Winter is officially here, which means some of us are thinking about the potential of snow days! Learn more about how we determine snow days and what to expect with school closings in the event of inclement weather: http://www.rochesterschools.org/inclement-weather

11 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
info on inclement weather

This is a reminder that there is no school on, Wednesday, November 26 through Friday, November 28, for Thanksgiving Break. RPS will resume normal operations and hours on Monday, December 1. Enjoy the long weekend!

19 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
No School Wednesday, November 27 through Friday, November 29
Honoring all who served. Thank you, Veterans.
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
Veterans Day social graphic
Honoring all who served. Thank you, Veterans.
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
Veterans Day

Hey, future kindergarten students: ready, set, enroll! Kindergarten enrollment is now open for the 2026-2027 school year at RPS! Learn more and enroll at www.rochesterschools.org/onmyway2k!

about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
Kindergarten enrollment now open
RPS families: This is a reminder that there is no school on Thursday, October 16 and Friday, October 17, for MEA weekend. Enjoy the long weekend, and we'll see you on Monday, October 20!
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
No school reminder for October 16 + 17
As part of our Attendance Matters initiative, we are sending all families an attendance update today. This message will provide a current snapshot of your student’s attendance record for the year so far. Our goal is to keep you informed and partner with you to support your student's learning. You can always view up-to-the-minute attendance data in Skyward. Learn more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/attendance-matters
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Every day counts. Every student matters. Attendance is the first step to success!

Friday is bringing in the final celebrations of Mayo High School’s homecoming week! Check out the scenes from Franklin Elementary School's ribbon cutting event, Willow Creek Middle School's spirit day, and the Mayo High School Homecoming Parade. RPS is so happy to have kids back in class and celebrate the amazing community in Rochester.

3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Mayo student sees some familiar faces in the parade crowd and gives them a hug
Franklin students got to cut the ribbon for their new playground
Willow Creek's EBD,  Mr. Hartman hypes up students before their assembly
Willow Creek students welcomed the Mayo Spartan to their school for spirit day
School board member Jean Marvin hands candy to parade watchers
MHS Nurse Becky and Nurse Caitlin ride in a convertable
Willow Creek Principal Fogarty and Assistant Principal Trapp throw candy to some of their students
Franklin students go over their speeches with Principal Pearson and Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel
Mayo Girls Soccer throws candy to some spectators
Mayo High School Band members chants with their classmates

Get ready to play! The ribbon is officially cut on the brand new Franklin Elementary Community Schoolyard!

This isn't just any green space; it's a vibrant, adventure-packed wonderland designed by our outstanding students, for our school and our entire neighborhood!

Our Franklin scholars were the lead architects, pouring their brilliant ideas into every corner. Through hands-on design workshops, they brought their dreams to life, creating:
🌳 An awesome nature play area
☀️ An outdoor classroom for learning under the sky
🏀 New recreation spaces for endless fun
🦋 A beautiful pollinator garden to help our buzzing buddies!

Thank you to our incredible partners, Trust for Public Land, for helping us turn this vision into a reality!

3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Franklin students got to cut the ribbon for their new playground
Franklin students got to cut the ribbon for their new playground
MN state senator Carla Nelson talks to Franklin students
Franklin student speaks in front of her classmates and media about how the new playground will help her and her classmates grow
Franklin Student poses on the new playground
Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel watches students enjoy the new park
MN state senator Carla Nelson talks with a Franklin student
Franklin Principal Pearson talks to media about the new playground
Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel watches students enjoy the new park
Community members discuss future plans for the playground

To help our students fully engage in their learning, students are encouraged not to bring cell phones or other electronic devices, including smart watches and earbuds/airpods, to school. See more information about our cell phone procedures for each school level at https://rochesterschools.org/cell-phone-procedures

3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS Cell Phone procedures

Rochester Public Schools uses the Standard Response Protocol in response to emergencies that may occur in our school buildings. Students and staff will train, practice, and drill the protocol throughout the year. Learn more about what "hold," "secure," "lockdown," "evacuate," and "shelter" mean: https://www.rochesterschools.org/standard-response-protocol

3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Standard response protocol list

RPS families: This is a reminder that except for Longfellow Elementary, there is no school on, Friday, August 29. RPS is also closed on Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day. Enjoy the long weekend, and we will see you next Tuesday!

4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
No school reminder for August 29
Welcome, new RPS teachers! We are thrilled to have you on board and hope you enjoyed your onboard training, speakers, and Superintendent Pekel's address. Thank you in advance for fostering inclusion, teaching topics close to your heart, and inspiring the young minds of our students!
4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Group of new teachers smile and cheer for the winner of rock paper scissors.
At new teacher orientation, the speakers asks an audience member about a time they felt included.
New Rochester Public Schools teacher learns about the strategies of the district.
Superintendent Kent Pekel addresses new teachers in John Marshall High School Cafeteria.
Speakers warmly welcome new teachers to Rochester Public Schools.
Superintendent Kent Pekel addresses new teachers in John Marshall High School Cafeteria.
Don't miss a bell! Set your clocks with a reminder of the 2025-2026 School Bell Times. Check out your school's times here: www.rochesterschools.org/belltimes Important Update for Elementary Families: Please note that release times for select elementary schools have changed by 5 minutes. Make sure to double-check your student's specific school schedule!
4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
School Bell Times for 2025-2026
Attendance matters, all day, every school day! Plan ahead by downloading the 2025-2026 calendar to sync your schedules for the upcoming school year. Download the calendar today: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xrFqCZIbB6lkqDN40P_UVOcFxWJSgS_J?usp=drive_link
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
2025-2026 Calendar

We're preparing for the 2025–2026 school year, and we need your help to plan safe, efficient bus routes. Update your student’s transportation info now!
If your student is in grades 10–12, a district‑wide option student, or a non‑public student needing after‑school busing, complete an RPS Registered Rider Form. Address change, foster care, joint custody, and alternate site forms are also on our website. Whether your student is returning, new, or has updated needs, let us know: www.rochesterschools.org/transportation

5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
2025-2026 Transportation
All summer meal locations are now open and operating under their normal hours. Come and join us for a FREE meal for children 18 years of age or younger. Adult meals are also offered for a small fee. Check out our menus, locations, and meal times online: https://www.rochesterschools.org/page/summer-meals
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Free Summer Meals for everyone 18 years of age or younger from June 9-August 15
All RPS buildings and programs, including summer meal locations and summer school-aged child care (SACC), will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. We will resume normal operations on Monday, July 7, 2025. We wish you and your families a safe and happy Fourth of July!
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS closed July 4
All RPS buildings and programs, including summer meal locations and summer school-aged child care (SACC), will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2024, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. We will resume normal operations on Monday, July 7, 2024. We wish you and your families a safe and happy Fourth of July!
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS is closed for Independence Day
We're in the heart of summer, soaking up the sun! But just like your favorite ice cream cone, summer eventually has to end. And that means getting ready for a new school year! While it might feel early to trade in your swimsuits for notebooks, consider getting a head start on your back-to-school supplies. Get your list here: https://www.rochesterschools.org/schoolsupplies
6 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
2025-2026 School Supply Lists