A Message From Rochester Public Schools
Dear RPS families,

Due to the forecast for inclement weather, we have decided to cancel the homecoming parades for John Marshall and Mayo High Schools, scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, September 18. Because permits are valid only for Friday, the parades cannot be rescheduled. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Thank you,
Rochester Public Schools

16 days ago, Mayo High School

Due to the forecasted inclement weather for Friday, we are adjusting the homecoming games schedule for John Marshall and Mayo High Schools as follows:

  • ⚽ Varsity Girls' Soccer Game: Thursday, September 17, at 4:30 p.m.

  • 🏈 Varsity Football Game: Thursday, September 17, at 7:30 p.m.

We are continuing to monitor the weather regarding Friday's parades. Because permits are valid only for Friday, the parades cannot be rescheduled and will be canceled in the event of inclement weather. We will make the decision about the parade on Thursday based on the weather forecast and will communicate any updates as early as possible.

All other homecoming activities will take place as planned.

17 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
homecoming games schedule change

Mayo High School will be participating in Red Ribbon Week Oct 23-31.

Watch for related daily events!

about 17 hours ago, Mayo High School
Red Ribbon week flyer

Do you need a new mattress? Are you looking for a way to support our high school bands? Come get a better night's sleep AND support the 6th Annual Rochester High School Band Mattress Fundraiser! We carry BRAND NEW, fully warrantied, quality name-brand mattresses like Simmons, Beautyrest, and Therapedic, priced below retail. This one-day event will have an entire mattress store set up in the Rochester John Marshall High School Gym, and profits go directly to the bands!

Join us on Sunday, October 4, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at John Marshall High School (1510 14th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901)

about 21 hours ago, Rochester Public Schools
mattress fundraiser

Please see the October Spartan Shack hours.
Visitors will need to have an ID and enter at Door 6.
Thank you for supporting the Shack!

about 21 hours ago, Mayo High School
October Spartan Shack hours
This November, voters in Independent School District #535 will choose representatives to fill four (4) open seats on the School Board. Voters may select up to four candidates on their ballot. The candidates running in this nonpartisan election are listed below in alphabetical order:

Joe "Joe(Y)" Christenson
Justin M. Cook
Pat "Pot" Farmer
Ana Folpe
Flora Howie
Josh Koestler
Joe LaForge
Jean Marvin
Cathy Nathan
John Peck

School board positions will be listed on the back of the ballot. More information about each candidate can be found on the Secretary of State's website: https://myballotmn.sos.mn.gov.
5 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
cast your vote

Did you know that every public school student in Minnesota is part of a trust fund? Minnesota owns state public lands that generate revenue from timber, mining, and land leases. That money is placed into a protected investment trust dedicated strictly to supporting public school districts across the state. Due to investment growth, the fund has expanded from $675 million in 2010 to more than $2.3 billion today, but distributions have not kept pace because of outdated constitutional restrictions. This November, Minnesota voters can vote to increase the fund.

What does this ballot question change?

  • Sends more money to classrooms: Current constitutional rules limit payouts primarily to interest and dividends, restricting how much money reaches schools. The amendment modernizes the formula to increase the annual distribution from 2-2.5% to 4.5% of the fund's total value, significantly increasing payments to all Minnesota public schools.

  • Zero tax increase: It does not raise property, income, or sales taxes. It uses money already sitting in an existing investment fund.

  • Bipartisan agreement: The update was unanimously recommended by a nonpartisan task force and received strong bipartisan support in both the Minnesota House and Senate.

Under Minnesota law, a constitutional amendment must receive approval from a majority of all voters. Skipping the question has the exact same mathematical impact as actively voting against it. To support the amendment, you must vote "YES." Leaving the question blank counts as a "NO" vote. You can learn more about this at www.mnpsfamendment.org.

9 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
Permanent School Fund Constitutional Amendment

Reminder: there is no school on Wednesday, September 23. RPS staff will participate in a Curriculum and Development (CAD) Day to plan instruction and engage in professional development. We will see students back in school on Thursday, September 24.

12 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
No School Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Lifetouch will be in the MHS Auditorium on 10/7 from 8:30-11:30.

This is for students that have not had their picture taken and students that would like to have their picture retaken.

12 days ago, Mayo High School
Picture retake day flyer

The school year is in full swing, and so is your chance to grab some RPS gear! Our Apparel Shop is open through Friday, September 18, 2026, and items will be available for pick up at your school at the end of October. Shop here: https://rps26mayo.itemorder.com/shop/home/

23 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
mayo apparel

Reminder: there is no school on Friday, September 4, for all schools except Longfellow Elementary, which will have a regular school day. Additionally, there will be no school, and RPS offices and buildings will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.

about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
No school Friday, September 4 and Monday, September 7
We're thrilled to welcome our crew back for the 2026-2027 school year! Today, we welcomed back our 6th- and 9th-grade students, as well as our specialized programs at Phoenix, Middle School ALC, and RAIL. Across the district, our dedicated elementary staff greeted families at Step Into Learning to ensure every student is supported to thrive this school year.
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
Two ninth grade Century students posing for a photo on our First day of school for Ninth graders.
Parent embracing student for a hug while smiling at the camera in front of the lockers.
A group of two families getting ready to meet the teacher on our Step Into Learning Days.
Janitor at Lincoln putting the final touches on a balloon display to welcome back students.
Teacher smiling and posing for a photo in her "beehive" themed classroom.
Two Century students waiting outside the classroom door to welcome students and smiling for a photo.
Three Century staff members embracing with arms around their backs smiling for a photo.
Parent smiling with student embracing his side as he half tucks a smile feeling shy.
A group of students with nametags and costumes getting ninth grade students excited for the school year.

Please see the MHS daily bell schedule (which is the same as last year).
8:45 - first bell
8:50 - second bell; classes begin
3:30 - school day ends

In the event we have an alternate schedule, it will be posted on our website events calendar for that date.

2 months ago, Mayo High School
SY 26-27 daily bell schedule
As seniors gear up for graduation, they take part in a longstanding RPS tradition, walking through the halls that made them who they are today. This tradition of a senior walk allows students to close a chapter of their lives while also thanking teachers and staff who helped them along the way. It also inspires our other students to see what they are working towards throughout their education and helps them learn to celebrate and uplift others.

Congratulations, Seniors! We can't wait to watch you walk across the stage!
4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Two JM students embracing for a hug in excitement for graduation.
A group of Century and JM seniors locked in arms outside of Gibbs Elementary posing for a photo.
Mayo seniors in cap and gown walking outside of Franklin Elementary high-fiving elementary students that are lined up on the sidewalks.
JM Senior standing in front of the school smiling for the photo in cap and gown.
Century seniors loaded on the bus in cap and gown for the senior walk-through
Mayo senior posing for a photo inside Riverside Elementary while another student takes a photo with their phone.
Group of six senior students posing in front of Jefferson Elementary smiling at the camera.
Senior posing for a photo in the hallway of Gibbs elementary with one of their Elementary teachers.
Seniors walking through Kellogg Middle School in cap and gown.
Three RPS seniors shaking the hands of 5th graders at Franklin while staring at the camera smiling.
The countdown is officially on! We're gearing up for one of our favorite days of the year: celebrating the incredible Class of 2026. From ceremony times to arrival details, we've got you covered. Everything you need to know is right here: https://rochesterschools.org/graduation
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Class of 2026 information

Mayo HS families: We are canceling school today, Friday, March 13, 2026. The high winds in our area have caused several power outages in the neighborhood. As a result, the building is currently without the necessary power and systems to operate school as scheduled. We will send a follow-up message by midday today regarding the status of after-school activities and athletics.

7 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Mayo High School is closed Friday, March 13
Earn your Bilingual Seal! Graduating high school students in Minnesota with a multilingual background and/or studying a language other than English are eligible to earn a bilingual seal after graduation. Fill out the survey at https://tinyurl.com/RPSSealsBiliteracy and register for an exam time.
7 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Minnesota Bilingual Seals - Rochester Public Schools - register online https://tinyurl.com/RPSSealsBiliteracy

Rochester Public Schools is the heart of a community focused on lifelong learning. Whether you are three years old or eighty-three, we believe in investing in our community's future by providing exceptional opportunities for everyone to grow.

➡️ We help our youngest learners flourish through 177 Preschool Enrichment classes, 105 Early Childhood Family Education classes, and 26 RPS Preschool classrooms.

➡️ Our youth students stay engaged and inspired through 767 Youth Enrichment and 21st Century programs designed to help them find their spark.

➡️ Learning doesn't stop at graduation. We host 655 Adult Enrichment classes, 241 Adults With Exceptional Abilities classes, and 116 unique offerings at Hawthorne Education.

Learn more about our Community Education program at https://www.rochesterce.org.

7 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
2087 classes offered through community education
Our value of ensuring excellence through evidence means we use data and proven practices to help our students grow. To date, 90% of RPS 8th graders have used Xello to discover careers connected to their personal interests. By using these tools, we are investing in our community’s future and preparing the next generation of thinkers and doers. Discover more about how our students use the Xello tool at www.rochesterschools.org/xello.

#PublicSchoolsWeek #PSW26
7 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
90% of 8th graders used Xello to discover career interests
At Rochester Public Schools, we want every student to be “Challenged to Strive and Supported to Thrive.” With more than 120 extracurricular options for our secondary students, we live out our Value of building belonging and connection. By offering a wide variety of activities, we ensure every student can find a place where they belong, helping them develop the social skills and confidence needed to pursue a fulfilling path. Learn more about our mission at www.rochesterschools.org/about.

#PublicSchoolsWeek #PSW26

7 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
120+ extra curricular options