Student Support Services

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-Ha: Sarah Schmit, sarah.schmit@austin.k12.mn.us, 460-1817
• He-O: Stephanie Emanuel, stephanie.emanuel@austin.k12.mn.us, 460-1813
• P-Z: Cassidy Hartmann, cassidy.hartmann@austin.k12.mn.us, 460-1814
• Academic Coordinator/ALC and Austin Online Academy: Kim Goblirsch, kim.goblirsch@austin.k12.mn.us, 460-1816

PArent Portal Information

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.

High Distinction and Distinction

High Distinction graduates must have a cumulative GPA of 3.9 and above. Distinction graduates must have a 3.600 to 3.899 GPA. To determine student GPAs for both high distinction and distinction, AHS will utilize students' non-weighted GPA.

Determination of High Distinction and Distinction status will be made at the end of first semester of the student's senior year. Students whose cumulative GPA did not qualify for the honors at the end of first semester but does so by the end of their completed senior year will have notation made in their transcript and diploma.

Students who are at their second offense for cheating will lose their eligibility for High Distinction and Distinction at Austin High School for a period of one academic year.

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 this Fall 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.

PSAT Test (Optional)

On Wednesday, October 9, 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 $18. The test will start at 8:30am sharp.  Locations will be posted on the Career Center window the week of the test.

PSEO Informational Night

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. Please contact the AHS Counseling Office for date and time information. Meeting will take place virtually.

PSEO Information Night Recording
PSEO Information Night Presentation Slide Deck

Junior Parent Information Night

Please plan to attend this informational session 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 virtually.

Junior Parent Night Recording

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 and Reporting
Steps to Your Future
Ways Parents Can Support Their Student in College and Career Readiness