September's meal menus are ready! Download your copy to plan for next month:
https://www.rochesterschools.org/documents/school-meals-and-menus/493023
There will be no school on Monday, September 2 in observance of Labor Day. Additionally, all RPS offices will be closed. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 3.
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.
If the "Ignite Student Learning" referendum fails, class sizes will increase, school closures will be unavoidable, and RPS will need to make major cuts to student programs, support services, and teachers and staff.
Find out more details at RochesterSchools.org/referendum.
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.
It’s a new school year and that means new teachers joining the Mayo High School team! Help us give them a warm welcome to Kristin Rodgers.
"I want to support kids the way my teachers supported me." -Kristin Rodgers, Learning Disabilities Teacher
We have a new cell phone procedure that goes into effect starting this school year. For high school students, this means If students choose to bring a cell phone/device to school, the device(s) will remain in student backpacks/lockers or in a classroom collection container during class periods.
📱Smartwatches may be worn during class for telling time only.
📱The device will remain in the classroom if the student leaves the classroom briefly (to use restroom, library, etc.).
📱Students will be permitted to use cell phones during passing time and lunch.
📱Students with an open hour are permitted to use their cell phones during Junior Privilege, Senior Privilege, RRS, or Apella in the following locations:
- Century: North Cafeteria & Media Center
- John Marshall: Cafeteria, Door 1 Atrium, Library
- Mayo: First floor common areas
View more information at www.rochesterschools.org/cell-phone-procedures
The Ignite Student Learning referendum seeks voter approval of an operating levy increase to stabilize our budget and protect the programs & services that help our students thrive. 🏫
To find out how the proposed levy would impact your property taxes, use our tax calculator https://www.ehlers-inc.com/microsite/rochester2024/ 👈
"Dear RPS community, I hope you had a great summer and that you are as excited as I am for the school year that is about to begin. One of the most important events for our school district this year is the referendum to increase local funding for Rochester Public Schools (RPS) that will be on the ballot on November 5."
Read Superintendent Pekel's full letter: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1724172
What's for lunch? Plan ahead for the start of the school year by downloading this month's meal menu. August and September meal menus are available for download.
Download here:
https://www.rochesterschools.org/documents/school-meals-and-menus/493023
Our staff has spent the last week getting ready for you, double check your calendar so you are ready too!
Monday, August 26:
• Step into Learning for all elementary schools
• Meet me in the Middle for incoming 6th grade students
• First day of 9th Grade for all 9th grade students
Tuesday, August 27:
• Step into Learning for all elementary schools
• First Day of School for all secondary students
Wednesday, August 28:
• First Day of School for all elementary students
Thursday, August 29:
• Regular school day
Friday, August 30:
• No school for all schools and programs that follow the traditional school year calendar. Longfellow Elementary is still in session.
#CelebrateRPS: Our community never shies away from joining us in celebrating the accomplishments of our students. With over 10 graduation ceremonies across our schools and programs, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate our Class of 2024 one last time as they start this fall headed forward to a year of new beginnings in college, careers, service, exploration, and adventure!
If approved by voters this November, the additional funding from the Ignite Student Learning plan will protect critical resources such as:
⭐Reading specialist positions
⭐School counselors
⭐Advanced learning teachers
⭐Career and technical education classes
Learn more ➡️ RochesterSchools.org/referendum
A #CelebrateRPS submission from Lucy B:
"Lisa Levi works at Sunset Terrace and has created an incredible program called Book Boggy. It's been wonderful seeing our students benefit from it! She's teamed up with Brenda Shamblin from Mayo, who's equally dedicated to community support. Together, they're sharing books with various families. Brenda's work in the community is invaluable, and both she and Lisa have such infectious enthusiasm. We're fortunate to have them as RPS Staff & I am grateful for the connection I made between them."
Do you have a #CelebrateRPS moment to share? Submit it at www.rochesterschools.org/celebrateRPS
Did you see an RPS student overcome a challenge? Has an RPS staff person gone above and beyond to help you? Do you want to acknowledge an RPS colleague for their work? We're kicking off an initiative to #CelebrateRPS! Share your stories with us so we can share them with the RPS community. Share your positive stories at https://www.rochesterschools.org/celebraterps and we'll highlight them!
Mark your calendars and save the date for our inaugural State of the District on Monday, September 16. Superintendent Pekel will be joined by voices and performances from RPS students. Stay tuned—more information will come!
#RPSinfo New year, New bell times! At the start of the school year, we’ll transition to our new school bell time schedule.
• RPS Preschool - Morning session: 8:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
• RPS Preschool - Afternoon session 12:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
• Elementary schools: 7:55 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
• Middle schools: 8:35 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
• High schools: 8:50 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Phoenix Academy, RAIL, and Right Fit: 8:20 a.m. - 2:20 p.m.
Visit https://www.rochesterschools.org/page/school-bell-times or print our 2024-2025 School Directory and Bell Times document.
RPS faces a $19.4 million budget deficit that could force school closures, larger classes, and major cuts. This Nov., voters will consider a levy increase on the ballot to stabilize our budget and “Ignite Student Learning.” Visit RochesterSchools.org/referendum to learn more.
