Tune in for Superintendent Pekel's podcast appearance on KROC. This month's important topic is "Addressing Chronic Absenteeism in Rochester Public Schools." Listen to the conversation to learn more about RPS' strategies and goals.
Listen here: https://krocnews.com/rochester-public-schools-superintendent-radio-show/
Listen here: https://krocnews.com/rochester-public-schools-superintendent-radio-show/
Folwell Elementary families: Due to construction on 2nd Street, there will be increased traffic flow to 6th Street, one of the most common routes to Folwell. But there's a better way! Check out this map with our advised route for the Load & Go line at bit.ly/folwellroute. (Approaching from the south is the key!)
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: 2024-25 Fastbridge Data Analysis and Literacy Plan Update, Superintendent Evaluation for 2024-25 Leadership Component Part 2, School Board Committee Assignments for 2025-26, Back To School 2025-26, Policy Committee Recommendations, and Superintendent Goals for 2025-26.
You can view all full meeting agendas at https://rochesterschools.org/simbli.
What a summer! That's a wrap on summer SACC, and what an adventure it's been! Our students and staff had a blast making memories, from epic field trips to fun-filled days. We hope you have a great rest of your summer break, and we can't wait to see you all again in a few short weeks for the school year!
This fall, we're welcoming a special group of students: our new kindergarteners, most of whom were born during the pandemic. The classroom is a whole new world for them, and our incredible teachers are there to guide them with extra care and expertise. We are so proud that MPR News sat down with one of our kindergarten teachers from Overland Elementary to discuss how she's creating a welcoming space for our newest learners.
Listen to the interview to hear about the thoughtful and dedicated work happening in our schools every day: https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2025/08/05/the-challenges-facing-this-years-kindergarten-class?fbclid=IwY2xjawMG6X1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHvDrdEiAeRM-K30eWyqfYnOozLIEC-SxekWZsWZskJuPOzwlOQ-oit5f66DF_aem_h0YqQHz0phNnx2ZVwZ5aWw
Listen to the interview to hear about the thoughtful and dedicated work happening in our schools every day: https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2025/08/05/the-challenges-facing-this-years-kindergarten-class?fbclid=IwY2xjawMG6X1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHvDrdEiAeRM-K30eWyqfYnOozLIEC-SxekWZsWZskJuPOzwlOQ-oit5f66DF_aem_h0YqQHz0phNnx2ZVwZ5aWw
The RPS School Board will meet tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. in the Edison Board Room (615 7th St SW). On the agenda for tomorrow’s study session is: Graduation Rate Analysis & Overview of 9th Grade On Track and Staff Development Plan and Budget Review.
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.
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.
RPS is committed to building strong partnerships that ensure equitable access to mental health care for all students and families. One essential partnership is with Fernbrook Family Center, a community-based mental health provider offering intensive, individualized support from early childhood through adulthood. Read more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/2324125
Welcome Back, Lepoards! Longfellow Elementary kicked off our back-to-school season with an amazing first day of school! Each year, the first day is full of excitement for students, staff, and families, and we can't wait to see what you do this year!
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 Special Session is Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Plan and the agenda for the study session is Facilities Strategy and School Board Goal Development 2025-2026.
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.
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.
We're here to partner with your family. Rochester Public Schools is looking to increase communication between schools and families about student attendance. In case you missed it, 🔍 look for an email on Why Coming to School Matters and what to expect in the new school year.
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 study session is Prep for Action: Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Plan and Action: 5 Year Budget Reduction Strategy.
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.
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.
These motivated Mayo athletes aren't afraid of a little sweat! They're getting stronger! Coach-led summer training sessions are boosting strength, flexibility, and team spirit—prepping students to bring their best in the upcoming seasons and stay injury-free. Whether it’s hockey or volleyball, these Spartans are putting in the work!
We're looking for you! RPS is actively recruiting staff for various roles for the 2025-2026 school year, including Education Support Professionals (ESPs), Transportation ESPs, Special Education Teachers, Science Teachers, Maintenance staff, and more! Wages start at $20 per hour and include a state-sponsored retirement account. Join us at our next hiring event on Tuesday, July 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Edison Administration Building (615 7th Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902).
It’s not every day you get up close and personal with a bird of prey — but Dakota Middle School students did just that!
Earlier this year, Dakota Middle School students teamed up with Quarry Hill Nature Center and the Mayo Clinic Peregrine Falcon Program to learn about wildlife conservation by building a bird box right behind their school! They’ve been able to watch parent American kestrels hunt and nest for months, and now a few students and their science teachers got up close and personal with the kestrel chicks.
A Quarry Hill staff member came by to weigh the five new kestrels in an ice cream bucket and add leg bands for tracking. He’ll share this data with the U.S. Geological Survey to help researchers better understand kestrels and the challenges their population faces.
Holiday Reminder: All Rochester Public Schools buildings and offices, including summer meal and SACC locations, will be closed this Thursday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. All district operations will resume during normal business hours on Friday, June 20, 2025.
Ever wish you could glimpse into the future? Middle schoolers from Rochester Public Schools — alongside students from surrounding districts — got that chance at the Middle School Career Academy! During this four-day summer experience, students explore a variety of careers by choosing from eight pathways: Agriculture, Health Scientist Careers, Culinary/Hospitality, Public Safety/Emergency Response, Manufacturing, Construction, Information Technology, and Transportation. Industry partners, including the Rochester Fire Department, Mayo Clinic, and Hormel Institute, team up with classroom teachers to provide hands-on, real-world experiences that help illuminate potential futures.
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: Retiree Recognition, Long-Term Budget Strategy, Policy Committee Recommendations, Math Curriculum Purchase and 2025-2026 Budget Proposal
At the end of the school year, Deeper Learning teams from across the district came together for the RPS Deeper Learning Summit to share stories, reflect on two years of learning and growth, and envision what's next. From classroom innovation to systemwide change, deeper learning is becoming how we do school in RPS.
Join us in congratulating Carrie Mosby, Danielle Lyons, Megan Peterson, and Veronica Holton—four incredible individuals in our RPS SpEd Pipeline Scholarship Program! 👏 Thanks to funding from the Minnesota Department of Education, the Rochester Public Schools (RPS) SpEd Pipeline is helping passionate educators on their journey to becoming licensed Special Education teachers. We commend Carrie, Megan, Veronica, and Danielle for their unwavering commitment to serving and supporting students with diverse learning needs. Your dedication inspires us all!
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 study session is: Community Budget Advisory Council Conversation
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.
