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.
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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).
2 weeks! Join us on Saturday, September 28th for our 1st Annual 5K and Family Fun Run! The 5K kicks off at 8:30 AM, and registration is $40—perfect for runners and walkers alike! All proceeds will directly support families in the Rochester community, so your participation makes a meaningful impact.
After the 5K, stick around for the free Family Fun Run, starting at 10:30 AM. This event is open to all ages with exciting activities like the baby crawl, toddler and preschool races, and even competitions for the bigger kids! We will also have additional games in the park's green space. Bring the whole family for a day of fun and fitness!
You can register for both events at bit.ly/ECFE-Run.
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.
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
Join us on Saturday, September 28th for our 1st Annual 5K and Family Fun Run! The 5K kicks off at 8:30 AM, and registration is $40—perfect for runners and walkers alike! All proceeds will directly support families in the Rochester community, so your participation makes a meaningful impact.
After the 5K, stick around for the free Family Fun Run, starting at 10:30 AM. This event is open to all ages with exciting activities like the baby crawl, toddler and preschool races, and even competitions for the bigger kids! We will also have additional games in the park's green space. Bring the whole family for a day of fun and fitness!
You can register for both events at bit.ly/ECFE-Run.
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
2024 is ECFE/PAIIR's 50th Anniversary in Rochester! Past and current staff came together this summer to reminisce and celebrate half a century of serving families with young children. We thank you all for sharing your talents with our community!
We stepped, skipped, galloped, and danced our way into the first day of preschool today! Enjoy just some of the moments we shared with our incoming preschoolers. These Mighty Oaks are ready for a new school 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!
We're adding two more teachers to the Mighty Oaks team! Please help us welcome Abby Butenhoff and Anne Clarkson. Read their quotes below.
Abby Butenhoff: Mighty Oaks Early Learning School, Early Childhood Family Education Teacher
"I have always loved working with children and knew it was something I wanted to do. I wanted to be able to be that positive adult in their life that makes learning fun and starts out a great educational experience."
Anne Clarkson: Mighty Oaks Early Learning School, Early Childhood/Special Education Teacher
"My seventh grade history teacher, Ms. Wolfe, created my passion for education with hands on learning. I hope to incorporate that same style into my classrooms."
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.
