Meet Intisar Khan, Community School Site Facilitator at Franklin Elementary School! Instisar completed her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Florida International University, received an ESOL endorsement, and recently completed her Master’s degree in School Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. She taught for eight years across three states, where she worked with diverse communities to enhance learning opportunities for all children. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and exploring the outdoors. Though she’s just starting her first year, we’re very excited to have her join the RPS Community Schools team!
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS Community School Site Facilitator Appreciation Week - Meet Intistar Khan, Why were you interested in becoming a community school facilitator? The community school model is of interest to me due to its focus on educating the whole child. In addition to strong academics, community schools focus on the physical, emotional, and social well-being of students, recognizing that these factors can affect a student’s ability to learn and succeed. Providing these holistic supports and resources students need in specific communities helps address disparities in resources and opportunities.
Meet Julie McLaren, Community School Site Facilitator at Gage Elementary School! Julie is Minnesota-born and raised and is a mom of two children. She loves learning with and from others, and in her spare time, her hobbies are hiking, crafting, and reading. If you ask anyone about Julie, they’ll say she’s an all-star, ambitious staff member, and an amazing person.
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS Community School Site Facilitator Appreciation Week - Meet Julie McLaren, What does the community school model bring to your school? We're the Gage family. We love each other, hold each other accountable, and help each other grow. We're able to offer deeper learning experiences and broader perspectives with the partnerships we've developed. We help each other overcome barriers because we know no one can do it all alone. There's an energy at Gage that comes from this culture of belonging that you can feel when you're with us.
Meet Nick Schrandt, Community School Site Facilitator at Phoenix Academy! Nick was born and raised in Rochester. He takes pride in his two children who are both students at Century High School (Go Panthers!). In his free time, Nick enjoys golfing, exercising, and hanging out/traveling with family. This year marks his 17th year as an educator, after 10 years in Physical education and DAPE in Stewartville and the last six years as an EBD teacher.
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS Community School Site Facilitator Appreciation Week - What is your favorite memory as a community school facilitator? During my short time as a Community School Site Facilitator, Mr. Scripture asked if I could find some Kwik Trip gas cards for a homeless family in need. Within three hours we had $105 in gift cards to gift this family. The mom was so grateful for the generosity of our community. It's amazing to see how people can come together and support those in need. Meet Nick Schrandt,
Meet Erin Vasquez, Community School Site Facilitator at John Marshall High School! Erin is a Rochester native, so she always feels very connected to the community in many ways. She loves being outside, traveling with her extended family, and running around to activities with her own kids (including attending LOTS of JM events).
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS Community School Site Facilitator Appreciation Week - Meet Erin Vasquez, What does the community school model bring to your school? Our Rocket Community Room is the hub of our Community School at JM, but the supports extend well beyond the walls of that room. So many kids and families are just amazed when they arrive at JM that their child can access all of these supports and resources at their school, and you can tell what a sense of relief it provides to those families. I think our students just feel really cared for.
Drive for First Student and RPS! We are reaching out to parents and the community to help us get our students to and from school by being bus drivers. No experience is necessary to become a First Student bus driver. Benefits include: $3000 sign-on bonus* $24/hr pay* Flexible Schedule Work-life balance No nights or weekends Great work for parents Child ride-along program* To apply, text "BUS" to 52345, scan the QR code in the image above, or visit www.WorkAtFirst.com. *Conditions apply
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
bus image with QR code
Today is National IT Professional's day. We would like to thank all of our amazing IT professionals at RPS for everything they do! What a year it's been and we are incredibly proud of all they've done!
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Rochester Public Schools Logo. Image of hands typing on keyboard. Text reads National IT Professionals Day September 19, 2023.
Due to a water main break on the Jefferson property that caused water to flow into the boiler room, we will dismiss students at 1:15 p.m. today, Monday, September 18. All students and staff are safe. Parents/caregivers, please check your emails for more information.
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Early Dismissal for water main break
This past weekend our MHS students celebrated Homecoming 2023! Enjoy some photos of our energetic Spartans at the Homecoming Parade before they took home a win against Farmington, winning 46 to 27! Go Spartans!
over 1 year ago, Mayo High School
Students celebrating on parade float
Students celebrating on parade float
Teachers holding signs
SRO waving
Students celebrating on parade float
Students smiling
Student holding up fireball
Students celebrating on parade float
Students celebrating on parade float
Students celebrating on parade float
What qualifies for a free meal under the Minnesota Free Meals Program? In order for a student to receive a free meal, their meal must meet certain criteria. The meal must contain three components. A protein, grain, milk, fruit, and vegetable are all considered components. One of these three components must be a fruit or vegetable. Learn more about free meals for students at www.rochesterschools.org/mnfreemeals
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Rochester Public Schools Free Meals Information, this institution is an equal opportunity provider. At lunch, a student must choose at least 3 components to be considered a reimbursable meal. At least 1/2 cup serving of fruit or vegetable must be included as one of those items. The five components are protein, fruit, vegetable, grain, and milk. Image shows tray with protein, grain, fruit, milk, and vegetable. Rochester public schools logo.
This past weekend our MHS students celebrated Homecoming 2023! Enjoy some photos of our energetic Spartans at the Homecoming Parade before they took home a win against Farmington, winning 46 to 27! Go Spartans!
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Girls firing off confetti
Student wearing costume holding fireball
Float driving by Phoenix Academy
Candy flying in air
Girls celebrating in back of parade float
Mayo High School Staff
Marching band marching
RPS School Board staff and superintendent smiling
Person holding up peace sign
Students on float
Get answers to your questions about the upcoming Technology for Transformation capital projects levy by reading the Referendum Fast Facts on our website - it’s convenient, downloadable, and printable. https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/o/referendum/page/about-the-referendum
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Front page of the Referendum FAQ document
This week was National Arts in Education Week! We went out to some of our schools to see what they were doing this week. Please enjoy the photos of what we saw!
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Get to know me artwork at Bishop
artwork of bees made by students on the wall
An array of student drawings
student drawing on note card in art class
preschooler painting in class
preschoolers playing with paint
high schooler smiling with drawing
student drawing a hand in class
kindergartener smiling while painting
kindergartener painting
We're celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! From September 15 to October 15, we come together to honor and celebrate the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities.
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana, Happy Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month! Patterned graphic with three photos representing some of the hispanic and latin culture within Rochester Public Schools
Harness the power of technology with our Technology for Transformation capital projects levy. Your vote on November 7 will help accelerate learning, support teaching, and increase school safety. Learn more about the Rochester Public Schools referendum at www.rochesterschools.org/referendum.
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Referendum logo
We want to introduce you to our new Coordinator of Early Childhood Special Education at Mighty Oaks, Malissa Nelson!
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Getting to Malissa Nelson, coordinator of Early Childhood Special Education, Mighty Oaks. What is your name? Malissa Nelson. How many years have you been an educator? 16 years. What are you looking forward to this next year? I am looking forward to getting to know our students, staff, and families at mighty oaks, and in our community. As a lifelong learner, I am also looking forward to learning and growing even more this year! What is one thing you want your students to know about you? I want our students to know that I truly care about them as individuals; I see them and I value them. I want their families to know that I care about them and want to stand alongside them as part of their child's educational team. I want my staff to know that I support and trust their professionalism and see what amazing and talented educators they are. What is your favorite Minnesota pastime? I love being on the water with my family. Boating, wake surfing, riding jet-skies and tubing with my family is our favorite way to spend time together. Photo of Malissa Nelson. Logo for Mighty Oaks Early Learning School.
Due to a Watermain break and anticipated lack of access to water for the majority of the day, Lincoln K-8 is canceling school for today, September 13. Parents and caregivers of students in SACC, please pick up your student(s) as soon as possible.
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Lincoln K-8 Elementary School is closed due to a watermain break.
We know there has been frustration over the last few days about delays with student transportation. We thank you for the respectful ways you have been conveying your message and want to let you know that we share your frustration. The school bus industry is still experiencing a driver shortage across the nation, and unfortunately, Rochester is no exception. The start of the 2023-24 school year has seen several drivers not return from last year, and applicants are few in number. This shortage has a great impact on our daily routes. We are piecing together routes and often calling on drivers from other Minnesota locations to help cover routes. Please know that we are working with our partners at First Student to address these problems, and thank you for your continued patience. First Student is hiring bus drivers and is offering great sign-on incentives and bonuses. If you or anyone you know is interested in learning more and applying, visit WorkAtFirst.com or text “bus” to 52345.
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Are you attending Quarry Hill's Fall Festival today? Stop by the Rochester Public School booth to learn more about our upcoming Referendum! We're here till 5 p.m.
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
school board members Justin, Cathy, Karen, and Superintendent Pekel standing in front of the RPS booth
Today, we welcomed Secretary Miguel Cardona and Senator Tina Smith to John Marshall High School as a part of Secretary Cardona's Back to School Bus Tour 2023: Raise the Bar. As a part of their visit, they participated in a roundtable discussion with community partners including Fernbrook Family Center, United Way of Olmsted County, Mayo Clinic, Cradle 2 Career, and Rochester Community and Technical College - RCTC. Our community partners had the opportunity to share the work being done for our students around mental health, community schools, and deeper learning, and why they partner with RPS. View more pictures: https://www.facebook.com/ISD535/posts/pfbid02bZDp9Ufo28rAxnacpakcYLVGqfYZAHY22oK9QtprDLqpTjWxHHeZ77yLAJF7XVz8l
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Senior Mowha led the Secretary and Senator on a tour of John Marshall
Stopping in during the tour to visit a freshman English class.
Secretary Cardona and Senator Smith posing with John Marshall students outside the tour bus.
Left to right, Assistant Secretary Gallo, Secretary Cardona, Senator Smith, and Superintendent Kent Pekel leading the roundtable.
How does Special Education funding work? In broad terms, it means services provided to students on individualized education plans, or IEPs, that are above and beyond general education services all students receive. Learn more in this edition: https://youtu.be/L8x5UPhxWLE
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools