Elton Hills music teacher, Mr. Manansala, had his tinikling lesson yesterday! Special guests superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel and Elton Hills principal Steve Willman learned with students about traditional Filipino dance and instrument rhythms.
Jacque Peterson is the district wide Chief of Schools. She attended Ben Franklin Elementary, Central Junior High School (now the site of the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center), and Mayo High School. Read her story at https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1837874
This weekend, you can vote early in person on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Olmsted County Elections Office at 2122 Campus Dr. SE, Suite 300, Rochester, MN 55904.
Learn more: https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/voting-information
How will the School District Question show up on your ballot? See below:
"The board of Independent School District No. 535 (Rochester Public Schools), Minnesota has proposed to increase the School District's general education revenue by $1,133 per pupil, subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation. The proposed new referendum revenue authorization would be first levied in 2024 for taxes payable in 2025 and applicable for ten (10) years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the new referendum authorization proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 535 (Rochester Public Schools), Minnesota be approved?"
Voters will then select "yes" or "no."
If you're eligible, have you made a plan to vote? Learn about how to vote early: https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/other-ways-to-vote
November is Career Development Month. Project SEARCH is a program for students ages 18 – 22 years old with intellectual and developmental cognitive disabilities. Students participate in internships while receiving systematic instruction in order to learn competitive, marketable employment skills. With the help of RPS Opportunity Services, some of them will go onto work at Mayo Clinic, and other employers, after their graduation.
In the link below, read current Project SEARCH student perspectives and learn about the program that prepares them for a successful future.
https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1837908
Calling all elementary parents and caregivers! In partnership with the City of Rochester, we are seeking your feedback on a Safe Routes to School Plan for our Elementary Schools.
Please share your thoughts in this 2-minute survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SRTS_eng.
Or add your voice to our interactive map: https://mnsaferoutes.altaplanning.cloud/
Where does Rochester rank in the funding we receive? In this short video, Superintendent Pekel shares a fact about funding for RPS that has surprised people across our community. Check it out: https://youtu.be/b7edFAoSosU
As the weather gets colder and it remains darker during morning commutes, a reminder to go slow around school zones and pay attention to school buses. Always be prepared to stop for school buses.
🛑 Stop for a school bus with its flashing red lights activated and the stop-arm extended.
🛑 Stop at least 20 feet from a school bus.
🛑 Remain stopped until the stop-arm is retracted and the red lights are turned off.
Do you have any questions about the referendum? Want to learn more before you head to the polls? Join us tonight for our final virtual referendum information session at 7 p.m.
We're ⭐one week⭐ away from Election Day! On the ballot, voters will consider the Ignite Student Learning proposal to raise the operating levy, stabilize RPS’ budget, and protect essential student programs and services.
Check out our Straight Answers to 20 Big Referendum Questions webpage to learn more: https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/straight-answers.
From elementary to high school, our Advanced Learning specialists create an environment for students who need more challenges, critical thinking, reimagination, and creativity. They serve as a special support for both students and staff within our schools. Read more of our Advanced Learning specialists' perspectives: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1847517
We're wrapping up Bullying Prevention Month with the wonderful work the MNSync Online team is doing! MNSync Online offers the same high-quality support system for students as the traditional RPS classroom. Follow the link below to read about how MNSync Online prevents bullying.
https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1842641
RPS serves more students in our community than all other schools combined. The Ignite Student Learning referendum asks voters to consider funding to protect the resources that help these students thrive.
Learn about this important decision: RochesterSchools.org/Referendum
✔️ RPS High Schools are Direct Admissions Minnesota High Schools! We are participating in Direct Admissions, a new state program that simplifies the college application process for our seniors. In the next few weeks, eligible RPS seniors will be proactively notified of multiple MN colleges and universities that are offering them admission, before students even apply! Learn more at https://www.myhighered.mn.gov/direct-admissions-student-center
This week, with the help of TRBHI, a company owned by an RPS parent, we launched a new AI Chatbot to help answer questions about the referendum. You can view the Chatbot and ask your specific questions at https://thedecision.ai/.
Listen to students and staff explain what’s at risk this election with the Ignite Student Learning referendum. If voters reject the levy increase, RPS will face major cuts, including to counseling and programs that promote student health and well-being: youtu.be/qDSmxDIqbAQ
Amber Henry is a Spanish Immersion teacher at Riverside Elementary. Amber is a former RPS student who attended Gage Elementary, Washington Elementary, John Adams Middle School, and John Marshall High School. Read more about her story at https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1836895
Join us this Friday, October 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. We're filling positions for maintenance, ESPs, transportation, special education teachers, health services, and more! Walk-ins are welcome and virtual and in-person interviews are available. Sign up for a virtual interview at https://forms.gle/tQvDM7yHSyuW2D6H8
RPS is the 7th largest district in MN but ranks last in voter-approved school funding among districts with 10,000 or more students. The Ignite Student Learning referendum asks voters to consider an operating levy increase to help students thrive. Learn more: https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/the-plan
You can vote early now through November 4, and you can vote early in person on Saturday, October 26, 2024, and November 2, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, hours are extended from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Learn more: https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/voting-information
