Rochester Alternative Learning Center

At its scheduled meeting on February 3, the Rochester Public Schools (RPS) Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a resolution ratifying the district’s continued commitment to providing a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students, regardless of immigration status.

Read more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/2683660

At its scheduled meeting on February 3, the Rochester Public Schools (RPS) Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a resolution ratifying the district’s continued commitment to providing a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students, regardless of immigration status.

Read more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/2683660

Students learned to use sewing machines! They experimented with stuffies with great attention to detail. (We were able to purchase the machines through a Minnesota Department of Education grant to make the arts accessible to all students - thank you!)

We love engaging with our families: Parents/Caregivers and their students spent time together over food and art in a Watercolor Family Art Night!

We loved engaging with families during our ALC Scholarships Informational Night! Everyone walked with a HUGE list of scholarships (many local!) that they can click into and apply for. If you missed the session and would like a copy, please reach out to Mrs. Amy Petersilie, our Seniors Transitions Coordinator.

Students are busy crafting original creations in a fashion design unit!

We rely on community individuals and organizations to help keep our Resource Room and Food Pantry shelves stocked. Thank you to Mayo Clinic's Division of Nursing Research as well as the American Business Women's Association for hosting recent drives for us. The ALC appreciates your support!

ALC Families - Please use the RSVP form if you can join these events!

*** ALC Family Art Class - Friday, January 30, 6-8pm, ALC Art Room - RSVP form: https://tinyurl.com/artralc
*** ALC Family Cooking Class - (come all 3 dates) - Fridays, February 13, 20, 27, 5:30-7:30pm - RSVP form: https://tinyurl.com/ralccook1

Thank you to Minnesota Treads for donating to our ALC Resource Room! We rely on the kindness and generosity of community individuals, businesses, and organizations to help keep our shelves filled. Access to basic hygiene supplies and clothing helps our students to stay in school. Minnesota Treads - Thank you for thinking of our school!

ALC students did some ice fishing this week! Thank you to Public Health for organizing this Nature Rx experience!

Lori from the History Center led a jewelry-making art class for our night school students ! We love when community partners are able to bring their talents and expertise to our school!

ALC students attended the "Discover Healthcare -- Student Career Exploration" event! Thank you to Southeast Service Cooperative for hosting this hands-on learning opportunity.

We're so fortunate to partner with the Rotary Club's STRIVE program. Each month, seniors meet with volunteer Rotary mentors to help stay on track for graduation and to plan next steps.

A big thank you to TerraLoco for donating over a dozen new sneakers for our students in need. Grateful to be a #community school!

As we wrap up 2025, read Superintendent Pekel's end-of-year letter to see all that we've accomplished in our district: https://rochesterpsmn.edurooms.com/engage/rochester-public-schools/newsletters/superintendent-pekel-s-end-of-year-update.

As we wrap up 2025, read Superintendent Pekel's end-of-year letter to see all that we've accomplished in our district: https://rochesterpsmn.edurooms.com/engage/rochester-public-schools/newsletters/superintendent-pekel-s-end-of-year-update.

It was Service Day at the ALC! 💙
Students signed up to support local organizations throughout Rochester, giving their time and talents back to the community.

Service projects included:
➤ Volunteering at a horse farm
➤ Making holiday treats to deliver to area businesses
➤ Random acts of kindness (rock painting and card making)
➤ Creating homemade dog toys and delivering them to Paws & Claws
➤ Creating winter decorations and interacting with children at the Jeremiah Program
➤ Mentoring elementary students at Ben Franklin Elementary and creating string art gifts
➤ Spreading positivity by making holiday cards for the Ronald McDonald House
➤ Creating birthday cake kits for the school food pantry
➤ Baking cookies to donate to 12-step meetings around Rochester

We are proud of our students for making a meaningful impact and showing the true spirit of service! 🌟

Students enjoyed kick sledding with Nature Rx! The class is taught in partnership with Public Health, where students experience time in nature for well-being.