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: Back to School Update, World Languages Update, Report on Superintendent Evaluation - Leadership Component.

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 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS School Board Meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, 5:30 p.m. Regular Meeting
It's day 3 of our back to school adventures and the whole town is in motion as we begin the new school year. Today was the beginning of new routines, friends made and reunited, transitions to new classrooms or even schools, and the start of an amazing school year. Welcome back, we're so glad you're here!
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
Three 5th grade students standing together with their arms around eachother for the first day of school.
Students walking with a washington staff member to their classroom through the hallway.
Folwell student raising their hand to ask a question.
Teacher with yard stick talking to student about their Vikings' jersey.
Student giving a thumbs up to the camera as they get off the bus.
A line of 2nd grade students standing together as they wait for their classmates to arrive before the first bell.
School Board Chair, Cathy Nathan talking with a staff member after the bell rang for Jefferson's first day.
Two bestfriends reunited and sharing a toy in their hands with their backpacks to the camera.
Teacher holding a coffee mug and smiling down as he talks with a student.
Two washington staff standing together next to a wall smiling for a first day of school photo.
And they’re off! Excitement was at an all-time high this morning as our 6th–12th graders officially kicked off the new school year. We can't wait to see all that this year has in store for our secondary crew! Next up - Elementary students!
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
Superintendent Pekel talking with a student and laughing in front of the bus drop off zone
Attendance staff helping student find their information for first hour at the attendance window
Three students standing together smiling for a photo with their backpacks on.
JA staff helping student look at their adjusted schedule and find their first hour classroom
A Kellogg student skateboarding to school and saying hi to Principal Isacc with a bus in the background.
Group of students walking through the hallway looking for their lockers.
A large group of Kellogg students standing next to eachother smiling or posing for a photo in front of the Kellogg building.
Three JA students posing for a photo as a group of 3 wearing matching shirts in the hallway.
We're thrilled to welcome our crew back for the 2026-2027 school year! Today, we welcomed back our 6th- and 9th-grade students, as well as our specialized programs at Phoenix, Middle School ALC, and RAIL. Across the district, our dedicated elementary staff greeted families at Step Into Learning to ensure every student is supported to thrive this school year.
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
Two ninth grade Century students posing for a photo on our First day of school for Ninth graders.
Parent embracing student for a hug while smiling at the camera in front of the lockers.
A group of two families getting ready to meet the teacher on our Step Into Learning Days.
Janitor at Lincoln putting the final touches on a balloon display to welcome back students.
Teacher smiling and posing for a photo in her "beehive" themed classroom.
Two Century students waiting outside the classroom door to welcome students and smiling for a photo.
Three Century staff members embracing with arms around their backs smiling for a photo.
Parent smiling with student embracing his side as he half tucks a smile feeling shy.
A group of students with nametags and costumes getting ninth grade students excited for the school year.
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: Plans to Practice.

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 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS School Board Meeting Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026 5:30 p.m. Study Session
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: Launching the Office of Learning Environments, School Board Committee Assignments, 2026-27 ABCD Approval, and 2027 School Board Meeting Dates.

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 Aug. 18, 2026 5:30pm Regular Meeting
Don't let the Superintendent drive (or yell, or throw things on) the bus! We're so excited to see you for the upcoming school year, and bus schedules are coming soon! But you need to get to school safely before you can start learning. Learn all the rules of the school bus with Dr. Kent Pekel and some of his friends from Longfellow Elementary in the RPS Bus Safety video.
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
First Student Bus
Back to School isn't just for students! Are you joining us today? Join our free virtual Family Engagement Workshops this August, in partnership with Fernbrook Family Center. Learn simple, effective strategies to build strong connections with your child and boost their confidence with positive self-talk before school starts.

Space is limited—reserve your spot now: https://forms.gle/ya1LHcRTpHfWR8Rc7
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Family Engagement Parent and Caregiver Back to School Workshops hosted by Fernbrook and Rochester Public Schools
These kids are on the ball! Washington Elementary's PTA-led T-ball league practiced throws, ball retrieval, and teamwork. Kids and parents alike enjoyed the fresh air and community.
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Tball team smiles and poses for the camera in matching shirts.
In a field. dozens of kids in bright shirts stretch before their tball practice.
A coach demonstrates how to hold a baseball mitt for the kids practicing throwing to one another.
Kids practice retrieving grounders while parents sit on the grass and watch.
A wideshot of tball teams in matching bright shirts grouping up to practice.
Kids in matching shirts stretch before practice.

Riverside families! Cara Felderman will be joining Riverside as our next Assistant Principal. Ms. Felderman is currently the instructional coach at Gage and brings 18 years of experience as a classroom teacher and instructional coach. She taught here at Riverside for six years, so this is a bit of a homecoming! Please join us in welcoming Ms. Felderman to the Otter family

about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Cara Felderman announcement
The RPS School Board will meet tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. in Room #26 (615 7th St SW). On the agenda for tomorrow’s regular meeting is: School Board Self-Evaluation and School Board Goal Development.

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, Aug. 11, 2026, 4:00 p.m. Study Session
Taking home the gold! Mayo High School Spartans bring home two gold medals and national champion titles!

Mayo High School junior Kai Joyner took 1st place in the 400m at the Speedo Junior National Championships this week! Kai’s incredible momentum continues to build after a record-breaking sophomore season—setting 16 regional pool records, breaking Big Nine and Section 1AA meet records in the 200 & 500 free, earning two state titles, and anchoring multiple Mayo relay and individual records.

On the national level, Kai represented Team USA on the London All-Star Team, placed 2nd at the Toyota USA Swimming National Championships, and now heads to Vancouver for the Junior Pan Pacific Championships. Good luck, Kai!

We also want to shout out another Rochester Public Schools student and soon-to-be Spartan, Elliot Leasure, who took 1st place in the 100m backstroke to become a National Champion!
We are so proud of both of our champions!
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Kai Joyner smiling with their gold medal around their neck.
Image of Elliot Leasure, smiling at the camera with the pool in the background

Hey parents! We have seats available at Hoover and Mighty Oaks Early Learning Schools for students who live in Elton Hills, Franklin, Gage, and Riverside boundaries. Children must be 4 years old by September 1, 2026. Full scholarships are available for qualifying kids. Find out more and register at https://preschool.rochesterschools.org/o/pre.

about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Three preschoolers sit on the floor and giggle. The text reads, "Free Preschool Opportunities 2026-2027."
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: Summer Academy 2026, Major Agenda Items for 2026-2027 ABCD, School Program Relocations and Changes, and Approval of 2026-2027 Student Handbook.

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, Aug. 4, 2026, 5:30pm, Regular Meeting
Congratulations to our Rochester Public Schools Special Education (SpEd) Pipeline graduates! Through the RPS SpEd Pipeline program, funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), these dedicated educators have completed the training required to earn their special education teaching licenses. We are proud of their commitment to students and grateful for the positive impact they will make in our schools.
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Woman in glasses holds a sign in from of a Rochester Public Schools branded background. Sign reads, "You're looking at an RPS SPED Pipeline Graduate!"
Woman in a gray shirt holds a sign in from of a Rochester Public Schools branded background. Sign reads, "You're looking at an RPS SPED Pipeline Graduate!"
Woman in glasses holds a sign in from of a Rochester Public Schools branded background. Sign reads, "You're looking at an RPS SPED Pipeline Graduate!"
Woman holds a sign in from of a Rochester Public Schools branded background. Sign reads, "You're looking at an RPS SPED Pipeline Graduate!"
Woman in a gray shirt holds a sign in from of a Rochester Public Schools branded background. Sign reads, "You're looking at an RPS SPED Pipeline Graduate!"
Woman holds a sign in from of a Rochester Public Schools branded background. Sign reads, "You're looking at an RPS SPED Pipeline Graduate!"
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: Policy Committee Recommendations, School and Program Relocations and Changes, and Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Plan.

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, July 21, 2026 5:30 p.m. Regular Meeting
How are you spending your summer? Even when the days are hot, these students are giving back to our greater community through a summer of service. As our district works to prepare the next generation, we also place great value on investing in our community and building a sense of belonging and connection.
3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Three students in tie dye sos shirts smiling at the camera with brooms in their hands in the bleachers of Mayo Honker Stadium.
Four students standing arm in arm with their hands on their trash grabbers pointed at the camera and smiling for a photo on the deck of Mayo Stadium.
Student sweeping wearing an SOS shirt on the bleacher level of Honker Stadium.
Are you ready to lift off for the new school year? We're so excited to see you back in a little over a month, and even sooner for our Longfellow friends (July 20-22 to be exact!). Though we know you're still enjoying the summer, we want to make sure you have the information you need to prep for the back-to-school season, including school supply lists! Just know we can't wait to see you back soon!

Learn more about Back to School: www.rochesterschools.org/backtoschool
School Supply Lists: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1pnP_ywopD8TOiNyTd7CgNokE5WgOnIjE?usp=drive_link
3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Back to School text with galaxy graphics and image of Longfellow student and students getting off the bus.
The summer has been heating up, but our friends at SACC are working on staying cool! Check out these photos of them making a splash!
3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Student holding a tube getting ready to get back in the lazy river.
A large group of students in the large pool shooting hoops playing water basketball.
SACC students smiling while tubing through the lazy river with one student holding onto another's tube.
SACC student floating on tube with a smile on his face.
Five SACC students wearing their shirts and posing for a photo after swimming by the pool.
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: Long-Range Technology Plan, Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Plan, and Policy Committee Recommendations from June 18, 2026 and June 25, 2026.

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.
3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS School Board Meeting Tuesday, July 7, 2026 5:30 p.m. Regular Meeting