Listen to his thoughts on the future of technology in our schools: https://krocnews.com/rochester-public-schools-ai-strategy/
Statement of Support for our Somali Community from Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel:
"At a time when negative comments have been made about the Somali community in Minnesota in the public sphere, we want to express our deep support for this community in Rochester and elsewhere. Somali students, staff, families, and community partners enrich life in Rochester in general, and in Rochester Public Schools in particular. We stand by the members of this community during this challenging time."
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"Xili faalooyin aad u xun looga sameeyey fagaaraha bulshada Soomaaliyeed ee ku dhaqan gobolka Minnesota, waxaan rabnaa in aan taageero qoto dheer u muujino jaaliyada ku dhaqan magaalada Rochester iyo meelo kasto. Ardeyda, shaqaalaha, qoysaska, iyo la-hawlgalayaasha bulshadda Soomaaliyeed waxay kobciyaan nolosha Rochester guud ahaan, gaar ahaanna Dugsiyada Dadweynaha Rochester. Waxaan garab taagan nahay xubnaha bulshadda waqtigan adag." Kormeereha Guud Dr Kent Pekel
The beautiful winter weather is here, but so are some extra safety concerns. It might be time to adjust your student's walk to school routine. Here are eight tips for walking to school in the winter from RPS's Department of Transportation and Minnesota Safe Routes to School.
Wear shoes or boots that fit well and have good traction. Shoe grips or ice cleats can give you extra support.
Shuffle your feet and take short steps to reduce your chances of falling.
Wear multiple layers of light clothing to keep your body insulated and allow heat to circulate. Finish with a top layer of waterproofing to keep you dry.
Wear thick socks, gloves, and warm ear protection to keep your smaller body parts warm.
Spread your feet, slightly bend your knees, walk straight, and try not to lean forward. This will help stabilize your body.
Adjust your speed to the surface you’re walking on.
When possible, you should walk on the sidewalk rather than the road. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic for visibility and as far to the side of the road as possible.
Buddy up: Make the trip more fun! Walk with a friend or group for added safety and visibility.
Winter is officially here, which means some of us are thinking about the potential of snow days! Learn more about how we determine snow days and what to expect with school closings in the event of inclement weather: http://www.rochesterschools.org/inclement-weather
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.
Today, in an effort to meet every student where they are, our American Indian Education program is paving the way with enrichment, cultural learning, and student support in every RPS school. We partner with Native students and their families throughout their educational journey, offering monthly in-school programming and family engagement opportunities. These connections strengthen the school–family relationship and promote student success.
Join us for the Project SEARCH Student/Parent Information Night! Project SEARCH is a nine-month internship for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities focused on competitive employment.
Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: John Marshall High School
Register with the link: https://bit.ly/4pv0u0m
Watch the Project SEARCH information video: https://youtu.be/DhgZpCRjHHc
This is a reminder that there is no school on, Wednesday, November 26 through Friday, November 28, for Thanksgiving Break. RPS will resume normal operations and hours on Monday, December 1. Enjoy the long weekend!
RALC families, due to an unexpected water main break resulting in a complete loss of water service to the building, the Rochester Alternative Learning Center will dismiss students early at 12:30 p.m. today, Friday, November 21. Please check your emails for more information.
Folwell, Franklin, Gage, Overland, and Riverside Elementary future kindergarteners! Visit our schools for their kindergarten open houses tomorrow, November 18. For more information, locations, and to view available interpreters, please visit our website at www.rochesterschools.org/onmyway2k.
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.
Future Bamber Valley and Bishop Elementary kindergarten students: Join us for their open houses on Monday, November 17! Bamber Valley's open house is from 5:30-6:30 p.m., and Bishop's open house is from 5-6 p.m. Arabic, Chinese, Somali, and Spanish interpreters will be available at Bishop's open house. Join us for a brief presentation at the start of each open house, followed by a tour of the school and a glimpse of your future classrooms. View more information at www.rochesterschools.org/onmyway2k.
Have you scheduled an early childhood screening appointment for your 3 year old? Early childhood screening is a play-based developmental screening for children three to five years old to provide information about your child's learning and development. Parents are welcome to observe, and this service is completely free to you! Book your Early Childhood Screening today: https://calendly.com/ecscreen/screening-appointment?month=2025-11
All children are required to be screened before starting kindergarten, but can be screened as early as three years old to provide you with insight into your child's learning development.
We kick off our kindergarten open houses with Pinewood Elementary this Thursday, November 13, from 6-7 p.m. There will be a brief presentation at the start of each open house. Join Principal Howe as you visit the school building and discover what Pinewood has to offer. Arabic, Somali, and Spanish interpreters will be available for families. View more information at www.rochesterschools.org/onmyway2k.
