Graphic for back to school information for middle schools

 

When is the first day of school?

The first day of school for 6th-grade students is on Monday, August 28; this day is also called “Meet Me in the Middle.”

Transitioning to middle school can be quite different and overwhelming for many students. “Meet Me in the Middle” is a program designed to help ensure a calm and supportive orientation experience for all students new to RPS middle schools. Students new to middle school will meet teachers, learn the lunch and locker routines and navigate the building and transportation with fewer peers in attendance. This is our way of creating a safe, welcoming, and successful middle school foundation, which will take place on Monday, August 28, from 8:10 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

The first day of school for 7th- and 8th-grade students is on Tuesday, August 29.

 

What are the bell times?

  • Dakota, John Adams, Kellogg, and Willow Creek middle schools start at 8:10 a.m. and end at 2:50 p.m.

  • RPS Online starts at 8:10 a.m. and ends at 3:20 p.m.

 

When is Schedule Pick Up?

Dakota Middle School


  • Tuesday, August 15 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for all students

Students and families can get pictures taken for IDs and health office information, set up school lunch accounts and deposits, complete the school lunch form, and meet your teachers.

Dakota Open House for parents and caregivers is on September 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. This is the opportunity for parents to meet teachers as teachers will not be at Schedule Pick Ups.

John Adams Middle School


  • August 23 from 1 to 5 p.m. for 6th-grade students (please note that Health services will not be available on August 23).

  • August 24 from 1 to 5 p.m. for 7th- and 8th-grade students

John Adams Open House for parents and caregivers: September 14 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This is the opportunity for parents to meet teachers as teachers will not be at Schedule Pick Ups.

On these days, students can pick up a paper copy of their schedule, find their lockers and practice locker combinations, drop off medications with the nurse and review health care plans, meet available staff, have their ID picture taken, sign up for the flu shot and pick up a United Way backpack if needed.

Kellogg Middle School


  • August 23 from 4 to 8 p.m. for all students

Students and families can pick up schedules, verify immunizations, take school pictures, drop off supplies in lockers, practice locker combinations, and more at the open house.

Willow Creek Middle School


  • August 24 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. for all students

  • Optional Meet and Greet and Tour for new students: August 16 from 12 to 5 p.m

RPS Online


RPS Online is hosting an open house/Step into Learning is Monday, August 28, from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Tuesday, August 29, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Longfellow Elementary School (2435 20th St SE, Rochester, MN 55904).

Students take school pictures, pick up materials and technology, and class schedules.

Phoenix Academy Students


The first day for Phoenix Academy is August 28.

RALC


  • 9th-grade students start Monday, August 28.

  • 10th-12th grade students start Tuesday, August 29. 

Where can I find School Supply Lists?

School supply lists are listed below but can change based on subject-based needs. Students may find additional items are needed during the first week of school.

Dakota Middle School
5501 65th St NW,
Rochester, MN 55901
507.328.4530
School supply list

 

Kellogg Middle School
503 17th St. NE,
Rochester, MN 55906
507.328.5800
School supply list

 

John Adams Middle School
1525 31st St. NW, 
Rochester, MN 55901
507.328.5700
School supply list

Willow Creek Middle School
2425 11th Ave. SE,
Rochester, MN 55904
507.328.5900
School supply list

 

What about transportation information?

Bus route information has already been mailed, but please ensure that you have completed a registered rider form if you have a student enrolled in a district-wide option school or non-public school student to ensure your child is on the correct route. If you have questions about your transportation route, please email our transportation department or call 507.328.4260.