We loved meeting so many parents/caregivers at our RALC Get to Know Your Support Services - Informational Night! This was a chance for families to learn about the many supports we provide, including our on-site clinic, therapy services, chemical health services, college/career guidance, credit checks, and more.
1 day ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
parent night
parent night
parent night
parent night

Nature Rx students went on a fishing trip this week! We appreciate this partnership with Public Health, where they organize outdoor weekly trips. In this program, students learn about how time in nature can be a prescription for well-being.

2 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
fishing
fishing
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, 14 units were collected. 1 donation can save up to 3 lives - that is up to 42 people our school was able to help!
3 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
RALC blood drive mobile
Through a partnership with Mayo Clinic, students gain skills and experience in a weekly "Bridging the Gap to Employment" class. This will allow students to better position themselves to apply for and enter the Mayo Clinic workforce after graduation.
5 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
Mayo Clinic class
Mayo Clinic class
Mayo Clinic class
This November, voters in Independent School District #535 will choose representatives to fill four (4) open seats on the School Board. Voters may select up to four candidates on their ballot. The candidates running in this nonpartisan election are listed below in alphabetical order:

Joe "Joe(Y)" Christenson
Justin M. Cook
Pat "Pot" Farmer
Ana Folpe
Flora Howie
Josh Koestler
Joe LaForge
Jean Marvin
Cathy Nathan
John Peck

School board positions will be listed on the back of the ballot. More information about each candidate can be found on the Secretary of State's website: https://myballotmn.sos.mn.gov.
5 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
cast your vote
Students experimented with homemade pasta-making in Global Foods class!
6 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
pasta making

Did you know that every public school student in Minnesota is part of a trust fund? Minnesota owns state public lands that generate revenue from timber, mining, and land leases. That money is placed into a protected investment trust dedicated strictly to supporting public school districts across the state. Due to investment growth, the fund has expanded from $675 million in 2010 to more than $2.3 billion today, but distributions have not kept pace because of outdated constitutional restrictions. This November, Minnesota voters can vote to increase the fund.

What does this ballot question change?

  • Sends more money to classrooms: Current constitutional rules limit payouts primarily to interest and dividends, restricting how much money reaches schools. The amendment modernizes the formula to increase the annual distribution from 2-2.5% to 4.5% of the fund's total value, significantly increasing payments to all Minnesota public schools.

  • Zero tax increase: It does not raise property, income, or sales taxes. It uses money already sitting in an existing investment fund.

  • Bipartisan agreement: The update was unanimously recommended by a nonpartisan task force and received strong bipartisan support in both the Minnesota House and Senate.

Under Minnesota law, a constitutional amendment must receive approval from a majority of all voters. Skipping the question has the exact same mathematical impact as actively voting against it. To support the amendment, you must vote "YES." Leaving the question blank counts as a "NO" vote. You can learn more about this at www.mnpsfamendment.org.

9 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
Permanent School Fund Constitutional Amendment
FREE upcoming Dermatology Clinic! Get help with: acne, skin infections/rashes, wound care, and free skincare products. Details: Saturday, October 3, 12-3pm, Christ United Methodist Church, Rochester, MN
9 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
derm clinic2
derm clinic
Bryan Girolami, local photographer, donated his time and photography services to our students! 36 RALC students were able to get free senior photos. (https://photographybybryangirolami.mypixieset.com/)
10 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
senior photos
During our Student-Centered Learning Wednesdays, students can choose from a number of different enrichment opportunities. This group is working on their mini-golfing skills each week at Blue Lagoon Mini Golf!
12 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
Blue Lagoon minigolfing
Blue Lagoon minigolfing
Blue Lagoon minigolfing
Blue Lagoon minigolfing

Reminder: there is no school on Wednesday, September 23. RPS staff will participate in a Curriculum and Development (CAD) Day to plan instruction and engage in professional development. We will see students back in school on Thursday, September 24.

12 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
No School Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Please help share! As the weather is turning cold, the Rochester ALC Resource is in need of:
* Teen-friendly, gently worn cold weather clothing (joggers, leggings, hoodies, long-sleeved shirts)
* Winter hats, mittens, and gloves

If you're able to donate, please drop items off to the main office (9am-3:30pm), when school is in session. Location: Rochester ALC, 37 Woodlake Dr SE
13 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
resource room
In Night School, Art class students participate in "Technique Tuesdays," where they sample practicing skills in a different medium each week. Students recently worked on graphite and created still life drawings.
15 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
art class
art class
art class
art class
WSU senior nursing students are partnering with the RALC on their classroom education hours. This week, they designed lessons around healthy sleep habits and stress coping strategies.
17 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
WSU nursing
WSU nursing
Thank you to Rochester Motor Cars for hosting a job shadow experience for our students! They learned about the different departments, including sales, painting, maintenance, and auto body repair.
19 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
job shadow - Rochester Motor Cars
job shadow - Rochester Motor Cars
job shadow - Rochester Motor Cars
job shadow - Rochester Motor Cars
job shadow - Rochester Motor Cars
RALC Staff wore red to show support and gratitude for service members serving far from home.
19 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
staff wearing red
The RALC Garden Club launched this week! Students explored the community garden and helped with harvesting.
24 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
garden
garden
garden
garden
garden

The school year is in full swing, and so is your chance to grab some RPS gear! Our Apparel Shop is open through Friday, September 18, 2026, and items will be available for pick up at your school at the end of October. Shop here: https://rps26ralc.itemorder.com/shop/home/

24 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
alc apparel
FREE event for teens! Saturday, September 12, 12-3pm, at Skyline Raceway. Enjoy go-karting, mini golf, food trucks, and more! This is a substance and vape free event BY teens FOR teens.
25 days ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
flyer
Ms. Goorman and her Global Foods class made Pad Thai this week! Looks delicious!
about 1 month ago, Rochester Alternative Learning Center
pad thai cooking
pad thai cooking
pad thai cooking