With the first day of classes under their belts, Austin Public Schools now shift their focus to Homecoming Week.

There wasn’t much on the Austin School Board’s agenda during Monday night’s meeting. With the first week of classes done, administrators shared that things have been “running smoothly.”

“It was a smooth opening,” said Woodson Kindergarten Center Principal Jill Rollie. “There were some tears, but the first day of school went well.”

Despite there not being a lot of committee reports given the close proximity to the start of the school year, Austin High School was already preparing for Homecoming Week, which is set for Sept. 16 to 22. Students will be participating in different themed days, ending with Packers fans sporting red and white for the football game against Faribault.

The homecoming parade is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 21, beginning at 3:30 p.m. with the route beginning at Austin High School and following 1st Avenue NW to Main Street, turns left, and following Main Street to Fourth Avenue NW, turns left and follows Fourth Avenue NW to Wescott Sports Complex.

Austin High School’s Distinguished Alumni will be announced sometime within the week, which honors alumni during homecoming festivities with a school assembly and a dinner reception. Last year, Dr. Kurt Potach and the late Michael Morrison, were selected by Austin High School Alumni and Friends Association.

Other agenda items

•Austin High School Principal Andrea Malo shared her enthusiasm regarding the Austin Assurance Scholarship Program, which will help eligible seniors from Austin High School and Pacelli High School attend Riverland Community College debt-free, thanks to an announcement made by The Hormel Foundation earlier this summer. Although details have remained limited, Malo addressed the school board, and stated that more information would be shared on Oct. 1 regarding how a student can become eligible for the program as well as what requirements they would need to meet.

•Austin Public Schools students will be attending their annual “Day on the Farm” field trips that will help bring students who may not know much about the farming communities directly in contact with those who work in agriculture. The field trip is scheduled for Sept. 18.

“It’s great for our students to see where their food comes from,” said Superintendent David Krenz.