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
Congratulations to our Homecoming Top 20. The voting for the 10 who will be on the court will take place on Wednesday and Thursday this week for juniors and seniors .
Sabir Ahmed, Ava Austin, *Annika Bartucz, Liv Boyum, Kate Bruce, Wanjala Carlson, Jerry Castro, Sophia Comfere, Ella Davis, Ava Decker, Ava Eckerman, Megan Gamble, *Anna Henrichsen, Owen Kelly, Josh Kyei-Baffour, Anousha Mozammel, Ryaan Speer, Amanda Spors, *Copeland Steele, Nisha Wetter
*Missed the photo
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
Century's drug and alcohol counselor, Jessica Bradford, is highlighted in this clip recognizing Chemical Health Awareness Month. https://www.kttc.com/2024/09/04/rps-brings-new-drug-alcohol-counselors-high-schools-this-year/
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.
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.
September's meal menus are ready! Download your copy to plan for next month:
https://www.rochesterschools.org/documents/school-meals-and-menus/493023
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
Today is the first day of school for elementary students, and we expect some delays in bus transportation, especially as our bus drivers learn the new route structure with the changeover from transporting elementary students home and turning around to pick up our secondary students.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we navigate this and continuously work to improve our processes.
Families using Transportation can download the First View app to see where their student's buses are. The district code for the app is M6QE.
If the "Ignite Student Learning" referendum fails, class sizes will increase, school closures will be unavoidable, and RPS will need to make major cuts to student programs, support services, and teachers and staff.
Find out more details at RochesterSchools.org/referendum.
Help support our band and kick off the school year by NOT cooking!
8/26/24: Due to an excessive heat warning issued for this afternoon and evening, all outdoor athletic sports and activities are canceled. However, some coaches may still have indoor practice plans. Please check in with them for this information.
It’s a new school year and that means new teachers joining the Century High School team! Help us give them a warm welcome to Rochester Public Schools.
Marjory Ball-Williams: Century High School, Emotional Behavioral Behavior Disorder Teacher
"I have a passion for history (and the social sciences), and I want to bring that to those who will be in charge making decisions in our country."
Will Oliphant: Century High School, French Teacher
"My journalism teacher in high school was a guy named Mr. Smrha, and he was unafraid of being different and grandiose. He helped me through an incredibly difficult time by never letting slack off and making me live up to my potential."
Heather Robinson: Century High School, Social Worker
"I love to support and advocate for people and have always had a passion for this. I like variety in my job and wanted to have the opportunity to help people of all ages/abilities/backgrounds/etc."
We have slightly adjusted the bell schedule to make room for daily announcements during 7th hour.
The Ignite Student Learning referendum seeks voter approval of an operating levy increase to stabilize our budget and protect the programs & services that help our students thrive. 🏫
To find out how the proposed levy would impact your property taxes, use our tax calculator https://www.ehlers-inc.com/microsite/rochester2024/ 👈
We have a new cell phone procedure that goes into effect starting this school year. For high school students, this means If students choose to bring a cell phone/device to school, the device(s) will remain in student backpacks/lockers or in a classroom collection container during class periods.
📱Smartwatches may be worn during class for telling time only.
📱The device will remain in the classroom if the student leaves the classroom briefly (to use restroom, library, etc.).
📱Students will be permitted to use cell phones during passing time and lunch.
📱Students with an open hour are permitted to use their cell phones during Junior Privilege, Senior Privilege, RRS, or Apella in the following locations:
- Century: North Cafeteria & Media Center
- John Marshall: Cafeteria, Door 1 Atrium, Library
- Mayo: First floor common areas
View more information at www.rochesterschools.org/cell-phone-procedures
What's for lunch? Plan ahead for the start of the school year by downloading this month's meal menu. August and September meal menus are available for download.
Download here:
https://www.rochesterschools.org/documents/school-meals-and-menus/493023
"Dear RPS community, I hope you had a great summer and that you are as excited as I am for the school year that is about to begin. One of the most important events for our school district this year is the referendum to increase local funding for Rochester Public Schools (RPS) that will be on the ballot on November 5."
Read Superintendent Pekel's full letter: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1724172
Our staff has spent the last week getting ready for you, double check your calendar so you are ready too!
Monday, August 26:
• Step into Learning for all elementary schools
• Meet me in the Middle for incoming 6th grade students
• First day of 9th Grade for all 9th grade students
Tuesday, August 27:
• Step into Learning for all elementary schools
• First Day of School for all secondary students
Wednesday, August 28:
• First Day of School for all elementary students
Thursday, August 29:
• Regular school day
Friday, August 30:
• No school for all schools and programs that follow the traditional school year calendar. Longfellow Elementary is still in session.
