Are you a Licensed School Counselor who enjoys helping students discover their strengths and interests? Do you have experience supporting students in achieving their goals? RPS has an opening at Gage Elementary that could be the perfect fit for you! Learn more: https://bit.ly/gage-school-counselor
Results on the 2024 Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) indicate that RPS has reversed a multi-year decline in the percentage of students who score at the proficient level or above in math, science, and reading. Read more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1736885
Today is the first day of school for elementary students, and we expect some delays in bus transportation, especially as our bus drivers learn the new route structure with the changeover from transporting elementary students home and turning around to pick up our secondary students.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we navigate this and continuously work to improve our processes.
Families using Transportation can download the First View app to see where their student's buses are. The district code for the app is M6QE.
The halls were lined with students' happiness, jitters, and even some tears as our elementary students headed to their first day of class. We're grateful to be a part of these memories and hope you enjoy seeing the moments we captured!
If the "Ignite Student Learning" referendum fails, class sizes will increase, school closures will be unavoidable, and RPS will need to make major cuts to student programs, support services, and teachers and staff.
Find out more details at RochesterSchools.org/referendum.
Today, we welcomed back our secondary students for the 2024-2025 school year! With the help of our hardworking staff, our students made a smooth transition from summer to school. We can't wait to get this school year started!
We have a new cell phone procedure that goes into effect starting this school year. For our elementary students, this means if students choose to bring a cell phone/device to school, the device(s) will remain in student backpacks/lockers/cubbies during the full school day, including lunch/recess. Smartwatches may be worn to tell time only.
View more information at www.rochesterschools.org/cell-phone-procedures
We have new teachers joining the Rochester middle schools! Read the captions below to find what makes each of them a unique addition to the RPS staff.
Rachel Arro: John Adams Middle School, Speech Language Pathologist
"I’ve worked with RPS before and enjoyed my experiences with the students and staff so much."
Tess Douty-Amick: Dakota Middle School, Eighth Grade English and Language Arts Teacher
"In 7th grade I loved to read and my ELA teacher, Mrs. Smith, was incredibly supportive of that. Once, she even hand delivered my scholastic book orders to my house over winter break!"
Dilaisa Figueroa: John Adams Middle School, Seventh Grade Science Teacher
"I wanted to be a biologist when I grew up because my 4th grade teacher showed me how to use a microscope."
Zach Hillesheim: Kellogg Middle School, Special Education and English & Language Arts Resource
"I was in 7th grade when I had a social studies teacher who made me fall in love with the idea of being a teacher just by how he engaged his students, taught the lessons and supported students outside the classroom in their extra curriculars. "
Nicole Holmgren: Kellogg Middle School, Occupational Therapist
"I have a MA in Early Childhood Special Education in addition to my Occupational Therapy degree. Working in education was the best way for me to make a direct impact on kid’s communication skills. "
Holly McGuire: Middle School Alternative Learning Center, Teacher
"I went to school through RPS. Now my own children are attending school here. I love the idea of contributing to not only their learning, but helping their friends and peers."
Nicole O’Connor: Dakota Middle School, Emotional Behavior Disorder Teacher
"When I was in middle school, I did a report on castles from the Middle Ages. My social studies teacher pulled me aside and told me I should go visit them one day when I went to college and studied abroad. It affected me deeply that he saw my potential and wanted me to see the future I could have."
We have a new cell phone procedure that goes into effect starting this school year. For our middle schools, this means if students choose to bring a cell phone/device to school, the device(s) will remain in student lockers during the full school day, including lunch/recess. Smartwatches may be worn to tell time only.
View more information at www.rochesterschools.org/cell-phone-procedures
And we're off to a great start with the 2024-2025 school year! Today, we welcomed our incoming 6th grade and 9th grade students to our secondary schools. You could feel the excitement around the new school year. Welcome back!
Beginning in Fall 2024, elementary school students across Rochester Public Schools will use Xello, a new online platform, to:
- Encourage Self-Discovery
- Create Career Awareness
- Build Future-Readiness Skills
In elementary school, this program will be led by school counselors in classrooms. Caregivers can expect to receive information about Xello Family Account Access in September.
To learn more about supporting your student’s Xello experience at home, visit https://help.xello.world/en-us/Content/Get-Started/Xello-Families/GS_Families.htm
It’s a new school year and that means new teachers joining the Rochester Public High Schools! Help us give them a warm welcome to Rochester Public Schools.
Marjory Ball-Williams: Century High School, Emotional Behavioral Behavior Disorder Teacher
"I have a passion for history (and the social sciences), and I want to bring that to those who will be in charge making decisions in our country."
Chelsey Ferguson: John Marshall High School, Learning Disabilities Teacher
I was a paraprofessional for the last seven years at RPS, so I knew once I got my teaching degree, I wanted to work here.
Chelsey Ferguson: John Marshall High School, Learning Disabilities Teacher
"I was a paraprofessional for the last seven years at RPS, so I knew once I got my teaching degree, I wanted to work here. "
Will Oliphant: Century High School, French Teacher
"My journalism teacher in high school was a guy named Mr. Smrha, and he was unafraid of being different and grandiose. He helped me through an incredibly difficult time by never letting slack off and making me live up to my potential."
Kristin Rodgers: Mayo High School, Learning Disabilities Teacher
"I want to support kids the way my teachers supported me."
Heather Robinson: Century High School, Social Worker
"I love to support and advocate for people and have always had a passion for this. I like variety in my job and wanted to have the opportunity to help people of all ages/abilities/backgrounds/etc."
8/26/24: Due to an excessive heat warning issued for this afternoon and evening, all outdoor athletic sports and activities are canceled. However, some coaches may still have indoor practice plans. Please check in with them for this information.
A #CelebrateRPS submission from Tali McPike:
Elliot McPike is a student at Kellogg. He is autistic, and his transition to Middle School was difficult. He ended up in Prairie Care's PHP program for a month, which was also difficult. Despite these difficulties contributing to not focusing on esports competition the way he did in elementary school, he successfully qualified for the 2024 Pokemon World Championship.
Read more of Elliot's story in this Star Tribune story: https://www.startribune.com/this-rochester-pre-teen-works-to-be-the-very-best-pokemon-player-in-the-world/600387122
A #CelebrateRPS submission from Gretchen O.:
"Heather Klavetter has tirelessly worked in recent months to support staff in their structured literacy training and all schools in implementing the new literacy curriculum. Her dedication to supporting our school staff and ultimately having our students become successful readers is incredible."
Read more about Heather's work with our new curriculum here: https://www.postbulletin.com/news/local/following-purchase-of-new-curriculum-rochester-public-schools-works-to-unbox-90-pallets-of-reading-material
If you have a #CelebrateRPS moment to share, submit it at www.rochesterschools.org/celebrateRPS
The Ignite Student Learning referendum seeks voter approval of an operating levy increase to stabilize our budget and protect the programs & services that help our students thrive. 🏫
To find out how the proposed levy would impact your property taxes, use our tax calculator https://www.ehlers-inc.com/microsite/rochester2024/ 👈
We have a new cell phone procedure that goes into effect starting this school year. For high school students, this means If students choose to bring a cell phone/device to school, the device(s) will remain in student backpacks/lockers or in a classroom collection container during class periods.
📱Smartwatches may be worn during class for telling time only.
📱The device will remain in the classroom if the student leaves the classroom briefly (to use restroom, library, etc.).
📱Students will be permitted to use cell phones during passing time and lunch.
📱Students with an open hour are permitted to use their cell phones during Junior Privilege, Senior Privilege, RRS, or Apella in the following locations:
- Century: North Cafeteria & Media Center
- John Marshall: Cafeteria, Door 1 Atrium, Library
- Mayo: First floor common areas
View more information at www.rochesterschools.org/cell-phone-procedures
What's for lunch? Plan ahead for the start of the school year by downloading this month's meal menu. August and September meal menus are available for download.
Download here:
https://www.rochesterschools.org/documents/school-meals-and-menus/493023
Fill your student's backpack with supplies that will set your student up for success. Find your school's list: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1azTzTLLURXs6Pq7R2kurK83gXfQMB99E?fbclid=IwY2xjawEziaFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZLEfnL6TDs9RecilziLcWZ0gcAZYn_p5acLC9nBTiOfIKDnJkdxNOjwOg_aem_o3lGXQ79JJw-rvrH1VZo8g
"Dear RPS community, I hope you had a great summer and that you are as excited as I am for the school year that is about to begin. One of the most important events for our school district this year is the referendum to increase local funding for Rochester Public Schools (RPS) that will be on the ballot on November 5."
Read Superintendent Pekel's full letter: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1724172
