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!

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.

Looking for a way to help your middle schooler succeed? Dig deeper into your student's experience by joining our caregiver and parent empowerment sessions. This virtual mini-series is tailored for the middle school experience, where you'll learn about middle school academics, social growth, and relationships while also preparing your student for high school. Sessions start next week, from January 20 to February 24, from 12 to 1 p.m. Drop in for one session or attend them all; we can't wait to start the conversation!

Register today: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_GfuYOUxMpuXgUQYhR6LeSGGEaS3NIZlS_FuoWjyfCE/

Real-world learning takes shape in our schools. Our Kellogg students traded their normal physical education gear for firefighter training equipment thanks to the Rochester Fire Department. Working together to roll tires, lift a training dummy, and handle real tools, students dug deep—pushing their physical limits while gaining a deeper understanding of the strength, teamwork, and preparation required in this vital career.

School Safety Update: Several schools in the Twin Cities have closed because of anonymous threats over social media suggesting a potential for gun violence at those schools. We have worked with law enforcement and school administration in Rochester to confirm that, at this time, no threats have been made to any school in Rochester. We will continue to closely monitor this situation throughout the day and take appropriate action, if necessary.