potential safety concern involving students at Ellis Middle School. They did contact us to investigate, and that investigation is ongoing," McKichan said in a statement. "We do have two School Resource Officers (SRO) assigned to the school district. One of those is dedicated to the Ellis/IJH joint campus and is assigned this case. The other SRO, and any of our other staff, would of course assist as needed." Page has said that this incident had no bearing on Austin High School's commencement which took place as planned Friday night. The letter ended with Page urging parents or their students that if they hear of any threats to call 911 to report it.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
EDITORIAL: APS work will need to be done together
May 30—In a week that included yet another lengthy conversation regarding morale issues in the Austin Public Schools District it's worth remembering that this is not just a light-switch moment. It's clear there is a problem within the district, made painfully obvious at times through meetings and community discussions, and by now we're all pretty familiar with what many of these more important issues are. Teachers are feeling stressed, overwhelmed and that their voices are not being heard when it comes to these concerns. While the catalyst can be traced to involuntary teacher shifts within the district, the processes behind the current situation are branching off into other facets. Conversations within the district on how to better the situation are being shaded by frustration and impatience both within the district and in the community. It's an understandable reaction, as human beings as a species often tend to be impatient during a time where we have become used to having things at our fingertips. But underneath it all, it has to be realized by all sides that this is not a quick fix. Just as its been claimed that this has been simmering for at least a year, it will be equally long-lived in finding answers. That's an idea that's not likely to be popular, but that is the reality, despite some easy fixes that some might see out there. People want change now. They want to know that their kids are getting a quality education in an encouraging environment devoid of distractions. But this can't be a quick conversation, nor can it be an easy fix because in order to truly repair the damage, anything fixed has got to last. This can't be something that persists like an open wound. In order to do this, however, there has got to be transparency in the process. Yes, there will be some things that will require closed meetings, dictated by law, but any time the district can, it will need to be open and welcoming in its conversations. This past Tuesday, during its work session, there were indications this is heading in the right direction as board members and administration discussed viable ideas that could go a long ways in mending the issue at stake. But there is a responsibility by the public as well. It is bolstering that so many have taken interest in this issue. Naturally, they want to see this whole thing resolved, but we urge them to keep their eye on the prize. It is important to voice concerns and to question, but this is an issue that requires all voices to work collectively and committed. As we've stated, there is not one answer that fixes all types of scenarios to any of this. School board member Dan Zielke was exactly right that all parties need to be wary of pointing fingers, "because there are three more pointed back at you." Introducing factors that have little bearing on the issue at hand only invites complication for a matter that is plenty complicated on its own. We believe the district will get through this, one way or another. But how it does it is as important as the final fix itself. Hands have to be shaken in order to find resolution and the motivating factor has got to be the benefit of the students. There is no doubt that this is a charged situation and it will continue to be charged for some time to come. There will have to be some give and take by both sides, but we can go a long way in building confidence if we are willing to understand and accept that this will not be an overnight fix. By working together and openly as one community we can get to a lasting fix that will benefit it all.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
AHS senior claims both first place and Best in Show in Junior Duck Stamp competition
Apr. 9—As a sophomore, Austin High School's Callie Hillman won third place in the Federal Junior Duck Stamp competition for Minnesota. A year later she came in second. There's only one way to take the trend from there and Hillman did it in a big way. This year, Hillman not only closed in first place in the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's Junior Duck Stamp competition for Minnesota, she was also awarded Best in Show making her eligible to compete in the National Junior Duck Stamp Competition. While she's not the first student from Austin Public Schools to win first place, she is the first to claim both prizes. "I was surprised. I really didn't think I could win," Hillman said. "It showed that all of my hard work paid off. It was my goal all year to at least get the chance to compete at the national level." Hillman's winning artwork is of a pair of mallards standing in a patch of grass titled "Morning on the Lakeside." She chose the mallards because of how common and recognizable they are to the state of Minnesota. At the same time Junior Duck Stamp has been an opportunity for Hillman to combine things she really enjoys: art and nature, while supporting what the Duck Stamp represents. "I like seeing the wildlife and I like how it promotes the preservation of wetlands," Hillman said. Hillman's art teacher, Jake Levisen, said that it's been fun watching Hillman build and advance her talents to the point that she is the first Austin student to win both awards in the annual contest. Levisen, who has finished second in the Duck Stamp competition, noted just how hard she works to advance her techniques including the time she puts in, which in this case was around six hours worth of work. "Cassie always asks what's next. She's always up for the challenge," Levisen said, later adding: "I just want to emphasize just how proud I am with the amount of work she puts into her artwork." While her art remains an enjoyable outlet for Hillman, who is looking at studying animal science in college, the image she captured is a simple vision of the beauty of Minnesota wildlife. "It's a duck everybody knows and is really common around Minnesota," she said. "It's basic, but still really pretty." The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program works to teach wetland and waterfowl conservation to students taking part, which ranges from kindergarten through high school. The national winner will serve as the design for the Junior Duck Stamp, which is produced annually by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Sold for $5, revenue generated goes toward supporting the recognition and environmental education activities for students participating in the program.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Austin PS welcomes new elementary SPED supervisor
Apr. 8—The Austin Public Schools Special Services department hired Pam Anfinson as the district's new Elementary Special Education Supervisor. "Austin Public Schools is excited to welcome Pam Anfinson back to the district as Elementary Special Education Supervisor," said Executive Director of Special Services Sheri Willrodt. "Pam was a long-time teacher and special education leader in our district prior to leaving the district three years ago to gain administrative experience. She will be a great asset to our elementary team." Anfinson has worked in special education for more than 20 years, most recently as the director of Early Learning for Albert Lea Public Schools. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), a Master of Education in Math & Science, and a Director of Special Education Specialist in Educational Leadership Administrative License from Minnesota State University Moorhead. "I am deeply grateful to the Austin School District for providing me with the opportunity to continue pursuing my passion for Special Education," said Anfinson. "I am excited to extend my commitment to supporting our elementary students and staff. By prioritizing open communication and collaboration, I aim to foster a nurturing and inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and heard. It is truly an honor to serve as the Elementary Special Education Supervisor for Austin Public Schools. I look forward to building meaningful, lasting relationships with the dedicated staff, students, and families in this wonderful community. Together, we will continue to create an environment where all children have the opportunity to thrive."
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Austin High School science teacher named RET fellow
Mar. 21—Austin High School science teacher Robin DeGlavin has been selected to be a part of the 2025 Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program. According to a press release from Austin Public Schools Friday afternoon, RET is an innovative program developed by the Mayo Clinic aimed at connecting researchers with local teachers interested in integrating lessons on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare into their classrooms. Participants, known as fellows, will be paired with a mentor to gain hands-on experience in AI-related healthcare research for 50% of the program. The remaining 50% will be devoted to curriculum development in collaboration with Mayo Clinic education experts, attending weekly presentations, and engaging with peer educators. "I am excited to partner with Mayo Clinic for this unique research opportunity," DeGlavin said. "I am confident this research will have a direct impact on equipping Austin High School science students with valuable skills that will be transferable beyond high school. I look forward to learning as much as I can through this opportunity." Fellows will work to integrate their curriculum development sessions, research experiences, and lessons learned from seminars and other engagements into a curriculum plan to use in the 2025-2026 school year. "This program aligns perfectly with our district's priorities outlined in the Packer Profile, especially in fostering career pathways, meaningful learning experiences, and providing opportunities for professional growth," said Austin High School principal Matt Schmit. "The knowledge and skills Robin will gain through this experience will positively impact our high school students and programs." Following the eight-week intensive summer portion, program leadership will contact fellows throughout the year via surveys, calls, and site visits to address challenges and provide support. "Thanks to Mayo Clinic's continued support into the 2025-26 school year, this experience will introduce cutting-edge technologies like AI into our classrooms, enriching instruction and creating new student opportunities," said Austin superintendent Dr. Joey Page. "We're eager to see the impact of the innovations Robin will bring to our students and teachers."
