🗳️ Early voting is now available for the Rochester Public Schools 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum. Make your voice count. Learn more about the referendum and cast your vote early to ensure your participation in this important decision.
Find out more about the referendum here >> https://www.rochesterschools.org/referendum
Find your polling place here: https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/
Exciting news! The full brochure containing all the vital details about the Rochester Public Schools 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum is on its way to you. Stay tuned for comprehensive information on this important initiative. Remember, you can cast your vote on or before November 7. Your voice matters!
Find out more about the referendum here >> https://www.rochesterschools.org/referendum
Make sure to vote on or before November 7. Early voting is happening now!
Find your polling place here: https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/
Every year on October 12, several Latin American countries celebrate Día de la Raza. On this day, people from across the Americas commemorate the day when Cristopher Columbus touched land on this continent (El descubrimiento de América) in 1492. Each Latin American country’s history and society is different, and their view varies according to it and to the political times.
This year we are sharing the perspective of one of our staff members, Sara Palomino-Ward, an educational support professional at Gage Elementary School:
This important day is known as Día de la Raza (Day of Race) and we celebrate every year to commemorate the first encounters of Europeans and Native Americans, recognizing the cultural fusion of those people with different backgrounds coming together. This day also celebrates the heritage and cultural diversity of Latin America, as well as acknowledges the colonization.
Every country in Latin America has its own unique way of celebrating. In México, where I’m from, it is mostly celebrated in school settings. The schools hold assemblies and the students participate by giving a speech about Columbus Day or through living history presentations that re-live the arrival of Europeans on the American continent in their three ships: La Niña, La Pinta, y La Santa María. Also, through living history, they personify Europeans and indigenous people. They have parades and dancers too. Schools see this as an important date because we are part of this wonderful continent and each country that is part of it contributes with their culture, customs, and diversity. It’s important that our students know that. Let’s celebrate Día de la Raza together.
Eager to learn about the Rochester Public Schools 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum? Don't miss this informative video that breaks it all down. Get informed and make your voice count.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4vE0jCxbPI
Our Student Nutrition Services (SNS) staff work hard behind the scenes to make sure our students receive the meals they need to fuel their learning each day. See some of the facts:
• SNS employs over 130 staff members across the District.
• Each year, SNS staff receive hands-on safety training and they have the opportunity to receive additional training throughout the year.
• Our SNS secondary staff might start the day as early as 6 a.m. to start preparing meals at our high volume schools.
If you get the chance, thank our SNS staff for all their hard work!
Did you know that single items like milk are not free? While school meals are free for all in person students, their meal must meet certain criteria (having three essential components with one of them being a fruit or vegetable) to be eligible for a free meal. If a student needs an individual item, like milk, this will need to be paid for using a PayPams account.
Learn more about free meals for students at www.rochesterschools.org/mnfreemeals
Yesterday, RPS students with indigenous heritage from around the district gathered together at the John Marshall Rocket Center in celebration of Indigenous Peoples' Day. Together, they gathered for a meal, shared their perspective on what it means to be indigenous, and discussed current issues. As a collective group from RPS, students and staff went to Peace Plaza to gather for the reading of the Indigenous Peoples' Day proclamation, and students were also able to share their perspectives with the community. Finally, the event finished with beautiful dancing of indigenous people in the Rochester community. It was a great day for reflection, celebration, and planning for the future.
World Mental Health Day is an international day for global mental health education, awareness, and advocacy against social stigma. As a community, we rely on each other for kindness, compassion, and care. Today, on World Mental Health Day, consider asking for help if you need it or keeping an eye out for others who might need help.
RPS has support in place for our students and staff; please visit https://ffcstaffconsults.as.me/schedule.php to schedule a 45-minute virtual appointment with a trained mental health provider.
Earlier today, law enforcement released the name of the Century High School student who died in a tragic car accident on Saturday, October 7th. As a result, we are now able to send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Davin Tukua. I did not have the opportunity to meet or get to know Davin, but over the past two days, I have heard from teachers, coaches, students, and others that he was a wonderful young man. He was unfailingly kind and always ready to help complete a project or assist someone in need. He was a talented athlete who was a valued member of the football and swim teams at Century High School. I have heard from his coaches that he was a hard worker who always came ready to play, never complained, and would play any position or swim any stroke that would help his team compete and win. He also loved skiing and snowboarding and I'm told he was really good at both. I know that all members of the Rochester Public Schools community send our deepest sympathies to Davin's family and friends during this difficult time. We cannot understand or even imagine what you are thinking and feeling right now, but we want you to know that Davin's tragic loss has broken a part of our hearts as well. We will keep you in our thoughts during the time of grief, remembering, and transition that lies ahead.
Sincerely,
Kent Pekel
Superintendent
This week is National School Lunch Week! We’re celebrating with some fast facts about our school lunches. Did you know that…
• Our Student Nutrition Services (SNS) team spends over $1.3 million in produce purchases each year. This includes thousands of pounds of carrots, peppers, cucumbers, and many other vegetables including local corn on the cob.
• Across our 17 elementary schools, when bananas are on the menu, SNS orders 33 cases of petite bananas, which is equivalent to about 1320 pounds. Bananas continue to be a student favorite!
• Last month SNS served close to 11,000 lunches per day districtwide!
Indigenous Peoples' Day has become celebratory across the United States to honor Native Americans, their resilience, and their contributions throughout history, even as they faced genocide, assimilation, and discrimination. You can also look for proclamations from our elected officials on October 9 to learn more.
After recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day via proclamation in recent years, Minnesota will observe the day as a state-recognized holiday, and schools choosing to remain open must devote at least one hour to teaching students about the significance of the day, Native culture, and history, according to MN Statute HF0211. In Rochester, we give particular emphasis to Minnesota tribes and especially the Dakota people whose traditional land we occupy. Please use this day to reflect on your knowledge and understanding of Native citizens and discuss with our students what they have learned.
Don't miss our Virtual Referendum Info Session on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.! Learn about the Rochester Public Schools 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum. Join us for key insights, and get ready to make an informed decision. Stay tuned for the event link posted on our website on the day of the event. Your participation matters!
Find out more about the referendum here >> https://www.rochesterschools.org/referendum
Make sure to vote on or before November 7. Early voting is happening now!
Find your polling place here: https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/
We're hosting a walk-in hiring event for early childhood special education teachers and ESPs. Interested in learning more? Stop by Hoover Early Learning School on Wednesday, October 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn more and apply!
The Century High School homecoming parade was a blast! View the rest of the photos: https://www.facebook.com/ISD535/posts/pfbid02iXrtYPVGtorxCkuMhKoCkY9ZSRxUwJPHvrvYjXXbhNvfEAWSjBg2NXLNLCSse9YSl
School Board Director, Justin Cook, gives a short summary of some of the highlights from the October 3rd school board meeting.
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/ifE8VW7xBwM.
Today is National Instructional Coaches Day. Our instructional coaches are very instrumental in our academic spaces by helping implement lessons, curriculum, and instruction in the classroom. To all of our instructional coaches, thank you for all you do for our district!
Rochester's financial situation becomes even more apparent when placed in context. Among 11 other Minnesota school districts that share a similar size and demographic profile, our district ranks at the bottom in terms of per-pupil revenue from voter-approved levies. These figures underscore the urgent need for the 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum.
Find out more about the referendum here >> https://www.rochesterschools.org/referendum
Make sure to vote on or before November 7. Early voting is happening now!
Find your polling place here: https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/
Happy Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah to those who celebrate!
Yesterday, our RPS Online elementary students and families enjoyed the beautiful day by having a playdate at the park. They had lots of fun!
What a beautiful morning it was for Walk to School Day! Franklin Elementary students had a fun walk to school and were warmly greeted upon their arrival. Thank you to the RCTC Yellow Jackets Football Team, RPD Community Action Team, and the beloved Slider for joining us this morning!
#mnwalks
