What's for lunch? The question on every student's mind. Use our lunch menus to make sure you're in the know and you have the answer to your student's questions: https://www.rochesterschools.org/page/school-meals-and-menus
February treated us well! Here's our photo send-off of all our learning, festivities, and fun this month!
Your path to success starts here! At RPS, we don't just wait for students to find their way – we build a map for postsecondary & career pathways from kindergarten to 12th grade to help students discover their dreams and empower them to discover their strengths and passions every step of the way. #CareerReady #PublicSchoolsWeek
Read more about our strategic plan: https://www.rochesterschools.org/o/rps/page/rps-strategic-plan
At Rochester Public Schools, we believe that all students deserve to feel safe and accepted at school. We are committed to fostering a positive learning environment where every student can thrive. #StudentWellbeing #PublicSchoolsWeek
Read more about our strategic plan: https://www.rochesterschools.org/o/rps/page/rps-strategic-plan
We understand that student success extends beyond the classroom. That's why at Rochester Public Schools, we're dedicated to engaging parents and caregivers in their child's academic, social, and emotional journey. Together, we're nurturing the whole child! #FamilyEngagement #PublicSchoolsWeek
Read more about our strategic plan: https://www.rochesterschools.org/o/rps/page/rps-strategic-plan
What does "deeper learning" look like? It's hands-on projects, collaborative problem-solving, and real-world connections! We're committed to providing every student with opportunities to elevate their education and unlock their full potential. See the difference deeper learning makes at Rochester Public Schools #PublicSchoolsWeek #Deeperlearning
Read more about our strategic plan: https://www.rochesterschools.org/o/rps/page/rps-strategic-plan
As we work to uplift student voices, we let students share their perspectives on Black History Month. Meet Tyshawn, a high school student inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. #StudentVoice #BHM
https://youtube.com/shorts/5QDKTTP_rTk?feature=share
At RPS, We're empowering young leaders to tackle the issues they care about! We see students and classes do amazing things to support the Rochester community, like fundraising for local charities, donating their time to make and serve meals, researching or creating a solution to solve a problem they've come across, and spreading awareness on topics they care about. and Let's build schools and communities where youth are driving change! #StudentVoice #PublicSchoolsWeek
Read more about our strategic plan: https://www.rochesterschools.org/o/rps/page/rps-strategic-plan
Please give a round of applause to MMEA’s 2025 High School Music Educator of the Year, Amanda Kaus!
Amanda has dedicated over 13 years to educating Rochester Public Schools' students, specifically teaching Century High School music and band classes. This award is added to the many achievements Amanda has received so far in her career. The MMEA Music Educator of the Year award recognizes exemplary music teachers throughout Minnesota who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, leadership, and advocacy in music education.
Kim Fanning has dedicated thirty years to her role as an Adult Literacy Coordinator, making a significant impact in the community. Throughout her career, she has taken on numerous responsibilities. For a decade, she served as the volunteer coordinator, where she played a vital role in connecting hundreds of community members with students at Hawthorne Education Center. This collaboration greatly enriched the experiences of both volunteers and students alike. For the past twenty years, Kim has been managing the College and Training program, focusing on helping students create educational plans that enhance their academic skills. These plans are designed to facilitate their transition into post-secondary education and ultimately lead them to fulfilling careers in their areas of interest. Kim dedicates endless hours to assist students in researching careers, navigating educational pathways, offering guidance, and identifying resources to overcome any barriers hindering their success. Over the years, she has successfully guided thousands of students in achieving their educational goals. Kim is always accessible to her students, often receiving calls on Sunday nights from those seeking help with homework, technical issues, or personal matters. She is a steadfast advocate for her students, working tirelessly with school administration, teachers, and community partners to ensure they receive the support they need. For three decades, Kim has consistently gone above and beyond, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her students and their success.
Sabrina Mayol has done a phenomenal job bringing equity to Lincoln K-8 Elementary School. Using monthly lessons, she engages students on the rich diversity around us. She uses her talents to organize a "food fight" with our GSA to gather food for the community and prepare Black History month highlights, trivia, and activities that have ignited creativity in our classes. Finally, she put together a celebration for the donation drive to shave Mr. Lundak's head.
Read last week's #CelebrateRPS newsletter: https://bit.ly/419BCBW
Submit someone who knows how to #CelebrateRPS: https://www.rochesterschools.org/o/rps/page/celebrate
#Behindtheschoolday: Today, we stopped by Churchill Elementary School, where students were showcasing their pajamas and stuffies as a reward for their Kindness challenge. Math problems, creative play, building with shapes, and reading were just a few of the things we were able to capture. Keep up the kindness, Huskies!
Last Wednesday, not one but two of our elementary students, Elliana H. and Jaxon G., were recognized as finalists in the Hormel Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest. The Hormel Foods BLAACK business resource group sponsored the annual essay competition for elementary and middle school students across the United States. Contestants were asked to write an essay with the theme, “What Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Means to Me.” "I want to carry Dr. King's dream forward by using a big, bold voice every day and standing up for those that don't have a voice," shared Elliana as she read her essay aloud for the presentation. Please join us in congratulating Elliana and Jaxon!
RPS will be closed tomorrow, February 18, due to forecasted cold weather conditions.
➡️ School Age Child Care (SACC) will be open 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Northrop Education Center (201 8th St. NW).
➡️ All PAIIR, Preschool Age Child Care (PACC), Preschool, and Community Education daytime and evening classes, for early childhood, youth, adults, and adults with exceptional abilities are canceled.
➡️ Hawthorne Education Center is closed.
➡️ All community building reservations are canceled.
➡️ All Professional Growth Academy classes are canceled.
➡️ Students who are enrolled in Post-Secondary Enrollment Options ( PSEO) should check with the higher education institution for inclement weather information.
➡️ All high school, after school athletic and activities practices, performances, and games will continue as planned. We will communicate any changes via our website, social media channels, and an email to high school families.
➡️ 21st-century High school after school programs are canceled.
➡️ No supper meals will be provided.
Students will not report to school on Monday, February 17, in observance of Presidents Day. Staff will participate in a districtwide professional development day. Students will return to school on Tuesday, February 18.
Our JM students have been serving up sweet notes of joy and kindness for the Rochester Community this week leading up to Valentine's Day. For this month's rocket boost, students took the time during their lunch period to send a message for local nursing home residents.
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
