According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, it wasn't until two years after President Lincoln emancipated ensalved Africans in America that Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, TX on June 19, 1865, with the news of freedom. More than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state learned of their freedom that day. This day became known as #Juneteenth, a federal, and now Minnesota state holiday. Learn more at: https://nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth
In observance of the Juneteenth holiday, all summer meal locations will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, and will resume standard hours of operation on Thursday, June 20.
All Rochester Public School District and Community Education programs and buildings will be closed Wednesday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. All programs, summer meal locations, and buildings will resume standard operating hours on Thursday, June 20.
Happy Father's Day to all the fathers, stepfathers, grandpas, foster dads, late fathers, future dads, bereaved fathers, hopeful dads, those with estranged relationships with their dads, and fatherly figures. Thank you for your contributions to our students, families, and communities.
According to VA.gov, Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.
Happy Shavuot to those who celebrate.
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.
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
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!
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
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!
