RPS Programs -

Today is the first day of summer meals! Summer meals are free to kids ages 18 and under. Adult meals are available for a small fee: $3 for breakfast and $5.25 for lunch.

Happy Shavuot to those who celebrate.

Thank you to all of our 2023-2024 retirees for your years of dedication to the students of Rochester Public Schools. You have made a difference in their lives! Wishing you a happy retirement.

Summer meals are back! Starting next Monday, June 10, free meals will be available for children ages 1-18. Meals for adults are also available at a small cost ($3 for breakfast and $5.25 for lunch). For locations, dates, and operating hours, visit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LKdY6RFqNy9Mf4fLmIzKrksSv6eaTLVf/view

As we near the end of the school year, read a year in review memo from Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel. He writes about: ➡️ The Academic Agenda ➡️ Supports for Learning ➡️ Family Engagement ➡️ Improving the Organization ➡️ School Start Times and Transportation ➡️ Referendums and Reductions ➡️ What’s Ahead Read the full memo at: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1624433

Yesterday afternoon, family, friends, and faculty gathered outside Phoenix Academy to honor and celebrate the Class of 2024. Congratulations, Phoenix Academy Class of 2024 Graduates!

The RPS School Board voted unanimously to put forward an investment plan to Ignite Student Learning through a referendum. Voters will decide on November 5. View this Q&A to learn more about the Referendum: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1621656

Rochester Academy for Independent Living (RAIL) held its graduation ceremony on Friday morning. During the ceremony, each graduate was individually highlighted, and then they celebrated with cake and lemonade afterward. Congratulations, RAIL class of 2024!🎓

Last week, our Launching Emerging Adults Program (LEAP) held their graduation ceremony. Lots of happy tears were shed as we celebrated these hardworking students. We are very proud of all the work they've put in and the strength and resiliency they display each day! Congratulations LEAP class of 2024!🎓

On Memorial Day, we celebrate, honor, and remember those who gave their lives for our country. Thank you for your service!

Reminder: There is no school on Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day. Enjoy your three-day weekend! All District buildings will be closed on Monday, May 27, and will reopen under normal operating hours on Tuesday, May 28!

Happy Vesak Day to those who celebrate.

At last night's School Board meeting, the Board voted to place a referendum on the November 5 ballot seeking $19.4 million annually to protect and enhance educational programs and student services. The referendum would support the district’s new investment plan to “Ignite Student Learning.” Guided by feedback from residents, this plan was developed to stabilize our operating budget, strengthen our curriculum, and support the programs that will ensure our students are ready for life after graduation. Read more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1611885

Due to predicted severe weather, RPS is canceling all after-school practices and games. Here's what this means: - All sporting events and practices are canceled. - All activity buses are canceled. - All Middle School After School classes and clubs offered through Community Education are canceled. All other Community Education programs are on as scheduled unless you receive a direct message from Community Education to the contrary. Please check with your schools about their plans for PTSA meetings, concerts, and other events. The School Board meeting will still occur at the Edison Building starting at 5:30 p.m. If you cannot attend in person, you can livestream the board meeting at https://www.youtube.com/@ISD535.

Yesterday, our students at the Rochester Academy for Independent Living (RAIL) had their second annual Sports Day! Students participated in an array of sports and even ran races against one another in the gym. We look forward to more Sports Days at RAIL!

With the end of the year around the corner, you might be looking for a creative way to thank an RPS Staff member for the impact they've made on your family. Consider honoring a staff member by donating to the Rochester Public School Foundation: http://www.rpsf.org/HonorStaff. Learn more about honoring a staff member: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1597578

Happy Mother's Day to all of the amazing, loving, strong, happy, selfless and graceful mothers, stepmothers, grandmas, foster moms, late mothers, future moms, bereaved mothers, hopeful moms, those with estranged relationships with their moms, and motherly figures. Thank you for your contributions to our students, families, and communities.

Our school nurses serve a vital role, working not only to address students' needs but also as advocates and liaisons to families and healthcare providers, improving health outcomes for both students and families. Thank you, school nurses!

Today, May 8 is National School Nurse Day. In Rochester Public Schools, our students and families are served by two different school nurse roles -- Health Office Nurses & Licensed School Nurses. A Health Office Nurse offers daily support within our schools to students who aren't feeling well, have an injury, need to take medications, need support with a medical device, or who need other types of medical support to remain as healthy as possible and participate fully in school. A Health Office Nurse must hold one of these certifications: Certified Nursing Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse, or Registered Nurse. A Licensed School Nurse (LSN) works closely with the processes of evaluation for special needs from the health perspective and care management of more complex health conditions. They advise Health Office Nurses when needed and work closely with families to establish plans to support students with complex medical needs. Licensed School nurses have earned licenses beyond those listed above in both Public Health Nursing and Licensed School Nursing. The RPS Health Services team of approximately 50 nurses is led by Health Services Coordinator Chris Bjerke, RN; Licensed School Nurse Lead Emberlee Bremseth, MSN, RN, LSN, NCSN; and Health Office Nurse Lead Marni Shelley, RN. Our school nurses serve a vital role, working not only to address students' needs but also as advocates and liaisons to families and healthcare providers, improving health outcomes for both students and families. Thank you, school nurses!

Tomorrow is National Bike and Roll to School Day! Strap on your helmet and get ready to roll with some of these helpful bike safety tips: • Always wear a helmet • Give your student visibility • Follow the rules of the road • Do an "ABC" Bike Check - Check your air, brakes, and bike chain!