
A reminder that there is no school tomorrow, Wednesday, September 25, for all students. Your teachers and administrators will be participating in professional development, reviewing assessment data, and planning instruction. We look forward to seeing you on Thursday!


Happy Friday! Did you know this fact?
#FunFactFriday


Early voting begins TODAY! This election, voters will decide whether to approve an operating levy increase to stabilize the RPS budget, protect class sizes, strengthen academic and career programs and more.
Explore RochesterSchools.org/referendum for more information.


Mark your calendars: Early voting for the "Ignite Student Learning" referendum starts this Friday, September 20.
You can vote early via absentee ballot or in person at the Olmsted County Elections Office.
Visit RochesterSchool.org/referendum to learn more about early voting.


Why is RPS facing a budget deficit?
➡️ State funding hasn’t kept up with inflation or the rising cost of staff salaries, utilities, and school equipment.
➡️ Of the 15 MN districts with 10,000+ students, RPS ranks last in voter-approved local funding.
Visit RochesterSchools.org/referendum to learn more.


Join us tonight to hear what the three psychological needs are that need to be met to enable a young person to learn, develop, and achieve their full potential. In his first State of the School District Address, RPS Superintendent Kent Pekel will answer that question and provide an engaging overview of how Rochester Public Schools is working to meet those three essential psychological needs for more than 17,000 young people in our community. The event will also feature performances and observations from RPS students on the state of our schools, our school system, and our city. Thanks to a generous donation, the evening will conclude with frozen treats from La Michoacana Purepecha.
Whether you are a parent or caregiver who seeks to help your children succeed or a member of the Rochester community who wants to help all children succeed or both, please join us for what promises to be an important and enjoyable evening. See you at 7 p.m. at the John Marshall High School auditorium (1510 14th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901).


MNSync Online Elementary had a great turnout for our first in-person play date at Cascade Lake Park yesterday. It was great to see so many Charger students and parents gathering together!



Make your voice heard about the referendum to support RPS. Early voting starts on Friday, Sept. 20! You can learn more about the "Ignite Student Learning" plan to provide financial stability that will support our students by visiting RochesterSchools.org/referendum.


Happy Friday! Did you know this fact?
#FunFactFriday


Charger Families... here is a quick 60 second video about how to enter a student absence on Skyward: https://www.skyward.com/support/parents-and-students/family-access-toolkit/parents/power-up-absence-requests

If approved by voters this Nov., funding from the school referendum will eliminate our budget deficit and provide the financial stability we need to continue inspiring, challenging, and empowering all students to reach their full potential. Find out more: RochesterSchools.org/referendum


#WorldSuicidePreventionDay At Rochester Public Schools, we recognize the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being. Let's take this opportunity to break the stigma around mental health and support each other. Whether it's checking in on a friend, practicing self-care, or seeking professional help, every action counts. Let's work together to create a community that values mental health and provides support to those who need it.
Find Resources Below:
➡️ 988 Suicide & Lifeline Call or Text 988 (24/7)
➡️ Crisis Response for Southeast Minnesota (CREST) Call 844.274.7472
➡️ National Sexual Assault Line: 1.866.656.4673 (24/7)
➡️ RPS Staff and Student Mental Health Sessions: https://ffcstaffconsults.as.me/schedule/d07eafa8


Why is RPS presenting voters with a referendum to increase the school operating levy this Nov.? We are facing a $19.4 M budget deficit that, if not addressed, will lead to:
❌School closures
❌Cuts to teachers and staff
❌Increased class sizes
Learn more: RochesterSchools.org/referendum


Happy Friday! Did you know this fact?
#FunFactFriday


To avoid school closures and $19.4 million in cuts, we are asking voters to consider an operating levy increase on the ballot this Nov. that would allow us to build on our progress in helping every student reach their full potential. Learn more: RochesterSchools.org/referendum


What are the three psychological needs that need to be met to enable a young person to learn, develop, and achieve their full potential? In his first State of the School District Address, RPS Superintendent Kent Pekel will answer that question and provide an engaging overview of how Rochester Public Schools is working to meet those three essential psychological needs for more than 17,000 young people in our community. The event will also feature performances and observations from RPS students on the state of our schools, our school system, and our city. Thanks to a generous donation, the evening will conclude with frozen treats from La Michoacana Purepecha. Whether you are a parent or caregiver who seeks to help your children succeed or a member of the Rochester community who wants to help all children succeed or both, please join us for what promises to be an important and enjoyable evening.


September's meal menus are ready! Download your copy to plan for next month:
https://www.rochesterschools.org/documents/school-meals-and-menus/493023


There will be no school on Monday, September 2 in observance of Labor Day. Additionally, all RPS offices will be closed. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 3.


RPS families: This is a reminder that except for Longfellow Elementary, there is no school tomorrow, Friday, August 30. RPS is also closed on Monday, September 2, in observance of Labor Day. Enjoy the long weekend, and we will see you next Tuesday!


Results on the 2024 Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) indicate that RPS has reversed a multi-year decline in the percentage of students who score at the proficient level or above in math, science, and reading. Read more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1736885
