When students lost access to their phones, what body part did it feel like they lost? In the latest Supt in the Halls, Dr. Kent Pekel asked Mayo High School student government representatives what their thought are on the current phone ban. Watch the full episode of Supt in the Halls in our YouTube!
https://bit.ly/4evSOG3
Last Friday, before Mayo High School's homecoming football game, we had the opportunity to announce that the school's stadium will officially be called the "Whitney Stadium" after longtime activities director Jeff Whitney. Thank you, Jeff, for your 30+ years of dedication to Rochester Public Schools, and we hope you enjoy your retirement!
What a fun parade! Now, on to the football game. Happy Homecoming, Spartans!
Talk about dedication! Mr. Franko at Franklin Elementary School takes yearbook pictures to the next level: same outfit, same school, twelve years and counting!
Stevie Bertram is a second-grade teacher at Pinewood Elementary. Stevie is a former RPS student who attended Ben Franklin Elementary, Willow Creek Middle School, and Mayo High School. Read more about why she chose to return to work at RPS: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1804267
#CelebrateRPS
This month, Loury Trader's 1st grade Spanish Immersion class collaborated to create and design their Hispanic Heritage Month Banner. This exercise allows students to practice their fine motor skills while learning about the celebration and background of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Listen to RPS students explain the Ignite Student Learning referendum that is on the November ballot!
The video shows how the proposed levy increase would stabilize district finances and support the programs and services that help students thrive: https://youtu.be/2-Y2VWb-wA8
There is help. Students and staff can always use 988 to call, text, or chat with a lifeline counselor 24/7/365. RPS also offers resources for students and staff with our confidential screener (http://mentalhealthscreeningtools.com/), or if you want to talk with a provider, schedule a free consultation with a mental health professional (https://ffcstaffconsults.as.me/). There is hope.
You are eligible to vote on the Ignite Student Learning referendum and any other ballot measure if you are:
1. At least 18 years old
2. A U.S. citizen
3. A resident of MN (including non-property-owners) for at least 20 days before the election
Find out more here: https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/register-to-vote/
Listen to Superintendent Pekel explain what's at stake for RPS this election when voters consider an operating levy increase that would stabilize our budget, allowing RPS to avoid school closures, protect class sizes, and maintain student programs and services: bit.ly/3MRUWLR
Installation began this week for the John Marshall mural! If you have an opportunity to see it in person, stop by to see the incredible work that is happening. The JM Mural is only possible through the financial support of many local non-profits, businesses, and individuals. Thank you to all who are supporting this.
Century High School sophomore, Mandy Yu represented Team USA at the 2024 Pan American Junior Championship in Peru from August 31 - September 7. Mandy competed with 164 table tennis players from around the world. After battling for four days, the USA Team U15 girls were crowned the champions, which makes Team USA qualified to attend the 2024 World Junior Championship in November in Sweden.
Congratulations on your success, Mandy. And good luck in Sweden next month!
Submit your #CelebrateRPS moments to be highlighted at www.rochesterschools.org/celebrateRPS
Does your student ride a school bus? Families using transportation can download the First View app to see where their student's buses are. The district code for the app is M6QE. Check it out!
In case you missed it! Read the recent op-ed by RPS School Board Chair Cathy Nathan, which explains why we put forward the Ignite Student Learning referendum to stabilize our finances and continue helping all students reach their full potential. ➡️ bit.ly/3XCaF6X
Students may have the day off, but RPS teachers and staff got great insights from Dr. Gholdy Muhammad on how we're working toward culturally and historically responsive education. Thank you Dr. Muhammad for presenting this morning! This opportunity is made possible from an Anti-Bias/Trauma-Informed grant we received from the state of Minnesota.
A reminder that there is no school tomorrow, Wednesday, September 25, for all students. Your teachers and administrators will be participating in professional development, reviewing assessment data, and planning instruction. We look forward to seeing you on Thursday!
If your student is struggling with their mental health, often the best thing they can do is to share their feelings with someone. Many people suffering from mental illness stay silent, which only makes their symptoms worse. There is help available, and even just sharing your student's worries, thoughts, and feelings may help them feel better. The first step you can take right now is to complete the mental health screener (http://mentalhealthscreeningtools.com/). If the screener indicates a concern, share the results with a trusted adult or schedule an appointment with someone on the Emotional and Mental Well-being Team.
September is School Board Recognition Month! Join us in recognizing our school board for all the great work they do for our district! Thank you, Justin, Don, Cathy, Jean, Julie, Karen, and Jess!
Thank you for your patience as we restored our phone lines this morning. All main phone lines are working; you can contact the school office using the main office numbers.
The main phone lines at some of our schools are currently not working. Parents and caregivers should have received an email and a text message with alternative ways to contact the school if necessary. We are working to resolve the issue and will provide an update as soon as we have more information.
