It was a perfect morning for Walk to School Day! Pinewood Elementary students hopped off the bus at Bear Creek Park, then walked the rest of the way along Marion Road—practicing safe walking skills with friends and crossing guards. Mayor Norton, the Rochester Police Department, the School Board, Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel, and even Slider from the Rochester Honkers joined in as well!
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
This school year is off to a great start with higher-than-expected student enrollment numbers! Superintendent Kent Pekel shared the preliminary data during his monthly radio appearance with KROC. For more details on what this means for our district, listen here:
https://krocnews.com/rochester-public-schools-higher-enrollment/about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
75 years and counting! Jefferson hosted its 75th anniversary celebration on Saturday with all the festivities to be expected! Congratulations on the historic milestone Jaguars, and here's to all the years to come.
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
Need help understanding the financial aid options for college? Free college planning and financial aid events are available to Minnesota students and families via Zoom. The series, running on Tuesday evenings this fall, is intended for current high school students and will cover general information about the college application and financial aid process, details on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Minnesota Dream Act for undocumented students, and other ways to pay for college. All sessions will have interpretation in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong. Attendees can ask questions in the chat and have them answered by higher education experts during the event. Students who attend any of the sessions will be entered into a drawing to win a $1,000 scholarship (one entry per session attended). Space is limited, so register soon! These sessions are offered by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, Minnesota Department of Education, ECMC The College Place and Minnesota Goes to College. For session dates, topics and to register: bit.ly/CollegePlanningSeries. Contact
myang@ecmc.org with any questions.
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
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: MCA Data Review & Initiative Update, Elementary Science Curriculum Implementation Update, Approval of Vision, Mission, Values, Authorization to close and sell Friedell, Mighty Oaks, and Skyline, Certification of Proposed District Property Tax Levy Payable 2026, Board Meeting Schedule for 2026, and Approval of the 2025-2027 REA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
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.
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
Overland Elementary School is intentionally building community every school day! By adjusting their schedule, Overland created a 20-minute routine at the beginning of the day to provide time for community-building circles in all classrooms. These community-building circles help students, teachers, and Education Support Professional (ESP) staff get to know each other and strengthen relationships between students and staff. Way to go, Overland Owls!
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
Friday is bringing in the final celebrations of Mayo High School’s homecoming week! Check out the scenes from Franklin Elementary School's ribbon cutting event, Willow Creek Middle School's spirit day, and the Mayo High School Homecoming Parade. RPS is so happy to have kids back in class and celebrate the amazing community in Rochester.
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
We are launching our strategic planning process to guide the district through 2030, and your voice is essential. We invite community members to provide insight and direction by participating in design committees, focus groups, or our online feedback form. Help define our priorities for the years to come. Learn more and get involved at https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/2406444.
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
Get ready to play! The ribbon is officially cut on the brand new Franklin Elementary Community Schoolyard!
This isn't just any green space; it's a vibrant, adventure-packed wonderland designed by our outstanding students, for our school and our entire neighborhood!
Our Franklin scholars were the lead architects, pouring their brilliant ideas into every corner. Through hands-on design workshops, they brought their dreams to life, creating:
🌳 An awesome nature play area
☀️ An outdoor classroom for learning under the sky
🏀 New recreation spaces for endless fun
🦋 A beautiful pollinator garden to help our buzzing buddies!
Thank you to our incredible partners, Trust for Public Land, for helping us turn this vision into a reality!
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
To help our students fully engage in their learning, students are encouraged not to bring cell phones or other electronic devices, including smart watches and earbuds/airpods, to school. See more information about our cell phone procedures for each school level at https://rochesterschools.org/cell-phone-procedures
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Calling all past, present, and future Jefferson Elementary families! Save the date to join us for our 75th anniversary celebration on Saturday, September 27 from 3-6 p.m.
Want to share your Jefferson memories with us or volunteer at the event? Learn more at
https://jefferson75th.org!
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Sometimes, knowing what steps to take can be hard when you are worried that your student's emotional or mental well-being might be impacted. RPS families have access to a confidential screener online at
http://mentalhealthscreeningtools.com/. If the screener results indicate a reason for concern, or if you want to talk with a provider, schedule a free consultation with a mental health professional (
https://ffcstaffconsults.as.me/).
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is also available for people experiencing emotional distress, mental health crises, or thoughts of suicide. You can call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org to connect with trained counselors anytime, 24/7.
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
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: public hearings for proposal to close Mighty Oaks Early Learning School, Skyline, and Friedell, 2026-2030 Strategic Plan Update, Resolutions for MSBA Delegate Assembly, and Certification of Proposed School District Property Tax Levy Payable 2025.
If you cannot attend in person, you can watch the playback of the meeting at
https://www.youtube.com/isd535.
You can view all full meeting agendas at
https://rochesterschools.org/simbli.
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
We're committed to providing healthy and tasty options for our students. Check out what's cooking for the new school year! 🥗🍕🥕 Find our menus by:
• Visiting our website:
www.rochesterschools.org/meals and look for the printable menus section or find the menus button on our schools home page.
• Checking our school app: You may already use our school app, but you'll find our menus conveniently located there! These menus are updated monthly and help you plan ahead.
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
September is School Board Recognition Month, and we want to recognize the dedicated leaders guiding our district: the Rochester Public Schools School Board members. These elected officials are tasked with making critical decisions—from policy and budget oversight to long-term strategic planning—that directly impact every student.
We encourage our community to stay engaged. Get to know your board members, find meeting dates, and stay updated by visiting our district website:
http://rochesterschools.org/school-boardabout 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
The first day of preschool is a big milestone, and a little rain didn't stop our families from celebrating! We had so much fun welcoming our newest and youngest learners to the classroom today. We're so excited to see all the amazing things our students will learn and do this year!
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Friendly reminder: No school on Monday, September 1 (Labor Day)! RPS offices and schools will be closed. We'll resume regular hours on Tuesday, September 2.
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS families: This is a reminder that except for Longfellow Elementary, there is no school on, Friday, August 29. RPS is also closed on Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day. Enjoy the long weekend, and we will see you next Tuesday!
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
And just like that, the first day of school is in the books for our elementary schools! It was a day filled with reuniting with friends, meeting new teachers, and settling into the familiar learning rhythm.
Our deepest gratitude to our incredible teachers and staff who worked so hard to ensure our students felt welcomed and supported today. We are honored to be a part of this community and look forward to a positive year ahead.
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
