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!
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
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/
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/
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/
Our solar panels are up and running! Our 4th students will be studying the science of solar energy and exploring career pathways within the field. Check out our current data on how the solar panels are positively impacting the environment.
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
Longfellow will be on fall break starting Monday, October 2nd. We will return to school on Monday, October 23rd. Have a wonderful break!
Longfellow's last day of first quarter is Friday, September 29th. We do have school on Friday; It is Pajamas Day and we will be celebrating the culmination of our PTA Read-a-Thon!
We're celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! From September 15 to October 15, we come together to honor and celebrate the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities.
Parent/Teacher conferences in the evenings of September 12th, 14th, or 18th. Don't forget to sign up for a timeslot. Call 328-3600 if you need help.
As we wrap up this long weekend, we wanted to remind students of the importance of safety, especially as you walk or ride your bike or scooter to school. We made a video with the Rochester Police Department with a few reminders: https://youtu.be/x1kYWW081ng?si=K7MJQdDL3Jz_ybxv
Time to sign up for September Parent/Teacher Conferences through Skyward Family Access.
Longfellow Families,
REMINDER: There WILL be school tomorrow, Friday, September 1st! We will follow a C day schedule and kick off our "Leading Leopards" grade level partnering program. See you tomorrow!
Longfellow DOES have school on Friday, September 1st. We will follow a C day schedule
and will enjoy kicking off our "Leading Leopards" grade level partnering program.
We are excited to welcome the Boys and Girls Club to Longfellow!
Attached you will find programming and contact information.
No school for Longfellow students on Wednesday, August 23rd-Professional Development for staff.
Greetings Longfellow Families,
Join us for our indoor Family Engagement Night tomorrow night from 5-7pm at Longfellow!
We're thrilled to announce the new app for Rochester Public Schools! It's everything Rochester Public Schools, in your pocket.
Watch this quick introductory video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JViaRlk97s8 (Also available in Spanish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUSfGuH5ksQ and Arabic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnUUuxtqTBw).
Then download our app! You'll see information about dining, staff, news, events, and more!
Download for Android https://bit.ly/3q4YKls
Download for iPhone https://apple.co/456qdlD
Did you know that many of the school supplies you purchase for your child this year could reduce the taxes you pay and possibly lead to a larger refund next year? Save your receipts for these purchases and find out more information about the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction and how to claim them: https:/www.revenue.state.mn.us/k-12-education-subtraction-and-credit
