HONK HONK... coming to Goose Egg Park in May! Come explore the vehicles that ignite your young child's imagination at the 30th Annual Transportation Fair! Save the date for May 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
No registration is required for this fun and free family event, sponsored by PAIIR - Parents Are Important in Rochester, School Readiness, and Rochester Public Works!
We're pleased to announce Mona Perkins as the school district’s new chief academic officer! Perkins has an extensive background working in public schools. As chief academic officer, Perkins will oversee the Office of Academics and lead the district’s initiatives in curriculum and instruction, special education services, research and innovation, advanced learner services, multilingual learner services, establishing a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS), and other key elements of Rochester Public Schools’ academic agenda. Read more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1553565
We kick off the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) testing this week!
You see them opening milk cartons in the lunchrooms, reading with students in the libraries, helping out on playgrounds, chaperoning field trips, and helping office staff stuff envelopes -- public school volunteers are a force, and we are happy to celebrate them this week!
This past Tuesday, many of our secondary students were recognized at the School Board meeting for their outstanding achievements in activities and athletics during the winter season. These photos show a few of the students who were able to be there in person. You can view the full list of students and their achievements at agenda item 4.1 at this link: https://bit.ly/4arDjNc. Congrats, RPS students!
School Board Clerk Karen MacLaughlin summarizes some of the highlights from the April 9 School Board Regular Meeting.
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/TtZ5Ed0iym8
Rochester Public Schools invites you to come and enjoy our spring plays starting April 25!
The Great Gatsby, presented by the Panther Playhouse of Century High School, opens Thursday, April 25, and runs through April 27, with play times from 7 p.m. and a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday.
I Hate Shakespeare, presented by Mayo Stage Door Backstage Pass of Mayo High School, opens April 26 and runs through April 28, with evening showings at 7 p.m. and a 1:00 p.m. matinee on Sunday.
Spy School, presented by John Marshall Theater of John Marshall High school, opens April 25 and runs through April 27 with evening showings at 7 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at the door or through the Hometown Fan app on your phone. To purchase tickets through the app, simply download the Hometown Fan app and search for Rochester High School hosting the play of your choice.
We hope to see you there!
We have started preparing bus routing for the 2024-25 school year. With boundary and school changes for the upcoming school year and changes in busing eligibility, there may be some changes in eligibility for students. To check if you are eligible for transportation, and more information visit https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1547378
In honor of its 50th Anniversary this year, RPS Community Education is seeking submissions of artwork by our community members about our community to reinforce the lifelong learning mission of Community Education through our publications, event wear, items for sale, and other ways. Submissions are due April 30. Learn more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1544243
Did you know that RPS awards Minnesota bilingual and multilingual seals to high school graduates who meet the levels of language proficiency for languages other than English, including American Sign Language (ASL) and American Indian (indigenous) languages?
To receive a seal, students need to:
Complete the application
Attend an upcoming testing date
Display proficiency in the language in which they applied for a seal, and display proficiency in English by completing English Language Arts credits.
At graduation, seniors will receive their seal and can apply for college credit within three years at a school within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU).
Complete an application (https://tinyurl.com/RPSSeals2024) or learn more about bilingual and multilingual seals today!
https://www.rochesterschools.org/page/mn-world-language-certificates-and-seals
Are you interested in running for the RPS School Board this fall or learning more about how our school board runs? School Board Academy is an important opportunity to learn about the responsibilities, requirements, resources, policies, and practices related to being a member of the Rochester ISD #535 School Board. This event will take place at the Edison Board Room (615 7th St SW). It will be very informative to individuals considering running for the Rochester School Board or community members looking for a deeper understanding of the work of the school board. Chair Cathy Nathan and Vice Chair Julie Workman will teach the classes.
Please sign up for one of the two dates - the content will be identical on both days. Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSczs9EoouSVpCvzS-6ePsBIF9pSzAs_C8ffRW-KxPjOWebt1g/viewform
Olmsted County is home to many organizations dedicated to improving our community. The BRIDGE (Building Resilience in Development, Growth, and Education) Collaborative works to unite these organizations towards a common goal: bringing service-oriented organizations together to coordinate and integrate resources and services for children, youth, and families in Olmsted County. Learn more about the BRIDGE Collaborative and how they've impacted you or our RPS students: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1544236
Happy Eid al-Fitr to those who celebrate.
A reminder that districtwide ACT testing will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, April 10! Only 11th-grade students and 12th-grade students taking the ACTs should report to school. 9th and 10th-grade students do not report to school. If you have a 12th-grade student not taking the ACT tomorrow, that student does not have to report to school.
Please read the poster for more details.
May 6-10, 2024, is Teacher Appreciation Week! In addition to the many ways families, school leaders, and PTAs will thank our teachers for their work throughout that week (and year), we would like to send RPS teachers virtual cards as well. Fill out this form and we'll email your teacher with a card. This is the last week. Forms close this Friday. Learn more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1526966
Wishing a happy Laylat-al-Qadr to those who celebrate.
Join us for an FAFSA information session for all families and students next week on April 11, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. We hope to see you there!
With the warmer weather moving back in, wrap up your spring break by getting outdoors! Our partner, Quarry Hill Nature Center, has over eight miles of hiking trails in Quarry Hill Park, some of the best fossil hunting, and the Harry L. Buck Children’s recreational pond. Guide your experience at Quarry Hill by checking out one of their free adventure packs for fun (and educational) activities! Plan your visit today: https://www.qhnc.org/park-and-trails
This week, take a walk and start a conversation about artwork on #RochMN Art4Trails!
The Rochester Park and Recreation Department, with support from the Rochester Art Center, invite local artist groups to design and fabricate artwork for Rochester parks and walking trails. Today, there are 14 different art installations in the City of Rochester, and even one inspired by our own Riverside Elementary Students! Find one near you: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1i_BG6ylVyAkwkBV7uvtyzosLOd3yHKQ&ll=44.02981943374906%2C-92.46992540683742&z=13
Pamoja Women are hosting a Community Listening Session with the Rochester Public School Board at Franklin Elementary School on April 19. We hope to see you there!
