
RPS offices will be closed, and there will be no school on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, December 2.


RPS offices will be closed on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, December 2.


PTA sponsored donation drive to the Women's Shelter and The Landing here in Rochester. So much to be thankful and grateful for! Thank you to all who donated!



Reminder: there is no school from Wednesday, November 27 through Friday, November 29. Enjoy your fall break! We will see students back on Monday, December 2.


Future kindergarten students: Come to our Washington Kindergarten Open House on Thursday, December 5 or Tuesday, January 6 at 4:30-5:30 p.m. to learn about what it's like to be a kindergarten student at our school. You’ll meet our principal, see a kindergarten classroom, learn about our schedule, and more! We're excited for you to join us!

P-TECH is graduating its first cohort of students who have completed all four years of the program. The P-TECH Nursing Pathway is focused on getting RPS students ready for their professional careers as Licensed Practical Nurses.
Read the beginning-to-end experiences of first-year students and graduating seniors of the program.
https://bit.ly/3VlK4uH
Be sure to also attend the P-TECH information Night at the RCTC Hill Theater on Wednesday!
Nov. 20 @ 6 - 7 p.m.
RCTC Hill Theatre
851 30th Ave SE
Rochester, MN 55904


Dolphins of the Week!
Aurora, Hank, Noah, Estelle, Ela, Vera, Sharvari, Ellie, Max, Chanmonica, Neil, Emma, Asa
David, Jane, Zubair, Colbie



Winter will be here soon, and we want to share our procedures with you should we have an unexpected school closing. Because these closures are unexpected, all families should have a contingency plan for their children in the event of school closings. Read more on what to expect: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1859223


Honoring all who served. Thank you, Veterans.


Congrats to our Dolphins of the Week!
Sawyer, Juliette, Ari, Callalina, Hank, Aarush, Sloane, Anna, Eddy, Graham, Quinn, Martin,
Lianna, Adeline, Lena



“The community’s approval of the Ignite Student Learning Referendum will enable Rochester Public Schools (RPS) to avoid closing schools, raising class sizes, and making major cuts to positions and programs that serve our students. It will provide RPS with the financial stability we need to continue implementing our ambitious strategic plan and to remain focused on our academic mission. Most importantly, it is an investment in our students that will pay off in the skilled workforce that Rochester needs to thrive in the decades ahead. We look forward to providing regular updates to the community on how the referendum funds are being used, and we will work hard to continue earning and strengthening the trust that the community has placed in us through its approval of the referendum on November 5, 2024.”


Our Washington students participated in the presidential elections yesterday thanks to our Student Council!






As the polls close and we await results, we want to thank everyone who participated in this important community decision about Rochester Public Schools.


It’s Election Day! Eligible voters have until 8 p.m. to vote on the Ignite Student Learning referendum seeking a levy increase for RPS to avoid school closures, protect class sizes, and continue helping every student succeed.
Visit RochesterSchools.org/Referendum to learn more.


Tomorrow is Election Day! Today is the last day for early voting. You can vote today from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2122 Campus Drive SE, Suite 300, Rochester, MN, or 201 4th St. SE in Rochester, (Conference Room 104), Rochester, MN.
Don't forget to vote on the Ignite Student Learning referendum to increase the operating levy and allow RPS to continue helping every student reach their full potential.
Learn how to make your voice heard: https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/voting-information


A reminder that there is no school on Tuesday, November 5. Teachers and administrators will participate in a Curriculum Planning Day, planning instruction and participating in professional development. We will see students back in school on Wednesday, November 6.


What's at stake for RPS in this referendum?
If the Ignite Student Learning referendum is approved, additional funding will support academic programs and student services, maintain class sizes and vocational training, and protect faculty and staff positions.
If rejected, major budget cuts will lead to the closure of three schools, increased class sizes, reduced staffing, and diminished programs for academic growth and vocational training.
Learn more at https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/the-plan.


It's almost time to "fall back!" Daylight Saving Time concludes on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 2 a.m. Don't forget, our clocks need to "fall back" one hour.


Congrats to our Dolphins of the Week!
Henry, Akshat, Artemis, Leora, Savannah, Lily, Wally, Emsley, Claire, Harper, Samanvi, Kira, Annetta, Fletcher, Lilia, and Ari!


"Prior to Advanced Learning classes, my kids didn't enjoy school and were bored. Now, they are both thriving and have found their place. They love the faster pace and challenge to think differently and explore topics a bit further than the traditional classroom," Connie said.
Learn more about how Advanced Learning classes have made a difference for our students - https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1850420
