Make your voice heard about the referendum to support RPS. Early voting starts on Friday, Sept. 20! You can learn more about the "Ignite Student Learning" plan to provide financial stability that will support our students by visiting RochesterSchools.org/referendum.
If approved by voters this Nov., funding from the school referendum will eliminate our budget deficit and provide the financial stability we need to continue inspiring, challenging, and empowering all students to reach their full potential. Find out more: RochesterSchools.org/referendum
#WorldSuicidePreventionDay At Rochester Public Schools, we recognize the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being. Let's take this opportunity to break the stigma around mental health and support each other. Whether it's checking in on a friend, practicing self-care, or seeking professional help, every action counts. Let's work together to create a community that values mental health and provides support to those who need it.
Find Resources Below:
➡️ 988 Suicide & Lifeline Call or Text 988 (24/7)
➡️ Crisis Response for Southeast Minnesota (CREST) Call 844.274.7472
➡️ National Sexual Assault Line: 1.866.656.4673 (24/7)
➡️ RPS Staff and Student Mental Health Sessions: https://ffcstaffconsults.as.me/schedule/d07eafa8
What are the three psychological needs that need to be met to enable a young person to learn, develop, and achieve their full potential? In his first State of the School District Address, RPS Superintendent Kent Pekel will answer that question and provide an engaging overview of how Rochester Public Schools is working to meet those three essential psychological needs for more than 17,000 young people in our community. The event will also feature performances and observations from RPS students on the state of our schools, our school system, and our city. Thanks to a generous donation, the evening will conclude with frozen treats from La Michoacana Purepecha.
Whether you are a parent or caregiver who seeks to help your children succeed or a member of the Rochester community who wants to help all children succeed or both, please join us for what promises to be an important and enjoyable evening. Join us on September 16, 7 p.m. at the John Marshall High School auditorium (1510 14th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901).
Why is RPS presenting voters with a referendum to increase the school operating levy this Nov.? We are facing a $19.4 M budget deficit that, if not addressed, will lead to:
❌School closures
❌Cuts to teachers and staff
❌Increased class sizes
Learn more: RochesterSchools.org/referendum
We are hiring Transportation Education Support Professionals (ESP)! As a Transportation ESP, you'll provide compassionate support to students on the school bus, attending to their personal needs and ensuring their safety throughout the journey. Starting pay is $21.25. To learn more or apply, visit https://www.applitrack.com/rochester/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Transportation
To avoid school closures and $19.4 million in cuts, we are asking voters to consider an operating levy increase on the ballot this Nov. that would allow us to build on our progress in helping every student reach their full potential. Learn more: RochesterSchools.org/referendum
RPS Alumni/Current RPS Staff Spotlight: Kara Merrill is an assistant principal at Dakota Middle School. She is a former RPS student who attended Gage Elementary, John Adams Middle School, and Century High School. Read more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1747260
Did you know that in-person students qualify for free meals under the Minnesota Free Meals Program? In order for a student to receive a free meal, their meal must meet certain criteria. The meal must contain three components. A protein, grain, milk, fruit, and vegetable are all considered components. One of these three components must be a fruit or vegetable.
Learn more about free meals for students at www.rochesterschools.org/mnfreemeals
Do you have a nurse’s license and are looking for a more predictable schedule? Apply to be a health office nurse with RPS!
Health Office Nurses coordinate healthcare for students by applying the nursing process, including assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. They will also train, delegate, monitor, and supervise healthcare services provided by Health Services personnel and other school staff. The goal is to enhance the educational process by addressing and eliminating health-related obstacles to learning for students.
Learn more and apply at https://www.applitrack.com/rochester/onlineapp/JobPostings/view.asp?Category=Health+Services&AppliTrackJobId=18164&AppliTrackLayoutMode=detail&AppliTrackViewPosting=1
What are the three psychological needs that need to be met to enable a young person to learn, develop, and achieve their full potential? In his first State of the School District Address, RPS Superintendent Kent Pekel will answer that question and provide an engaging overview of how Rochester Public Schools is working to meet those three essential psychological needs for more than 17,000 young people in our community. The event will also feature performances and observations from RPS students on the state of our schools, our school system, and our city. Thanks to a generous donation, the evening will conclude with frozen treats from La Michoacana Purepecha. Whether you are a parent or caregiver who seeks to help your children succeed or a member of the Rochester community who wants to help all children succeed or both, please join us for what promises to be an important and enjoyable evening.
September's meal menus are ready! Download your copy to plan for next month:
https://www.rochesterschools.org/documents/school-meals-and-menus/493023
There will be no school on Monday, September 2 in observance of Labor Day. Additionally, all RPS offices will be closed. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 3.
RPS families: This is a reminder that except for Longfellow Elementary, there is no school tomorrow, Friday, August 30. RPS is also closed on Monday, September 2, in observance of Labor Day. Enjoy the long weekend, and we will see you next Tuesday!
Results on the 2024 Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) indicate that RPS has reversed a multi-year decline in the percentage of students who score at the proficient level or above in math, science, and reading. Read more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1736885
Help us welcome the newest staff additions to our elementary schools! Read more about them below.
Abby Butenhoff: Mighty Oaks Early Learning School, Early Childhood Family Education Teacher
"I have always loved working with children and knew it was something I wanted to do. I wanted to be able to be that positive adult in their life that makes learning fun and starts out a great educational experience."
Anne Clarkson: Mighty Oaks Early Learning School, Early Childhood/Special Education Teacher
"My seventh grade history teacher, Ms. Wolfe, created my passion for education with hands on learning. I hope to incorporate that same style into my classrooms."
Olivia Knight: Sunset Terrace Elementary School, Second Grade Teacher
"I chose to become a teacher because I want to help the new generation grow in love and kindness. Teaching gives me a joy that nothing else could ever fulfill."
Are you a Licensed School Counselor who enjoys helping students discover their strengths and interests? Do you have experience supporting students in achieving their goals? RPS has an opening at Gage Elementary that could be the perfect fit for you! Learn more: https://bit.ly/gage-school-counselor
Today is the first day of school for elementary students, and we expect some delays in bus transportation, especially as our bus drivers learn the new route structure with the changeover from transporting elementary students home and turning around to pick up our secondary students.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we navigate this and continuously work to improve our processes.
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.
If the "Ignite Student Learning" referendum fails, class sizes will increase, school closures will be unavoidable, and RPS will need to make major cuts to student programs, support services, and teachers and staff.
Find out more details at RochesterSchools.org/referendum.
The halls were lined with students' happiness, jitters, and even some tears as our elementary students headed to their first day of class. We're grateful to be a part of these memories and hope you enjoy seeing the moments we captured!
