As the weather gets colder and it remains darker during morning commutes, a reminder to go slow around school zones and pay attention to school buses. Always be prepared to stop for school buses.
🛑 Stop for a school bus with its flashing red lights activated and the stop-arm extended.
🛑 Stop at least 20 feet from a school bus.
🛑 Remain stopped until the stop-arm is retracted and the red lights are turned off.
From elementary to high school, our Advanced Learning specialists create an environment for students who need more challenges, critical thinking, reimagination, and creativity. They serve as a special support for both students and staff within our schools. Read more of our Advanced Learning specialists' perspectives: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1847517
Do you have any questions about the referendum? Want to learn more before you head to the polls? Join us tonight for our final virtual referendum information session at 7 p.m.
We're ⭐one week⭐ away from Election Day! On the ballot, voters will consider the Ignite Student Learning proposal to raise the operating levy, stabilize RPS’ budget, and protect essential student programs and services.
Check out our Straight Answers to 20 Big Referendum Questions webpage to learn more: https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/straight-answers.
We're wrapping up Bullying Prevention Month with the wonderful work the MNSync Online team is doing! MNSync Online offers the same high-quality support system for students as the traditional RPS classroom. Follow the link below to read about how MNSync Online prevents bullying.
https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1842641
RPS serves more students in our community than all other schools combined. The Ignite Student Learning referendum asks voters to consider funding to protect the resources that help these students thrive.
Learn about this important decision: RochesterSchools.org/Referendum
This week, with the help of TRBHI, a company owned by an RPS parent, we launched a new AI Chatbot to help answer questions about the referendum. You can view the Chatbot and ask your specific questions at https://thedecision.ai/.
✔️ RPS High Schools are Direct Admissions Minnesota High Schools! We are participating in Direct Admissions, a new state program that simplifies the college application process for our seniors. In the next few weeks, eligible RPS seniors will be proactively notified of multiple MN colleges and universities that are offering them admission, before students even apply! Learn more at https://www.myhighered.mn.gov/direct-admissions-student-center
Listen to students and staff explain what’s at risk this election with the Ignite Student Learning referendum. If voters reject the levy increase, RPS will face major cuts, including to counseling and programs that promote student health and well-being: youtu.be/qDSmxDIqbAQ
Amber Henry is a Spanish Immersion teacher at Riverside Elementary. Amber is a former RPS student who attended Gage Elementary, Washington Elementary, John Adams Middle School, and John Marshall High School. Read more about her story at https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1836895
RPS is the 7th largest district in MN but ranks last in voter-approved school funding among districts with 10,000 or more students. The Ignite Student Learning referendum asks voters to consider an operating levy increase to help students thrive. Learn more: https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/the-plan
Join us this Friday, October 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. We're filling positions for maintenance, ESPs, transportation, special education teachers, health services, and more! Walk-ins are welcome and virtual and in-person interviews are available. Sign up for a virtual interview at https://forms.gle/tQvDM7yHSyuW2D6H8
You can vote early now through November 4, and you can vote early in person on Saturday, October 26, 2024, and November 2, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, hours are extended from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Learn more: https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/voting-information
Across your student's K-12 education at RPS, you can expect reliable education for your student. Especially for students with learning disabilities, RPS has dedicated staff to meet the accommodations at a lighter, or a more intensive approach.
This week's Learning Disability Awareness Month teacher spotlight is Century High School Learning Disability Teacher, Jessica Kroll. Jessica has been working in a blended classroom — where several students have a learning disability accommodation, and the rest do not. This approach gives students with learning disabilities the option of staying in a traditional classroom and the rest of the students a second licensed teacher to help with instructions.
In the latest edition of Supt. In the Halls, Superintendent Dr. Pekel stops by Gibbs Elementary School to ask students what they already know about elections and their preferences on presidential snacks. Get ready for the election with some humor and wisdom from the kids in the link below!
Watch the Election Edition of Supt in the Halls at: https://youtu.be/LZXWfq6hcTo
Students enrolled in the Advanced Spanish classes received a visit from poet Lupe Castillo for a poetry reading and a reflection on the connection between our identity and "places we call home." Much gratitude to the staff from the Minnesota Humanities Center for all the coordination and materials to make this happen. It was an honor to bring some of the writing from the new book "Latino Poetry: The Library of America Anthology" to the classroom.
Nominate students, teachers, and classes to help us #CelebrateRPS.
https://www.rochesterschools.org/o/rps/page/celebrate
Mark your calendars to join us for our hiring event on Friday, October 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. We're filling positions for maintenance, ESPs, transportation, special education teachers, health services, and more! Walk-ins are welcome and virtual and in-person interviews are available. Sign up for a virtual interview at https://forms.gle/tQvDM7yHSyuW2D6H8
Jess Rollie is a first grade teacher at Bishop Elementary School and a former RPS student who attended Elton Hills Elementary, John Adams Middle School, and John Marshall High School.
Read her story here!
https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1823290
Have you ever wondered what MEA is and why students don't have school in the middle of October? Check out this article from the Star Tribune explaining this two-day break: https://www.startribune.com/mea-weekend-minnesota-educators-academy-explained-third-week-october/600313386
In education, part of our job is to meet students where they are. Every student has a unique relationship with learning. From their learning preferences to how their brain explores concepts, education isn't a "one size fits all" experience. At Rochester Public Schools, our Advanced Learning program helps meet the needs of students who are ready for more challenging content and require experiences beyond the traditional classroom setting.
https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1792714
