Counseling Office

Austin High School CEEB School Code is 240-125.

The Austin High School Counseling Department is structured to serve students and families by dividing caseloads according to students last name.

Last names beginning with the letter:

• A-E, Sarah Schmit, sarah.schmit@austin.k12.mn.us, 460-1817
• F-Laz, Lynn Keenan, lynn.keenan@austin.k12.mn.us, 460-1813
• Le-Reh, Julie Hale, julie.hale@austin.k12.mn.us, 460-1816
• Rei-Z, Bryce Hoffa, bryce.hoffa@austin.k12.mn.us, 460-1814

Get To Know Your Counseling Department

Mission Statement

All students at Austin High School will be provided the opportunity to continue their challenging education journey in a safe learning environment. Students will be encouraged to view education as a continuing process toward expertise in professional, work, and social skills and to develop their individual talents and abilities to their fullest potential. The staff at Austin High School will work with parents and the larger Austin community to provide the resources necessary to enable students to be the best that they can be.

Our intention is to build confident, responsible, lifelong learners working towards Academic, Social, Emotional and Post-Secondary Career Readiness success.

AHS School Profile

Important Dates and Information

9th Grade Welcome Meeting

October is College Knowledge Month.

Minnesota National College Fair

The Minneapolis National College Fair will be held in-person on October 5^th and 6^th at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The Minnesota National Fair is one of the largest fairs of its kind and annually attracts representatives from over 300 different colleges and universities. The event also includes workshops on such topics as financial aid, writing application essays, and comparing college options.  This National College Fair is free and open to the public.  Register now at https://www.nacacattend.org/fairs.

Financial Aid Night

A representative from Riverland Community College will be joining Austin High School to share information about post-secondary financial aid and resources.  This session is scheduled for Wednesday, October 5th at 6:00 p.m.  The meeting will take place in Knowlton Auditorium.

Financial Aid Information Night Presentation Recording
Financial Aid Information Night Slide Deck

PSAT Test (Optional)

On Wednesday, October 12, the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) will be administered to interested.  Sophomores will typically use this as a “practice” test and cannot be used as a qualifier for the National Merit Scholarship.  Juniors use the PSAT to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.  The PSAT/NMQST is the only test that the Hormel Foods Corporation will accept for their scholarship program.  These scholarships are available to the children of current, retired, or deceased employees of Hormel and its subsidiaries.  In no instance will any officer or employee of the Hormel Company play a part in the selection of scholarship winners or monies to be awarded.  The NMSQT Corporation handles the entire award process. Paperwork will be available to pick up on September 26th through the cashier’s office.  Cost is $21. ($22 after October 11^th) The test will start at 8:30am sharp.  Location will be announced closer to test date.

FAFSA Workshops

Austin High School, with the support of Riverland Community College, will be offering workshops on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) starting in October.  These are free of charge and will offer an opportunity to gain helpful insight into filling out the FAFSA as well as ask questions.  More information will be coming in the fall & winter regarding specific dates and times.

PSEO Informational Night

On Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. a counselor from Riverland Community College will provide valuable information about understanding and making decisions about the Post-Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO), including understanding the differences between concurrent classes held onsite and classes at the college. Meeting will take place in Knowlton Auditorium.

PSEO Information Night Recording

Junior Parent Information Night:

Please plan to attend this informational session on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. for details for the remainder of your student's Junior year and what to expect as they head into their Senior year.  Topics include details regarding the college application process, scholarships, FAFSA, transcripts and ACT.  We will host a guest speaker to walk us through the process. The program will last approximately 1 hour and will take place in Knowlton Auditorium.

AP Testing will take place May 1 – May 12, 2023

Post-Secondary and Career Readiness (PCR) at Austin High School

Below you will find the yearly focus students will be engaging in during specific PCR Connect lessons throughout the school year.  To enhance this information and allow students to research current college and career information that meets their individual needs, all students will be provided an MCIS (Minnesota Career Information System) account. MCIS log-in information may be accessed on the “student resources” tab from the Austin High School website:  www.austin.k12.mn.us and we encourage students and families to use this valuable resource.

HS Success	Career Exploration	Post-Secondary Program Selection	Post-Secondary Success
Grade 9	Grade 10	Grade 11	Grade 12

 

Parent Advisory Committee Meetings

Contact the Austin High School main office for information on Parent Advisory Committee meetings at 507-460-1800.

College Board Telemarketing Scam
Grading For Learning Philosophy
Steps to Your Future
Ways Parents Can Support Their Student in College and Career Readiness