Learning is for everyone! Today was a professional development day across the district. Over 90 courses were offered to all staff including teachers, academic ESPs, transportation ESPs, related service providers, and more. These courses help our staff succeed in their chosen path. It was a great day to hone our skills further to better equip our students for their futures!
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 Project Momentum Update, AIPAC Vote on Concurrence, RPS Improvement Targets Proposal, and 2026 Primary Election.
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
Oraculi and RPS have partnered to give students the guidance and support to create ambitious projects for their submissions to the Rochester Regional STEM Fair! Read about how our middle schoolers are creating projects that develop their passions for science while learning from real-life scientists as their mentors!
https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/27049172 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
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.
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Looking for a position that offers a family-friendly schedule with no nights, weekends, or holidays? Maybe you're looking to work in a fun, high-energy environment? Rochester Public Schools is seeking Student Nutrition Services positions at elementary, middle, and high schools.
RPS is an equal opportunity provider.
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
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
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
At RPS, our mission is to equip every student with the knowledge, independence, and resilience to pursue a fulfilling path. Our School Counselors are the heartbeat of that mission, especially when it comes to supporting our students. They do more than guide. From setting goals and exploring interests to overcoming barriers and planning for life after graduation, they provide the essential strategies our students need to thrive in school and life.
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
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!
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Huge congratulations to the cast of Mayo High School’s One Act Play! After taking 1st Place at Subsections and a unanimous 1st Place at Sections, they are officially headed to the State Festival! This marks Mayo’s 4th trip to State in just 7 years. Their production of “Queens” by Kristen Doherty takes them into the purgatory of King Henry VIII, where he is haunted by his six queens and two malevolent court fools. They'll be performing at St. Catherine University in St. Paul this week. Break a leg, Spartans!
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
At its scheduled meeting on February 3, the Rochester Public Schools (RPS) Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a resolution ratifying the district’s continued commitment to providing a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students, regardless of immigration status.
Read more:
https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/26836602 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
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
2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
The RPS School Board will meet tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. in the Edison Board Room (615 7th St SW). On the agenda for tomorrow’s Regular Meeting is: Superintendent Goals for 2025-2026: Mid-year Progress Check, 2026 Primary Election, Student Information System Adoption.
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 Superintendent Kent Pekel says data gathered by the school system shows a large increase in absenteeism coincided with the arrival of thousands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minnesota and their high-profile actions to detain undocumented immigrants. He says the number of students missing school has increased by about 500 when compared with December. Listen to the podcast episode:
https://krocnews.com/ice-crackdown-higher-student-absenteeism-rochester/3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Real-world application is one of the ways our science curriculum resonates with our students. Recently, juniors and seniors in Ms. Unterholzner's Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology course began dissecting cow eyes as part of the nervous system unit. By exploring the eye's structure first-hand, these students are gaining a better understanding of how we perceive the world around us. There's nothing quite like "learning by doing" to make complex biology click!
3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Coming soon: More Early Childhood Screening at SPARK! Book your early childhood screening appointment today and make it part of the fun!
https://bit.ly/rps_early_screeningDid 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.
3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Join us for our annual nonpublic student information night on Monday, February 9, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 615 7th Street SW, Rochester, MN.
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/WuxiZ8JqpRxRgePe73 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
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
3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
"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
3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
The offseason is a wrap for our Robotics team, and we can tell Team 2530 is ready to take the title this year. They're already hard at work strategizing, prototyping, and setting big goals.
2026, prepare to be Inconceivable. We can't wait to see these students apply their learning through this amazing club.
3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools