Join us in celebrating the amazing people who make our schools a place where every student thrives in school and in life. As a small gesture of gratitude, we're continuing our annual tradition by inviting you to share a few words of encouragement with a staff member who has made a positive impact on you or your student. Your message can go a long way in brightening someone's day and reminding them just how appreciated they are. This year's cards are a nod to Rochester landmarks.

Visit www.rochesterschools.org/staff-appreciation and choose a card (or two) to send a brief, heartfelt message. We'll make sure your words are delivered to staff members during the week of May 11-15. Submissions will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, April 10.

6 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
Send a message of thanks

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

7 days ago, Longfellow 45-15 District-Wide Elementary

RPS is canceling school tomorrow, Monday, March 16, in anticipation of the blizzard warning issued by the National Weather Service.

Here’s what this means:

  • Due to the anticipated severity of the storm, this is a complete district building closure. We will not be clearing parking lots until the storm has passed.

  • School Age Child Care will be closed.

  • All PAIIR, Preschool Age Child Care, 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.

  • All after-school activities and athletics are canceled.

10 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
Jaycob's calling a Snow Day! No School tomorrow, Monday, March 16 - Inclement Weather - Full district closure
The sun was out, the birds were chirping, and it felt like spring had officially sprung... but the inbox tells a different story. Ever since Jaycob took over "Snow Day Training" a few weeks ago (see the video here if you missed it: https://youtu.be/jPwjsoXBMy4?si=JZ9a1_58bleNVRNg), he’s been flooded with dozens of emails from students (and maybe a few parents 😉) asking for one thing: SNOW DAY.

Even our tiniest lobbyists are getting involved! Check out this video of Ms. Heil's kindergarteners making their formal plea to Jaycob: https://youtu.be/sIDZXtotrkA

Now, with a "historic winter storm" potentially hitting this Sunday into Monday, the whole district is asking the same question: WHAT WILL JAYCOB DO?

Stay tuned... the forecast is looking interesting...
13 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
What will Jaycob do?
As we close out celebrating Public Schools Week, we want to highlight that our commitment to our families goes far beyond the school building. Every day, our buses travel 12,250 miles to bring our kids together. These miles represent our vision that every student thrives in school and in life. No matter where they live in our community, we are here to provide the connection they need to succeed. You can learn more about our transportation options at www.rochesterschools.org/transportation.

#PublicSchoolsWeek #PSW26
27 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
12,250 miles driven daily
At Rochester Public Schools, our Vision is that every student thrives in school and in life—and that journey starts early. Last year, we welcomed 1,223 young learners for their Early Childhood Screening.

By checking in on vision, hearing, and development after a child's 3rd birthday, we are living out our Value of Supporting the whole student. These free, fun screenings help us paint a picture of a child’s unique skills while connecting families with the resources they need.

Learn more about Early Childhood Screenings at https://www.rochesterce.org/early-childhood-screening
27 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
1,223 early childhood screenings completed last year

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.

27 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
2087 classes offered through community education
Our value of ensuring excellence through evidence means we use data and proven practices to help our students grow. To date, 90% of RPS 8th graders have used Xello to discover careers connected to their personal interests. By using these tools, we are investing in our community’s future and preparing the next generation of thinkers and doers. Discover more about how our students use the Xello tool at www.rochesterschools.org/xello.

#PublicSchoolsWeek #PSW26
28 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
90% of 8th graders used Xello to discover career interests
At Rochester Public Schools, we want every student to be “Challenged to Strive and Supported to Thrive.” With more than 120 extracurricular options for our secondary students, we live out our Value of building belonging and connection. By offering a wide variety of activities, we ensure every student can find a place where they belong, helping them develop the social skills and confidence needed to pursue a fulfilling path. Learn more about our mission at www.rochesterschools.org/about.

#PublicSchoolsWeek #PSW26

28 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
120+ extra curricular options
To help our students flourish, we focus on our value of supporting the whole student. This includes their physical well-being, which is why our nutrition team serves over 16,000 meals every single day. Meeting these basic needs is essential to our mission: to equip every student with the resilience to pursue a fulfilling path. Learn more about our Student Nutrition Services Department at https://www.rochesterschools.org/student-nutrition.

#PublicSchoolsWeek #PSW26
29 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
5,313 breakfasts and 11,191 lunches served daily
We are proud of our vibrant school communities! Building belonging and connection is a key RPS Value. With 87 languages spoken by our students, we have much to celebrate. Embracing these perspectives creates an environment where every student feels at home and ready to learn. Learn more about our values at www.rochesterschools.org/about.

#PublicSchoolsWeek
30 days ago, Rochester Public Schools
87 languages spoken by 4188 students
Meet Sonya! She's here to pull back the curtain and help you lead the way in your students’ learning journey. Through our Caregiver and Parent Empowerment (CAPE) virtual courses, Sonya provides the roadmap you need to support your elementary student and master the "ins and outs" of our District.

Don't do it alone—join an online session in March and get the inside scoop! Save your spot here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SriIzGC_CNlScaRNM0hOWHRlbTy-5s6Wf_a9NZVBbUU/viewform?edit_requested=true
about 1 month ago, Rochester Public Schools
Sonya Chives, Family Engagement specialist leading a Caregiver and Parent Empowerment online session for elementary schools on her work computer while looking at the camera and smiling.
At its scheduled meeting on February 3, the Rochester Public Schools (RPS) Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a resolution ratifying the district’s continued commitment to providing a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students, regardless of immigration status.

Read more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/2683660
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Media Release
At its scheduled meeting on February 3, the Rochester Public Schools (RPS) Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a resolution ratifying the district’s continued commitment to providing a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students, regardless of immigration status.

Read more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/2683660
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Media Release
Registration for Middle School Band for the 2026-2027 school year is open!
Current 5th grade students who want to participate in band must complete the linked form before Friday, March 6. Additionally, families should wait to complete the form until after the scheduled in-person visit or Google Meet between the middle school music teachers and their student's current 5th grade classroom.
https://forms.gle/XvjRLvCwcno1JaD26
Classroom visit information can be found at the website below.
https://www.rochesterschools.org/page/music-registration
about 2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Middle School Band Registration Graphic

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.

2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS closed January 23 due to anticipated extreme cold weather
Longfellow families: This is a reminder that school is in session on Friday, January 23!

2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
School in Session

RPS families: This is a reminder that there is no school on Monday, January 19, 2026, and RPS offices will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

2 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
No school for MLK on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026
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.
3 months 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.
3 months ago, Rochester Public Schools