Drive for First Student and RPS! We are reaching out to parents and the community to help us get our students to and from school by being bus drivers. No experience is necessary to become a First Student bus driver. Benefits include: $3000 sign-on bonus* $24/hr pay* Flexible Schedule Work-life balance No nights or weekends Great work for parents Child ride-along program* To apply, text "BUS" to 52345, scan the QR code in the image above, or visit www.WorkAtFirst.com. *Conditions apply
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
school bus with QR code
Join us for our walk-in hiring event for early childhood special education teachers and ESPs. Stop by Hoover Early Learning School tomorrow, Wednesday, October 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn more and apply!
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Hoover ELS walk-in hiring event
The Rochester Public Schools 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum is our shield against future cyber threats! By investing in cutting-edge computer hardware, we fortify our technology infrastructure and erect a robust defense against potential cyberattacks. Moreover, these funds will support our dedicated staff who tirelessly safeguard our district's technological backbone. Your vote counts in ensuring our digital resilience! Find out more about the referendum here >> https://www.rochesterschools.org/referendum Make sure to vote on or before November 7. Early voting is happening now! Find your polling place here: https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Referendum technology
Today, October 16, kicks off National School Bus Safety Week. Teaching children to follow safety rules on the bus is just as important as informing drivers about the laws regarding school buses. As part of the yearly School Bus Safety training across RPS, Washington Elementary students were eager to learn about the rules inside and around the bus. For school bus safety tips, visit https://www.napt.org/files/NSBSW/Bus%20Stop%20Safety%20Tips-2016update.pdf
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Students learning school bus safety
Students learning school bus safety
Students learning school bus safety
Students learning school bus safety
Students learning school bus safety
Students learning school bus safety
Students learning school bus safety
Students learning school bus safety
Students learning school bus safety
Students learning school bus safety
Rochester ALC is hosting a Trunk or Treat event on Sunday, October 29 from 3-4:30pm. This exciting event is organized by student group here at RALC. We are also looking for donations for new and gently used games during the event that will be gifted to our students during the holidays. Join us for face painting, cookie decorating, carnival games, lots of decorated trunks, and a fire truck! Hope to see you there!
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Rochester Alternative Learning Center's Trunk or treat, a community event. October 29, 3-4:30PM. Rochester ALC parking lot, 37 Woodlake Dr. SE. Fire truck, face painting, cookie decorating, carnival games/prizes. Donations welcome of new or gently used games (board, card, sports, puzzles) to gift ALC students this winter. This program is partially funded with a grant from the Minnesota department of Education (MDE) using federal funding, CFDA 84.287 21st century community learning centers. This program does not necessarily represent the policy of the federal department of education or MDE and you should not assume endorsement by the federal or state government.
Happy Dusshera to those who celebrate!
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Picture of lit candle. Text reads: Navratri & Dussehra October 15-24, 2023. Rochester public schools logo.
School Board Director, Jean Marvin, gives a short summary of some of the highlights from the October 10th School Board Study Session. Watch the video here:https://youtu.be/raPV7VogDXI?si=mJh8kV1RwYr1m-51.
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
From providing information to families to ensuring all students have access to nutritious food and meals, our School Nutritionist, Kayla T., has an ever changing role that is centered around the well-being of our students. Read More about “A day in the life of our School Nutritionist” here: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1288985
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
A Day in the life of our school nutritionist: 8:00 a.m. - As soon as I’m in the office I start answering emails and planning out my day which can vary based on nutrition requests, staffing, and more. Each morning our office manager emails our team letting us know which locations have substitute employees. If an elementary kitchen lead is out, as is this day, I call the substitute employee to make sure they are aware and comfortable with the special diets at the site.   Answering emails in the morning can take up to an hour; most of my emails are from the SNS staff, nurses, or parents/caregivers of children with special diet needs. This morning I received a new special diet statement, and I call the parent to discuss their child’s individual needs. I gather enough information to draft a menu for this parent, and then email it to them to review.   While I’m working through my emails, I learn that one of our suppliers is short on some of the lunch menu items we ordered for delivery this week. In discussion with the SNS admin team, we discuss possible substitute products and decide which schools they can go to. I review all nutritionals and allergens to make sure they are acceptable. Unfortunately, we do not have an acceptable substitute for one of the elementary menu items for next week due to allergens, so we make the decision to pull this item from the menu. I email all elementary health office staff so they are aware of this change and update the lunch menu document.  As part of my role, I oversee a snack program called the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program at three of our eligible elementary schools. After developing the menu for the month, I need to calculate the number of cases of each snack to send to these three locations for our warehouse staff. I create a shipping guide for them to ensure the snacks get to the right location. I get this ready to bring with me to the warehouse at our Facilities Service Center (FSC) where we distribute all of our student nutrition products and send them to schools.  10:00 a.m. - Before I leave for FSC, I have a list of special diet food items that need to be purchased and delivered to some elementary locations. I head to Hy-Vee to purchase these items then go to FSC to add these items to tomorrow’s deliveries. While at FSC, I pull together the warehouse staff to discuss the snack calendar. I also mention a delivery I have coming in the next day of pureed food and which locations these products need to be sent to. I pick up a case of vanilla soymilk and a case of tube feeding formula that I need to personally deliver to an elementary school because they are needed for today’s lunch.
🗳️ Early voting is now available for the Rochester Public Schools 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum. Make your voice count. Learn more about the referendum and cast your vote early to ensure your participation in this important decision. Find out more about the referendum here >> https://www.rochesterschools.org/referendum Find your polling place here: https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Early Voting is now open
Exciting news! The full brochure containing all the vital details about the Rochester Public Schools 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum is on its way to you. Stay tuned for comprehensive information on this important initiative. Remember, you can cast your vote on or before November 7. Your voice matters! Find out more about the referendum here >> https://www.rochesterschools.org/referendum Make sure to vote on or before November 7. Early voting is happening now! Find your polling place here: https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Referendum brochure coming in the mail
Every year on October 12, several Latin American countries celebrate Día de la Raza. On this day, people from across the Americas commemorate the day when Cristopher Columbus touched land on this continent (El descubrimiento de América) in 1492. Each Latin American country’s history and society is different, and their view varies according to it and to the political times. This year we are sharing the perspective of one of our staff members, Sara Palomino-Ward, an educational support professional at Gage Elementary School: This important day is known as Día de la Raza (Day of Race) and we celebrate every year to commemorate the first encounters of Europeans and Native Americans, recognizing the cultural fusion of those people with different backgrounds coming together. This day also celebrates the heritage and cultural diversity of Latin America, as well as acknowledges the colonization. Every country in Latin America has its own unique way of celebrating. In México, where I’m from, it is mostly celebrated in school settings. The schools hold assemblies and the students participate by giving a speech about Columbus Day or through living history presentations that re-live the arrival of Europeans on the American continent in their three ships: La Niña, La Pinta, y La Santa María. Also, through living history, they personify Europeans and indigenous people. They have parades and dancers too. Schools see this as an important date because we are part of this wonderful continent and each country that is part of it contributes with their culture, customs, and diversity. It’s important that our students know that. Let’s celebrate Día de la Raza together.
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Dia de la Raza, celebrando la diversidad on 12 de October - Featuring Sara Palomino-Ward, educational support professional.
Eager to learn about the Rochester Public Schools 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum? Don't miss this informative video that breaks it all down. Get informed and make your voice count. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4vE0jCxbPI
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
opening image of the referendum video
Our Student Nutrition Services (SNS) staff work hard behind the scenes to make sure our students receive the meals they need to fuel their learning each day. See some of the facts: • SNS employs over 130 staff members across the District. • Each year, SNS staff receive hands-on safety training and they have the opportunity to receive additional training throughout the year. • Our SNS secondary staff might start the day as early as 6 a.m. to start preparing meals at our high volume schools. If you get the chance, thank our SNS staff for all their hard work!
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
National School Lunch Week is October 9 through October 13.
Text: Many of our SNS staff arrive early to prep high-volume breakfast and lunches at our secondary schools. Image: Two SNS staff rolling enchiladas in the school kitchen.
Text: Our Student Nutrition Staff receive hands-on training each year.
Did you know that single items like milk are not free? While school meals are free for all in person students, their meal must meet certain criteria (having three essential components with one of them being a fruit or vegetable) to be eligible for a free meal. If a student needs an individual item, like milk, this will need to be paid for using a PayPams account. Learn more about free meals for students at www.rochesterschools.org/mnfreemeals
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Milk alone is 45 cents. Milk is not free without a meal. Logo for Rochester public schools free meals information. This institution in an equal opportunity provider. Rochester public schools logo.
Yesterday, RPS students with indigenous heritage from around the district gathered together at the John Marshall Rocket Center in celebration of Indigenous Peoples' Day. Together, they gathered for a meal, shared their perspective on what it means to be indigenous, and discussed current issues. As a collective group from RPS, students and staff went to Peace Plaza to gather for the reading of the Indigenous Peoples' Day proclamation, and students were also able to share their perspectives with the community. Finally, the event finished with beautiful dancing of indigenous people in the Rochester community. It was a great day for reflection, celebration, and planning for the future.
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Student working on an activity in the Rocket Center.
Equity staff supporting the Indigenous Peoples' Day student gathering.
Coordinator of Equity, Sara Louise talking with students about current issues.
Indigenous people and community members joined in a circle for the Indigenous Peoples' Day proclamation reading in Rochester, MN.
Mayor Norton reading the Indigenous Peoples' Day proclamation at Peace Plaza in Rochester, MN.
Indigenous community members reflecting on the Proclamation being read at Peace Plaza.
Indigenous community members sharing their perspective on what it means to be indigenous in today's society.
Lori Sam, assistant to the superintendent, gathered with three other indigenous community members at Peace Plaza.
eace Plaza in Rochester, MN.
Jingle Dancers joined in hand performing at Peace Plaza in Rochester, MN.
World Mental Health Day is an international day for global mental health education, awareness, and advocacy against social stigma. As a community, we rely on each other for kindness, compassion, and care. Today, on World Mental Health Day, consider asking for help if you need it or keeping an eye out for others who might need help. RPS has support in place for our students and staff; please visit https://ffcstaffconsults.as.me/schedule.php to schedule a 45-minute virtual appointment with a trained mental health provider.
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
World Mental Health Day graphic
Earlier today, law enforcement released the name of the Century High School student who died in a tragic car accident on Saturday, October 7th. As a result, we are now able to send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Davin Tukua. I did not have the opportunity to meet or get to know Davin, but over the past two days, I have heard from teachers, coaches, students, and others that he was a wonderful young man. He was unfailingly kind and always ready to help complete a project or assist someone in need. He was a talented athlete who was a valued member of the football and swim teams at Century High School. I have heard from his coaches that he was a hard worker who always came ready to play, never complained, and would play any position or swim any stroke that would help his team compete and win. He also loved skiing and snowboarding and I'm told he was really good at both. I know that all members of the Rochester Public Schools community send our deepest sympathies to Davin's family and friends during this difficult time. We cannot understand or even imagine what you are thinking and feeling right now, but we want you to know that Davin's tragic loss has broken a part of our hearts as well. We will keep you in our thoughts during the time of grief, remembering, and transition that lies ahead. Sincerely, Kent Pekel Superintendent
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Message from Superintendent Pekel
This week is National School Lunch Week! We’re celebrating with some fast facts about our school lunches. Did you know that… • Our Student Nutrition Services (SNS) team spends over $1.3 million in produce purchases each year. This includes thousands of pounds of carrots, peppers, cucumbers, and many other vegetables including local corn on the cob. • Across our 17 elementary schools, when bananas are on the menu, SNS orders 33 cases of petite bananas, which is equivalent to about 1320 pounds. Bananas continue to be a student favorite! • Last month SNS served close to 11,000 lunches per day districtwide!
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
National School Lunch Week is October 9 through 13, 2023.
Text: RPS serves thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables throughout the year. Image of student eating a sambusa with fresh peas and carrots in the lunch room.
Text: RPS elementary students love bananas! We serve close to 1320 pounds of petite bananas. Image: Bananas in a serving tray for students.
Text: In September, SNS served close to 11,000 lunches per day.
Indigenous Peoples' Day has become celebratory across the United States to honor Native Americans, their resilience, and their contributions throughout history, even as they faced genocide, assimilation, and discrimination. You can also look for proclamations from our elected officials on October 9 to learn more. After recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day via proclamation in recent years, Minnesota will observe the day as a state-recognized holiday, and schools choosing to remain open must devote at least one hour to teaching students about the significance of the day, Native culture, and history, according to MN Statute HF0211. In Rochester, we give particular emphasis to Minnesota tribes and especially the Dakota people whose traditional land we occupy. Please use this day to reflect on your knowledge and understanding of Native citizens and discuss with our students what they have learned.
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Text reads: Indigenous Peoples' Day October 9, 2023. Photo of indigenous woman smiling. Logo for Rochester Public Schools.
Don't miss our Virtual Referendum Info Session on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.! Learn about the Rochester Public Schools 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum. Join us for key insights, and get ready to make an informed decision. Stay tuned for the event link posted on our website on the day of the event. Your participation matters! Find out more about the referendum here >> https://www.rochesterschools.org/referendum Make sure to vote on or before November 7. Early voting is happening now! Find your polling place here: https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/
about 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Virtual referendum info session on Monday, October 30 at 7 p.m.