Reminder: There is no school on Thursday and Friday, October 19-20, in observance of Education Minnesota’s MEA conference. Edison Administration Building and Northrup Education Center will still operate during normal business hours.
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
No school reminder
Thank you to everyone who attended the Rochester Scholastic Chess Tournament on Saturday!
over 1 year ago, Community Education
four students sit at a table playing chess
A girl in 2nd grade and a boy in kindergarten crawl on a giant chess board. The chess pieces are pumpkins of various sizes.
a child sits next to a giant chess board. The chess pieces are pumpkins of various sizes
two young students holding chess trophies. one is also holding a small pumpkin
four students sit at a table playing chess. one is in a wheelchair. A volunteer takes notes nearby
More than 15 students are in a room playing chess
two students hold trophies. one is also holding a small pumpkin
a student is holding a trophy
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/
over 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
over 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
🗳️ 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/
over 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/
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Referendum brochure coming in the mail
The playground update at Northrop is now complete! Our preschoolers were the first to take the new equipment for a spin the other day. Needless to say, they were absolutely thrilled.
over 1 year ago, Rochester Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)
the newly updated playground with balance beam, slide and much more
child sitting in a fake log
young child leaning on a play area
toddler jumping onto a playground toy
a demolition of our old playground
the old Northrop playground
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
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
opening image of referendum video
The ECFE Outing at Oxbow was a hit! We had a wonderful time exploring the new nature center, making nature crafts, visiting the Zollman Zoo animals and riding the bus with friends! Thank you to everyone who joined us for family fun at Oxbow Park on Saturday!
over 1 year ago, Rochester Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)
young dad holding his two young sons on a school bus
several families smiling while riding a school bus
a toddler playing with sticks, pinecones, and playdough on a table
3 young kids looking at a information board
2 kids looking at a lynx
several families standing looking for the bear in its enclosure
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
over 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!
over 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.
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!
over 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.
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/
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Virtual referendum info session on Monday, October 30 at 7 p.m.
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/
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
Virtual referendum info session on Monday, October 30 at 7 p.m.
Rochester's financial situation becomes even more apparent when placed in context. Among 11 other Minnesota school districts that share a similar size and demographic profile, our district ranks at the bottom in terms of per-pupil revenue from voter-approved levies. These figures underscore the urgent need for the 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum. 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/
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
bar chart showing where Rochester lands on the per pupil dollar amount of capital projects referendum, which is last
Our Pathfinders Preschool class helped water the Northrop Garden earlier this week. They picked ripe vegetables and made sure no plants went thirsty! Special thanks to the Minnesota State Horticulture Society for providing us with a grant to help build this garden.
over 1 year ago, Rochester Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)
2 young kids handing a teacher a ripe pepper
young girl with a watering can watering gourds
the northrop garden. 3 large planters with gourds, cucumbers, and peppers
plastic sign advertising the MN Horticulture Society garden in-a-box
Next up, replacing the Hawthorne playground! Construction is underway as our Hawthorne building is also getting brand-new playground equipment. We are excited to share the final looks of our new spaces at both Northrop and Hawthorne in the coming weeks!
over 1 year ago, Rochester Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)
a few preschoolers peering out the window as the old playground is removed
photo of the hawthorne playground space being destroyed featuring a green skid loaded
FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a national test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET/1:20 p.m. Central today, Wednesday, October 4, 2023. If your mobile phone is on and within range of an active cell tower from a participating wireless provider, you should receive the national test. Wireless providers will transmit the national test for 30 minutes, but your phone should only receive it once. View more information at https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system/national-test-2023
over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools
FEMA test graphic
Exciting things are happening at Northrop! Our preschoolers got to see the construction crew tear down the old playground and prep the site for the new one! They explored the crates to get a sneak peek at the new equipment. Stay tuned to watch the progress!
over 1 year ago, Rochester Community Education
Old playground at Northrop. Blue slide, yellow tube
The playground has been removed. Skid loader lifting a bucketful of rock.
2 happy boys taking a sneak peek at the new green slide.
Our Youth Fall Enrichment catalog is here! You can view and register for these courses at www.rochesterce.org/register.
over 1 year ago, Rochester Community Education
front cover of our 2023 fall youth enrichment catalog. 2 young girls smiling