Eager to learn about the Rochester Public Schools 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum? Don't miss this informative video that breaks it all down. Get informed and make your voice count.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4vE0jCxbPI
Earlier today, law enforcement released the name of the Century High School student who died in a tragic car accident on Saturday, October 7th. As a result, we are now able to send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Davin Tukua. I did not have the opportunity to meet or get to know Davin, but over the past two days, I have heard from teachers, coaches, students, and others that he was a wonderful young man. He was unfailingly kind and always ready to help complete a project or assist someone in need. He was a talented athlete who was a valued member of the football and swim teams at Century High School. I have heard from his coaches that he was a hard worker who always came ready to play, never complained, and would play any position or swim any stroke that would help his team compete and win. He also loved skiing and snowboarding and I'm told he was really good at both. I know that all members of the Rochester Public Schools community send our deepest sympathies to Davin's family and friends during this difficult time. We cannot understand or even imagine what you are thinking and feeling right now, but we want you to know that Davin's tragic loss has broken a part of our hearts as well. We will keep you in our thoughts during the time of grief, remembering, and transition that lies ahead.
Sincerely,
Kent Pekel
Superintendent
This week is National School Lunch Week! We’re celebrating with some fast facts about our school lunches. Did you know that…
• Our Student Nutrition Services (SNS) team spends over $1.3 million in produce purchases each year. This includes thousands of pounds of carrots, peppers, cucumbers, and many other vegetables including local corn on the cob.
• Across our 17 elementary schools, when bananas are on the menu, SNS orders 33 cases of petite bananas, which is equivalent to about 1320 pounds. Bananas continue to be a student favorite!
• Last month SNS served close to 11,000 lunches per day districtwide!
This week is National School Lunch Week! We’re celebrating with some fast facts about our school lunches. Did you know that…
• Our Student Nutrition Services (SNS) team spends over $1.3 million in produce purchases each year. This includes thousands of pounds of carrots, peppers, cucumbers, and many other vegetables including local corn on the cob.
• Across our 17 elementary schools, when bananas are on the menu, SNS orders 33 cases of petite bananas, which is equivalent to about 1320 pounds. Bananas continue to be a student favorite!
• Last month SNS served close to 11,000 lunches per day districtwide!
Don't miss our Virtual Referendum Info Session on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.! Learn about the Rochester Public Schools 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum. Join us for key insights, and get ready to make an informed decision. Stay tuned for the event link posted on our website on the day of the event. Your participation matters!
Find out more about the referendum here >> https://www.rochesterschools.org/referendum
Make sure to vote on or before November 7. Early voting is happening now!
Find your polling place here: https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/
Don't miss our Virtual Referendum Info Session on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.! Learn about the Rochester Public Schools 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum. Join us for key insights, and get ready to make an informed decision. Stay tuned for the event link posted on our website on the day of the event. Your participation matters!
Find out more about the referendum here >> https://www.rochesterschools.org/referendum
Make sure to vote on or before November 7. Early voting is happening now!
Find your polling place here: https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/
Rochester's financial situation becomes even more apparent when placed in context. Among 11 other Minnesota school districts that share a similar size and demographic profile, our district ranks at the bottom in terms of per-pupil revenue from voter-approved levies. These figures underscore the urgent need for the 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum.
Find out more about the referendum here >> https://www.rochesterschools.org/referendum
Make sure to vote on or before November 7. Early voting is happening now!
Find your polling place here: https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/
Yesterday, our RPS Online elementary students and families enjoyed the beautiful day by having a playdate at the park. They had lots of fun!
FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a national test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET/1:20 p.m. Central today, Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
If your mobile phone is on and within range of an active cell tower from a participating wireless provider, you should receive the national test. Wireless providers will transmit the national test for 30 minutes, but your phone should only receive it once.
View more information at https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system/national-test-2023
We're celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! From September 15 to October 15, we come together to honor and celebrate the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities.
Welcome Back RPS Online Families and Staff!
We're looking forward to a great new school year together. Our first RPS Online PTA meeting will be on Tuesday, 9/12 at 6pm. We will be voting for our PTA officers and planning the calendar for the year.
Show your school spirit by purchasing RPS Online Apparel at our virtual store! https://www.bonfire.com/store/rps-online-pta/
Have ideas for a PTA event this year? Please reach out to us at rpsonlinepta@gmail.com. Wishing everyone an easy transition back to school!
Thanks,
Miri Levi
RPS Online PTA President
Reminder: Step Into Learning/Open House is scheduled for Monday 8/28 from 10am-6pm and Tuesday 8/29 from 10am-3pm at Longfellow Elementary (2435 20th St SE). See you next week!
We're thrilled to announce the new app for Rochester Public Schools! It's everything Rochester Public Schools, in your pocket.
Watch this quick introductory video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JViaRlk97s8 (Also available in Spanish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUSfGuH5ksQ and Arabic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnUUuxtqTBw).
Then download our app! You'll see information about dining, staff, news, events, and more!
Download for Android https://bit.ly/3q4YKls
Download for iPhone https://apple.co/456qdlD
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL families, we know, like us, you're counting down the days until we're back in school! Check out this guide for everything you need to know about bell times are, school supply lists, and when the first day of school is: https://bit.ly/3QyQx3H #15MoreDays
Hey, MIDDLE SCHOOL families, some of you already picked up your schedules today! Check out this article that gives you all the details about what you need to know for back to school: https://bit.ly/3qB0umr.
RPS HIGH SCHOOL families! We're looking forward to welcoming you back soon! Check out this news article about all you need to know leading up to and during the first week of school: https://bit.ly/3DXOGha
Did you know that many of the school supplies you purchase for your child this year could reduce the taxes you pay and possibly lead to a larger refund next year? Save your receipts for these purchases and find out more information about the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction and how to claim them: https:/www.revenue.state.mn.us/k-12-education-subtraction-and-credit
Due to Step into Learning/Open House and RPS Online Orientation, the first day of regularly scheduled online classes will be Tuesday September 5, 2023. See you all soon!
Wednesday August 30 and Thursday August 31 will be RPS Online Orientation. Elementary students will meet individually with their classroom teacher while secondary students will have a special schedule both days. Please refer to our August 14 newsletter for more details!
Mark your calendars, Chargers! Step into Learning/Open House for all K-12 students is scheduled for Monday August 28 from 10am-6pm and Tuesday August 29 from 10am-3pm. Please plan on coming to see us, in-person, at Longfellow Elementary school on either day!