Ready to make your voice heard, Rochester?
TODAY is your last chance for early voting! Head over to 2122 Campus Dr. SE, Suite 300, Rochester, MN 55904, or 151 4th St SE, Conference Room 2, Rochester, MN. Voting's open today until 5 p.m. Don't miss this opportunity to have your say!
Can't make it today? No problem! ELECTION DAY is tomorrow, Tuesday, November 7! Polls open bright and early at 7 a.m. and stay open until 8 p.m.
Find your voting location for tomorrow at https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov.
This week is National School Psychology Week. Our School Psychologists in RPS support the evaluation process of our Birth-21-year-old students who are suspected of or have been determined to have a disability that impacts their educational progress and performance at school. Their expertise and support help our students obtain the special education and mental health services they need to succeed in every aspect of their educational journey. To our School Psychologists, we are very thankful for your hard work and dedication to our students!
Attention, Rochester! Here's what you need to know about the 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum!
🏠 For the average $325,000 homeowner, it's $11 a month.
📊 We're rising from the bottom of the pack among 11 comparable districts in operating and technology levies.
⏰ This fresh 10-year levy spells a new era for our schools—building a brighter future, one innovative step at a time.
💻 From a $3 million tech infusion to redirecting $7 million from the general fund, we're maintaining class sizes.
Please make your voice heard by voting on or before November 7.
🍿 It's movie night, Rochester! 🎬 Grab your popcorn and tune in to our videos highlighting the 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum for Rochester Public Schools!
📽️ RPS Capital Projects Referendum: Unveil the transformative plans for our school's future - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4vE0jCxbPI&feature=youtu.be
🌐 How can technology help RPS? Discover the power of tech in shaping our students' education. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DynHcULSVUY
💸 How will the Referendum finances be used? Dive into the smart allocation of funds for our schools. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LrhhqA0RMo
🎯 What will the Referendum help us accomplish? Learn how your support paves the way for a brighter future! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmLren2hee8
🗳️ Get informed and vote on November 7! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hqZ2Wj6pJM
It's almost time to "fall back!" Daylight Saving Time concludes on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 2:00 A.M. Don't forget, our clocks need to "fall back" one hour.
Did you know you can vote early today, Saturday, November 4? Vote from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2122 Campus Dr. SE, Suite 300, Rochester, MN 55904 or 151 4th St SE, Conference Room 2, Rochester, MN.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hqZ2Wj6pJM
🌟 Strong schools are the cornerstone of a vibrant community! 🌟
The Rochester area is a great place to live and raise a family. We have excellent
schools, dedicated staff, highly engaged parents/caregivers, and a generous
community.
Consistently rated as one of the best cities to live in the U.S., Rochester is known
worldwide for its history in healthcare, spirit of innovation in healthcare and
technology, and its dedication to education for learners of all ages.
The technology levy referendum is crucial for keeping the Rochester Public School District competitive. By providing $10.1 million annually for technology, it allows the district to preserve current class sizes by redirecting $7 million back to the general fund.
Please vote on or before November 7.
RPS families: A quick reminder that there will be no school for students on TUESDAY, November 7, due to a PD day for staff.
In case you missed it, here's the latest edition of Supt in the Halls, where Kent interviews Rochester students on what they think about Rochester!
Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/6-CSUpsg88E
Rochester Public Schools (RPS) seeks approval for a technology levy generating $10,150,000 annually for 10 years. $7 million will maintain optimal class sizes, while the rest will:
KEEP STUDENTS SAFE — Implement cutting-edge software and hardware, like cameras, to bolster school security.
PREVENT FUTURE CYBER ATTACKS — Upgrade technology infrastructure, ensuring robust cyber protection and dedicated IT staff.
PROVIDE TECHNOLOGY TO ALL STUDENTS — Provide devices and assistive technology for all students, ensuring an inclusive learning environment.
SUPPORT TEACHERS WITH CURRENT TECHNOLOGY — Offer up-to-date computers, eliminating the use of outdated devices for educators.
UPDATE CURRICULUM — Invest in instructional software and materials for comprehensive academic development.
PROPEL STUDENTS TO FUTURE SUCCESS — Introduce software for accelerated learning and career planning, fostering students' long-term growth.
USE DATA TO SUPPORT STUDENTS — Utilize data to identify struggling students and provide resources for their improvement, fostering a supportive learning environment.
ALLOCATE FUNDING EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY — Implement finance software for informed decision-making on educational priorities and resource management.
Your vote, on or before November 7, will shape the future of RPS.
In its endorsement of RPS' Capital Projects Levy Referendum, the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce states, "Strong K12 education drives Rochester's community life and talent retention for local employers."
Early voting is open until November 6. Election Day is November 7. Learn more about where to vote at https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/voting-information
In the last two years, RPS has actively ensured the district's financial stability, making substantial budget cuts exceeding $20 million. These measures led to increased class sizes and the elimination of 150 positions, highlighting the challenges we've faced.
Our dedication to providing exceptional education remains unwavering. We recognize technology's profound impact and are committed to incorporating it into our curriculum innovatively.
If passed, this referendum preserves current class sizes and avoids budget cuts of up to $10 million for 2024-2025.
Please vote on or before November 7.
November is Native American Heritage Month. Rochester Public Schools acknowledges that our schools are situated on the ancestral land of the Dakota people, and we honor the Dakota Nations and the sacred land of all indigenous peoples. We want to take the time this month, and every month, to highlight the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Native, Indigenous, and American Indian peoples.
We would like to wish a festive Dia de los Muerto to those who celebrate.
November is National Career Development Month. This is a month dedicated to all things career related. Setting long-term goals, furthering your education, and exploring new career opportunities are all part of this month-long awareness. At RPS, we provide multiple opportunities for our students to get involved in developing and furthering their careers, and we’ll share more about these throughout the month. As we kick off this month, share in the comments what career development means to you?
As we conclude Disabilities Awareness Month, it is important to remember that not all disabilities look the same. 24% of RPS students have a learning disability. These students deserve to be treated like every other child: with respect and care, and in a way that reassures them that they can achieve whatever goal they set their mind to. Rochester Public Schools’ mission is to inspire, challenge, and empower all students with the knowledge and skills required to reach their full potential, contribute to future generations, and become involved members of a global community. What reigns true for all of our students is that each and every one of them has the ability to be successful adults and citizens.
(Image used from the I Can Dream Center: https://icandreamcenter.com/understanding-the-intersection-of-autism-and-unemployment/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=understanding-the-intersection-of-autism-and-unemployment)
A glimpse of Churchill's character parade from this afternoon!
📣 Rochester's future is on the ballot on November 7! The capital projects technology levy is a measured plea for vital funding to preserve manageable class sizes and ensure the integration of cutting-edge technology. By investing in our schools, we empower our community's educational competitiveness, positioning Rochester Public Schools on par with other districts of similar size. 🏫🌟
Please vote on or before November 7!
We want to wish a fun and safe Halloween to those who celebrate!
Want to learn more about the Referendum? Join us tonight for our virtual Referendum forum via Zoom.
See the details for how to join here: https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/o/referendum/events?id=22621285
