One of our school goals this year is increased family engagement. We're grateful to partner with University of Minnesota-Extension SNAP/Health & Wellness Coordinators in leading a 4-week FAMILY COOKING CLASS! ALC families learn about healthy eating, cook and eat a recipe together, and receive a bag of groceries to take home to make the same meal again for their families.
Honoring all who served. Thank you, Veterans.
Once a quarter, our Night School students engage in a Student-Centered Learning Day, where they can sign up for an enrichment class. It's an opportunity to explore strengths and passions and learn new skills. Here are our students in action - a boxing class with Coach Corey, a Dutch pour art class with local artist Kay Fox, organized football at Rush World, and learning all about snakes with Ms. Milliken!
Our STUDENT ART SHOW is currently on display and the work is INCREDIBLE! ALC Families & Community Partners - If you get a chance to come to the ALC to check it out, there's a hanging notepad to leave students notes about their art.
Under the guidance of our wonderful Art Teacher, Mrs. Zaccariello, students were able to choose the type of art they wanted to create. This produced such a variety of mediums! Here are just a few pieces.
“The community’s approval of the Ignite Student Learning Referendum will enable Rochester Public Schools (RPS) to avoid closing schools, raising class sizes, and making major cuts to positions and programs that serve our students. It will provide RPS with the financial stability we need to continue implementing our ambitious strategic plan and to remain focused on our academic mission. Most importantly, it is an investment in our students that will pay off in the skilled workforce that Rochester needs to thrive in the decades ahead. We look forward to providing regular updates to the community on how the referendum funds are being used, and we will work hard to continue earning and strengthening the trust that the community has placed in us through its approval of the referendum on November 5, 2024.”
As the polls close and we await results, we want to thank everyone who participated in this important community decision about Rochester Public Schools.
It’s Election Day! Eligible voters have until 8 p.m. to vote on the Ignite Student Learning referendum seeking a levy increase for RPS to avoid school closures, protect class sizes, and continue helping every student succeed.
Visit RochesterSchools.org/Referendum to learn more.
What's at stake for RPS in this referendum?
If the Ignite Student Learning referendum is approved, additional funding will support academic programs and student services, maintain class sizes and vocational training, and protect faculty and staff positions.
If rejected, major budget cuts will lead to the closure of three schools, increased class sizes, reduced staffing, and diminished programs for academic growth and vocational training.
Learn more at https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/the-plan.
A reminder that there is no school on Tuesday, November 5. Teachers and administrators will participate in a Curriculum Planning Day, planning instruction and participating in professional development. We will see students back in school on Wednesday, November 6.
Tomorrow is Election Day! Today is the last day for early voting. You can vote today from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2122 Campus Drive SE, Suite 300, Rochester, MN, or 201 4th St. SE in Rochester, (Conference Room 104), Rochester, MN.
Don't forget to vote on the Ignite Student Learning referendum to increase the operating levy and allow RPS to continue helping every student reach their full potential.
Learn how to make your voice heard: https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/voting-information
It's almost time to "fall back!" Daylight Saving Time concludes on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 2 a.m. Don't forget, our clocks need to "fall back" one hour.
This weekend, you can vote early in person on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Olmsted County Elections Office at 2122 Campus Dr. SE, Suite 300, Rochester, MN 55904.
Learn more: https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/voting-information
ALC Students & Families - Just a reminder that starting Wednesday, November 6, our daily time schedule will be changing. The *NEW* Day School end time will be 3:05pm.
How will the School District Question show up on your ballot? See below:
"The board of Independent School District No. 535 (Rochester Public Schools), Minnesota has proposed to increase the School District's general education revenue by $1,133 per pupil, subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation. The proposed new referendum revenue authorization would be first levied in 2024 for taxes payable in 2025 and applicable for ten (10) years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the new referendum authorization proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 535 (Rochester Public Schools), Minnesota be approved?"
Voters will then select "yes" or "no."
If you're eligible, have you made a plan to vote? Learn about how to vote early: https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/other-ways-to-vote
Meet Amy Petersilie, the Seniors Transitions Specialist. She helps seniors plan their next steps after high school and organizes off-site career exploration trips. Recently, students attended a Mayo Clinic Career Festival and a hands-on Construction/Building Trades Fair at RCTC. ALC students can schedule a meeting with Amy to explore options and see upcoming events here: https://alc.rochesterschools.org/o/ralc/page/ralc-senior-information
Where does Rochester rank in the funding we receive? In this short video, Superintendent Pekel shares a fact about funding for RPS that has surprised people across our community. Check it out: https://youtu.be/b7edFAoSosU
As the weather gets colder and it remains darker during morning commutes, a reminder to go slow around school zones and pay attention to school buses. Always be prepared to stop for school buses.
🛑 Stop for a school bus with its flashing red lights activated and the stop-arm extended.
🛑 Stop at least 20 feet from a school bus.
🛑 Remain stopped until the stop-arm is retracted and the red lights are turned off.
Do you have any questions about the referendum? Want to learn more before you head to the polls? Join us tonight for our final virtual referendum information session at 7 p.m.
Thank you to the Mayo Clinic Bloodmobile and nurses for coming out to the ALC. It gives our students an opportunity to donate blood on-site (removing transportation barriers). Many donated for the first time! In total, 8 units were collected. 1 donation can save up to 3 lives - that's potentially 24 people our school was able to help.
We're ⭐one week⭐ away from Election Day! On the ballot, voters will consider the Ignite Student Learning proposal to raise the operating levy, stabilize RPS’ budget, and protect essential student programs and services.
Check out our Straight Answers to 20 Big Referendum Questions webpage to learn more: https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/straight-answers.
