Rochester Public Schools -

As we continue through the cold winter months and fully enter the second semester of the school year, we would like to ensure that you have information about the many resources that RPS has available to support your student’s mental wellbeing. Research has shown time and again that students’ mental wellness can influence their ability to achieve their full academic potential. Rochester Public Schools wants to ensure that you, as caregivers, know how to access the resources available to assist your student in coping with whatever challenges might arise. Please read the full list of resources RPS has on offer for RPS students and their families. https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/2024879

These second graders are HISTORY MAKERS in the making! We visited Ms. Ruff's class, where they take a moment each day this month to learn about Black American history makers. Each student picks a "history maker of the day" lanyard in the morning, and at the end of the day, shares what they've learned with their classmates. From amazing baseball pitches to kindness to others and standing up for what they believe in, each student walked away inspired. #CelebrateHistory #BHM #RPS

Mr. Tony Yang, school counselor, and Ms. Rachel Light-Diede, music teacher, played a violin, piano duet for our 5th graders recently. As the 5th graders prepare to make musical choices for middle school, this duo really showed them the beauty that can happen when you put your mind to accomplishing something. What amazing things RPS staff do for our students! We are lucky indeed to be surrounded by beautiful, talented people! Submited by Diana D. Read the most recent #CelebrateRPS here: https://bit.ly/419BCBW Know someone who knows how to #CelebrateRPS? Submit them to be in the next newsletter here: https://www.rochesterschools.org/o/rps/page/celebrate

The Elton Hills Heritage Night was amazing! Take a look at just SOME of the things our students showed the Elton Hills community. Go Eagles! #CelebrateRPS

This morning, students across the District participated in Winter Walk to School Day. At Gibbs Elementary, Mayor Kim Norton, the Rochester Police Department, community members, and family members joined us in our walk and effort to thank our neighbors for keeping students safe as they walk to and from school. #walk2schoolday #mnwalks #rochmn #saferoutes2school

Parents and caregivers, did you know your child's school supplies could mean more money back in your pocket next tax season? 📚✨ Save those receipts and discover how the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction can boost your refund: https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/k-12-education-subtraction-and-credit

Is your family considering public school for your student's high school experience? Join us for our non-public information night, where we will share information about Rochester Public Schools, specifically for families transitioning from non-public schools. Your family can learn about the steps to enroll in RPS, how to register for 9th-grade classes, and what your child's transition to 9th grade will look like. RSVP online: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3mLdnwlny8ud1cVpZT52-YDcljDW1qfAJwcVnuDP8edrbSQ/viewform We'll see you on: 📅 Monday, February 10 ⏰ 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. 📍 Edison Building (615 7th Street SW, Rochester)

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade students to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school through enrollment in and successful completion of college courses. PSEO students are not charged tuition, books, or fees for items required to participate in a course. If you are interested in learning more about PSEO at RPS, join us for an information night on February 20 at 6:30 p.m. at RCTC, or scan the QR code to join virtually. If you have questions, contact your building's counseling office.

Are you interested in Science and looking for a way to give back to our community? Consider volunteering for the Rochester Regional STEM Fair. Choose the role that best fits you and fill out our volunteer form today: bit.ly/helpstemfair

Life lately at Rochester Public Schools! Academic success, art, and experiments - field trips, friends, and extracurricular engagement, these are just a few of the things our students have been up to.

"Dear Rochester Public Schools community, In recent days, I've received many questions about whether or not RPS is going to change course on our efforts to create schools and a system in which all students, staff, and families are welcomed, affirmed, and supported. The answer is no; we will not change course. RPS will continue this work, and the reason is that these efforts are critical to achieving our mission of helping all of our students thrive in school and in life. We are monitoring discussions and developments at the national level, and we will respond to issues that impact Rochester Public Schools in a common-sense way that supports the academic success and positive development of all of our students." - Kent Pekel, Ed.D. Superintendent

Rochester Public Schools uses data to improve our ability to increase students' capacity to learn. We collect a variety of data about our students through surveys, assessments, in class, and after they graduate. In an effort to better share information with our current families, potential families, staff, and community, we are excited to announce the launch of our District and Student Data Dashboard: https://www.rochesterschools.org/page/district-and-school-data.

"Longfellow was lucky to interact with teachers from Pinewood, and one standout is 4th-grade teacher Mr. Priebe. From day one, he’s been a beacon of positivity—high-fiving and fist-bumping in the hallways, guiding kids, and leading the way with enthusiasm. It’s inspiring to see how he brings people together, fostering collaboration between schools and integrating students. If we all had half his energy and dedication to others, the world would undoubtedly be a better place." Submitted by Kerri S. If you want to see someone featured in #CelebrateRPS, submit them using the link below: https://www.rochesterschools.org/page/celebrate Read this week's #CelebrateRPS: https://bit.ly/3PSjXbj

Join us for our non-public information night, where we will share information about Rochester Public Schools, specifically for families transitioning from non-public schools. Your family can learn about the steps to enroll in RPS, how to register for 9th-grade classes, and what your child's transition to 9th grade will look like. RSVP online: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3mLdnwlny8ud1cVpZT52-YDcljDW1qfAJwcVnuDP8edrbSQ/viewform We'll see you on: 📅 Monday, February 10 ⏰ 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. 📍 Edison Building (615 7th Street SW, Rochester)

All schools except Longfellow Elementary will be closed on Friday, January 24. Students, enjoy your day off. RPS staff will be participating in a PD/grading day. We'll see you back on Monday, January 27!

Join us for our virtual Preschool Open House tomorrow, January 16, from 12 to 1 p.m. to ask questions, learn about our curriculum, and find out if RPS Preschool is the right fit for your family. See you online: https://meet.google.com/vkj-sote-frw

Earn your Bilingual Seal! 10th - 12th grade students can sign up to take the Biliteracy Seal assessment this April. Graduating high school students in Minnesota who have a multilingual background and/or are studying a language other than English, are eligible to earn a bilingual seal after their graduation. Fill out the application at tinyurl.com/RPSSeals2025 and register for an exam time.

Ready to jumpstart your healthcare career? The Fast Forward to Work: Phlebotomy Training Program is FREE for high school seniors passionate about laboratory sciences and healthcare! This program offers clinical experience and hands-on training at Mayo Clinic's downtown campus, running from late August through early June. Transportation is provided from Mayo, John Marshall, and Century High Schools! 🎓 Thanks to a partnership between Rochester Public Schools and the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, this opportunity comes at NO cost to students! 💡 Information Sessions for the Fast Forward to Work Phlebotomy Training Program: 🔹 In-Person Session: Jan 16 at 6:30 p.m. Edison Building, 615 7th Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902 This is your chance to take the first step toward a rewarding career in phlebotomy! 🔗 REGISTER NOW for the info session! https://airtable.com/appdynln57F04Nqyp/shraFUgT5YbTiyKlL #FastForwardToWork #PhlebotomyProgram #HealthcareCareers #HighSchoolSeniors #FreeProgram #MayoClinic #RPS #RochesterPublicSchools #FutureHealthLeaders

Dan Kuhlman took on the Washington Elementary School's music and props closet — the results may shock you. Great work, Dan! Submit someone to help us #CelebrateRPS: https://www.rochesterschools.org/page/celebrate Read this week's #CelebrateRPS: https://bit.ly/3Ps7CKW

At last night's School Board meeting, we welcomed Stephanie Whitehorn, who took the oath of office along with re-elected incumbent board members Don Barlow and Karen MacLaughlin. Congratulations to our school board members!