It's a new school year and we've got a new addition to the Sunset Terrace Elementary School staff! Help us welcome Olivia Knight to team of Sunset Terrace second grade teachers.
Olivia Knight: Sunset Terrace Elementary School, Second Grade Teacher
"I chose to become a teacher because I want to help the new generation grow in love and kindness. Teaching gives me a joy that nothing else could ever fulfill."
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.
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.
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
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.
We have been hard at work this past week and we can't wait to see you! Let the 2024-25 school year begin!
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/ 👈
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
Our staff has spent the last week getting ready for you, double check your calendar so you are ready too!
Monday, August 26:
• Step into Learning for all elementary schools
• Meet me in the Middle for incoming 6th grade students
• First day of 9th Grade for all 9th grade students
Tuesday, August 27:
• Step into Learning for all elementary schools
• First Day of School for all secondary students
Wednesday, August 28:
• First Day of School for all elementary students
Thursday, August 29:
• Regular school day
Friday, August 30:
• No school for all schools and programs that follow the traditional school year calendar. Longfellow Elementary is still in session.
A #CelebrateRPS submission from Lucy B:
"Lisa Levi works at Sunset Terrace and has created an incredible program called Book Boggy. It's been wonderful seeing our students benefit from it! She's teamed up with Brenda Shamblin from Mayo, who's equally dedicated to community support. Together, they're sharing books with various families. Brenda's work in the community is invaluable, and both she and Lisa have such infectious enthusiasm. We're fortunate to have them as RPS Staff & I am grateful for the connection I made between them."
Do you have a #CelebrateRPS moment to share? Submit it at www.rochesterschools.org/celebrateRPS
If approved by voters this November, the additional funding from the Ignite Student Learning plan will protect critical resources such as:
⭐Reading specialist positions
⭐School counselors
⭐Advanced learning teachers
⭐Career and technical education classes
Learn more ➡️ RochesterSchools.org/referendum
#RPSinfo New year, New bell times! At the start of the school year, we’ll transition to our new school bell time schedule.
• RPS Preschool - Morning session: 8:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
• RPS Preschool - Afternoon session 12:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
• Elementary schools: 7:55 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
• Middle schools: 8:35 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
• High schools: 8:50 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Phoenix Academy, RAIL, and Right Fit: 8:20 a.m. - 2:20 p.m.
Visit https://www.rochesterschools.org/page/school-bell-times or print our 2024-2025 School Directory and Bell Times document.
Did you see an RPS student overcome a challenge? Has an RPS staff person gone above and beyond to help you? Do you want to acknowledge an RPS colleague for their work? We're kicking off an initiative to #CelebrateRPS! Share your stories with us so we can share them with the RPS community. Share your positive stories at https://www.rochesterschools.org/celebraterps and we'll highlight them!
Mark your calendars and save the date for our inaugural State of the District on Monday, September 16. Superintendent Pekel will be joined by voices and performances from RPS students. Stay tuned—more information will come!
RPS faces a $19.4 million budget deficit that could force school closures, larger classes, and major cuts. This Nov., voters will consider a levy increase on the ballot to stabilize our budget and “Ignite Student Learning.” Visit RochesterSchools.org/referendum to learn more.
