FAQ

You’re bound to have questions, and we have answers. Here’s a list of the questions we hear most frequently so you can get answers fast and be on your way.

What is the school schedule?

8:20 – Doors open
8:30 – Classes begin
2:55 – Primary (preK–2) pickup
3:00 – Dismissal

Lunch
11:00–11:30 – preK–2
11:30–12:00 – grades 7–12
12:00–12:30 – grades 3–6

What should I do if my child needs to miss school due to illness or another reason?

Please give us a call in the morning between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m., and let us know so we can excuse their absence. If we do not receive a call from a parent or guardian, you will receive a call informing you of your child’s absence. When your child returns, please also have your child bring in a note from a parent or guardian regarding the absence.

What if my child needs to leave school early?

We ask that you please send a note with the child in the morning and come into the office to sign them out.

What is considered an excused absence?

Valid absences include the following:

  • Illness
  • Serious illness or death in the immediate family
  • Emergency medical or dental attention
  • Absences approved in advance with school principal (job interview, college visits, doctor and dental appointments, etc.)
  • Authorized religious holidays

 

Unexcused (invalid) absences may include the following:

  • Truancy
  • Missing the school bus
  • Trips not approved in advance
  • Shopping
  • Hunting, fishing, attendance at events (games)
  • Birthday or other celebrations
How do I register my child at Austin Area School District?

Stop by our office or start the process from our Registration page. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.

How old does my child need to be to start preschool or kindergarten?

Preschoolers must turn four years old on or before September 1 of the entering school year. Kindergarteners must turn five years old on or before September 1 of the current school year. Visit our Registration page for more details.

Does the district provide transportation to and from school?

Yes, we do! Please visit our Transportation page for bus route information.

How do I request a change to my child’s bus route?

We’ve made it easy. Stop by the Transportation page and download our change request form.

How can I find out about school cancellations or delays in the event of inclement weather?

In the event that we must cancel or delay school, we will provide notification via ALL CALL that goes out from School Messenger to parents/guardians as well as on Facebook.

What is the difference between a scheduled delayed start of school and a 2-hour delay due to weather?

Scheduled delayed starts are pre-planned events on the school calendar and school starts at 10:00 a.m. Two-hour delays are due to weather or building issues and school starts at 10:20 a.m.

Where can I find sports schedules?

Visit our Calendar page or download a schedule from the Athletics page. Go Panthers!

Does your school offer breakfast and lunch?

Yes, and we also offer an after school snack.

How do I pay for a-la-carte items?

Use our secure payment portal, My School Bucks. There’s also an app; download it from Google Play or the App Store.

Should I insure my child’s iPad or Chromebook?

It’s always a good idea to insure your child’s device; it can be costly to replace or repair it if something happens to it. We are happy to provide low-cost insurance. Purchase your insurance here through the MySchoolBucks online payment portal. If you need help purchasing insurance for your child’s device, please let us know—we want to help.

Is there a dress code?

While we do not require uniforms, we expect our students to take pride in their appearance by dressing appropriately and practicing good hygiene. Students must dress in a manner that does not cause disruption or present a safety hazard. Clothing should not exhibit unsuitable expressions or pictures. Please view our dress code.

My child must take medication during school hours. How do I set this up?

We’re happy to support parents by dispensing medication when needed. Please contact the school nurse at 814-647-8603 to discuss your child’s specific needs.

What is CSIU Gradebook and how do I get a username and password to check my child’s grades?

It’s the software that teachers use to store student grades and report cards. Parents/guardians can call (or even send a note or email) providing their name and email, and we will activate the account.

What programs does Austin Area School District offer to special needs or gifted students?

For more information, please visit our About Us page. You may also contact our Guidance Counselor, Carrie Burgett for answers and help.