The first day of school is always filled with nerves and excitement, especially for students making the jump to a new school! Today, we welcomed back our 6th and 9th grade students across our middle and high schools, along with RAIL and Phoenix Academy students. Follow along as we capture those first-day moments and welcome our students to the 2025-2026 school year! 🍎 📚 🚌
6 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

Riverside families: the junction of 6th Street SE & 3rd Avenue SE is currently closed and will remain closed, in some form, until mid-to-late September. To help with traffic, see the attached map.
Drop/Load & Go Zones (7:30-8 a.m. & 1:30-2:30 p.m.):
➡️ Zone 1: Enter the school loop from 6th Street SE (westbound only). Continue through the loop, exit right onto 6th Street, then turn right (northbound) on 4th Avenue SE or left (southbound) away from the school.
➡️ Zone 2: Enter along 5th Street SE. Drop students on the sidewalk beside the school, continue through the parking lot loop, exit back onto 5th Street, and head west, turning right onto 4th Avenue SE.
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Familias de Riverside, la intersección 6th Street SE & 3rd Avenue SE está cerrada actualmente y permanecerá cerrada, en alguna forma, hasta los mediados-finales de septiembre.
Las zonas para recoger/dejar e irse (7:30-8 a.m. & 1:30-2:30 p.m.):
➡️ Zona 1: Entre a la rotonda escolar desde 6th Street SE (solo hacia el oeste). Continue por la rotonda, salga a la derecha en 6th Street, y luego gire a la derecha (hacia el norte) en 4th Avenue SE, o a la izquierda (hacia el sur), alejándose de la escuela .
➡️ Zone 2: Entre por 5th Street SE. Deje a los estudiantes en la banqueta al lado de la escuela, continue por la rotonda del estacionamiento, salga nuevamente por 5th street, y diríjase hacia oeste, girando a la derecha en 4th Avenue SE.
6 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Folwell Elementary families: Due to construction on 2nd Street, there will be increased traffic flow to 6th Street, one of the most common routes to Folwell. But there's a better way! Check out this map with our advised route for the Load & Go line at bit.ly/folwellroute. (Approaching from the south is the key!)
7 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Welcome, new RPS teachers! We are thrilled to have you on board and hope you enjoyed your onboard training, speakers, and Superintendent Pekel's address. Thank you in advance for fostering inclusion, teaching topics close to your heart, and inspiring the young minds of our students!
7 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: 2024-25 Fastbridge Data Analysis and Literacy Plan Update, Superintendent Evaluation for 2024-25 Leadership Component Part 2, School Board Committee Assignments for 2025-26, Back To School 2025-26, Policy Committee Recommendations, and Superintendent Goals for 2025-26.
You can view all full meeting agendas at https://rochesterschools.org/simbli.
7 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
What a summer! That's a wrap on summer SACC, and what an adventure it's been! Our students and staff had a blast making memories, from epic field trips to fun-filled days. We hope you have a great rest of your summer break, and we can't wait to see you all again in a few short weeks for the school year!
7 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
7 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Don't miss a bell! Set your clocks with a reminder of the 2025-2026 School Bell Times. Check out your school's times here:
www.rochesterschools.org/belltimes
Important Update for Elementary Families:
Please note that release times for select elementary schools have changed by 5 minutes. Make sure to double-check your student's specific school schedule!
7 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
The RPS School Board will meet tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. in the Edison Board Room (615 7th St SW). On the agenda for tomorrow’s study session is: Graduation Rate Analysis & Overview of 9th Grade On Track and Staff Development Plan and Budget Review.
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.
7 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
7 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS is committed to building strong partnerships that ensure equitable access to mental health care for all students and families. One essential partnership is with Fernbrook Family Center, a community-based mental health provider offering intensive, individualized support from early childhood through adulthood. Read more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/2324125
7 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Welcome Back, Lepoards! Longfellow Elementary kicked off our back-to-school season with an amazing first day of school! Each year, the first day is full of excitement for students, staff, and families, and we can't wait to see what you do this year!
8 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 Special Session is Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Plan and the agenda for the study session is Facilities Strategy and School Board Goal Development 2025-2026.
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.
8 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
We're preparing for the 2025–2026 school year, and we need your help to plan safe, efficient bus routes. Update your student’s transportation info now!
If your student is in grades 10–12, a district‑wide option student, or a non‑public student needing after‑school busing, complete an RPS Registered Rider Form. Address change, foster care, joint custody, and alternate site forms are also on our website. Whether your student is returning, new, or has updated needs, let us know: www.rochesterschools.org/transportation
8 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
We're here to partner with your family. Rochester Public Schools is looking to increase communication between schools and families about student attendance. In case you missed it, 🔍 look for an email on Why Coming to School Matters and what to expect in the new school year.
8 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 Prep for Action: Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Plan and Action: 5 Year Budget Reduction Strategy.
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.
8 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
These motivated Mayo athletes aren't afraid of a little sweat! They're getting stronger! Coach-led summer training sessions are boosting strength, flexibility, and team spirit—prepping students to bring their best in the upcoming seasons and stay injury-free. Whether it’s hockey or volleyball, these Spartans are putting in the work!
8 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
We're looking for you! RPS is actively recruiting staff for various roles for the 2025-2026 school year, including Education Support Professionals (ESPs), Transportation ESPs, Special Education Teachers, Science Teachers, Maintenance staff, and more! Wages start at $20 per hour and include a state-sponsored retirement account. Join us at our next hiring event on Tuesday, July 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Edison Administration Building (615 7th Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902).
8 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
All RPS buildings and programs, including summer meal locations and summer school-aged child care (SACC), will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. We will resume normal operations on Monday, July 7, 2025. We wish you and your families a safe and happy Fourth of July!
8 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
We're in the heart of summer, soaking up the sun! But just like your favorite ice cream cone, summer eventually has to end. And that means getting ready for a new school year! While it might feel early to trade in your swimsuits for notebooks, consider getting a head start on your back-to-school supplies. Get your list here:
https://www.rochesterschools.org/schoolsupplies8 months ago, Rochester Public Schools