RPS Families: This is a reminder that there is no school on Monday, February 16. Staff will be participating in professional development. Additionally, our Registration and Records Department and Human Resources Department at the Edison Building will be closed on Monday.
Enjoy the long weekend, and we'll see you next Tuesday.
RPS is an equal opportunity provider.
What better way to empower our students than to let one make the biggest call of the year?
We’ve put Century High School sophomore Jaycob Krebs through a rigorous "winter weather boot camp." From tracking barometric pressure to mastering the art of the early morning cancellation, Jaycob is ready to serve as our official Snow Day Specialist.
Watch Jaycob's rise to the top: https://youtu.be/q0wSaTkcKpM
Over 300 Elton Hill Eagles bundled up to walk around their school neighborhood in the crisp winter air before dismissal. This march helped reinforce safe practices, such as crossing at intersections and walking slowly on ice and slush.
Winter Walk to School Day is conducted in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and is part of the Safe Routes to School program. Safe Routes to School supports students by equipping them with the knowledge to get to school by walking, biking, skateboarding, or just about any way that doesn't involve a motor vehicle. And yes, that means in the winter too!
Over 200 middle and high school students will be presenting their projects at the 68th Annual STEM Fair. Judges offer feedback to students, and a rubric (and lunch) is provided.
When: February 27, 2026, from 9:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: RCTC Sports Center
Sign up, be inspired, and give back to our future innovators!
Read more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/2683660
At Mayo and Century, the Teens Offering Peer Support (TOPS) program is providing a sanctuary for students when life feels a little too heavy. Whether you need a mental reset or a helping hand, TOPS is a stigma-free zone where everyone belongs.
What’s inside the TOPS room?
The Vibe: Soft lighting, calming music, and comfy seating perfect for a heart-to-heart with a peer or advisor.
The Creative Corner: Tables dedicated to crafting and decompressing.
The Resources: A wealth of mental health tools and professional support, and even a free "thrift" for students.
Learn more at www.rochesterschools.org/article/2679792
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.
Did you know that early childhood screening is required before kindergarten? Learn about how your child is developing with a free screening for children ages 3 to 5.
We'll be talking about :
• Steps to enroll in RPS
• How to register for 9th grade classes
• What entering 9th grade will look like
Save your spot: https://forms.gle/WuxiZ8JqpRxRgePe7
Yesterday, Superintendent Pekel was invited to speak at a press conference convened by the Minnesota Legislature's House and Senate Education Committees. In his remarks, he provides an update on absenteeism rates in Rochester Public Schools amidst the current increase in actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minnesota. We are sharing this information as an update to our community about the large number of Rochester students who are currently not attending school and the potential impact this has on their educational progress. Read his full statement here: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/2663181
"Over the past several weeks, I have issued several statements regarding the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Rochester and throughout Minnesota. Each of those statements has reiterated our school district's commitment to ensure that our schools are safe and inclusive spaces for all of our students to learn. We have also expressed deep concern for the RPS students, families, and staff who have been directly or indirectly impacted by the crisis that is taking place across our state..." Read more from Superintendent Pekel's message: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/2660577
2026, prepare to be Inconceivable. We can't wait to see these students apply their learning through this amazing club.
Current 5th grade students who want to participate in band must complete the linked form before Friday, March 6. Additionally, families should wait to complete the form until after the scheduled in-person visit or Google Meet between the middle school music teachers and their student's current 5th grade classroom.
https://forms.gle/XvjRLvCwcno1JaD26
Classroom visit information can be found at the website below.
https://www.rochesterschools.org/page/music-registration
✨ Explore our STEM, Trailblazers, and Explorers programs for play-based learning that builds real-world skills. ✨ Financial aid and scholarships available!
Learn more about our classes or enroll today! https://rochester.ce.eleyo.com/child-care/5/rps-preschool
If you need to go outside and touch grass—erm—I mean snow, join us in celebrating Minnesota Winter Walk Day on February 4. Will the air hurt your face? Maybe. But we promise you absolutely zero mosquitoes! RPS's Winter Walk Celebration highlights the importance of active routes to school and promotes physical activity that supports student health and well-being. So grab your warmest gloves and join us for a winter walk!
