We hosted our Fall Walk and Roll to School Day last week and had beautiful weather as we joined Sunset Terrace Elementary students, RPS staff, and the City of Rochester, MN Police Department on their walk to school.
A reminder that there is no school for students on Thursday, October 17, and Friday, October 18, for MEA (Minnesota Educators Academy). We will see students back in school on Monday, October 21.
If the Ignite Student Learning referendum is approved in November, the operating levy increase will protect essential teaching positions, classes, and programs that empower all students. Learn more about our proposed plan: RochesterSchools.org/referendum
October 15 is White Cane Safety Awareness Day! We celebrate the accomplishments of people who are blind & visually impaired and the tool for independence, the white cane. Students from RPS met with students from surrounding communities to complete a walk together and celebrate this special day. White Cane Day reminds people of the importance of accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Lucas Fenton engages with students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. He will frequently bring in a stuffed animal to prompt conversations, imagination, and simply playfulness for Lincoln K-8 students. You'll see the older kids sneak a quick petting of a stuffed animal and smile!
Lucas #CelebratesRPS in such a positive way! If you know anyone who impacts an RPS community like him, submit them to be feature in the #CelebrateRPS newsletter.
https://bit.ly/3YchjT1
Today, RPS students in the American Indian Education program gathered at Peace Plaza for the Indigenous Peoples' Day proclamation, Powwow Drum and Dance, Imnizaska and Dancers, and Pakki Party Dancers. In classrooms, students across the district will also be participating and learning about Indigenous Peoples' Day and the traditions and cultures of Indigenous communities across the nation.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 17% of Minnesota students have some learning disability. RPS is participating in Learning Disability Awareness Month by highlighting our Learning Disability teachers who work with students of all abilities every day.
This week's spotlight teacher is Judy Eng. After teaching at Harriet Bishop Elementary School for the last few years, she has quickly developed strong relationships with her students and colleagues. Judy's classroom is a dedicated space for students to learn at their own speed, while still collaborating with peers.
If you suspect your student may need accommodations to remedy an academic learning disability, please ask your student's teacher for additional steps. Teachers like Judy are happy to help.
For more information on RPS Learning Disability services, please visit https://www.rochesterschools.org/page/special-education
Rochester Public Schools are participating in October's National Bullying Prevention Month! Teachers across the district are starting the conversation around bullying. Read just a few of the initiatives going on in schools to prevent bullying and strengthen student communities.
Read the full article below: https://bit.ly/3A3bT3a
Our students took a bite out of the day for Apple Crunch day! This month, all of our students have been receiving local apples for lunch from ApplesRUs as part of #MNFarmtoSchool month! We can tell you that our students are loving these fresh, fragrant, and juicy apples!
Bob Barlow is a dishwasher at Mayo High School has made real connections with intensive special education students. They enjoy his unmatched dishwashing routine as they eat lunch. He knows each student by name, greets them personally, and welcomes high-fives as he cleans.
Nominate someone like Bob as we #CelebrateRPS as well as read the latest edition here: https://bit.ly/3YchjT1
At the School Board meeting on Tuesday, October 8, the School Board voted unanimously to direct Superintendent Pekel to develop a 2025-2026 general fund budget recommendation that includes reductions if the Ignite Student Learning referendum plan is not passed by voters on November 5, 2024. Read more about what this budget recommendation would include: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1811261
Grab your kicks and get ready for Walk to School Day! Tomorrow, October 9, students and families across Rochester will be walking to school to promote healthy exercise and safe routes to school.
How can you help? Remember to keep your eyes out for our walkers and drive cautiously around school zones.
Last Friday, before Mayo High School's homecoming football game, we had the opportunity to announce that the school's stadium will officially be called the "Whitney Stadium" after longtime activities director Jeff Whitney. Thank you, Jeff, for your 30+ years of dedication to Rochester Public Schools, and we hope you enjoy your retirement!
When students lost access to their phones, what body part did it feel like they lost? In the latest Supt in the Halls, Dr. Kent Pekel asked Mayo High School student government representatives what their thought are on the current phone ban. Watch the full episode of Supt in the Halls in our YouTube!
https://bit.ly/4evSOG3
What a fun parade! Now, on to the football game. Happy Homecoming, Spartans!
Stevie Bertram is a second-grade teacher at Pinewood Elementary. Stevie is a former RPS student who attended Ben Franklin Elementary, Willow Creek Middle School, and Mayo High School. Read more about why she chose to return to work at RPS: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1804267
#CelebrateRPS
Talk about dedication! Mr. Franko at Franklin Elementary School takes yearbook pictures to the next level: same outfit, same school, twelve years and counting!
This month, Loury Trader's 1st grade Spanish Immersion class collaborated to create and design their Hispanic Heritage Month Banner. This exercise allows students to practice their fine motor skills while learning about the celebration and background of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Listen to RPS students explain the Ignite Student Learning referendum that is on the November ballot!
The video shows how the proposed levy increase would stabilize district finances and support the programs and services that help students thrive: https://youtu.be/2-Y2VWb-wA8
You are eligible to vote on the Ignite Student Learning referendum and any other ballot measure if you are:
1. At least 18 years old
2. A U.S. citizen
3. A resident of MN (including non-property-owners) for at least 20 days before the election
Find out more here: https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/register-to-vote/
