Churchill students vs. Litter: The students won! Mayor Norton joined Churchill today for a special Earth Day proclamation to mark the 20th anniversary of the Litter Bit Better campaign, but the real work happened outside. The weather was perfect as our students got to see a street sweeper up close, then they worked to clear the property of wrappers, ropes, and—believe it or not—entire sleds! From the smallest scrap to the biggest haul, our students are proving that a Litter Bit Better goes a long way.
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
The countdown is officially on! We're gearing up for one of our favorite days of the year: celebrating the incredible Class of 2026. From ceremony times to arrival details, we've got you covered. Everything you need to know is right here:
https://rochesterschools.org/graduationabout 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
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: Finding Focus and Mental Health Literacy, School Resource Officer (SRO) Contract, and Senior Leadership Reductions, Reorganization, and Appointments.
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
2:06 p.m. update:
With tornado sirens sounding across Rochester, all students will be held at their designated safety spots until we receive the all-clear from the National Weather Service. Dismissal will likely be delayed.
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
Yesterday, our Hoover Early Learning students had a few special visitors! Governor Tim Walz, Commissioner Paul Marquart, and Mayor Kim Norton took time out of their day to visit one of our all day preschool classrooms. From tactile skills with playdough to creative literacy and bookmarking, all three representatives shared how important it is to have strong early childhood options for families like RPS preschools.
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
Jefferson Elementary School, under the direction of School Counselor Tony Yang, was recognized by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) as an ASCA Model Program® (RAMP®). Jefferson is the first school in the Rochester Public Schools district and the first school in southeast Minnesota to receive this designation. Read more:
https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/2824860about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
Due to anticipated severe weather, we are canceling all in-person activities after 5 p.m. today, Monday, April 13. This includes:
• Middle school after-school activities
• All secondary activities and games
• Adult Enrichment and community education activities
• Night School
SACC will still be available until 6 p.m.
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
At Dakota Middle School, our students do more than just eat—they innovate. Once a month, our student focus group teams up with Chef Travis to taste-test the future school lunch options. Today’s menu? A Mac & Cheese Bar showdown: Buffalo vs. BBQ Chicken. The students have the opportunity to provide feedback and even discuss toppings and side pairings for menu items. We believe that giving students a seat at the table builds belonging, connection, and a menu they actually love.
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
We want to celebrate and stand behind our students’ accomplishments, and this week, Andy Zheng of Century High School took 10th place in the Cadet Men’s Epee 2026 Junior & Cadet Fencing World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In a field of 138, Andy had a strong result in one of the tournament’s most competitive events. Congratulations to Andy and Team USA!
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Not only will we be together for a celebration at our powwow, but you'll also have the opportunity to shop from local community vendors and purchase native made beadwork and crafts.
Join us Saturday, May 16, from 1 to 5 p.m. for this free community event! Learn more about our upcoming powwow:
https://www.facebook.com/events/2158314524916380about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Under our new strategic plan, Superintendent Pekel is ensuring that Rochester Public Schools prioritizes middle school initiatives that broaden students' perspectives on postsecondary life. We’re not just preparing students for graduation; we’re preparing them for what comes next. Listen in as Dr. Pekel talks with Andy Brownell: https://krocnews.com/middle-school-career-exploration-rochester-schools/
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
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: RPS Strategic Plan High School Options, Authorization of Issuance and Sale of $33,800,000 General Obligation Facilities Maintenance Bonds and General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Approval of Purchase Agreement for the Sale of the former Mighty Oaks Schoolhouse and School Board Response to AIPAC.
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
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) today released graduation rate data for the Class of 2025, including data for Rochester Public Schools (RPS) students. Results for RPS show sustained improvement over the past three years in the district’s overall graduation rate and significant progress for students from multiple demographic subgroups. From 2023 to 2025, the district's four-year graduation rate increased from 83.99% to 86.20%, a gain of 2.21 percentage points. Read more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/2802986
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
This is a reminder that there is no school on Monday, March 30, through Friday, April 3, for Spring Break.
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
With all this warmer weather, does your family have summer on the mind? Keep your students busy with our youth enrichment classes. Browse our summer catalog to find a class that fits their interests, your budget, and keeps you both happy!
https://simplebooklet.com/youthsummer20262 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Our students at Gibbs are celebrating the end of the week with this amazing weather! Playing outside in the sunshine, in class celebrating their hard work and accomplishments, students building carnival games, and even some good reading to end the day.
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Join us in celebrating the amazing people who make our schools a place where every student thrives in school and in life. As a small gesture of gratitude, we're continuing our annual tradition by inviting you to share a few words of encouragement with a staff member who has made a positive impact on you or your student. Your message can go a long way in brightening someone's day and reminding them just how appreciated they are. This year's cards are a nod to Rochester landmarks.
Visit www.rochesterschools.org/staff-appreciation and choose a card (or two) to send a brief, heartfelt message. We'll make sure your words are delivered to staff members during the week of May 11-15. Submissions will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, April 10.
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
