While students enjoyed a day off from school for Curriculum and Development Day, our teachers, staff, and district leaders continued the work.

Leaders spent the morning collaborating in their respective buildings before gathering this afternoon for a deep dive into MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) for Behavior and Wellbeing.

It might be getting close to the end of the school year, but our commitment to improving systems and supporting our students continues.
3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Leaders in discussion
Leaders in discussion
Leaders in discussion
Leaders in discussion
Leaders in discussion
Leaders in discussion
Leaders in discussion
Steph Whipple presenting

Congrats to Lincoln's Luke Fenton for being awarded the School Lunch Hero Award by the Minnesota School Nutrition Association!

As a Student Nutrition Services Associate, Luke does far more than keep the kitchen running smoothly. He cares for the whole student—making sure they’re fed, seen, and supported. At the cashier station, he greets students by name, shares the day’s menu, and encourages them to try something new. He even brings a creatively named plush friend that students look forward to visiting each day. Beyond being a fun conversation starter, the plush offers comfort to students who feel overstimulated in the cafeteria and need a moment to regroup.

Through both small gestures and meaningful acts of kindness, Luke creates not just a food‑safe space, but a truly welcoming environment for everyone at Lincoln. Thank you, Luke, for your compassion, creativity, and unwavering dedication to our students!

3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
In a cafeteria, an employee stands holding a sign that says, "Minnesota School Nutrition Association 2026 School Lunch Hero Award Winner works here!" He is surrounded by adoring kids and they all smile at the camera.
Luke Fenton receives an award (symbolized by a sign) for School Lunch Hero Award by the Minnesota Student Nutrition Association from the Director of Student Nutrition at Rochester Public Schools, Dale Winham.
A Student Nutrition Services Associate sits at the payment station with a tablet, pencil holder, and owl plush. Behind him are students in the lunch line.
In a lunchline, a boy in a black hoodie holds a plush owl, a boy in a blue hoodie types in his student code at the pay station, and another boy high-fives a Student Nutrition Services Associate.
A close up view of the payment station in front of a school kitchen. On the station there are bins, a tablet, codes, a plush brown owl, and a sign that reads, "Hoot the Owl."
In a cafeteria, middle school students sit at blue tables and clap for the award-winner on the stage (not in frame).
Brent from the Minnesota Student Nutrition Association, Student Nutrition Associate, Luke Fenton, and Director of Student Nutrition at Rochester Public Schools, Dale Winham stand in the cafeteria. Behind them a sign reads, "Lincoln Cafe." Luke holds a sign reading, "Minnesota School Nutrition Association 2026 School Lunch Hero Award Winner works here!"
To our teachers who continue to go above and beyond, thank you for all that you do. We appreciate you! Every day you come to school to educate and support our students, you provide opportunities for growth and challenges that strengthen their skills. In the classroom, you’re looking to create real-world applications while also creating a space to help students feel like they belong. Thank you for choosing education, thank you for choosing Rochester Public Schools, and thank you for continuing to give back to our Rochester community.
3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Teacher wearing pink and a teal hijab at the front of the classroom smiling down at her students as they work through a problem in their journals.
Older male teacher standing in front of the whiteboard enthusiastically talking to his students.
Older female art teacher with grey hair painting alongside a student as they work on their water project.
Male teacher providing assistance to a student as they look at the problem on her paper together.
Female teacher in front of the classroom smiling as she listens to a question from a student.
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: 5 E Essential Survey Data, Presale Report for General Obligation Facilities Maintenance Bonds, and the RPS 2030 Strategic Plan Outline.

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, May 5, 2026 5:30pm Regular Meeting
Join us on Monday, May 11, for a presentation on College Planning Tools for 8th to 11th grade students. This session is open to students, parents, and caregivers. Hop online to our meeting from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m: https://bit.ly/4eWMR7X
3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
College planning tools information session for 8th to 11th grade students, parents, and caregivers.
Happy Decision Day to our seniors! Whether you've chosen to go straight into the workforce, a college, a trade school, the military, or another post-secondary path, we celebrate your decision and the role you'll play in our community's future!
3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
In front of a Century High School backdrop, three seniors pose with a pennant for the U of M.
Seniors pick out pennants from the colleges they will attend next year.
In front of a Century High School backdrop, a senior holds up a colorful RCTC banner.
A map of the USA with pins in it hung on a wall. A sign is next to it that says, "Pin your spot of the map!"
Three seniors sit at a table making beaded bracelets in their chosen college colors.
In front of a Century High School backdrop, five male students and a teacher pose for the camera. They are wearing shirts repping the schools they intend to enroll in after high school.

Spring is upon us! Last week, RPS 5th grade students from all over the city enjoyed the Annual Arbor Day Celebration hosted by Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) at McQuillian Park. Kids played games, met Smokey the Bear, danced to live music, and learned about trees, birds, and public transit.

3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
5th grades in Jefferson Elementary shirts race to stack pieces of wood the highest.
In a crowd, a boy reels back to throw a bean bag and sticks out his tongue in consentration.
Kids enjoy a ring toss with hula hoops at the park.
Three students and Smokey the BEar smile at the camera on a sunny day.
Gibbs Elementary students eat box lunches in the park.
Four boys play put-put goal in the park.

Yesterday morning, Rochester's Sertoma 700 Club got a real treat—and I’m not talking about the donuts! During the Annual Sertoma and DHH (Deaf and Hard of Hearing) Breakfast, students not only gave a demonstration of the different parts of the ear, but also shared how they’ve been impacted by Sertoma’s support. They shared about the fun and formed relationships at Camp Sertoma—a camp that specifically serves children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. They also talked about how microphones and other classroom improvements have given them opportunities to succeed at school.

Sertoma has been a supporter of Rochester Public School’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing services for over 30 years. Thank you, Sertoma, for helping us support the whole student through your support and partnership!

Learn more about RPS’s DHH services at www.rochesterschools.org/page/deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-program

4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
A student holding a microphone shares about their experience at camp while their peer across the table laughs at the story.
Three men from the Sertoma Club drink coffee and learn about the parts of the ear.
A young student quizzes an athletic director on the parts of the ear at a breakfast event.
A high school senior finished her speech at the Annual Sertoma and DHH Breakfast by signing "thank you."
A woman and a student point to a diagram of the ear.
Students and their teacher smile for the camera.
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.
4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Students with a city sweeper
Student showing off trash she found
Mayor Norton reading a proclamation
Student picking up trash
Student showing her trashbag with a paper hat she made worn on her head
Student showing off trash he found
Student posing with Mayor Norton
Student smiling at the camera
Student with sled
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/graduation
4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Class of 2026 information
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.
4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
delayed dismissal
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.
4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Commissioner Paul Marquart, Director of Early Childhood Erica Schumacher, Head Start representatives, Governor Tim Walz, Mayor Kim Norton, Superintendent Pekel, and Principal Emily Pearson outside of Hoover Early Learning School
Governor Tim Walz talking to a preschool student about what type of dinosaur he is working with.
Governor Walz talking with a group of preschool students making story books about dinosaurs while the students look at Walz and smile or laugh with Commissioner Marquart smiling at the other end of the table.
Preschool students working at a table building dinosaurs with parallelogram building blocks as Superintendent Pekel asks them questions about what they are building.
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/2824860
4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS Header

Summer School Age Child Care (SACC) Registration is almost here! Choose your own schedule that works for your family. Rates are $50 per child and registration opens at 6:00 a.m. sharp on Wednesday, April 15: https://rochester.ce.eleyo.com/child-care/3/school-age-child-care

4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Summer SACC registration opens on April 15. at 6:00 a.m.
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.
4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Rochester Public Schools after school activities are canceled due to inclement weather, rps logo and picture of thunderstorm in background.
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/2158314524916380
4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
A Community vendor at our American Indian Education powwow set up behind a table filled with handmade clothing, beads, bracelets, and purses, while customers look at her products.

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/

4 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.
4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS School Board Meeting Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 5:30pm, Regular Meeting

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

4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Rochester Public Schools Media Release

This is a reminder that there is no school on Monday, March 30, through Friday, April 3, for Spring Break.

5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
No School March 30 - April 3