Looking for soemthing to do with students during winter break? Help Mayo Clinic name their cranes. Between now and 2030, 13 tower cranes will rise above Mayo Clinic’s Rochester campuses. To celebrate, Mayo Clinic is launching a community-wide “Name the Crane” contest, inviting the Rochester community to help name these icons of progress. Submit your idea and be part of the story as we build our city’s future together! Learn more: https://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester-construction/cranes
7 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
Before we officially begin winter break, we want to take a moment to celebrate the amazing students we have at RPS! During their annual fundraising competitions, our high school students raised a combined $123,077.95 for local organizations! Thank you, students, for all your hard work and effort to invest back into our community.
17 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
Mayo High School Give One For All 2025 fundraiser
John Marshall High School JM Gives 2025 fundraiser
Century High School Bear Creek at Century 2025 fundraiser
As we wrap up 2025, read Superintendent Pekel's end-of-year letter to see all that we've accomplished in our district: https://rochesterpsmn.edurooms.com/engage/rochester-public-schools/newsletters/superintendent-pekel-s-end-of-year-update.
17 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
As we wrap up 2025, read Superintendent Pekel's end-of-year letter to see all that we've accomplished in our district: https://rochesterpsmn.edurooms.com/engage/rochester-public-schools/newsletters/superintendent-pekel-s-end-of-year-update.
17 days ago, Rochester Public Schools

This is a reminder that there are no classes from Monday, December 22 through Friday, January 2. RPS classes will resume Monday, January 5 (Longfellow will resume Monday, January 12). Enjoy your Winter Break!

19 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
large_Reminder_No_School_-_social__2_

Winter is officially here, which means some of us are thinking about the potential of snow days! Learn more about how we determine snow days and what to expect with school closings in the event of inclement weather: http://www.rochesterschools.org/inclement-weather

about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
info on inclement weather

This is a reminder that there is no school on, Wednesday, November 26 through Friday, November 28, for Thanksgiving Break. RPS will resume normal operations and hours on Monday, December 1. Enjoy the long weekend!

about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
No School Wednesday, November 27 through Friday, November 29
Honoring all who served. Thank you, Veterans.
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Veterans Day social graphic
Honoring all who served. Thank you, Veterans.
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Veterans Day
RPS families: This is a reminder that there is no school on Thursday, October 16 and Friday, October 17, for MEA weekend. Enjoy the long weekend, and we'll see you on Monday, October 20!
3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
No school reminder for October 16 + 17
As part of our Attendance Matters initiative, we are sending all families an attendance update today. This message will provide a current snapshot of your student’s attendance record for the year so far. Our goal is to keep you informed and partner with you to support your student's learning. You can always view up-to-the-minute attendance data in Skyward. Learn more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/attendance-matters
3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Every day counts. Every student matters. Attendance is the first step to success!
Join the Dakota Middle School Glee Club! Join us after school on Monday and Wednesday @ 3:15 to 5:15. There are also morning enrichment opportunities Monday through Thursday 7:15 to 8:15. Email giuseppe.accardo@rochesterschools.org for more information!
3 months ago, Dakota Middle School
Glee club poster

Dakota has a chess team! Join us for after school practice on Tuesdays from 3:15 - 5:15. We'll be at the Rochester Scholastic Chess Tournament at Northrop on October 11! See more information about the tournament using the link below. If you have any questions about the Dakota chess club, email Giuseppe Accardo at giuseppe.accardo@rochesterschools.org.

Rochester Scholastic Chess Tournament info: https://bit.ly/RochesterScholasticChessTournament

3 months ago, Dakota Middle School
dakota chess club poster

To help our students fully engage in their learning, students are encouraged not to bring cell phones or other electronic devices, including smart watches and earbuds/airpods, to school. See more information about our cell phone procedures for each school level at https://rochesterschools.org/cell-phone-procedures

4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS Cell Phone procedures
It’s not every day you get up close and personal with a bird of prey — but Dakota Middle School students did just that! Earlier this year, Dakota Middle School students teamed up with Quarry Hill Nature Center and the Mayo Clinic Peregrine Falcon Program to learn about wildlife conservation by building a bird box right behind their school! They’ve been able to watch parent American kestrels hunt and nest for months, and now a few students and their science teachers got up close and personal with the kestrel chicks. A Quarry Hill staff member came by to weigh the five new kestrels in an ice cream bucket and add leg bands for tracking. He’ll share this data with the U.S. Geological Survey to help researchers better understand kestrels and the challenges their population faces.
4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Dakota Middle School science teacher holds up an American kestrel chick in a lush green field.
Quarry Hill Nature Center staff collects American kestrel chicks from a bird box in order to record their weight and band them.
A make-shift weighing station is set up in a verdant field to record the weight of 20-day-old American kestrel chicks for conservation.
An American kestrel chick lays in a paper towel padded ice cream bucket on a scale. She is mostly all feathered, but still has some fluffy white baby feathers.
In a green field, some people surround a man kneeling on the ground. He is a staff member at Quarry Hill Nature Center and is weighing American kestrel chicks as one of the bystanders takes notes of his measurements.
Quarry Hill Nature Center staff hands an open-beaked American kestrel chick to a student to gently hold.
Dakota Middle School science teacher holds up an American kestrel chick in a lush green field.
Man holds American kestrel chick.
Sometimes, knowing what steps to take can be hard when you are worried that your student's emotional or mental well-being might be impacted. RPS families have access to a confidential screener online at http://mentalhealthscreeningtools.com/. If the screener results indicate a reason for concern, or if you want to talk with a provider, schedule a free consultation with a mental health professional (https://ffcstaffconsults.as.me/).

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is also available for people experiencing emotional distress, mental health crises, or thoughts of suicide. You can call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org to connect with trained counselors anytime, 24/7.
4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
call or text 988

Rochester Public Schools uses the Standard Response Protocol in response to emergencies that may occur in our school buildings. Students and staff will train, practice, and drill the protocol throughout the year. Learn more about what "hold," "secure," "lockdown," "evacuate," and "shelter" mean: https://www.rochesterschools.org/standard-response-protocol

4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Standard response protocol list

RPS families: This is a reminder that except for Longfellow Elementary, there is no school on, Friday, August 29. RPS is also closed on Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day. Enjoy the long weekend, and we will see you next Tuesday!

4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
No school reminder for August 29
Welcome, new RPS teachers! We are thrilled to have you on board and hope you enjoyed your onboard training, speakers, and Superintendent Pekel's address. Thank you in advance for fostering inclusion, teaching topics close to your heart, and inspiring the young minds of our students!
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Group of new teachers smile and cheer for the winner of rock paper scissors.
At new teacher orientation, the speakers asks an audience member about a time they felt included.
New Rochester Public Schools teacher learns about the strategies of the district.
Superintendent Kent Pekel addresses new teachers in John Marshall High School Cafeteria.
Speakers warmly welcome new teachers to Rochester Public Schools.
Superintendent Kent Pekel addresses new teachers in John Marshall High School Cafeteria.
Don't miss a bell! Set your clocks with a reminder of the 2025-2026 School Bell Times. Check out your school's times here: www.rochesterschools.org/belltimes Important Update for Elementary Families: Please note that release times for select elementary schools have changed by 5 minutes. Make sure to double-check your student's specific school schedule!
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
School Bell Times for 2025-2026