According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 17% of Minnesota students have some learning disability. RPS is participating in Learning Disability Awareness Month by highlighting our Learning Disability teachers who work with students of all abilities every day.
This week's spotlight teacher is Judy Eng. After teaching at Harriet Bishop Elementary School for the last few years, she has quickly developed strong relationships with her students and colleagues. Judy's classroom is a dedicated space for students to learn at their own speed, while still collaborating with peers.
If you suspect your student may need accommodations to remedy an academic learning disability, please ask your student's teacher for additional steps. Teachers like Judy are happy to help.
For more information on RPS Learning Disability services, please visit https://www.rochesterschools.org/page/special-education
Rochester Public Schools are participating in October's National Bullying Prevention Month! Teachers across the district are starting the conversation around bullying. Read just a few of the initiatives going on in schools to prevent bullying and strengthen student communities.
Read the full article below: https://bit.ly/3A3bT3a
Bob Barlow is a dishwasher at Mayo High School has made real connections with intensive special education students. They enjoy his unmatched dishwashing routine as they eat lunch. He knows each student by name, greets them personally, and welcomes high-fives as he cleans.
Nominate someone like Bob as we #CelebrateRPS as well as read the latest edition here: https://bit.ly/3YchjT1
Our students took a bite out of the day for Apple Crunch day! This month, all of our students have been receiving local apples for lunch from ApplesRUs as part of #MNFarmtoSchool month! We can tell you that our students are loving these fresh, fragrant, and juicy apples!
At the School Board meeting on Tuesday, October 8, the School Board voted unanimously to direct Superintendent Pekel to develop a 2025-2026 general fund budget recommendation that includes reductions if the Ignite Student Learning referendum plan is not passed by voters on November 5, 2024. Read more about what this budget recommendation would include: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1811261
Grab your kicks and get ready for Walk to School Day! Tomorrow, October 9, students and families across Rochester will be walking to school to promote healthy exercise and safe routes to school.
How can you help? Remember to keep your eyes out for our walkers and drive cautiously around school zones.
When students lost access to their phones, what body part did it feel like they lost? In the latest Supt in the Halls, Dr. Kent Pekel asked Mayo High School student government representatives what their thought are on the current phone ban. Watch the full episode of Supt in the Halls in our YouTube!
https://bit.ly/4evSOG3
Last Friday, before Mayo High School's homecoming football game, we had the opportunity to announce that the school's stadium will officially be called the "Whitney Stadium" after longtime activities director Jeff Whitney. Thank you, Jeff, for your 30+ years of dedication to Rochester Public Schools, and we hope you enjoy your retirement!
What a fun parade! Now, on to the football game. Happy Homecoming, Spartans!
Talk about dedication! Mr. Franko at Franklin Elementary School takes yearbook pictures to the next level: same outfit, same school, twelve years and counting!
Stevie Bertram is a second-grade teacher at Pinewood Elementary. Stevie is a former RPS student who attended Ben Franklin Elementary, Willow Creek Middle School, and Mayo High School. Read more about why she chose to return to work at RPS: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1804267
#CelebrateRPS
This month, Loury Trader's 1st grade Spanish Immersion class collaborated to create and design their Hispanic Heritage Month Banner. This exercise allows students to practice their fine motor skills while learning about the celebration and background of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Listen to RPS students explain the Ignite Student Learning referendum that is on the November ballot!
The video shows how the proposed levy increase would stabilize district finances and support the programs and services that help students thrive: https://youtu.be/2-Y2VWb-wA8
There is help. Students and staff can always use 988 to call, text, or chat with a lifeline counselor 24/7/365. RPS also offers resources for students and staff with our confidential screener (http://mentalhealthscreeningtools.com/), or if you want to talk with a provider, schedule a free consultation with a mental health professional (https://ffcstaffconsults.as.me/). There is hope.
You are eligible to vote on the Ignite Student Learning referendum and any other ballot measure if you are:
1. At least 18 years old
2. A U.S. citizen
3. A resident of MN (including non-property-owners) for at least 20 days before the election
Find out more here: https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/register-to-vote/
Listen to Superintendent Pekel explain what's at stake for RPS this election when voters consider an operating levy increase that would stabilize our budget, allowing RPS to avoid school closures, protect class sizes, and maintain student programs and services: bit.ly/3MRUWLR
Installation began this week for the John Marshall mural! If you have an opportunity to see it in person, stop by to see the incredible work that is happening. The JM Mural is only possible through the financial support of many local non-profits, businesses, and individuals. Thank you to all who are supporting this.
Does your student ride a school bus? Families using transportation can download the First View app to see where their student's buses are. The district code for the app is M6QE. Check it out!
Century High School sophomore, Mandy Yu represented Team USA at the 2024 Pan American Junior Championship in Peru from August 31 - September 7. Mandy competed with 164 table tennis players from around the world. After battling for four days, the USA Team U15 girls were crowned the champions, which makes Team USA qualified to attend the 2024 World Junior Championship in November in Sweden.
Congratulations on your success, Mandy. And good luck in Sweden next month!
Submit your #CelebrateRPS moments to be highlighted at www.rochesterschools.org/celebrateRPS
Students may have the day off, but RPS teachers and staff got great insights from Dr. Gholdy Muhammad on how we're working toward culturally and historically responsive education. Thank you Dr. Muhammad for presenting this morning! This opportunity is made possible from an Anti-Bias/Trauma-Informed grant we received from the state of Minnesota.
