Students in Transition

The Students In Transition program in Rochester Public Schools helps to support and provide services to students experiencing unstable housing or homelessness. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 2001 defines “homeless children and youths” as “individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.” 

Rights of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness:

  • Access to a free and appropriate public education

  • Receive the same programs and services that are provided to all other children

  • Enrollment in a new school without proof of residential status, school records, proof of guardianship or other documents

  • Continue in the school they attended before becoming homeless

  • Receive transportation to the school they attended before becoming homeless

  • Free breakfast and lunch at school

RPS Staff Placeholder

Lindsey Riess-Wilson 

Students in Transition and Fostering Connections Coordinator
507.328.4354 | Email Lindsey Riess-Wilson 

Eligibility:

You may be eligible for additional services for you or your child at school, if you live:

  • In a shelter

  • In a hotel or motel

  • With friends or family because you have no home

  • In an empty building, in a car, or other unsafe place

  • On the street

  • In emergency foster care

  • With friends and you are 17 years old or younger…

How RPS can help:

  • Immediate enrollment

  • Transportation

  • Free breakfast and lunch at school

  • School supplies

  • Scholarships for school activities

  • Referrals to community resources that include: medical support, food, housing, mental  health support, and other resources

  • Information about preschool programs

  • Access to a school social worker