This week is National School Lunch Week! We’re celebrating with some fast facts about our school lunches. Did you know that…
• Our Student Nutrition Services (SNS) team spends over $1.3 million in produce purchases each year. This includes thousands of pounds of carrots, peppers, cucumbers, and many other vegetables including local corn on the cob.
• Across our 17 elementary schools, when bananas are on the menu, SNS orders 33 cases of petite bananas, which is equivalent to about 1320 pounds. Bananas continue to be a student favorite!
• Last month SNS served close to 11,000 lunches per day districtwide!
Earlier today, law enforcement released the name of the Century High School student who died in a tragic car accident on Saturday, October 7th. As a result, we are now able to send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Davin Tukua. I did not have the opportunity to meet or get to know Davin, but over the past two days, I have heard from teachers, coaches, students, and others that he was a wonderful young man. He was unfailingly kind and always ready to help complete a project or assist someone in need. He was a talented athlete who was a valued member of the football and swim teams at Century High School. I have heard from his coaches that he was a hard worker who always came ready to play, never complained, and would play any position or swim any stroke that would help his team compete and win. He also loved skiing and snowboarding and I'm told he was really good at both. I know that all members of the Rochester Public Schools community send our deepest sympathies to Davin's family and friends during this difficult time. We cannot understand or even imagine what you are thinking and feeling right now, but we want you to know that Davin's tragic loss has broken a part of our hearts as well. We will keep you in our thoughts during the time of grief, remembering, and transition that lies ahead.
Sincerely,
Kent Pekel
Superintendent
Don't miss our Virtual Referendum Info Session on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.! Learn about the Rochester Public Schools 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum. Join us for key insights, and get ready to make an informed decision. Stay tuned for the event link posted on our website on the day of the event. Your participation matters!
Find out more about the referendum here >> https://www.rochesterschools.org/referendum
Make sure to vote on or before November 7. Early voting is happening now!
Find your polling place here: https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/
Don't miss our Virtual Referendum Info Session on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.! Learn about the Rochester Public Schools 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum. Join us for key insights, and get ready to make an informed decision. Stay tuned for the event link posted on our website on the day of the event. Your participation matters!
Find out more about the referendum here >> https://www.rochesterschools.org/referendum
Make sure to vote on or before November 7. Early voting is happening now!
Find your polling place here: https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/
Rochester's financial situation becomes even more apparent when placed in context. Among 11 other Minnesota school districts that share a similar size and demographic profile, our district ranks at the bottom in terms of per-pupil revenue from voter-approved levies. These figures underscore the urgent need for the 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum.
Find out more about the referendum here >> https://www.rochesterschools.org/referendum
Make sure to vote on or before November 7. Early voting is happening now!
Find your polling place here: https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/
Families!
Thank you for your donations to the Student Snack Drive! We hope to collect enough to provide for students who arrive at school without a snack throughout the school year. Please bring your donations to Door #1 today or tomorrow 8am-4:30pm or Door #2 from 4:30pm-6:00pm.
Thank you for your support!
Team Falcon
FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a national test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET/1:20 p.m. Central today, Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
If your mobile phone is on and within range of an active cell tower from a participating wireless provider, you should receive the national test. Wireless providers will transmit the national test for 30 minutes, but your phone should only receive it once.
View more information at https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system/national-test-2023
Last call! Spirit wear orders are due Monday 10/02/23! Stop by the office or email stwhipple@rochesterschools.org for an order form.
Do you shop at HyVee for groceries, prescriptions, fuel, or sit-down meals? Submit your receipts to the office! Thank you for your help.
Hello Falcons! Our online ordering window for school photos will close tonight at midnight. Proofs will arrive at school in a few weeks and orders will be able to be placed again at that time.
We're celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! From September 15 to October 15, we come together to honor and celebrate the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities.
We can't wait for Picture Day this Friday, September 15th! Make up pictures will be taken November 2nd.
Falcon Families!
For teacher or building contact info and upcoming events, bookmark our new webpage: https://folwell.rochesterschools.org/
As we wrap up this long weekend, we wanted to remind students of the importance of safety, especially as you walk or ride your bike or scooter to school. We made a video with the Rochester Police Department with a few reminders: https://youtu.be/x1kYWW081ng?si=K7MJQdDL3Jz_ybxv
Join us!
We can't WAIT to see you at 9:15!
We're thrilled to announce the new app for Rochester Public Schools! It's everything Rochester Public Schools, in your pocket.
Watch this quick introductory video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JViaRlk97s8 (Also available in Spanish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUSfGuH5ksQ and Arabic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnUUuxtqTBw).
Then download our app! You'll see information about dining, staff, news, events, and more!
Download for Android https://bit.ly/3q4YKls
Download for iPhone https://apple.co/456qdlD
Can't wait to see you AUGUST 30th at 9:15am for your FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL families, we know, like us, you're counting down the days until we're back in school! Check out this guide for everything you need to know about bell times are, school supply lists, and when the first day of school is: https://bit.ly/3QyQx3H #15MoreDays
Don't forget to pick up your school supplies! Call 507-328-3220 with questions or concerns.
