About Our School

Welcome to Sumner!

About Sumner

At Sumner Elementary School, we cherish diversity and take great pride in nurturing a compassionate community that embraces every student. Our mission revolves around the whole child, instilling the Packer Core Values of effective communication, responsibility, resilience, contribution, and lifelong learning. As a PBIS school, we celebrate and honor the strong choices made by our students on a daily basis. Our school provides vibrant educational opportunities that extend far beyond the confines of traditional classrooms. Our innovative approach includes an expansive outdoor learning space featuring a garden, where students can engage in hands-on exploration and discovery. Recognizing the importance of active and authentic learning experiences in child development, we allocate dedicated time each day for students to apply their knowledge and skills in dynamic programing. Our commitment to academic excellence and social-emotional growth is evident in our implementation of programs like Zones of Regulation and character education, which are integral to fostering the long-term success of our students. With iPads available in every classroom, we ensure access to tailored instruction that caters to diverse learning styles. Our commitment to accelerate learning for all students shines through comprehensive tier 1 instruction, targeted intervention, and specialized services. Our school family values the partnership with parents, understanding that together, we grow greatness and prepare all learners to make a difference in the world. 

MN School of Excellence

Austin's Sumner Elementary School has been named a 2026 Minnesota School of Excellence by the Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association. Sumner is the second Austin elementary school to receive the designation in as many years, following Southgate's recognition last year. Needless to say, this is a huge honor.

"This recognition reflects the incredible commitment of Sumner Elementary's educators, staff, students and families to continuous growth and excellence," said Michelle Krell, executive director of MESPA. "Schools of Excellence earn the recognition through thoughtful reflection, a willingness to learn and improve, and an unwavering focus on creating the best possible learning environment for every student. Sumner's commitment to inclusive practices, shared leadership and student success truly exemplifies what this program is all about."

“Being named a Minnesota School of Excellence is an outstanding recognition of the culture and commitment that Principal Jill Rollie and the Sumner team have built together,” said Superintendent Joey Page. “What stands out about Sumner is how intentionally they recognize the strengths of students and staff, value the diversity of their school community, and create opportunities for people throughout the building to lead. This recognition affirms that excellence is built through shared ownership, continuous improvement, and a belief in every learner's potential. I am incredibly proud of the entire Sumner community.”

MESPA's School of Excellence "status is given to a select group of Minnesota schools that sustained a one-to two-year commitment of research and self-reflection to improve their school. The peer-reviewed application is centered around six standards of effective schools."

Congratulations on this tremendous accomplishment!

You can read the full MESPA press release at https://tinyurl.com/SOE2627.

Sumner Named a Healthiest School in America

Austin’s Sumner Elementary School and the Community Learning Center have both been named among America’s Healthiest Schools 2026 by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.

Supported by Del Monte Foods, Kaiser Permanente, and Kohl’s Cares, Healthier Generation’s annual award program recognizes schools for implementing evidence-based policies and practices to support academic success and lifelong well-being. Schools are recognized in nine health-related topic areas.

“Being recognized as one of America’s Healthiest Schools for Improving Nutrition and Food Access is a wonderful reflection of our commitment to supporting the whole child,” said Sumner Elementary principal Jill Rollie. “We know students are better able to learn, grow, and thrive when their basic needs are met, and they have access to nutritious food and healthy choices. This recognition celebrates the collective efforts of our staff, families, and community partners who work together to ensure every student has the resources and support they need to be healthy, successful, and ready to learn.”

Sumner was honored for “Improving Nutrition and Food Access” while the Community Learning Center was honored for “Cultivating Staff Well-Being.”

“Our team at the CLC is thrilled to receive this recognition which reflects the supportive culture our team has built together,” said Community Education Director Jen Lawhead. “Trust, belonging, and strengths-based collaboration create an environment where staff can grow and do their best work for students and families. That positive culture is especially important for our youngest learners as they build the foundation for lifelong learning.”

“We are proud to celebrate Sumner Elementary and the Community Learning Center for earning this national recognition,” said Austin Superintendent Dr. Joey Page. “It highlights the intentional work happening in these school communities and reflects our district-wide commitment to creating environments where every student feels supported, healthy, and ready to learn. Congratulations to the staff, students, families/caregivers, and partners who contributed to this achievement.”

Alliance for a Healthier Generation is a leading national nonprofit dedicated to advancing equitable whole child health by creating healthier school environments. Since 2005, the organization has partnered with over 57,000 school communities across all 50 states, reaching more than 31.3 million young people. Learn more at HealthierGeneration.org.

Sumner Named PBIS Sustaining Exemplar

A huge congratulations to Sumner Elementary School for being recognized as a champion of positive school culture and student behavior by the Minnesota Department of Education, one of only 97 schools recognized in the state.

According to a press release, MDE recognized Sumner for demonstrating "exceptional leadership in increasing student achievement, improving school climate, and engaging in the community." The program seeks to honor schools for their work with PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports).

Way to go, all!

Office Information

Hours:
7:30 - 4:00 Monday - Thursday
7:30 - 3:30 Friday

Phone: 507-460-1100

Attendance

Please join us in committing to good attendance and arriving to school on time. Making attendance a priority is critical to your child's success! Let's work together to ensure our children come to school every day on time! Our school day begins at 8:00 AM. If your child is unable to attend school, please contact the Sumner office at (507)460-1100 or email lisa.bellrichard@austin.k12.mn.us. You can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If we are not available, please leave a message stating your child's name, grade and reason for absence from school and expected date of return. Your help is greatly appreciated!

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Common Sense School

Sumner has been approved as a Common Sense School, an honor that recognizes our efforts in teaching digital citizenship to young people and engaging the entire school community in this important discussion. The recognition acknowledges our school's commitment to helping students build skills that are essential for their well-being today—and for the opportunities they'll have tomorrow. 

This honor is provided by Common Sense Education, part of a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology.

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