
Our Spanish immersion second graders have the opportunity to learn traditional dance. To celebrate our time at Gage, our students were asked to perform multiple times this year. They took it on with pride and knocked it out of the park every time. None of this would be possible without Maestra Martinez’ passion and dedication to teaching our students not only language but culture.
Thank you to Amber H. from Gage Elementary for this #CelebrateRPS submission.
Submit your #CelebrateRPS moments at www.rochesterschools.org/celebraterps


We're hosting a hiring event next Wednesday, July 31, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Open positions include:
- Special Education Teachers
- Education Support Professionals
- Student Nutrition Services
- Health Office Staff (Nurses)
- Substitute Teachers & Staff
- Secondary Math Teachers
- Secondary Science Teachers
- Speech Language Pathologists
- Occupational Therapists
and more!
First Student and Kids on the Go will also be in attendance.
Walk-ins are welcome and virtual interviews are available at bit.ly/july-31-virtual-interview. Join us at the Edison Board Room, 615 7th St SW, Rochester, MN.


Did you see an RPS student overcome a challenge? Has an RPS staff person gone above and beyond to help you? Do you want to acknowledge an RPS colleague for their work? We're kicking off an initiative to #CelebrateRPS! Share your stories with us so we can share them with the RPS community. Share your positive stories at https://www.rochesterschools.org/celebraterps and we'll highlight them!


We know our students are still enjoying summer, but for those who like to plan ahead, we have our back-to-school information ready for you! A big change this school year is the school bell times! Check out https://www.rochesterschools.org/back-to-school for more info.



We're in the heat of summer, but stores are already starting to roll out their back-to-school supplies sales. Consider getting an early start on your school supplies while the sales are heating up!
Find your school's list: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1azTzTLLURXs6Pq7R2kurK83gXfQMB99E?usp=drive_link


Like many school districts, RPS has had to make difficult budget cuts in recent years that have impacted student services, reduced staff, and prompted potential school closures. On Nov. 5, voters will consider an operating levy increase to address these challenges. Learn more: www.RochesterSchools.org/referendum


RPS offices and buildings will be closed on Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. All summer meal locations and SACC sites will be closed on July 4 and 5.
Offices will resume normal operating hours on Friday, July 5, and all meal locations will reopen on Monday, July 8.


Due to the upcoming federal holiday, the Overland, Riverside, Sunset Terrace, and Mayo summer meal locations will be closed July 4-5.
• RAIL, Gage, Elton Hills, Jefferson Lincoln K-8, and John Adams will be closed July 1-5.
• All meal locations will reopen on Monday, July 8.


RPS offices and buildings will be closed on Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. All summer meal locations will be closed on July 4 and 5.
Offices will resume normal operating hours on Friday, July 5. All meal locations will reopen on Monday, July 8.


As part of the general election on Nov. 5, RPS will ask voters to consider a plan to help stabilize the district’s finances, protect class sizes, and strengthen academic and career programs.
Explore www.RochesterSchools.org/referendum to learn more about the referendum and our plan to "Ignite Student Learning."


According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, it wasn't until two years after President Lincoln emancipated ensalved Africans in America that Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, TX on June 19, 1865, with the news of freedom. More than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state learned of their freedom that day. This day became known as #Juneteenth, a federal, and now Minnesota state holiday. Learn more at: https://nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth


In observance of the Juneteenth holiday, all summer meal locations will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, and will resume standard hours of operation on Thursday, June 20.


All Rochester Public School District and Community Education programs and buildings will be closed Wednesday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. All programs, summer meal locations, and buildings will resume standard operating hours on Thursday, June 20.


Today, we open for our first day of summer meals! Summer meals are available to all kids aged 18 and under at no cost. Adult meals are available for a small fee: $3 for breakfast and $5.25 for lunch.


Summer meals are back! Starting next Monday, June 10, free meals will be available for children ages 1-18. Meals for adults are also available at a small cost ($3 for breakfast and $5.25 for lunch). For locations, dates, and operating hours, visit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LKdY6RFqNy9Mf4fLmIzKrksSv6eaTLVf/view


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


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!


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.
