Our 5th-grade students at Elton Hills Elementary celebrated the end of the year with a friendly game of kickball with Superintendent Pekel. The grass stains are bittersweet as these students gear up to enter middle school next fall!
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
Elton Hills 5th Grade Class standing in a group posing for a photo in front of the backstop on the playground.
Yesterday, our incredible Project SEARCH interns officially completed their internships and graduated from the program! This year, they started a beautiful new tradition. At the end of the ceremony, our graduates passed along a card to next year's incoming interns, each filled with a personal word of advice as they embark on this exciting journey. We are so proud of everything this cohort has accomplished, and we can’t wait to see how their advice inspires the next generation of leaders!
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
Graduate smiling
Superintendent Pekel shaking hands with a graduate
Two incoming Project SEARCH interns
RPS staff members smiling
graduate hugging a family member
graduate talking with a staff person
handing off cards
Three graduates smiling at camera
Graduate taking selfie
Graduates

Launching Emerging Adults Program (LEAP) hosted its graduation ceremony yesterday. LEAP is intended to provide a safe environment for participants to succeed by improving their overall level of functioning. It intentionally provides functional and emotional social skills, mental health services, education services, and community connections to prepare participants to launch with confidence and hope. A record number of students graduated from the program. Congratulations LEAP graduates – we're so proud of you!

about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
LEAP graduate walks into the hall where parents and families sit
Leap graduates celebrate a peers accomplishment
LEAP graduate embraces program coordinator Bucky Flores
Leap Graduate poses with his diploma
Leap Graduate poses with his diploma
LEAP graduate parent cheers on his graduate
LEAP Graduate speaks with RPS school board member Jean Marvin
LEAP graduates listen to speakers congratulate them on their achievements

Our graduating phoenixes burned hot today at their graduation ceremony! A group of elementary phoenixes opened the ceremony with an inspirational rap and breakdancing before staff honored each graduate individually. We are so proud of each of you and will watch you as you soar to new heights. Congratulations, Phoenix grads!

about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
In a posed photo, two grads in red attire hold paper signs that say, "Jonathan good job!" and, "Jesus good job!" Behind them three other students hold paper signs that say "You did it!" and "Class of 2026 congratulations!"
On stage outside, a graduate holds his diploma alongside his principal and a woman with a mic.
A graduate in a blue robe and cap sits on a landscaped rock with a woman with white hair.
On an outdoor stage, a handful of elementary students dance energetically and rap into a microphone held by a teacher.
On stage outside, a graduate holds shakes his principal's hand before receiving his diploma
A graduate holds up a diploma that reads, "Phoenix Academy." He stands next to his parents.
Our 5th graders are racing to the end of the school year! Yesterday, students gathered for our All-City Track meet, where all RPS Elementary School 5th Graders put their track-and-field skills to the test. Speed and agility might help you win the race, but at the end of the day, the sportsmanship and camaraderie stole the show! Great job, 5th graders! We hope you had fun!
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Student leaning back to kick a football with the bleachers full of students in the background.
Students hitting their sprints as they takeoff from the starting line.
Student wheeling down the track in a wheelchair to the finish line.
Students pushing forward to the finish line of the track.
Students cheering on friends, eating snacks, and smiling at the camera from the bleachers.
Student slinging the slingball in the middle of the football field.
Student mid-air as they prepare to land in the sand of the long jump.
Students high fiving students as they return back to the bleachers.
Group of students cheering as their peer wins the race!
Three boys mid-stride as they run on the track.
As seniors gear up for graduation, they take part in a longstanding RPS tradition, walking through the halls that made them who they are today. This tradition of a senior walk allows students to close a chapter of their lives while also thanking teachers and staff who helped them along the way. It also inspires our other students to see what they are working towards throughout their education and helps them learn to celebrate and uplift others.

Congratulations, Seniors! We can't wait to watch you walk across the stage!
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Two JM students embracing for a hug in excitement for graduation.
A group of Century and JM seniors locked in arms outside of Gibbs Elementary posing for a photo.
Mayo seniors in cap and gown walking outside of Franklin Elementary high-fiving elementary students that are lined up on the sidewalks.
JM Senior standing in front of the school smiling for the photo in cap and gown.
Century seniors loaded on the bus in cap and gown for the senior walk-through
Mayo senior posing for a photo inside Riverside Elementary while another student takes a photo with their phone.
Group of six senior students posing in front of Jefferson Elementary smiling at the camera.
Senior posing for a photo in the hallway of Gibbs elementary with one of their Elementary teachers.
Seniors walking through Kellogg Middle School in cap and gown.
Three RPS seniors shaking the hands of 5th graders at Franklin while staring at the camera smiling.
Last weekend, we celebrated with the community at our 2025 powwow, Oškáte Wačípi. Individuals gathered from all over the state to participate in and share in the celebration. Our elementary students and seniors were both celebrated for their accomplishments in the past year. Thank you to all the community members and community partners who participated and made this event possible!
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
High school head dancers leading an Intertribal.
RPS employee Lori Sam dressed in regalia for the powwow.
Proud family member recording and facetiming a family member during the eagle feather ceremony for seniors.
School Board Member Cathy Nathan shaking the hands of a AIE senior graduate.
Woman dressed in regalia dancing along to the music on the side of the gym.
Two young children dressed in regalia hugging and smiling at the camera.
AIE Seniors, AIPAC, and powwow participants all posing for a photo in the center of the John Marshall gym.
The RPS School Board will meet tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. in the Edison Board Room (615 7th St SW). On the agenda for tomorrow’s regular meeting is: Dakota Middle School Block Scheduling and RPS 2030 Strategic Plan Outline.

If you cannot attend in person, you can livestream the meeting at https://www.youtube.com/isd535.

You can view all full meeting agendas at https://rochesterschools.org/simbli.
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS School Board Meeting, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 5:30 p.m., Regular Meeting

Registration for 2026-2027 School Year SACC opens today, Wednesday, May 13th, at 6 a.m.! Register Online: https://rochester.ce.eleyo.com/child-care/3/school-age-child-care

SACC provides wrap-around care available for a.m., p.m., Non-School Days, and Inclement Weather days! Set your schedule to what works best for you and join our SACC family.

Interested, but need more information? Visit our SACC website for more info: https://www.rochesterce.org/page/school-age-child-care-sacc

about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
2026-27 School year SACC registration is now open.
Thanks to all who made it to the Community Education Transportation Fair last Saturday! We saw a trolley, a police Humvee, a garbage truck, tractors, a school bus, and more. Who knew there were so many ways to get around? Inside, the traffic garden helped kids practice riding bikes and trikes on a miniature-scale pretend city.
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Toddler sits atop a parked tractor and grins as he reaches for the big wheel.
A young girl rides a junior-sized bike on an indoor traffic garden.
Four siblings smile for the camera in a hot air balloon basket on a sunny day.
A man in a neon shirt assists a little girl in climbing a few steps up a tree in a harness.
A crowded playground on a sunny day.
In front of a parked school bus sits a table labeled "First Student." The man at the booth gives a child a handout. Another pair is walking up to the table.
A young family of four sit atop a green tractor and smile at the camera.
In a gym set up like a neighborhood with roads, an adult helps a toddler ride a tricycle.

We want to send a big thank you to all the families and partners who attended Kick Off to Kindergarten yesterday! It was a blast meeting you and your incoming kindergarteners! We loved showing off what Rochester Public Schools has to offer and answering your questions to help you and your family prepare for school.

Did you or your kindergartener strike a pose? Find your picture in this Google Drive folder: https://bit.ly/KO2K-photos!

2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
At a booth, a girl focuses intently on matching cards while her young brother eats apple slices and their mom looks on smiling.
Two sisters dressed in graduation outfits pose in from of a Rochester Public Schools branded background.
A woman paints a cat on a little boy's cheek. Others mingle in the background.
A girl in a firefighter's costume sticks her tongue out in from of a Rochester Public Schools branded background.
A young family at a booth are handed an activity packet.

The learning continued across the district for CAD Day. At Edison, office managers met to hone their administrative skills. Each CAD Day is an opportunity for staff to step back and equip themselves so they can turn around and equip our students even better! We look forward to having students back in our buildings tomorrow.

2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
In a large room office managers sit at tables an discuss how to write job descriptions. There are colorful posters on the back wall.
Three women sit and look intently at a laptop. Behind them are lit up posters of the district's values.
Women sit at a table with cups and a laptop on the table. Behind them is a screen that reads, "Training That Supports You."
In a room of group discussions at white tables, a woman in a green vest and glasses leans over to make a comment to a peer.
While students enjoyed a day off from school for Curriculum and Development Day, our teachers, staff, and district leaders continued the work.

Leaders spent the morning collaborating in their respective buildings before gathering this afternoon for a deep dive into MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) for Behavior and Wellbeing.

It might be getting close to the end of the school year, but our commitment to improving systems and supporting our students continues.
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Leaders in discussion
Leaders in discussion
Leaders in discussion
Leaders in discussion
Leaders in discussion
Leaders in discussion
Leaders in discussion
Steph Whipple presenting

Congrats to Lincoln's Luke Fenton for being awarded the School Lunch Hero Award by the Minnesota School Nutrition Association!

As a Student Nutrition Services Associate, Luke does far more than keep the kitchen running smoothly. He cares for the whole student—making sure they’re fed, seen, and supported. At the cashier station, he greets students by name, shares the day’s menu, and encourages them to try something new. He even brings a creatively named plush friend that students look forward to visiting each day. Beyond being a fun conversation starter, the plush offers comfort to students who feel overstimulated in the cafeteria and need a moment to regroup.

Through both small gestures and meaningful acts of kindness, Luke creates not just a food‑safe space, but a truly welcoming environment for everyone at Lincoln. Thank you, Luke, for your compassion, creativity, and unwavering dedication to our students!

2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
In a cafeteria, an employee stands holding a sign that says, "Minnesota School Nutrition Association 2026 School Lunch Hero Award Winner works here!" He is surrounded by adoring kids and they all smile at the camera.
Luke Fenton receives an award (symbolized by a sign) for School Lunch Hero Award by the Minnesota Student Nutrition Association from the Director of Student Nutrition at Rochester Public Schools, Dale Winham.
A Student Nutrition Services Associate sits at the payment station with a tablet, pencil holder, and owl plush. Behind him are students in the lunch line.
In a lunchline, a boy in a black hoodie holds a plush owl, a boy in a blue hoodie types in his student code at the pay station, and another boy high-fives a Student Nutrition Services Associate.
A close up view of the payment station in front of a school kitchen. On the station there are bins, a tablet, codes, a plush brown owl, and a sign that reads, "Hoot the Owl."
In a cafeteria, middle school students sit at blue tables and clap for the award-winner on the stage (not in frame).
Brent from the Minnesota Student Nutrition Association, Student Nutrition Associate, Luke Fenton, and Director of Student Nutrition at Rochester Public Schools, Dale Winham stand in the cafeteria. Behind them a sign reads, "Lincoln Cafe." Luke holds a sign reading, "Minnesota School Nutrition Association 2026 School Lunch Hero Award Winner works here!"
To our teachers who continue to go above and beyond, thank you for all that you do. We appreciate you! Every day you come to school to educate and support our students, you provide opportunities for growth and challenges that strengthen their skills. In the classroom, you’re looking to create real-world applications while also creating a space to help students feel like they belong. Thank you for choosing education, thank you for choosing Rochester Public Schools, and thank you for continuing to give back to our Rochester community.
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Teacher wearing pink and a teal hijab at the front of the classroom smiling down at her students as they work through a problem in their journals.
Older male teacher standing in front of the whiteboard enthusiastically talking to his students.
Older female art teacher with grey hair painting alongside a student as they work on their water project.
Male teacher providing assistance to a student as they look at the problem on her paper together.
Female teacher in front of the classroom smiling as she listens to a question from a student.
The RPS School Board will meet tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. in the Edison Board Room (615 7th St SW). On the agenda for tomorrow’s regular meeting is: 5 E Essential Survey Data, Presale Report for General Obligation Facilities Maintenance Bonds, and the RPS 2030 Strategic Plan Outline.

If you cannot attend in person, you can livestream the meeting at https://www.youtube.com/isd535.

You can view all full meeting agendas at https://rochesterschools.org/simbli.
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS School board Meeting Tuesday, May 5, 2026 5:30pm Regular Meeting
This is a reminder that there is no school on Wednesday, May 6. Staff will be participating in a curriculum and development (CAD) day.
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
No School for Wednesday, May 6
Join us on Monday, May 11, for a presentation on College Planning Tools for 8th to 11th grade students. This session is open to students, parents, and caregivers. Hop online to our meeting from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m: https://bit.ly/4eWMR7X
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
College planning tools information session for 8th to 11th grade students, parents, and caregivers.
Happy Decision Day to our seniors! Whether you've chosen to go straight into the workforce, a college, a trade school, the military, or another post-secondary path, we celebrate your decision and the role you'll play in our community's future!
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
In front of a Century High School backdrop, three seniors pose with a pennant for the U of M.
Seniors pick out pennants from the colleges they will attend next year.
In front of a Century High School backdrop, a senior holds up a colorful RCTC banner.
A map of the USA with pins in it hung on a wall. A sign is next to it that says, "Pin your spot of the map!"
Three seniors sit at a table making beaded bracelets in their chosen college colors.
In front of a Century High School backdrop, five male students and a teacher pose for the camera. They are wearing shirts repping the schools they intend to enroll in after high school.

Spring is upon us! Last week, RPS 5th grade students from all over the city enjoyed the Annual Arbor Day Celebration hosted by Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) at McQuillian Park. Kids played games, met Smokey the Bear, danced to live music, and learned about trees, birds, and public transit.

2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
5th grades in Jefferson Elementary shirts race to stack pieces of wood the highest.
In a crowd, a boy reels back to throw a bean bag and sticks out his tongue in consentration.
Kids enjoy a ring toss with hula hoops at the park.
Three students and Smokey the BEar smile at the camera on a sunny day.
Gibbs Elementary students eat box lunches in the park.
Four boys play put-put goal in the park.