RPS serves more students in our community than all other schools combined. The Ignite Student Learning referendum asks voters to consider funding to protect the resources that help these students thrive.
Learn about this important decision: RochesterSchools.org/Referendum
This week, with the help of TRBHI, a company owned by an RPS parent, we launched a new AI Chatbot to help answer questions about the referendum. You can view the Chatbot and ask your specific questions at https://thedecision.ai/.
Listen to students and staff explain what’s at risk this election with the Ignite Student Learning referendum. If voters reject the levy increase, RPS will face major cuts, including to counseling and programs that promote student health and well-being: youtu.be/qDSmxDIqbAQ
Earlier this month, United Way and KAAL hosted a LIVE one-day hygiene donation drive for the community schools in Rochester Public Schools. In total, 1,700 items were collected, weighing in at over 775 pounds! Today, United Way volunteers dropped off items to the ALC, including oral care items, hair accessories, shampoos/conditioners, soap, deodorant, and laundry detergent. THANK YOU!
RPS is the 7th largest district in MN but ranks last in voter-approved school funding among districts with 10,000 or more students. The Ignite Student Learning referendum asks voters to consider an operating levy increase to help students thrive. Learn more: https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/the-plan
You can vote early now through November 4, and you can vote early in person on Saturday, October 26, 2024, and November 2, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, hours are extended from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Learn more: https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/voting-information
ALC students have been busy preparing for the INDOOR Trunk or Treat event (open to the community). We've loved watching their creativity as they design their carnival games. The event is this Sunday, Oct 27, 3-4:30pm, at the Rochester ALC (37 Woodlake Dr., near Target South).
Have you ever wondered what MEA is and why students don't have school in the middle of October? Check out this article from the Star Tribune explaining this two-day break: https://www.startribune.com/mea-weekend-minnesota-educators-academy-explained-third-week-october/600313386
A reminder that there is no school for students on Thursday, October 17, and Friday, October 18, for MEA (Minnesota Educators Academy). We will see students back in school on Monday, October 21.
Doug Ondler was a long-time Science teacher in the district and later, a substitute teacher at the ALC. When he passed away last year, his family and friends donated money to the ALC to help support outdoor learning experiences. Last week, we were able to take our students to Chester Woods for a canoeing and team-building experience. (Wilderness Inquiry hosted us.) Thank you to everyone who helped make this trip happen.
If the Ignite Student Learning referendum is approved in November, the operating levy increase will protect essential teaching positions, classes, and programs that empower all students. Learn more about our proposed plan: RochesterSchools.org/referendum
Thank you to First Alliance Credit Union for volunteering their time to help us clean out the ALC community garden for the winter. They helped harvest tomatoes, peppers, carrots, and potatoes before weeding, raking, tarping, and laying down hay across the plots.
Thank you , GEOTEK, for hosting a drive for the ALC's Resource Room and Food Pantry. Each month, a different business/organization/religious institution hosts a drive, where they collect hygiene and shelf-stable food items for us. These community partnerships help to keep our shelves stocked.
At the School Board meeting on Tuesday, October 8, the School Board voted unanimously to direct Superintendent Pekel to develop a 2025-2026 general fund budget recommendation that includes reductions if the Ignite Student Learning referendum plan is not passed by voters on November 5, 2024. Read more about what this budget recommendation would include: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1811261
It's a joy to see ALC students mentor Ben Franklin students each week. They have been getting to know each other through fun activities and games... and learning without knowing it! Thank you to Jasmine and Mrs. Patel for coordinating this partnership with Ben Franklin teachers, Mr. Gasner and Mr. Hynes.
We love our Nature Rx program (taught in partnership with Public Health ) that teaches students to reflect on how time spent in nature can be used for mental wellbeing. Students had an opportunity to visit Chester Woods for a canoeing and fishing adventures! Thank you, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Pencille, and Christa Seymour for helping with this opportunity!
FREE winter coats at Salvation Army on Wed, 10/16, 3-6:30pm. (All in need of a coat must be present.)
Listen to RPS students explain the Ignite Student Learning referendum that is on the November ballot!
The video shows how the proposed levy increase would stabilize district finances and support the programs and services that help students thrive: https://youtu.be/2-Y2VWb-wA8
ALC students visited Mystery Cave and Forestville State Park for a "BIPOC Women in Outdoor Careers Exploration Fair." We learned about a variety of careers in natural resources, explored the cave, and tried out archery. A fun day of learning!
United Way and ABC6News held a one-day, LIVE, hygiene donation drive for our Resource Room on Thursday, and we wanted to share the results! This photo speaks volumes of the care our community shows to our students. Sometimes, these items can be the difference between a student coming to school versus staying home. A huge thank you!
