Under our new strategic plan, Superintendent Pekel is ensuring that Rochester Public Schools prioritizes middle school initiatives that broaden students' perspectives on postsecondary life. We’re not just preparing students for graduation; we’re preparing them for what comes next. Listen in as Dr. Pekel talks with Andy Brownell: https://krocnews.com/middle-school-career-exploration-rochester-schools/

4 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 regular meeting is: RPS Strategic Plan High School Options, Authorization of Issuance and Sale of $33,800,000 General Obligation Facilities Maintenance Bonds and General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Approval of Purchase Agreement for the Sale of the former Mighty Oaks Schoolhouse and School Board Response to AIPAC.

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.
4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS School Board Meeting Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 5:30pm, Regular Meeting

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) today released graduation rate data for the Class of 2025, including data for Rochester Public Schools (RPS) students. Results for RPS show sustained improvement over the past three years in the district’s overall graduation rate and significant progress for students from multiple demographic subgroups. From 2023 to 2025, the district's four-year graduation rate increased from 83.99% to 86.20%, a gain of 2.21 percentage points. Read more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/2802986

4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Rochester Public Schools Media Release

This is a reminder that there is no school on Monday, March 30, through Friday, April 3, for Spring Break.

5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
No School March 30 - April 3
With all this warmer weather, does your family have summer on the mind? Keep your students busy with our youth enrichment classes. Browse our summer catalog to find a class that fits their interests, your budget, and keeps you both happy! https://simplebooklet.com/youthsummer2026
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Willow Creek student lifting a watering can while working in their garden outside.
Tired of the infinite scroll? Swap your screen for a compass and rediscover your focus. This isn't your average art class—it’s a guided deep-breath for your brain.

Using the simplest tools (just paper, a straight edge, and a pen), we’re diving into the geometry of mandalas. It’s rhythmic, grounding, and the ultimate hack for quieting mental noise. Join us on Wednesday, March 25: https://rochester.ce.eleyo.com/course/26084/2026-adult-winter-spring-catalog/mindful-mandalas-cultivating-calm-through-creativity#7032-232
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
A group of women of all ages gathered at a table drawing mandalas.
White and Black Mandala
Black mandala

Our students at Gibbs are celebrating the end of the week with this amazing weather! Playing outside in the sunshine, in class celebrating their hard work and accomplishments, students building carnival games, and even some good reading to end the day.

5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Group of seven students decked out in snow gear arm in arm on the black top for a photo
All the class siting at their desks with their hands in the air celebrating the photo and smiling at the camera.
Two students building carnival games out of cardboard at their desks.
Student talking to the staff member about their book while also sitting next to to other students reading.
Give "grandma’s china" a modern glow-up! Join us to craft a custom pincushion using vintage teacups and aromatic herbs. For just $15, gather with others who have similar hobbies, and enjoy conversation while you make your one-of-a-kind piece! We hope to see you on Wednesday, March 18: https://rochester.ce.eleyo.com/course/26102/2026-adult-winter-spring-catalog/pincushions-from-up-cycled-vintage-china#7683-232
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Pink rose tea cup turned into a pincushion.
A white china elephant turned into a pincushion.
A cream pitcher turned into a pincushion.
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 regular meeting is: RPS 2030 Strategic Plan Middle School Options, School Board Draft Response to AIPAC, and Achievement and Integration Plan.

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.
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS School Board Meeting, Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2026 5:30pm Regular Meeting

Century students and staff showed resolve of steel as they took the plunge in windy, 42-degree weather. The 103 plungers raised $7,767 for Special Olympics and their Unified School Program. All three high schools braved the Polar Plunge this week. We are so proud of you, students and staff...oh, and Superintendent Kent Pekel too!

5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Three high school girls wearing smiles and matching "Polar Plunge" t-shirts emerge from the frigid waters of the Polar Plunge tank. They are flanked by a life guard and a police officer.
A far-off shot of two girls holding hands as they jump into the Polar Plunge tank.
Two high school boys look shook at they find their feet after plunging into the Polar Plunge tank.
Four Century girls softball players pose arm in arm. They pump each other up before plunging into the Polar Plunge.
Two RPS staff members in capes and masks jump into the Polar Plunge. In the background, students look on from the ground close to a parking lot full of cars.
Outside a group of high school boys get pumped up for the Polar Plunge.
Two adults help a soaked student down from the Polar Plunge tank. She is cold but smiling through it.
A student wrapped in a towel holds up a peace sign for the camera. The bright red Polar Plunge tank is in the background.
Superintendent Kent Pekel raises his arms in victory after taking the Polar Plunge.

Mayo High School families: Power has been restored to the building. After-school activities and sports will run as planned.

5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

Mayo HS families: We are canceling school today, Friday, March 13, 2026. The high winds in our area have caused several power outages in the neighborhood. As a result, the building is currently without the necessary power and systems to operate school as scheduled. We will send a follow-up message by midday today regarding the status of after-school activities and athletics.

5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Mayo High School is closed Friday, March 13
RPS Superintendent Kent Pekel says moving Sunset Terrace Elementary into Gage Elementary is no longer an option for cost savings, as it would have required changes to attendance boundaries and impacted additional students. As an alternative, the school district is considering using unused space to house the district's Middle School Alternative Program, which is currently located in the Friedell Building, now up for sale. Listen to the podcast episode: https://krocnews.com/rochester-elementary-move-proposal-scrapped/

5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Earn your Bilingual Seal! Graduating high school students in Minnesota with a multilingual background and/or studying a language other than English are eligible to earn a bilingual seal after graduation. Fill out the survey at https://tinyurl.com/RPSSealsBiliteracy and register for an exam time.
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Minnesota Bilingual Seals - Rochester Public Schools - register online https://tinyurl.com/RPSSealsBiliteracy
We're supporting and empowering students in every way imaginable. What better way to empower students than to let one call a snow day! We've put Century High School sophomore, Jaycob Krebs through rigorous training on how to call snow days. Stay tuned to RPS socials to see what call he'll make: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPwjsoXBMy4


5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Jaycob Krebs Century Sophomore snow day specialist

During today’s Curriculum and Development Day, staff across the district came together to learn, reflect, and build connections with one another. These dedicated days keep staff informed about upcoming initiatives and expectations while also creating space for meaningful problem-solving. By sharing insights and strategies from their own perspectives, teams work together to strengthen instruction and better support students.

5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
At John Adams, staff participate in Curriculum and Development Day in the cafeteria.
At Gage, staff participate in Curriculum and Development Day in the cafeteria.
A woman leans over a laptop and her presentation is displayed on a Smartboard.
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 regular meeting is: RPS 2030 Strategic Plan Elementary School Options, RPS Improvement Targets Proposal, Support of Repealing the Special Law Establishing the "Alley System" for School Board Elections in ISD #535.

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.
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS School Board Meeting, Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 5:30PM Regular Meeting
Ever wondered what a Superintendent does on a Tuesday morning?

This week, Superintendent Pekel had a howling good time narrating the Russian classic "Peter and the Wolf" at John Marshall High School. Joined by the talented musicians of the Rochester Symphony, they introduced elementary students to the orchestra's different voices through Sergey Prokofiev's timeless story.

Check out the highlights from a morning of symphonic storytelling!
6 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Superintendent Pekel reading
Superintendent Pekel reading
Superintendent Pekel reading animatedly
Superintendent Pekel reading animatedly
Superintendent Pekel reading animatedly
Superintendent Pekel and orchestra standing for applause
Superintendent Pekel and orchestra
Students listening
Students listening

Rochester Public Schools is the heart of a community focused on lifelong learning. Whether you are three years old or eighty-three, we believe in investing in our community's future by providing exceptional opportunities for everyone to grow.

➡️ We help our youngest learners flourish through 177 Preschool Enrichment classes, 105 Early Childhood Family Education classes, and 26 RPS Preschool classrooms.

➡️ Our youth students stay engaged and inspired through 767 Youth Enrichment and 21st Century programs designed to help them find their spark.

➡️ Learning doesn't stop at graduation. We host 655 Adult Enrichment classes, 241 Adults With Exceptional Abilities classes, and 116 unique offerings at Hawthorne Education.

Learn more about our Community Education program at https://www.rochesterce.org.

6 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
2087 classes offered through community education
Our value of ensuring excellence through evidence means we use data and proven practices to help our students grow. To date, 90% of RPS 8th graders have used Xello to discover careers connected to their personal interests. By using these tools, we are investing in our community’s future and preparing the next generation of thinkers and doers. Discover more about how our students use the Xello tool at www.rochesterschools.org/xello.

#PublicSchoolsWeek #PSW26
6 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
90% of 8th graders used Xello to discover career interests