
RPS families: This is a reminder that except for Longfellow Elementary, there is no school on, Friday, August 29. RPS is also closed on Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day. Enjoy the long weekend, and we will see you next Tuesday!


Our deepest gratitude to our incredible teachers and staff who worked so hard to ensure our students felt welcomed and supported today. We are honored to be a part of this community and look forward to a positive year ahead.









It was a rush as our secondary students came through the halls this morning, as the bells rang for the first day of secondary school! The sounds of the lockers closing and laughter made the hallways come alive, and we're so happy you're here!










Listen here: https://krocnews.com/rochester-public-schools-superintendent-radio-show/












Drop/Load & Go Zones (7:30-8 a.m. & 1:30-2:30 p.m.):
➡️ Zone 1: Enter the school loop from 6th Street SE (westbound only). Continue through the loop, exit right onto 6th Street, then turn right (northbound) on 4th Avenue SE or left (southbound) away from the school.
➡️ Zone 2: Enter along 5th Street SE. Drop students on the sidewalk beside the school, continue through the parking lot loop, exit back onto 5th Street, and head west, turning right onto 4th Avenue SE.
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Familias de Riverside, la intersección 6th Street SE & 3rd Avenue SE está cerrada actualmente y permanecerá cerrada, en alguna forma, hasta los mediados-finales de septiembre.
Las zonas para recoger/dejar e irse (7:30-8 a.m. & 1:30-2:30 p.m.):
➡️ Zona 1: Entre a la rotonda escolar desde 6th Street SE (solo hacia el oeste). Continue por la rotonda, salga a la derecha en 6th Street, y luego gire a la derecha (hacia el norte) en 4th Avenue SE, o a la izquierda (hacia el sur), alejándose de la escuela .
➡️ Zone 2: Entre por 5th Street SE. Deje a los estudiantes en la banqueta al lado de la escuela, continue por la rotonda del estacionamiento, salga nuevamente por 5th street, y diríjase hacia oeste, girando a la derecha en 4th Avenue SE.



The countdown is on! We welcome back all of our students for the 2025-2026 school year next week!
Monday, August 25, we kick off the week with the first day of school for 6th and 9th grade students, and we're hosting Step into Learning appointments for all of our elementary schools. Elementary parents and caregivers, if you do not have an appointment time yet, please reach out directly to your school.
Tuesday, August 26, is the first day of school for 7-8th and 10-12th grade students and the second day of Step into Learning appointments for all of our elementary schools.
Wednesday, August 27, is the first day of school for all elementary students.
Lincoln K-8 families, follow the information in your Lincoln Community Newsletter!
For more back to school information visit: www.rochesterschools.org/backtoschool. We can't wait to see you next week!


Folwell Elementary families: Due to construction on 2nd Street, there will be increased traffic flow to 6th Street, one of the most common routes to Folwell. But there's a better way! Check out this map with our advised route for the Load & Go line at bit.ly/folwellroute. (Approaching from the south is the key!)










The RPS School Board will meet tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. in the Edison Board Room (615 7th St SW). On the agenda for tomorrow’s regular meeting is: 2024-25 Fastbridge Data Analysis and Literacy Plan Update, Superintendent Evaluation for 2024-25 Leadership Component Part 2, School Board Committee Assignments for 2025-26, Back To School 2025-26, Policy Committee Recommendations, and Superintendent Goals for 2025-26.
You can view all full meeting agendas at https://rochesterschools.org/simbli.










At Step Into Learning elementary families have the opportunity to meet their student’s teacher ahead of the start of the school year. Step Into Learning days are Monday, August 25, and Tuesday, August 26.
In the next few weeks, elementary parents and caregivers will receive an email from their school office with instructions on how to make an individual 20-minute appointment. During this appointment, parents/caregivers and their student can meet their student’s teacher(s), have their student assessed, visit with the school nurse, set up their lunch accounts and pins, explore the school’s PTSA, take school photos, and more.


Listen to the interview to hear about the thoughtful and dedicated work happening in our schools every day: https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2025/08/05/the-challenges-facing-this-years-kindergarten-class?fbclid=IwY2xjawMG6X1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHvDrdEiAeRM-K30eWyqfYnOozLIEC-SxekWZsWZskJuPOzwlOQ-oit5f66DF_aem_h0YqQHz0phNnx2ZVwZ5aWw



We're on the countdown to the start of school. Save the date for your secondary school's schedule pick up and find even more information on our back to school webpage: https://www.rochesterschools.org/backtoschool
Dakota Middle School
Thursday, August 14 from 12 to 6 p.m. for all students
John Adams Middle School
Wednesday, August 20 from 2 to 7 p.m. for incoming 6th graders
Thursday, August 21 from 2 to 7 p.m. for incoming 7th & 8th graders
Kellogg Middle School
Wednesday, August 20 from 2 to 7 p.m. for all students. Students should also plan to take their school picture at this time.
Willow Creek Middle School
Wednesday, August 13 from 12 to 5 p.m. Meet & Greet, and Tour for new students attending Willow Creek. Tours take place every hour on the hour.
Thursday, August 21 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. for all students. Students should also plan to take their school picture at this time.
Century High School
All students will have their school picture taken at schedule pick up.
Wednesday, August 13 from 4 to 7 p.m for 9th Grade
Thursday, August 14 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for 10th Grade
Thursday, August 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for 11th Grade
Thursday, August 14 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for 12th Grade
John Marshall High School
Wednesday, August 13 from 2 to 5 p.m. for 9th Grade
Thursday, August 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for 10-12th Grade
Mayo High School
Students should enter at door 6.
All students will have their school picture taken at schedule pick up. Students unable to attend schedule pick up are expected to have their picture taken on Friday, September 5.
Wednesday, August 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m for 10-12th Grade
Thursday, August 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for 9th Grade


Tired of the same old meal time routine? Take a break with our Summer Meals! RPS is still offering summer meals for both breakfast and lunch at select RPS school locations until August 15. Find the menu, locations, and meal times online: www.rochesterschools.org/summermeals



If you cannot attend in person, you can livestream the meeting at https://www.youtube.com/isd535.
You can view all full meeting agendas at https://rochesterschools.org/simbli.






RPS is committed to building strong partnerships that ensure equitable access to mental health care for all students and families. One essential partnership is with Fernbrook Family Center, a community-based mental health provider offering intensive, individualized support from early childhood through adulthood. Read more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/2324125
