RPS families: This is a reminder that there is no school on, Tuesday, November 4, for our Curriculum and Development Day. RPS will resume normal operations and hours on Wednesday, November 5.
In his monthly update on KROC-AM's "Rochester Today," Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel discussed that while Rochester Public Schools has not yet felt an impact from the partial government shutdown, he has concerns about future federal funding changes for our district.
Listen to the full conversation: https://krocnews.com/federal-funding-rochester-schools-superintendent/
Listen to the full conversation: https://krocnews.com/federal-funding-rochester-schools-superintendent/
This Wednesday, RPS high schools are serving up Chicken Shawarma Wraps—a brand-new menu item inspired by your feedback! Juicy marinated chicken, zesty pickles, and major flavor… all wrapped up for you. Don’t miss it!
October is Bullying Prevention Month. At RPS, we work to prevent bullying by actively building belonging and connection. We celebrate differences and embrace individual perspectives to cultivate a vibrant community. This culture of respect allows us to better support the whole student, nurturing their social skills and emotional well-being so they can flourish.
Did you know that Rochester Public Schools has five community schools? Gage, Riverside, Franklin, John Adams, and John Marshall are home to our community schools and supported by our community school site facilitators. Their focus is to bring together academics, health, social services, youth and community development, and community engagement. When all these factors work together, the data shows improved student learning, stronger families, and healthier communities. The work being done within our community schools is just one of the ways that Rochester Public Schools works to ensure each student can flourish in their own path.
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: Field Trip Fees. On the agenda for tomorrow's Regular Meeting is: Attendance Data and Initiatives Update, Philanthropy Strategy, Course Registration Guide, and Policy Committee Recommendations.
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.
Congratulations to Brian Ihrke, John Marshall High School's Activities Director, on being voted the Region 1AA Activities Director of the Year by his peers. A well-deserved honor for his leadership and dedication to the Rockets!
Yesterday, we gathered to celebrate our urban Native community, enjoying delicious food, cultural dances, and meaningful conversations that honor the resilience, culture, and history of Indigenous people. This event offered our community the opportunity to highlight our American Indian Education program, which provides cultural and academic support to students with Indigenous heritage specifically with state and federally recognized tribes. Minnesota is home to 11 sovereign nations, and Rochester Public Schools are situated on ancestral lands of the Dakota people. We acknowledge and honor the Dakota Nations and the sacred land of all Indigenous peoples.
RPS families: This is a reminder that there is no school on Thursday, October 16 and Friday, October 17, for MEA weekend. Enjoy the long weekend, and we'll see you on Monday, October 20!
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: Religious Holidays and 2027-28 RPS Calendar Design and World Languages 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.
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.
Happy Apple Crunch Day! RPS students were treated to fresh apples from Howling Moon Orchard, which are grown right here in southeastern Minnesota. Washington Elementary students found them delicious (and nutritious)!
It's HOMECOMING WEEK, and our high schoolers brought the homecoming celebration to Lincoln K-8! Drums, Kickline, and Touchdowns made Lincoln's lunchtime celebration even sweeter.
The stage is set, so save the date! Century, John Marshall, and Mayo have three talented casts ready to bring you to the edge of your seats. Come and see the productions!
November 13 through November 15 at 7 p.m.
Century High School's Cinderella
November 15 at 2 p.m.
Century High School's Cinderella
November 20 through November 22 at 7 p.m.
JM's The Lightning Thief and Mayo's A Christmas Carol
November 22
Mayo's A Christmas Carol at 1:30 p.m.
JM's The Lightning Thief at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available on the GoFAN App (https://gofan.co/). Please consider supporting your local high school theater departments!
November 13 through November 15 at 7 p.m.
Century High School's Cinderella
November 15 at 2 p.m.
Century High School's Cinderella
November 20 through November 22 at 7 p.m.
JM's The Lightning Thief and Mayo's A Christmas Carol
November 22
Mayo's A Christmas Carol at 1:30 p.m.
JM's The Lightning Thief at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available on the GoFAN App (https://gofan.co/). Please consider supporting your local high school theater departments!
As part of our Attendance Matters initiative, we are sending all families an attendance update today. This message will provide a current snapshot of your student’s attendance record for the year so far. Our goal is to keep you informed and partner with you to support your student's learning. You can always view up-to-the-minute attendance data in Skyward. Learn more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/attendance-matters
Did you know our early childhood screenings are on the go? This week, our team will be out at SPARK on Thursday, October 9. Appointments are required: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScv0wWUoEAsTkg4KqchvagTln-EucDpsSHdn4-soyujLx6foA/viewform. All children are required to be screened before starting kindergarten, but can be screened as early as three years old to provide you with insight into your child's learning development. Join us at SPARK and make your screening part of the fun!
Join us on Monday, October 13, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Dakota Middle School to share, learn, and celebrate with our community. We plan to host a vibrant gathering featuring delicious food, cultural dances, and meaningful conversations that honor the resilience, culture, and history of Indigenous people. We hope to see you there!
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: Enrollment Update, Newcomers Programming Update, Superintendent Evaluation for 2024-25: Outcomes Component Report, Language Access Plan, Approval of Mission, Vision, and Values, Authorization to Close and Sell Friedell, Mighty Oaks, and Skyline.
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.
Do you need a new mattress? Consider supporting our RPS high school bands by attending our 5th annual mattress fundraiser on October 4 at Century High School from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Try a selection of name-brand mattresses that come fully warrantied and are well below retail prices. Come and take a step toward prioritizing your sleep while also supporting a great cause.
Your student might qualify for extra benefits! Fill out the Application for Educational Benefits to find out! Bonus: filling out the application will benefit the entire school district. Fill the form at rochesterschools.org/page/application-for-benefits
Mighty Oaks Early Learning School officially celebrated its new location, bringing new energy to the former Pinewood Elementary building. This new location brings our early childhood programming to a more centralized location. It features an extra special addition—a brand-new traffic garden where kids can ride scooters and bikes while also learning about pedestrian safety.
Thank you to all who joined us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony! Congratulations to our Mighty Oaks Early Learning students, staff, and families!
