Referendum

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

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

In education, part of our job is to meet students where they are. Every student has a unique relationship with learning. From their learning preferences to how their brain explores concepts, education isn't a "one size fits all" experience. At Rochester Public Schools, our Advanced Learning program helps meet the needs of students who are ready for more challenging content and require experiences beyond the traditional classroom setting. https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1792714

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.

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

Today, RPS students in the American Indian Education program gathered at Peace Plaza for the Indigenous Peoples' Day proclamation, Powwow Drum and Dance, Imnizaska and Dancers, and Pakki Party Dancers. In classrooms, students across the district will also be participating and learning about Indigenous Peoples' Day and the traditions and cultures of Indigenous communities across the nation.

Our students took a bite out of the day for Apple Crunch day! This month, all of our students have been receiving local apples for lunch from ApplesRUs as part of #MNFarmtoSchool month! We can tell you that our students are loving these fresh, fragrant, and juicy apples!

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

Stevie Bertram is a second-grade teacher at Pinewood Elementary. Stevie is a former RPS student who attended Ben Franklin Elementary, Willow Creek Middle School, and Mayo High School. Read more about why she chose to return to work at RPS: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1804267 #CelebrateRPS

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

There is help. Students and staff can always use 988 to call, text, or chat with a lifeline counselor 24/7/365. RPS also offers resources for students and staff with our confidential screener (http://mentalhealthscreeningtools.com/), or if you want to talk with a provider, schedule a free consultation with a mental health professional (https://ffcstaffconsults.as.me/). There is hope.

Listen to Superintendent Pekel explain what's at stake for RPS this election when voters consider an operating levy increase that would stabilize our budget, allowing RPS to avoid school closures, protect class sizes, and maintain student programs and services: bit.ly/3MRUWLR

Does your student ride a school bus? Families using transportation can download the First View app to see where their student's buses are. The district code for the app is M6QE. Check it out!

In case you missed it! Read the recent op-ed by RPS School Board Chair Cathy Nathan, which explains why we put forward the Ignite Student Learning referendum to stabilize our finances and continue helping all students reach their full potential. ➡️ bit.ly/3XCaF6X

A reminder that there is no school tomorrow, Wednesday, September 25, for all students. Your teachers and administrators will be participating in professional development, reviewing assessment data, and planning instruction. We look forward to seeing you on Thursday!

If your student is struggling with their mental health, often the best thing they can do is to share their feelings with someone. Many people suffering from mental illness stay silent, which only makes their symptoms worse. There is help available, and even just sharing your student's worries, thoughts, and feelings may help them feel better. The first step you can take right now is to complete the mental health screener (http://mentalhealthscreeningtools.com/). If the screener indicates a concern, share the results with a trusted adult or schedule an appointment with someone on the Emotional and Mental Well-being Team.

Shout out to RPS Computer Science and Information Technology Teacher Matt Frazier and all of the CTECH AP Computer Science students for this #CelebrateRPS moment: Through a combination of increased volunteer support, 1:1 student assessment reflection, feedback, and correction, and student-to-student exam preparation presentations, the mean AP Computer Science A exam score increased from 2.8 in 2023 (slightly below state average) to 3.54 in 2024 (significantly above state average). Congrats, Matt and students! -- Submit your #CelebrateRPS moment for us to highlight at www.rochesterschools.org/celebrateRPS

Early voting begins TODAY! This election, voters will decide whether to approve an operating levy increase to stabilize the RPS budget, protect class sizes, strengthen academic and career programs and more. Explore RochesterSchools.org/referendum for more information.

Shout out to the Sunset Terrace kindergarten team for this #CelebrateRPS submission: The Sunset Terrace Elementary School Kindergarten team consisting of Bri Johnson, Sarah (Taraba) Gooley, and Nate Ketchum -- along with their amazing custodian Tony (Jose) Mozqueda quickly prepared a kindergarten classroom for their newly hired teacher Mary Bell on their day off right before Step Into Learning this year so Mary could come into a room set up and ready to go to be able to meet her new students and help families feel welcome! Going above and beyond for our families is just one of the many fabulous characteristics of our great teachers! -- Submit your #CelebrateRPS moments to be highlighted at www.rochesterschools.org/celebrateRPS

Mark your calendars: Early voting for the "Ignite Student Learning" referendum starts this Friday, September 20. You can vote early via absentee ballot or in person at the Olmsted County Elections Office. Visit RochesterSchool.org/referendum to learn more about early voting.