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!
10 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

10 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.
10 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!

11 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/

11 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
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! 🍎 📚 🚌
11 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Student getting out of car to head into the school building
Students getting off the school bus for the first day of school.
Student looking back at the camera in class.
Mayo High School teachers posing for a photo for the first day back at school for 6th grade students.
6th grade students walking the hall for a tour.
Students walking through the welcome "gauntlet" of students and staff welcoming them in the Mayo gym.
Student walking in and smiling.
JM band playing at the welcome pep fest.
John adams middle school students walking into class.
Mayo teacher helping student in the gym.

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!)

11 months 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.

11 months 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!
11 months 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
11 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.
11 months 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

12 months 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!
12 months 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.
12 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 5:30pm Special Session and Study Session

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.

12 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Reminder - Please check your email for an attendance update on your student from RPS
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.
12 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS School Board Meeting Tuesday, July 15, 2025 5:30pm
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!
12 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Racing students
Student athletes run drills on Mayo's field.
Student raises a dumbbell in front of a wall of weights and whiteboard with "Go Spartans!" written on it.
Mayo High School Hockey Team runs a lap on the track field.
Coach welcomes Mayo athlete to another day of strength and conditioning training.
Wide-shot of student athletes running drills on the Mayo High School field.
Two students doing drills, one of them laughs as she almost looses her balance in a crane-like pose.
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).
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS is hosting a hiring event on Tuesday from July 22, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Edison Board Room at 615 7th Street SW Rochester, MN 55902
It’s not every day you get up close and personal with a bird of prey — but Dakota Middle School students did just that! Earlier this year, Dakota Middle School students teamed up with Quarry Hill Nature Center and the Mayo Clinic Peregrine Falcon Program to learn about wildlife conservation by building a bird box right behind their school! They’ve been able to watch parent American kestrels hunt and nest for months, and now a few students and their science teachers got up close and personal with the kestrel chicks. A Quarry Hill staff member came by to weigh the five new kestrels in an ice cream bucket and add leg bands for tracking. He’ll share this data with the U.S. Geological Survey to help researchers better understand kestrels and the challenges their population faces.
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Dakota Middle School science teacher holds up an American kestrel chick in a lush green field.
Quarry Hill Nature Center staff collects American kestrel chicks from a bird box in order to record their weight and band them.
A make-shift weighing station is set up in a verdant field to record the weight of 20-day-old American kestrel chicks for conservation.
An American kestrel chick lays in a paper towel padded ice cream bucket on a scale. She is mostly all feathered, but still has some fluffy white baby feathers.
In a green field, some people surround a man kneeling on the ground. He is a staff member at Quarry Hill Nature Center and is weighing American kestrel chicks as one of the bystanders takes notes of his measurements.
Quarry Hill Nature Center staff hands an open-beaked American kestrel chick to a student to gently hold.
Dakota Middle School science teacher holds up an American kestrel chick in a lush green field.
Man holds American kestrel chick.
Holiday Reminder: All Rochester Public Schools buildings and offices, including summer meal and SACC locations, will be closed this Thursday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. All district operations will resume during normal business hours on Friday, June 20, 2025.
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS Is closed for Juneteenth