As we near the end of the school year, read a year in review memo from Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel. He writes about:
➡️ The Academic Agenda
➡️ Supports for Learning
➡️ Family Engagement
➡️ Improving the Organization
➡️ School Start Times and Transportation
➡️ Referendums and Reductions
➡️ What’s Ahead
Read the full memo at: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1624433
The RPS School Board voted unanimously to put forward an investment plan to Ignite Student Learning through a referendum. Voters will decide on November 5. View this Q&A to learn more about the Referendum: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1621656
On Memorial Day, we celebrate, honor, and remember those who gave their lives for our country. Thank you for your service!
Reminder: There is no school on Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day. Enjoy your three-day weekend!
All District buildings will be closed on Monday, May 27, and will reopen under normal operating hours on Tuesday, May 28!
Though the debate is still ongoing on whether pineapple belongs on pizza, Rochester Public Schools (RPS) students had the opportunity to explore pineapple, learn about where it comes from and how it grows, and consider its nutritional impact. Of course, they had to taste-test the pineapple, too!
Learn more about our partnership with the Mayo Clinic Dietetic program: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1613708
Happy Vesak Day to those who celebrate.
At last night's School Board meeting, the Board voted to place a referendum on the November 5 ballot seeking $19.4 million annually to protect and enhance educational programs and student services. The referendum would support the district’s new investment plan to “Ignite Student Learning.” Guided by feedback from residents, this plan was developed to stabilize our operating budget, strengthen our curriculum, and support the programs that will ensure our students are ready for life after graduation. Read more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1611885
Due to predicted severe weather, RPS is canceling all after-school practices and games.
Here's what this means:
- All sporting events and practices are canceled.
- All activity buses are canceled.
- All Middle School After School classes and clubs offered through Community Education are canceled. All other Community Education programs are on as scheduled unless you receive a direct message from Community Education to the contrary.
Please check with your schools about their plans for PTSA meetings, concerts, and other events. The School Board meeting will still occur at the Edison Building starting at 5:30 p.m. If you cannot attend in person, you can livestream the board meeting at https://www.youtube.com/@ISD535.
The race is on to the end of the school year! Yesterday, our 5th-grade students came together for our Annual All City Track Meet, where they raced, jumped, threw, punted, & sprinted to the finish line! A big shout out to our physical educators who made this day possible for our students!
With the end of the year around the corner, you might be looking for a creative way to thank an RPS Staff member for the impact they've made on your family. Consider honoring a staff member by donating to the Rochester Public School Foundation: http://www.rpsf.org/HonorStaff.
Learn more about honoring a staff member: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1597578
One of our favorite things about our teachers at Rochester Public Schools (RPS) is their passion for the growth and well-being of our students. From kindergarten through 5th grade, our students are challenged to develop academically, socially, and emotionally. Elementary art teacher Elizabeth Rosendahl strives to do this each day through art.
Read more about Elizabeth: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1599595
School Age Child Care (SACC) registration for the 2024/2025 school year opens at 6:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. If you are curious about what SACC is and how it may benefit your family, or know someone who may be interested in SACC, consider reading our article: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1555003
Set your alarms! School Age Child Care (SACC) registration for the 2024/2025 school year opens tomorrow at 6:00 a.m. RPS offers an opportunity to ensure your student is in the best care where they can learn, grow, and have fun through School Age Child Care Program (SACC) at all RPS elementary schools. SACC provides a safe, nurturing environment for before and after-school care where students can feel valued and have a sense of belonging. If you would like to learn more about how to register your student(s), check out our SACC webpage: https://rochesterce.org/sacc
School Age Child Care (SACC) registration for the 2024/2025 School year opens on Wednesday, May 15 at 6:00 a.m. SACC has been a wonderful resource for many families in the district. If you would like to learn more about SACC and how to register your student(s), please check out our SACC webpage:https://rochesterce.org/sacc
Happy Mother's Day to all of the amazing, loving, strong, happy, selfless and graceful mothers, stepmothers, grandmas, foster moms, late mothers, future moms, bereaved mothers, hopeful moms, those with estranged relationships with their moms, and motherly figures. Thank you for your contributions to our students, families, and communities.
As we wrap up this week, we want to take a moment to show our gratitude for all of our Preschool- and School-age child care employees! SACC provides a safe, nurturing environment for before—and after-school care where students can feel valued and belong. Thank you for all you do!
May 8 is National School Nurse Day, and we're celebrating by highlighting some of our school nurses throughout the day. Julie Haubenschild, RN-BSN, works at Bamber Valley, Fowell, Jefferson, Lincoln K-8, Longfellow, Pinewood, Overland, and Riverside Elementary Schools. Read more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1587749
Our school nurses serve a vital role, working not only to address students' needs but also as advocates and liaisons to families and healthcare providers, improving health outcomes for both students and families. Thank you, school nurses!
Today, May 8 is National School Nurse Day. In Rochester Public Schools, our students and families are served by two different school nurse roles -- Health Office Nurses & Licensed School Nurses. A Health Office Nurse offers daily support within our schools to students who aren't feeling well, have an injury, need to take medications, need support with a medical device, or who need other types of medical support to remain as healthy as possible and participate fully in school. A Health Office Nurse must hold one of these certifications: Certified Nursing Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse, or Registered Nurse.
A Licensed School Nurse (LSN) works closely with the processes of evaluation for special needs from the health perspective and care management of more complex health conditions. They advise Health Office Nurses when needed and work closely with families to establish plans to support students with complex medical needs. Licensed School nurses have earned licenses beyond those listed above in both Public Health Nursing and Licensed School Nursing.
The RPS Health Services team of approximately 50 nurses is led by Health Services Coordinator Chris Bjerke, RN; Licensed School Nurse Lead Emberlee Bremseth, MSN, RN, LSN, NCSN; and Health Office Nurse Lead Marni Shelley, RN.
Our school nurses serve a vital role, working not only to address students' needs but also as advocates and liaisons to families and healthcare providers, improving health outcomes for both students and families. Thank you, school nurses!
Tomorrow is National Bike and Roll to School Day! Strap on your helmet and get ready to roll with some of these helpful bike safety tips:
• Always wear a helmet
• Give your student visibility
• Follow the rules of the road
• Do an "ABC" Bike Check - Check your air, brakes, and bike chain!
