Happy Naw-Rúz to those who celebrate.
During our third week of Women's History Month, you'll have the opportunity to learn about three important perspectives from #WomeninRPS. First is Ramona, a leader, connector, and collaborator with a long history of working throughout the education system. The one-to-one support she offers to students is crucial for their success at school. Learn more about Ramona: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1501984
#WomeninRPS: All of our teachers have their own unique perspectives. Criselda works in our Spanish Immersion program and is able to share her experiences and knowledge of Latino culture and the Spanish Language. Learn more about Criselda: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1501984
Save the date for our upcoming powwow to honor our Native American graduates, students, and families from Rochester Public Schools! This event is a celebration open to all students, families, and community members. Join us on May 4, 2024, to enjoy the culture, dancing, food, vendors, and powwow ceremonies!
Students in Mrs. Kirkpatrick's life science classroom at Dakota Middle School have spent weeks studying the digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems. To end the unit, they were able to choose any organ of the body, learn about it, and create a model out of everyday materials. Students chose all sorts of organs, from the brain to teeth. Lots of cardboard, hot glue, and pipe cleaners were put to use!
According to History.com, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17, the anniversary of Saint Patrick's death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years and have been observing the Roman Catholic feast day of St. Patrick since around the ninth or 10th century.
Congratulations to Kelly, one of our Special Education coordinators on her award at the National Council for Exceptional Children Conference this week! This award was given for demonstrating CEC’s core values: visionary thinking, integrity, inclusiveness and engaging in work consistent with CEC’s mission statement.
What are the joys and challenges you face as you raise your children? How can our schools better partner with you? The RPS School Board will host a listening session on Friday, March 22, from 12-2 p.m. at 125 Live (125 Elton Hills Dr NW). Stop by to chat!
March is Social Work Month, a time to celebrate social workers and their incredible work within their profession. Last year, Rochester Public Schools received a $1.9 million U.S. Department of Education Grant. This grant has allowed RPS to provide up to 30 Master’s level Social Work scholarships and internship placements at RPS with necessary supervision and support while increasing our social work staffing by at least 10% in the next five years. This month, we will highlight four of our School Based Mental Health Scholars and see how they have been doing after their first semester! Our second highlight is Samuel Thys. Samuel has been in the district for seven years as a special education teacher at LEAP. Learn more about Samuel: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1507333
#WomeninRPS: Bobbi Jo Tweed works with our littlest members of the RPS community, along with their parents, to help them learn and grow. She's advocated for herself throughout her career and now helps families advocate for their students. Learn more about Bobbi: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1501633
Assistant Principal Kara Merrill shares a little about herself for Women's History Month. Kara has served in many roles at RPS, giving back to students and promoting equity and access for all. Learn more about Kara: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1501633 #WomeninRPS
Meet Lori Sam, a dedicated staff member who strives for success in both her personal and work life. She brings her unique perspective to everything she does in a way that will always benefit others. Learn more about Lori: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1501633 #WomeninRPS
During National Nutrition Month, we wanted to remind families that all students can access a nutritious and free school lunch under the Minnesota Free Meals Program. What qualifies for a free meal? For a student to receive a free meal, their meal must contain three components. A protein, grain, milk, fruit, and vegetables are all considered components. One of these three components must be a fruit or vegetable.
Wondering what's for lunch? Visit https://www.rochesterschools.org/page/school-meals-and-menus
Ramadan Mubarak to all who participate.
It's almost time to "spring forward!" Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 2:00 A.M. Don't forget, our clocks need to “spring forward” one hour.
Today, March 8, is International Women's Day. At Rochester Public Schools, we are proud of the women and girls who contribute to our school district as staff, students, parents, and community members and celebrate the women who have positively impacted our lives.
Each year, the Art Educators of Minnesota (AEM) hosts a flag design contest for elementary schools statewide, where the winning flag will represent Minnesota at the National Art Education Association Convention in April. In February, we learned that Aerie Wurtz, a fourth grader at Overland Elementary School, won first place! Her flag design, inspired by her uncle and his love for nature and fishing, will be made into a flag that will be used to promote the AEM Youth Art Month Student Art Show during the Convention in April, and she will get to keep the flag afterward. Additionally, Aerie will be awarded gift cards for art supplies. She does not know what she will do with them yet, but she looks forward to making those decisions. Congratulations, Aerie!
Happy Maha Shivaratri to those who celebrate.
March is Social Work Month, a time to celebrate social workers and their incredible work within their profession. Last year, Rochester Public Schools received a $1.9 million U.S. Department of Education Grant. This grant has allowed RPS to provide up to 30 Master’s level Social Work scholarships and internship placements at RPS with necessary supervision and support while increasing our social work staffing by at least 10% in the next five years. This month, we will highlight four of our School Based Mental Health Scholars and see how they have been doing after their first semester!
Our first highlight is Amy Petersilie. Amy is in her 22nd year in the district and has been teaching Health and Physical Education at RALC for the past 16 years
Learn more about Amy: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1497634
March is Women's History Month, dating back to 1981, a national celebration of the contributions women have made to the United States. This year, we will be sharing and celebrating some of the women at RPS and their contributions to Rochester Public Schools! #WomeninRPS
Our first highlight is Andrea Bacon, DAPE lead teacher. Andrea shared with us a woman who influenced her life, some of her proudest achievements, and her favorite free time activities. Learn more about Andrea: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1495643
