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
Across your student's K-12 education at RPS, you can expect reliable education for your student. Especially for students with learning disabilities, RPS has dedicated staff to meet the accommodations at a lighter, or a more intensive approach.
This week's Learning Disability Awareness Month teacher spotlight is Century High School Learning Disability Teacher, Jessica Kroll. Jessica has been working in a blended classroom — where several students have a learning disability accommodation, and the rest do not. This approach gives students with learning disabilities the option of staying in a traditional classroom and the rest of the students a second licensed teacher to help with instructions.
In the latest edition of Supt. In the Halls, Superintendent Dr. Pekel stops by Gibbs Elementary School to ask students what they already know about elections and their preferences on presidential snacks. Get ready for the election with some humor and wisdom from the kids in the link below!
Watch the Election Edition of Supt in the Halls at: https://youtu.be/LZXWfq6hcTo
Students enrolled in the Advanced Spanish classes received a visit from poet Lupe Castillo for a poetry reading and a reflection on the connection between our identity and "places we call home." Much gratitude to the staff from the Minnesota Humanities Center for all the coordination and materials to make this happen. It was an honor to bring some of the writing from the new book "Latino Poetry: The Library of America Anthology" to the classroom.
Nominate students, teachers, and classes to help us #CelebrateRPS.
https://www.rochesterschools.org/o/rps/page/celebrate
Jess Rollie is a first grade teacher at Bishop Elementary School and a former RPS student who attended Elton Hills Elementary, John Adams Middle School, and John Marshall High School.
Read her story here!
https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1823290
Mark your calendars to join us for our hiring event on 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
Have you ever wondered what MEA is and why students don't have school in the middle of October? Check out this article from the Star Tribune explaining this two-day break: https://www.startribune.com/mea-weekend-minnesota-educators-academy-explained-third-week-october/600313386
We hosted our Fall Walk and Roll to School Day last week and had beautiful weather as we joined Sunset Terrace Elementary students, RPS staff, and the City of Rochester, MN Police Department on their walk to school.
In education, part of our job is to meet students where they are. Every student has a unique relationship with learning. From their learning preferences to how their brain explores concepts, education isn't a "one size fits all" experience. At Rochester Public Schools, our Advanced Learning program helps meet the needs of students who are ready for more challenging content and require experiences beyond the traditional classroom setting.
https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1792714
If the Ignite Student Learning referendum is approved in November, the operating levy increase will protect essential teaching positions, classes, and programs that empower all students. Learn more about our proposed plan: RochesterSchools.org/referendum
A reminder that there is no school for students on Thursday, October 17, and Friday, October 18, for MEA (Minnesota Educators Academy). We will see students back in school on Monday, October 21.
October 15 is White Cane Safety Awareness Day! We celebrate the accomplishments of people who are blind & visually impaired and the tool for independence, the white cane. Students from RPS met with students from surrounding communities to complete a walk together and celebrate this special day. White Cane Day reminds people of the importance of accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Lucas Fenton engages with students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. He will frequently bring in a stuffed animal to prompt conversations, imagination, and simply playfulness for Lincoln K-8 students. You'll see the older kids sneak a quick petting of a stuffed animal and smile!
Lucas #CelebratesRPS in such a positive way! If you know anyone who impacts an RPS community like him, submit them to be feature in the #CelebrateRPS newsletter.
https://bit.ly/3YchjT1
Today, RPS students in the American Indian Education program gathered at Peace Plaza for the Indigenous Peoples' Day proclamation, Powwow Drum and Dance, Imnizaska and Dancers, and Pakki Party Dancers. In classrooms, students across the district will also be participating and learning about Indigenous Peoples' Day and the traditions and cultures of Indigenous communities across the nation.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 17% of Minnesota students have some learning disability. RPS is participating in Learning Disability Awareness Month by highlighting our Learning Disability teachers who work with students of all abilities every day.
This week's spotlight teacher is Judy Eng. After teaching at Harriet Bishop Elementary School for the last few years, she has quickly developed strong relationships with her students and colleagues. Judy's classroom is a dedicated space for students to learn at their own speed, while still collaborating with peers.
If you suspect your student may need accommodations to remedy an academic learning disability, please ask your student's teacher for additional steps. Teachers like Judy are happy to help.
For more information on RPS Learning Disability services, please visit https://www.rochesterschools.org/page/special-education
Rochester Public Schools are participating in October's National Bullying Prevention Month! Teachers across the district are starting the conversation around bullying. Read just a few of the initiatives going on in schools to prevent bullying and strengthen student communities.
Read the full article below: https://bit.ly/3A3bT3a
Our students took a bite out of the day for Apple Crunch day! This month, all of our students have been receiving local apples for lunch from ApplesRUs as part of #MNFarmtoSchool month! We can tell you that our students are loving these fresh, fragrant, and juicy apples!
Bob Barlow is a dishwasher at Mayo High School has made real connections with intensive special education students. They enjoy his unmatched dishwashing routine as they eat lunch. He knows each student by name, greets them personally, and welcomes high-fives as he cleans.
Nominate someone like Bob as we #CelebrateRPS as well as read the latest edition here: https://bit.ly/3YchjT1
At the School Board meeting on Tuesday, October 8, the School Board voted unanimously to direct Superintendent Pekel to develop a 2025-2026 general fund budget recommendation that includes reductions if the Ignite Student Learning referendum plan is not passed by voters on November 5, 2024. Read more about what this budget recommendation would include: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1811261
Grab your kicks and get ready for Walk to School Day! Tomorrow, October 9, students and families across Rochester will be walking to school to promote healthy exercise and safe routes to school.
How can you help? Remember to keep your eyes out for our walkers and drive cautiously around school zones.
