Packer Study Table credited with keeping athletes eligible and improving attendance

District activities staff introduced the Packer Study Table (PST), a targeted academic-support program for Austin Public Schools athletes that began planning in summer 2024 and has operated through the 2024'25 winter and spring seasons and into a second season this year.

"The Austin Public Schools guidelines, students that have 2 or more failing grades are not eligible for competition," said Katie Carter, the program advisor, describing the policy that helps drive referrals to the PST. Carter and partners from Austin Aspires said the program runs Monday and Wednesday afternoons in the IMC/library, checks grades weekly and provides one-on-one tutoring and follow-up communication to coaches.

Joanna Johnson of Austin Aspires said the program blends social-emotional work with academics and helps with practical tasks such as FAFSA support for seniors. "We do a lot of social emotional work with them ... and then, of course, we do the academic part as well," Johnson said.

District staff reported early outcomes: one student who was failing algebra raised a test score to 79 after tutoring; coaches are receiving weekly reports so they can confirm whether athletes attended study sessions; and teachers and counselors are referring students who need help. Board members asked whether the model could be extended to other sites; staff said parallel support currently runs at Ellis as a homework room with coaches helping implement it.

Program leaders emphasized that PST is coach-driven, uses weekly grade reports to notify students, and aims to keep athletes eligible while building academic habits beyond sports.