Rochester Public Schools

Tired of the infinite scroll? Swap your screen for a compass and rediscover your focus. This isn't your average art class—it’s a guided deep-breath for your brain.

Using the simplest tools (just paper, a straight edge, and a pen), we’re diving into the geometry of mandalas. It’s rhythmic, grounding, and the ultimate hack for quieting mental noise. Join us on Wednesday, March 25: https://rochester.ce.eleyo.com/course/26084/2026-adult-winter-spring-catalog/mindful-mandalas-cultivating-calm-through-creativity#7032-232

7 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

A group of women of all ages gathered at a table drawing mandalas.

Our students at Gibbs are celebrating the end of the week with this amazing weather! Playing outside in the sunshine, in class celebrating their hard work and accomplishments, students building carnival games, and even some good reading to end the day.

7 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

Group of seven students decked out in snow gear arm in arm on the black top for a photo

All the class siting at their desks with their hands in the air celebrating the photo and smiling at the camera.

Two students building carnival games out of cardboard at their desks.

Student talking to the staff member about their book while also sitting next to to other students reading.

Give "grandma’s china" a modern glow-up! Join us to craft a custom pincushion using vintage teacups and aromatic herbs. For just $15, gather with others who have similar hobbies, and enjoy conversation while you make your one-of-a-kind piece! We hope to see you on Wednesday, March 18: https://rochester.ce.eleyo.com/course/26102/2026-adult-winter-spring-catalog/pincushions-from-up-cycled-vintage-china#7683-232

8 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

Pink rose tea cup turned into a pincushion.

A white china elephant turned into a pincushion.

A cream pitcher turned into a pincushion.

The RPS School Board will meet tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. in the Edison Board Room (615 7th St SW). On the agenda for tomorrow’s regular meeting is: RPS 2030 Strategic Plan Middle School Options, School Board Draft Response to AIPAC, and Achievement and Integration Plan.

If you cannot attend in person, you can livestream the meeting at https://www.youtube.com/isd535.

You can view all full meeting agendas at https://rochesterschools.org/simbli.

8 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

RPS School Board Meeting, Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2026 5:30pm Regular Meeting

Century students and staff showed resolve of steel as they took the plunge in windy, 42-degree weather. The 103 plungers raised $7,767 for Special Olympics and their Unified School Program. All three high schools braved the Polar Plunge this week. We are so proud of you, students and staff...oh, and Superintendent Kent Pekel too!

8 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

Three high school girls wearing smiles and matching "Polar Plunge" t-shirts emerge from the frigid waters of the Polar Plunge tank. They are flanked by a life guard and a police officer.

A far-off shot of two girls holding hands as they jump into the Polar Plunge tank.

Two high school boys look shook at they find their feet after plunging into the Polar Plunge tank.

Four Century girls softball players pose arm in arm. They pump each other up before plunging into the Polar Plunge.

Two RPS staff members in capes and masks jump into the Polar Plunge. In the background, students look on from the ground close to a parking lot full of cars.

Outside a group of high school boys get pumped up for the Polar Plunge.

Two adults help a soaked student down from the Polar Plunge tank. She is cold but smiling through it.

A student wrapped in a towel holds up a peace sign for the camera. The bright red Polar Plunge tank is in the background.

Superintendent Kent Pekel raises his arms in victory after taking the Polar Plunge.

Mayo High School families: Power has been restored to the building. After-school activities and sports will run as planned.

8 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

Mayo HS families: We are canceling school today, Friday, March 13, 2026. The high winds in our area have caused several power outages in the neighborhood. As a result, the building is currently without the necessary power and systems to operate school as scheduled. We will send a follow-up message by midday today regarding the status of after-school activities and athletics.

8 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

Mayo High School is closed Friday, March 13

Earn your Bilingual Seal! Graduating high school students in Minnesota with a multilingual background and/or studying a language other than English are eligible to earn a bilingual seal after graduation. Fill out the survey at https://tinyurl.com/RPSSealsBiliteracy and register for an exam time.

8 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

Minnesota Bilingual Seals - Rochester Public Schools - register online https://tinyurl.com/RPSSealsBiliteracy

We're supporting and empowering students in every way imaginable. What better way to empower students than to let one call a snow day! We've put Century High School sophomore, Jaycob Krebs through rigorous training on how to call snow days. Stay tuned to RPS socials to see what call he'll make: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPwjsoXBMy4

8 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

Jaycob Krebs Century Sophomore snow day specialist

During today’s Curriculum and Development Day, staff across the district came together to learn, reflect, and build connections with one another. These dedicated days keep staff informed about upcoming initiatives and expectations while also creating space for meaningful problem-solving. By sharing insights and strategies from their own perspectives, teams work together to strengthen instruction and better support students.

8 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

At John Adams, staff participate in Curriculum and Development Day in the cafeteria.

At Gage, staff participate in Curriculum and Development Day in the cafeteria.

A woman leans over a laptop and her presentation is displayed on a Smartboard.

The RPS School Board will meet tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. in the Edison Board Room (615 7th St SW). On the agenda for tomorrow’s regular meeting is: RPS 2030 Strategic Plan Elementary School Options, RPS Improvement Targets Proposal, Support of Repealing the Special Law Establishing the "Alley System" for School Board Elections in ISD #535.

If you cannot attend in person, you can livestream the meeting at https://www.youtube.com/isd535.

You can view all full meeting agendas at https://rochesterschools.org/simbli.

8 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

RPS School Board Meeting, Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 5:30PM Regular Meeting

Ever wondered what a Superintendent does on a Tuesday morning?

This week, Superintendent Pekel had a howling good time narrating the Russian classic "Peter and the Wolf" at John Marshall High School. Joined by the talented musicians of the Rochester Symphony, they introduced elementary students to the orchestra's different voices through Sergey Prokofiev's timeless story.

Check out the highlights from a morning of symphonic storytelling!

8 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

Superintendent Pekel and orchestra standing for applause

Rochester Public Schools is the heart of a community focused on lifelong learning. Whether you are three years old or eighty-three, we believe in investing in our community's future by providing exceptional opportunities for everyone to grow.

➡️ We help our youngest learners flourish through 177 Preschool Enrichment classes, 105 Early Childhood Family Education classes, and 26 RPS Preschool classrooms.

➡️ Our youth students stay engaged and inspired through 767 Youth Enrichment and 21st Century programs designed to help them find their spark.

➡️ Learning doesn't stop at graduation. We host 655 Adult Enrichment classes, 241 Adults With Exceptional Abilities classes, and 116 unique offerings at Hawthorne Education.

Learn more about our Community Education program at https://www.rochesterce.org.

8 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

2087 classes offered through community education

Our value of ensuring excellence through evidence means we use data and proven practices to help our students grow. To date, 90% of RPS 8th graders have used Xello to discover careers connected to their personal interests. By using these tools, we are investing in our community’s future and preparing the next generation of thinkers and doers. Discover more about how our students use the Xello tool at www.rochesterschools.org/xello.

#PublicSchoolsWeek #PSW26

8 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

90% of 8th graders used Xello to discover career interests

At Rochester Public Schools, we want every student to be “Challenged to Strive and Supported to Thrive.” With more than 120 extracurricular options for our secondary students, we live out our Value of building belonging and connection. By offering a wide variety of activities, we ensure every student can find a place where they belong, helping them develop the social skills and confidence needed to pursue a fulfilling path. Learn more about our mission at www.rochesterschools.org/about.

#PublicSchoolsWeek #PSW26

8 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

To help our students flourish, we focus on our value of supporting the whole student. This includes their physical well-being, which is why our nutrition team serves over 16,000 meals every single day. Meeting these basic needs is essential to our mission: to equip every student with the resilience to pursue a fulfilling path. Learn more about our Student Nutrition Services Department at https://www.rochesterschools.org/student-nutrition.

#PublicSchoolsWeek #PSW26

8 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

5,313 breakfasts and 11,191 lunches served daily

Learning is for everyone! Today was a professional development day across the district. Over 90 courses were offered to all staff including teachers, academic ESPs, transportation ESPs, related service providers, and more. These courses help our staff succeed in their chosen path. It was a great day to hone our skills further to better equip our students for their futures!

9 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

Adults journal their reflections in a classroom.

A woman in a black dress presents on intercultural communications in front of a smartboard.

A man in a denim shirt is transfixed by the speaker. Handouts and a thumbs-up paddle sit on the desk in front of him.

The RPS School Board will meet tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. in the Edison Board Room (615 7th St SW). On the agenda for tomorrow’s Regular Meeting is Project Momentum Update, AIPAC Vote on Concurrence, RPS Improvement Targets Proposal, and 2026 Primary Election.

If you cannot attend in person, you can livestream the meeting at https://www.youtube.com/isd535.

You can view all full meeting agendas at https://rochesterschools.org/simbli.

9 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

RPS School Board Meeting, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, 5:30pm Regular Meeting

Oraculi and RPS have partnered to give students the guidance and support to create ambitious projects for their submissions to the Rochester Regional STEM Fair! Read about how our middle schoolers are creating projects that develop their passions for science while learning from real-life scientists as their mentors!
https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/2704917

9 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

1080x1350 social size exploration (45) (1)

students testing hydration methods for plants

An apparatus to pump saltwater into fresh water

RPS Families: This is a reminder that there is no school on Monday, February 16. Staff will be participating in professional development. Additionally, our Registration and Records Department and Human Resources Department at the Edison Building will be closed on Monday.

Enjoy the long weekend, and we'll see you next Tuesday.

9 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

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