Overland Elementary School is intentionally building community every school day! By adjusting their schedule, Overland created a 20-minute routine at the beginning of the day to provide time for community-building circles in all classrooms. These community-building circles help students, teachers, and Education Support Professional (ESP) staff get to know each other and strengthen relationships between students and staff. Way to go, Overland Owls!

11 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Teacher and class sit in a discussion circle with a prompt on the smartboard that says, "How you show up at school impacts other people. Share about a time when you positively impacted others at school."
Two students listen to their classmate speak gleefully into the microphone.
Teacher points to a smartboard that says, "Week 2: Our Classroom as a Community; Day 5: What makes you laugh?"
Overland Elementary student shares about what makes her laugh to her classmates during a morning community circle.
Teacher and students sit on the floor and listen to the kid with the plush pencil talk.

Friday is bringing in the final celebrations of Mayo High School’s homecoming week! Check out the scenes from Franklin Elementary School's ribbon cutting event, Willow Creek Middle School's spirit day, and the Mayo High School Homecoming Parade. RPS is so happy to have kids back in class and celebrate the amazing community in Rochester.

11 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Mayo student sees some familiar faces in the parade crowd and gives them a hug
Franklin students got to cut the ribbon for their new playground
Willow Creek's EBD, Mr. Hartman hypes up students before their assembly
Willow Creek students welcomed the Mayo Spartan to their school for spirit day
School board member Jean Marvin hands candy to parade watchers
MHS Nurse Becky and Nurse Caitlin ride in a convertable
Willow Creek Principal Fogarty and Assistant Principal Trapp throw candy to some of their students
Franklin students go over their speeches with Principal Pearson and Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel
Mayo Girls Soccer throws candy to some spectators
Mayo High School Band members chants with their classmates

We are launching our strategic planning process to guide the district through 2030, and your voice is essential. We invite community members to provide insight and direction by participating in design committees, focus groups, or our online feedback form. Help define our priorities for the years to come. Learn more and get involved at https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/2406444.

11 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
help shape RPS' new strategic plan

Get ready to play! The ribbon is officially cut on the brand new Franklin Elementary Community Schoolyard!

This isn't just any green space; it's a vibrant, adventure-packed wonderland designed by our outstanding students, for our school and our entire neighborhood!

Our Franklin scholars were the lead architects, pouring their brilliant ideas into every corner. Through hands-on design workshops, they brought their dreams to life, creating:
🌳 An awesome nature play area
☀️ An outdoor classroom for learning under the sky
🏀 New recreation spaces for endless fun
🦋 A beautiful pollinator garden to help our buzzing buddies!

Thank you to our incredible partners, Trust for Public Land, for helping us turn this vision into a reality!

11 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Franklin students got to cut the ribbon for their new playground
Franklin students got to cut the ribbon for their new playground
MN state senator Carla Nelson talks to Franklin students
Franklin student speaks in front of her classmates and media about how the new playground will help her and her classmates grow
Franklin Student poses on the new playground
Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel watches students enjoy the new park
MN state senator Carla Nelson talks with a Franklin student
Franklin Principal Pearson talks to media about the new playground
Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel watches students enjoy the new park
Community members discuss future plans for the playground
Calling all past, present, and future Jefferson Elementary families! Save the date to join us for our 75th anniversary celebration on Saturday, September 27 from 3-6 p.m.

Want to share your Jefferson memories with us or volunteer at the event? Learn more at https://jefferson75th.org!
11 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Jefferson 75th anniversary celebration
Sometimes, knowing what steps to take can be hard when you are worried that your student's emotional or mental well-being might be impacted. RPS families have access to a confidential screener online at http://mentalhealthscreeningtools.com/. If the screener results indicate a reason for concern, or if you want to talk with a provider, schedule a free consultation with a mental health professional (https://ffcstaffconsults.as.me/).

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is also available for people experiencing emotional distress, mental health crises, or thoughts of suicide. You can call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org to connect with trained counselors anytime, 24/7.
12 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
call or text 988
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: public hearings for proposal to close Mighty Oaks Early Learning School, Skyline, and Friedell, 2026-2030 Strategic Plan Update, Resolutions for MSBA Delegate Assembly, and Certification of Proposed School District Property Tax Levy Payable 2025.

If you cannot attend in person, you can watch the playback of the meeting at https://www.youtube.com/isd535.

You can view all full meeting agendas at https://rochesterschools.org/simbli.
12 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
School Board Meeting template (5)
The first day of preschool is a big milestone, and a little rain didn't stop our families from celebrating! We had so much fun welcoming our newest and youngest learners to the classroom today. We're so excited to see all the amazing things our students will learn and do this year!
12 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Preschool parent with child posing with a first day of preschool sign
Dad and daughter posing outside of Mighty Oaks on the first day of school
Preschool teacher smiling while helping a student get to the door for class
Preschool student wearing their backpack outside of their classroom
Family posing for the first day of preschool outside of Hoover.
Mom taking a photo of their student on the first day of school
Student reading a book before class.
Teacher helping two students to the door for the first day of school.
Family of five posing for photo as they drop off their preschooler.

Rochester Public Schools uses the Standard Response Protocol in response to emergencies that may occur in our school buildings. Students and staff will train, practice, and drill the protocol throughout the year. Learn more about what "hold," "secure," "lockdown," "evacuate," and "shelter" mean: https://www.rochesterschools.org/standard-response-protocol

12 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Standard response protocol list
And just like that, the first day of school is in the books for our elementary schools! It was a day filled with reuniting with friends, meeting new teachers, and settling into the familiar learning rhythm.

Our deepest gratitude to our incredible teachers and staff who worked so hard to ensure our students felt welcomed and supported today. We are honored to be a part of this community and look forward to a positive year ahead.
12 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Group of students smiling at the camera while sitting in a stairwell
Two students smiling at the camera outside the bus
a parent and their child smilng at the camera
Three friends smiling at the camera
Siblings dropping off their youngest sibling at school
A teacher reading to her class
twins wearing matching red bows in their hair on their first day
A parent and their child

It was a rush as our secondary students came through the halls this morning, as the bells rang for the first day of secondary school! The sounds of the lockers closing and laughter made the hallways come alive, and we're so happy you're here!

12 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Student at RALC trying not to laugh while posing for a photo.
Student opening their locker on the first day of school at John Adams Middle School.
Students at Kellogg giving the camera a thumbs up as they get ready for class at their desks.
Student and parent posing for a photo at Century High.
A large group of students posing in front of the school before the first bell rings.
Three students at JA posing for a photo outside of the front doors.
Students smiling at the teacher as they begin class.
Parent and a student posing for a photo at the RALC.
Student at Century ready for class in their desk.
Tune in for Superintendent Pekel's podcast appearance on KROC. This month's important topic is "Addressing Chronic Absenteeism in Rochester Public Schools." Listen to the conversation to learn more about RPS' strategies and goals.

Listen here: https://krocnews.com/rochester-public-schools-superintendent-radio-show/

12 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!)

about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Folwell Traffic Route Map
Folwell preferred map

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.

about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS School Board Meeting, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Regular meeting
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!
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Students at SACC catching some sun!
Student at SACC showing their experiment
Science Slinkys
Students performing to the song
SACC band performance
Girl clapping to song
Snacks at the pool
This fall, we're welcoming a special group of students: our new kindergarteners, most of whom were born during the pandemic. The classroom is a whole new world for them, and our incredible teachers are there to guide them with extra care and expertise. We are so proud that MPR News sat down with one of our kindergarten teachers from Overland Elementary to discuss how she's creating a welcoming space for our newest learners.

Listen to the interview to hear about the thoughtful and dedicated work happening in our schools every day: https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2025/08/05/the-challenges-facing-this-years-kindergarten-class?fbclid=IwY2xjawMG6X1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHvDrdEiAeRM-K30eWyqfYnOozLIEC-SxekWZsWZskJuPOzwlOQ-oit5f66DF_aem_h0YqQHz0phNnx2ZVwZ5aWw
about 1 year 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.
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS School Board Meeting August 5, 4pm - Study Session

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

about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Fernbrook family center highlight
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!
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Longfellow students waiting in line for the bell
Family walking into school
Students smiling at the camera
Principal Adams walking student into school
First monday morning assembly of the year
Family walking into school
Students waiting in line to go into class.
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.
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 5:30pm Special Session and Study Session