By Superintendent David Krenz

Austin Public Schools

Austin Public Schools has outstanding music and fine arts programs and incredibly talented young people who participate in them. At every level, students have been preparing to showcase their hard work and gifts with the Austin community. Now it is your turn to come out and enjoy!

Here is our schedule of upcoming holiday concerts:

Grade six — 7 p.m. Dec. 6 in the Ellis Auditorium featuring band, choir and orchestra.

Woodson Kindergarten Center — 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dec. 7 in AHS Knowlton Auditorium (doors open 30 minutes prior to each program)

Swingin’ into Christmas — 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. AHS Jazz Band, Austinaires, Choralaires, Michael Veldman, AHS Alumni Jordan Bentley and many others. $15 adults, $5 students (advance price). Fundraiser for the American Red Cross.

Southgate Elementary — 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dec. 13 in Southgate Gymnasium.

Sumner Elementary — 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dec. 13 at Sumner

Grades seven and eight — 7 p.m. Dec. 13 in AHS Knowlton Auditorium featuring band, choir and orchestra.

Banfield Elementary — 9:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dec. 14 in Banfield’s Carpeted Gymnasium.

Austin High School — 7 p.m. Dec. 17 in AHS Knowlton Auditorium. Adults are $7 and students are $5.

Neveln Elementary — 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Dec. 20 at Ellis Middle School Auditorium.

In addition to our concerts, there is another fun event for families with children birth to age 7. Be sure to check out the Santa Workshop at the Community Learning Center located at 912 First Ave. NE on Thursday, Dec. 13 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Children can purchase small gifts ranging in price from 25 cents to $15 for their families and make free gifts for their parents. They will also enjoy stories, songs and treats. This is a free event but pre-registration is required. Please contact the Community Center Learning at 507-460-1700 by Dec. 10 to register. The event is sponsored by Early Childhood Family Education.