This Wednesday, RPS high schools are serving up Chicken Shawarma Wraps—a brand-new menu item inspired by your feedback! Juicy marinated chicken, zesty pickles, and major flavor… all wrapped up for you. Don’t miss it!





Friday is bringing in the final celebrations of Mayo High School’s homecoming week! Check out the scenes from Franklin Elementary School's ribbon cutting event, Willow Creek Middle School's spirit day, and the Mayo High School Homecoming Parade. RPS is so happy to have kids back in class and celebrate the amazing community in Rochester.










A huge congratulations to Mayo High School senior Adam Berg, who completed the Ironman Triathlon in Madison, Wisconsin, over the weekend. This incredible feat involved a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run.
At just 18 years old, Adam was one of the youngest competitors in the race. He was inspired by the strength and determination of Special Olympics athletes and dedicated the last year of training and every mile of his race to them. What a remarkable accomplishment driven by a wonderful cause!
At just 18 years old, Adam was one of the youngest competitors in the race. He was inspired by the strength and determination of Special Olympics athletes and dedicated the last year of training and every mile of his race to them. What a remarkable accomplishment driven by a wonderful cause!

Sometimes, knowing what steps to take can be hard when you are worried that your student's emotional or mental well-being might be impacted. RPS families have access to a confidential screener online at http://mentalhealthscreeningtools.com/. If the screener results indicate a reason for concern, or if you want to talk with a provider, schedule a free consultation with a mental health professional (https://ffcstaffconsults.as.me/).
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is also available for people experiencing emotional distress, mental health crises, or thoughts of suicide. You can call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org to connect with trained counselors anytime, 24/7.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is also available for people experiencing emotional distress, mental health crises, or thoughts of suicide. You can call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org to connect with trained counselors anytime, 24/7.

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

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!







"By challenge, I mean doing things that aren’t easy. Challenge means being pushed, stretched, and sometimes uncomfortable. By support, I mean having people around you who help you complete tasks and achieve goals. Support means feeling like you matter, that you're not alone, and that someone believes in you." Watch Superintendent Pekel's speech to the graduating classes of 2025 at last week's ceremonies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDb5DvfTktg&t=1s

For those unable to attend the Century High School (11 a.m.), Mayo High School (3 p.m.), or John Marshall High School (7 p.m.) graduation ceremonies in person at the Civic Center, we are glad to offer a live stream on our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/ISD535. Tune in at the scheduled ceremony times to share in the excitement from wherever you are!

We are thrilled to invite you to honor our incredible graduating seniors next week as they embark on their next exciting chapter. Mark your calendars for a week filled with joy, pride, and memorable moments as we celebrate their outstanding achievements and check out this article for all of the details: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/2225943

Rochester Public Schools (RPS) today announced that the four-year graduation rate for the Class of 2024 reached 86%, according to data released by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). This marks a 2.0 percentage point increase from the Class of 2023 (84%) and represents the highest graduation rate the district has achieved in the past six years. Read more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/2196956

You're invited to our 2025 Celebration Powwow at Mayo High School this Saturday, May 3. Enjoy captivating dancing, drumming, delicious food, and beautiful Native American artistry. It's an excellent opportunity to support our students and learn more about our community's heritage. All are welcome! #RochesterMN #Classof2025



Join us for a College Planning Night on April 25, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., for 8th—to 11th-grade students and parents. Learn more about the tools available to students within Xello and how to better prepare for college opportunities. Save the date and link for the session: bit.ly/3DySo3P

Freezing for a reason! 🥶 Our Mayo High School Students took the plunge, making a splash in their fundraising for the Special Olympics through the Unified Program. #PolarPlunge #Specialolympics








Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade students to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school through enrollment in and successful completion of college courses. PSEO students are not charged tuition, books, or fees for items required to participate in a course.
If you are interested in learning more about PSEO at RPS, join us for an information night on February 20 at 6:30 p.m. at RCTC, or scan the QR code to join virtually. If you have questions, contact your building's counseling office.

Earn your Bilingual Seal! 10th - 12th grade students can sign up to take the Biliteracy Seal assessment this April. Graduating high school students in Minnesota who have a multilingual background and/or are studying a language other than English, are eligible to earn a bilingual seal after their graduation. Fill out the application at tinyurl.com/RPSSeals2025 and register for an exam time.



Ready to jumpstart your healthcare career? The Fast Forward to Work: Phlebotomy Training Program is FREE for high school seniors passionate about laboratory sciences and healthcare!
This program offers clinical experience and hands-on training at Mayo Clinic's downtown campus, running from late August through early June. Transportation is provided from Mayo, John Marshall, and Century High Schools! 🎓
Thanks to a partnership between Rochester Public Schools and the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, this opportunity comes at NO cost to students!
💡 Information Sessions for the Fast Forward to Work Phlebotomy Training Program:
🔹 Virtual Session: Jan 7 at 6:30 p.m.
🔹 In-Person Session: Jan 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Edison Building, 615 7th Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902
This is your chance to take the first step toward a rewarding career in phlebotomy!
🔗 REGISTER NOW for the info session! https://airtable.com/appdynln57F04Nqyp/shraFUgT5YbTiyKlL
#FastForwardToWork #PhlebotomyProgram #HealthcareCareers #HighSchoolSeniors #FreeProgram #MayoClinic #RPS #RochesterPublicSchools #FutureHealthLeaders

