Welcome back, students! We hope you had a restful break. We're excited to see all the growth and learning that will happen in the remainder of the school year!
It's not too late! Ski Club registration will close soon and you still have time to register. Students in Grades 5-12 can hit the slopes with our upcoming Ski trips. Register today: https://rochester.ce.eleyo.com/course/24226/2025-winter-spring-youth/2025-welch-ski-club-coach-bus-optional-rental-gr-5-12#5600-century
“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.”
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
"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
Where does Rochester rank in the funding we receive? In this short video, Superintendent Pekel shares a fact about funding for RPS that has surprised people across our community. Check it out: https://youtu.be/b7edFAoSosU
As the weather gets colder and it remains darker during morning commutes, a reminder to go slow around school zones and pay attention to school buses. Always be prepared to stop for school buses.
🛑 Stop for a school bus with its flashing red lights activated and the stop-arm extended.
🛑 Stop at least 20 feet from a school bus.
🛑 Remain stopped until the stop-arm is retracted and the red lights are turned off.
Grab your kicks and get ready for Walk to School Day! Tomorrow, October 9, students and families across Rochester will be walking to school to promote healthy exercise and safe routes to school.
How can you help? Remember to keep your eyes out for our walkers and drive cautiously around school zones.
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!
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.
8/26/24: Due to an excessive heat warning issued for this afternoon and evening, all outdoor athletic sports and activities are canceled. However, some coaches may still have indoor practice plans. Please check in with them for this information.
We have been hard at work this past week and we can't wait to see you! Let the 2024-25 school year begin!
Have you visited www.RochesterSchools.org/referendum yet? Come learn about why our district is proposing a referendum to voters this November, how the "Ignite Student Learning" plan would support students, and how you can make your voice heard on Election Day.
We're hosting a hiring event next Wednesday, July 31, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Open positions include:
- Special Education Teachers
- Education Support Professionals
- Student Nutrition Services
- Health Office Staff (Nurses)
- Substitute Teachers & Staff
- Secondary Math Teachers
- Secondary Science Teachers
- Speech Language Pathologists
- Occupational Therapists
and more!
First Student and Kids on the Go will also be in attendance.
Walk-ins are welcome and virtual interviews are available at bit.ly/july-31-virtual-interview. Join us at the Edison Board Room, 615 7th St SW, Rochester, MN.
