
Join us for an FAFSA information session for all families and students next week on April 11, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. We hope to see you there!



Today, we're honoring those in our school who keep our school libraries a magical place for our students. They introduce students to different worlds of magic, wonder, and adventures and are a valuable asset to things like book reports and projects. Thank you to our librarians!


Pamoja Women are hosting a Community Listening Session with the Rochester Public School Board at Franklin Elementary School on April 19. We hope to see you there!


This week, take a walk and start a conversation about artwork on #RochMN Art4Trails!
The Rochester Park and Recreation Department, with support from the Rochester Art Center, invite local artist groups to design and fabricate artwork for Rochester parks and walking trails. Today, there are 14 different art installations in the City of Rochester, and even one inspired by our own Riverside Elementary Students! Find one near you: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1i_BG6ylVyAkwkBV7uvtyzosLOd3yHKQ&ll=44.02981943374906%2C-92.46992540683742&z=13




April is Autism Acceptance Month. For six years, the Autism Society of America has promoted its #CelebrateDifferences campaign, working to empower everyone in the Autism community and to make sure that they feel connected, accepted, and celebrated for who they are. Differences should not be what divides us but unite us.
To learn more about Autism Acceptance Month, go to: https://autismsociety.org/autism-acceptance-month/


We know it's spring break week and students aren't in session, but we're celebrating National Assistant Principal's Week! Our APs play a huge role in helping our buildings run smoothly, supporting our teachers and staff, and helping our students achieve their best! Thank you, APs!


Hey, RPS students in grades 3-6! Interested in being a student scientist? Check out the GATEway Science Fair taking place on April 20. Register by April 7. More information at www.rochestergateway.com.


April is Occupational Therapy Month, and we'd like to thank our occupational therapists for the vital work they do in our schools with our students day in and out!


Happy Easter to those who celebrate.


As part of our strategic plan, the Family Engagement department recently trialed our new program, RPS CAPE: Caregiver and Parent Empowerment. Over eight weeks, parents and caregivers came together at Gage Elementary School, where they learned how to navigate their school and advocate for their students. They also learned how parents, caregivers, and staff can collaborate in a school community to support student success. Each session was led by Arabic, English, and Spanish facilitators so all families could learn in a language that was easiest for them to understand. As a result of the trial, 25 parents and caregivers graduated from our first RPS CAPE program. We want to congratulate these families and look forward to better partnering with them in their students' school experience!

School Board Director Dr. Jess Garcia, gives a short summary of some of the highlights from the March 26 School Board Study Session.
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/X2sl99Uu_AA

We hope everyone has a fantastic spring break!


Looking for a place for the kids to run off energy on Saturdays? Come to our Open Gyms at Longfellow, Sunset Terrace, Riverside, and Gage Elementary Schools. Learn more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1529492


As we conclude National School Social Work Month, we would like to thank all of our social workers in Rochester Public Schools. Their commitment to our students, fostering inclusive learning environments, and helping students with their well-being makes a huge difference. Thank you!
As we wrap up the month, we’d like to highlight one of our beloved social workers, Kurt Njos. Kurt works at Mayo High School and has been with the district for about five years. He has been a licensed social worker since 2015.
Learn more about Kurt: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1529802


Wishing a blessed Good Friday to those who celebrate.


Our final Mental Health Scholar highlight is R.J. Magambo. R.J. has been with the district for two years working as an ESP at Riverside Elementary! Learn more about R.J.: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1517655


May 6-10, 2024, is Teacher Appreciation Week! In addition to the many ways families, school leaders, and PTAs will thank our teachers for their work throughout that week (and year), we would like to send RPS teachers virtual cards as well. Fill out this form and we'll email your teacher with a card. Learn more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1526966


Spring Break is almost here! We wanted to share some of the happenings around Rochester to help you make the most of your spring break staycation: https://rochesterlocal.com/rochestermn/things-to-do/spring-break/

Are you looking ahead to summer for your student? Consider Middle School Career Academy, a complimentary, interactive career camp for students who have completed 6th or 7th grade. Students will experience one career pathway and learn more about potential careers! Registration closes tomorrow, March 29, so apply today!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNKJeMGUlwLa9PWMJdQ_KMW7Pqvgy7qjlw0TrQS-7AXomq6Q/viewform


It's the last week of Women's History Month, and today, we want you to meet Amelia. As one of the District's American Indian Liaisons, she works to educate staff, students, and families on American Indian Education as well as supporting our Indigenous students. Learn more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1502119 #WomeninRPS
