Rochester Public Schools -

Over 300 Elton Hill Eagles bundled up to walk around their school neighborhood in the crisp winter air before dismissal. This march helped reinforce safe practices, such as crossing at intersections and walking slowly on ice and slush.

Winter Walk to School Day is conducted in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and is part of the Safe Routes to School program. Safe Routes to School supports students by equipping them with the knowledge to get to school by walking, biking, skateboarding, or just about any way that doesn't involve a motor vehicle. And yes, that means in the winter too!

Join us in-person or remotely for a PSEO Information Night on February 19. Join remotely with this Zoom link: PSEO Information Night Zoom Meeting.

Please contact your school's Counseling Office with questions.

At Mayo and Century, the Teens Offering Peer Support (TOPS) program is providing a sanctuary for students when life feels a little too heavy. Whether you need a mental reset or a helping hand, TOPS is a stigma-free zone where everyone belongs.

What’s inside the TOPS room?

• The Vibe: Soft lighting, calming music, and comfy seating perfect for a heart-to-heart with a peer or advisor.

• The Creative Corner: Tables dedicated to crafting and decompressing.

• The Resources: A wealth of mental health tools and professional support, and even a free "thrift" for students.

Learn more at www.rochesterschools.org/article/2679792

Yesterday, Superintendent Pekel was invited to speak at a press conference convened by the Minnesota Legislature's House and Senate Education Committees. In his remarks, he provides an update on absenteeism rates in Rochester Public Schools amidst the current increase in actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minnesota. We are sharing this information as an update to our community about the large number of Rochester students who are currently not attending school and the potential impact this has on their educational progress. Read his full statement here: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/2663181

"Over the past several weeks, I have issued several statements regarding the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Rochester and throughout Minnesota. Each of those statements has reiterated our school district's commitment to ensure that our schools are safe and inclusive spaces for all of our students to learn. We have also expressed deep concern for the RPS students, families, and staff who have been directly or indirectly impacted by the crisis that is taking place across our state..." Read more from Superintendent Pekel's message: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/2660577

If you need to go outside and touch grass—erm—I mean snow, join us in celebrating Minnesota Winter Walk Day on February 4. Will the air hurt your face? Maybe. But we promise you absolutely zero mosquitoes! RPS's Winter Walk Celebration highlights the importance of active routes to school and promotes physical activity that supports student health and well-being. So grab your warmest gloves and join us for a winter walk!

Due to anticipated extreme cold weather, RPS will be closed on Friday, January 23 (not Thursday, January 22).

Here’s what this means:

• Longfellow Elementary students will not report to school.

• The Non-School Day School Aged Child Care (SACC) at Bamber and Jefferson is canceled.

• Inclement Weather SACC will be open 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Northrop Education Center (201 8th St. NW).

  • To attend, families must be registered as a SACC participant, but do not need to have been previously signed up for the planned non-school day.

• All PAIIR, Preschool Age Child Care (PACC), Preschool, and Community Education daytime and evening classes, for early childhood, youth, adults, and adults with exceptional abilities, are canceled.

• Hawthorne Education Center is closed.

• All community building rentals are canceled.

• All Professional Growth Academy classes are canceled.

• Students enrolled in Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) should check with the higher education institution for inclement weather information.

• All high school, after-school athletic and activities practices, performances, and games are canceled.