20 DAYS and counting down until our first day of school! The 2026-2027 school year kicks off on Monday, August 24.

Monday, August 24:
• Step Into Learning (Elementary)
• Meet Me in Secondary (6 & 9 Grade only)
• First Day of School for RAIL and Phoenix Academy

Tuesday, August 25:
• Step Into Learning (Elementary)
• First Day of School for all Secondary

Wednesday, August 26:
• First day of school for Elementary

Monday, August 31:
• First day of school for Early Childhood
30 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
Back to School Countdown for the 2026-2027 School year, 20 days and counting.
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.
about 1 month 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.
about 1 month 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 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 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.
about 1 month 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.
about 2 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
about 2 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!
about 2 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.
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS School Board Meeting Tuesday, July 7, 2026 5:30 p.m. Regular Meeting

Rochester Public Schools buildings, offices, and programs, including summer SACC, summer food meal sites, and Summer Academy, will be closed Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day, which falls on a weekend. We will resume regular operating hours on Monday, July 6.

2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS closed July 2 and July 3
This past Monday, four students from the Mayo High School Unified program were invited to participate in the ESPN Unified Sports Challenge. This amazing event, held at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, paired unified partners with a celebrity in a variety of athletic challenges. Our students from Mayo High School were paired with gold medal swimmer Rowdy Gaines and Special Olympics CEO Tim Shriver. The event was attended by more than 5000 people, including a large contingency of family and friends from Mayo High School. Our athletes did an absolutely amazing job representing Rochester Public Schools and the Unified program programs in our district!
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Unified student posting with an olympian for a photo in a Take Back Sports Shirt.
Five students wearing Team MN Special Olympic jerseys.
Group of students showing of their medals next to the podium.
Group of Mayo High School students layered for a group photo at the Special Olympics
Group of students wearing Take Back Sports shirts and a sign that states "Let's Go Tyler".
Students holding foam fingers that state "share something awesome" celebrating at the special olympics.
Mayo students posing in the hall for a photo.
Mayo students arm in arm with their medals in front of Special Olympic signs stating cheer, cornhole, golf.
Two Rochester students posing with an olympian for a photo with medals at the Special Olympics.

On June 22, 2026, Representative Brad Finstad sent a letter to Minnesota Commissioner of Education Willie Jett to “express concerns regarding the influence of the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Learning for Justice program and related social justice frameworks being integrated into the Rochester Public School District.” Neither Representative Finstad nor any member of his staff contacted Rochester Public Schools (RPS) before sending the letter to ask whether Learning for Justice curriculum, materials, or frameworks are currently being used in RPS or have been used in recent years. Read the full statement here: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/2594197

2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
A Statement from Rochester Public Schools
Last night we celebrated our Retiring Class of 2026!

With so many years of combined experience in education and at Rochester Public Schools, we are grateful for the time and dedication these wonderful staff members have given to our schools and students. Thank you for your contribution, and we wish you the best of luck in your next chapters!
3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Bobbi Tweed posing for a photo with Dr. Kent Pekel and Cathy Nathan
Group of retirees talking during the presentation of awards.
Friends of retirees talking together and smiling.
Retiree standing with Dr. Kent Pekel and Cathy Nathan.
Retiree standing with Dr. Kent Pekel and Cathy Nathan.
Retiree standing with Dr. Kent Pekel and Cathy Nathan.
Retiree standing with Dr. Kent Pekel and Cathy Nathan.
Retiree standing with Dr. Kent Pekel and Cathy Nathan.
Retiree standing with Dr. Kent Pekel and Cathy Nathan.
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: Social Studies Curriculum Adoption, Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget, and the 2027-2028 District Calendar.

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, June 16, 2026 5:30pm Regular Meeting

ICYMI: Superintendent Pekel's message to our graduating classes: "So graduates, do not be embarrassed if you feel nervous when you step onto this stage. Be proud of it. Your nervousness is proof that you are awake to your own life. And as you accept your diplomas, my challenge to you is this: Keep doing things that make you nervous. Apply for the job. Start the class. Make the call. Ask the question. Stand up for someone. Walk into rooms where you are not yet sure you belong. Because very often, nervousness is the feeling we get right before growth." Catch his full message to the graduating classes of 2026 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Lcm_2I_OSo

3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Did you hear summer meals are back? Children 18 and younger eat free; breakfast and lunch are available. For locations, dates, and operating hours, visit: https://www.rochesterschools.org/page/summer-meals
3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Two girls eating apples in the cafeteria.
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 Study Session is: School and Program Relocations and Changes .

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, June 9, 2026 5:30 p.m. Study Session
As the school year and our graduation season is coming to a close, we’re ready to celebrate the Class of 2026 at Century, John Marshall, Mayo, and MNSync Online’s graduation ceremonies today! We want to take a moment to celebrate all you’ve accomplished this year, and all the milestones yet to come!

Can’t make it to the ceremony? Watch online at: https://www.youtube.com/ISD535

#Classof2026 #RPS #Seniors2026 #Century #JohnMarshall #Mayo
3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Century senior being wheeled down the hallway to celebrate graduation
JM senior stopping to hug their friends in the hallway.
MNSync Online Senior smiling in the hallway
Mayo Seniors smiling while high fiving students.

Free summer meals are back! Starting Monday, June 8, free meals will be available for children ages 1 to 18. Meals for adults are also available at a small cost. For locations, dates, and operating hours, visit: www.rochesterschools.org/summermeals

3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
From June 8 to August 14, RPS is offering free summer meals to children 18 and younger.

The last day of school might have been yesterday, but we're still reminiscing and celebrating our graduation ceremonies! Last week, our youngest graduates celebrated their big move from preschool. We are so proud of these little learners and can't wait to watch them thrive as they head to elementary school this fall!

3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
family of preschool graduate smiling at the camera
preschool graduate smiling at the camera
preschool graduate smiling at the camera
preschool graduate smiling at the camera
preschool graduate smiling at the camera
preschool graduate smiling at the camera
preschool graduate smiling at the camera
preschool graduate smiling at the camera
family of preschool graduate smiling at the camera
preschool graduate smiling at the camera
Superintendent Pekel joins Andy Brownell to talk about the modified facility recommendations that will go to the School Board on June 9. These plans are intended to provide much needed improvements for programs and schools while also better utilizing our spaces.

Listen now: https://kroc.com/podcast/popup/?id=5f6b578c8157f572f3f60172&item=1&theme=light&playertype=player
3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools