Rochester Alternative Learning Center

Students in Ethnic Studies created "personal pinwheels," where each strip reveals something about them. Decorative, informative, and a personal fidget! A great way to start the year and build connection.

Thank you United Way and Western Digital for supplying the ALC with school supplies! From notebooks to folders to reusable water bottles and wired headphones... our students and staff have the supplies they need to start the school year STRONG!

We loved meeting our 9th graders today! Staff and students came together in a closing circle at the end of the day. We look forward to meeting ALL of our students tomorrow, Tuesday, August 26!

Congratulations to ALC student, Yusuf (pictured top-left), for completing Mayo Clinic's DREAM internship this summer! This cohort of students engaged in a 12-week, 20-hour per week program, to gain insight and experience into a future career in health care.

Please see the ALC Back-to-School Newsletter for important information - https://rochesterpsmn.edurooms.com/engage/ralc/newsletters/august-ralc-newsletter

Thank you Forging Youth Resilience for supporting, encouraging, and challenging Tristin and Yusuf this past week. Yusuf said he had a great time, met new people, got to climb a mountain, would love to go back again next year, and had the most fun he has ever had. Tristin shared he loved all the people as they were super nice and supportive. He too would love to go again as he learned and grew so much.
Thank you FYR and CrossFit Credence for making this dream come true.
https://forgingyouthresilience.org/

Check out the RALC summer newsletter to learn about how to pick up your diplomas, fun activities that have gone on during summer school, back to school information, and helping prepare incoming seniors for their senior year.
Enjoy the read

https://rochesterpsmn.edurooms.com/engage/ralc/newsletters/ralc-summer-newsletter

These motivated Mayo athletes aren't afraid of a little sweat! They're getting stronger! Coach-led summer training sessions are boosting strength, flexibility, and team spirit—prepping students to bring their best in the upcoming seasons and stay injury-free. Whether it’s hockey or volleyball, these Spartans are putting in the work!

Our RALC Resource Room and Food Pantry do not take the summer off. Dr. Levi Curran, D.C., and Abbey Putnam from Thrive Wellness Center helped run a drive to keep our shelves stacked and ready for when families are in need. We are grateful for our continued community support even when most students are enjoying a break.

Mrs. Stasko and Mr. Buzzard helped students take a heartfelt look at how modern films bring real-life historical events and natural disasters to life in their "History Through Film" summer school class. Students were examining scientific accuracy, historical context and the profound impact films can have on how we see the world. Students were challenged to examine the video through different perspectives throughout the three week class.

RALC students partnered with Forging Youth Resilience (FYR) and CrossFit Credence 2nd semester during their Student Centered Learning Wednesdays. These two dedicated students, Tristin and Yusuf, have been invited to an all expense paid trip to Camp FYR in Boulder Colorado. These two young men have been chosen to further develop their leadership skills, fitness levels, mental toughness, goal setting, nutrition, and overcoming challenges. To learn more about this amazing program check out this link. https://forgingyouthresilience.org/camp-fyr/

"How to safely drive around schools buses" was the topic Kevin, First Student bus driver, presented on during drivers education class at RALC summer school. Thank you Kevin for the great information and helping students be better prepared to drive the roads and parking lots when a school bus is present.

Graduating students had an opportunity to work with a professional photographer, Sejal, who volunteered her time to take photos of our students preparing for graduation in 2025-2026. Thank you Sejal for all the work you put into these pictures and helping our students celebrate their graduation this coming school year. Graduating students- if you missed out on this round, keep updates on our Graduating Senior Google Classroom posts as we will have another round in the fall.

What a fun filled week welcoming incoming 9th grade students to RALC. Our Bridge staff, Mrs. Rojas and Mrs. Pencille, led our students through activities of team building challenges, cooking, ROCA rock climbing as well as many educational classroom activities. They also brought in community partners from University of Minnesota Extension office to lead nail art, dissecting owl pellets, and making catapults/slingshots, thank you Megan and Paige, as well as Carla from WorkForce Development Inc. to lead an activity on learning skills to prepare for success in high school. Another shout out to Hollandberry Pannekoeken for providing muffins for breakfast on Friday since our student nutrition services work Monday-Thursday during the summer. This was a huge hit and greatly appreciated.

Students taking summer school Drivers Education class at the RALC were able to connect with Officer Condon (School Resource Officer) to learn more about driving laws, distracted driving, and get time to ask questions. Thank you Officer Condon for you insight and time with our emerging drivers.

In need of FREE eye exam, Free optical car or FREE glasses? Check out this eye care clinic on Saturday June 21st 1-4 at Christ United Methodist Church

"By challenge, I mean doing things that aren’t easy. Challenge means being pushed, stretched, and sometimes uncomfortable. By support, I mean having people around you who help you complete tasks and achieve goals. Support means feeling like you matter, that you're not alone, and that someone believes in you." Watch Superintendent Pekel's speech to the graduating classes of 2025 at last week's ceremonies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDb5DvfTktg&t=1s

Walk-in vaccines are available this summer with Public Health! Dates: August 14, 19, 20, 25, and 26. Location : 2100 Campus Drive SE. Appointments can be made at any time throughout the summer by calling public health at 507-328-7500

This semester, we partnered with Crossfit Credence and Forging Youth Resilience (FYR) to bring fitness and mentorship to our students each week. Each summer, the most dedicated teens from local clubs attend a weeklong summer FYR leadership camp in Boulder, Colorado - all expenses paid! We are SO excited for Tristin and Yusuf for being selected for this opportunity! They'll experience workouts, workshops, and team-building exercises, and work on grit, self-talk, goal setting, and nutrition.

We are continually blown away by our community's kindness! @WeBikeRochester donated 15 refurbished bikes for our students/families! @PataDePerro helps teach youth and adults how to maintain and repair bikes as lifelong skills.