Longfellow 45-15 Elementary School

Did you know that every public school student in Minnesota is part of a trust fund? Minnesota owns state public lands that generate revenue from timber, mining, and land leases. That money is placed into a protected investment trust dedicated strictly to supporting public school districts across the state. Due to investment growth, the fund has expanded from $675 million in 2010 to more than $2.3 billion today, but distributions have not kept pace because of outdated constitutional restrictions. This November, Minnesota voters can vote to increase the fund.

What does this ballot question change?

• Sends more money to classrooms: Current constitutional rules limit payouts primarily to interest and dividends, restricting how much money reaches schools. The amendment modernizes the formula to increase the annual distribution from 2-2.5% to 4.5% of the fund's total value, significantly increasing payments to all Minnesota public schools.

• Zero tax increase: It does not raise property, income, or sales taxes. It uses money already sitting in an existing investment fund.

• Bipartisan agreement: The update was unanimously recommended by a nonpartisan task force and received strong bipartisan support in both the Minnesota House and Senate.

Under Minnesota law, a constitutional amendment must receive approval from a majority of all voters. Skipping the question has the exact same mathematical impact as actively voting against it. To support the amendment, you must vote "YES." Leaving the question blank counts as a "NO" vote. You can learn more about this at www.mnpsfamendment.org.

Reminder: there is no school on Wednesday, September 23. RPS staff will participate in a Curriculum and Development (CAD) Day to plan instruction and engage in professional development. We will see students back in school on Thursday, September 24.

The school year is in full swing, and so is your chance to grab some RPS gear! Our Apparel Shop is open through Friday, September 18, 2026, and items will be available for pick up at your school at the end of October. Shop here: https://rps26longfellow.itemorder.com/shop/home/

Check out our awesome Quarter Three Leopard News! Way to go Newspaper Team!

Rochester Public Schools is the heart of a community focused on lifelong learning. Whether you are three years old or eighty-three, we believe in investing in our community's future by providing exceptional opportunities for everyone to grow.

➡️ We help our youngest learners flourish through 177 Preschool Enrichment classes, 105 Early Childhood Family Education classes, and 26 RPS Preschool classrooms.

➡️ Our youth students stay engaged and inspired through 767 Youth Enrichment and 21st Century programs designed to help them find their spark.

➡️ Learning doesn't stop at graduation. We host 655 Adult Enrichment classes, 241 Adults With Exceptional Abilities classes, and 116 unique offerings at Hawthorne Education.

Learn more about our Community Education program at https://www.rochesterce.org.

Due to anticipated extreme cold weather, RPS will be closed on Friday, January 23 (not Thursday, January 22).

Here’s what this means:

• Longfellow Elementary students will not report to school.

• The Non-School Day School Aged Child Care (SACC) at Bamber and Jefferson is canceled.

• Inclement Weather SACC will be open 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Northrop Education Center (201 8th St. NW).

  • To attend, families must be registered as a SACC participant, but do not need to have been previously signed up for the planned non-school day.

• All PAIIR, Preschool Age Child Care (PACC), Preschool, and Community Education daytime and evening classes, for early childhood, youth, adults, and adults with exceptional abilities, are canceled.

• Hawthorne Education Center is closed.

• All community building rentals are canceled.

• All Professional Growth Academy classes are canceled.

• Students enrolled in Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) should check with the higher education institution for inclement weather information.

• All high school, after-school athletic and activities practices, performances, and games are canceled.

Check out our Quarter One Longfellow Leopard News!
Longfellow Leopard Newspaper Q1

Longfellow raised $1,941.28 for the Alzheimer's Association in honor of Kristine Beck. Kristie served the RPS community for 19 years as a first-grade teacher at Sunset Terrace and Longfellow Elementary Schools. In her years of teaching, she inspired students and families to reach for the stars and be positive community members.

Longfellow teachers and RPS admin wore Green Bay Packer garb because it's Kristine's favorite team! That's how much we love her!

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