According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, it wasn't until two years after President Lincoln emancipated ensalved Africans in America that Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, TX on June 19, 1865, with the news of freedom. More than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state learned of their freedom that day. This day became known as #Juneteenth, a federal, and now Minnesota state holiday. Learn more at: https://nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth
All Rochester Public School District and Community Education programs and buildings will be closed Wednesday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. All programs, summer meal locations, and buildings will resume standard operating hours on Thursday, June 20.
Happy Father's Day to all the fathers, stepfathers, grandpas, foster dads, late fathers, future dads, bereaved fathers, hopeful dads, those with estranged relationships with their dads, and fatherly figures. Thank you for your contributions to our students, families, and communities.
According to VA.gov, Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.
Calling all RPS Middle School parents and students! Rochester Public Schools Community Education is partnering with the Search Institute to better understand middle school students' and parents' interests and needs around after-school activities. We are seeking parents of students who have and have not participated in afterschool activities to participate in focus groups. Focus groups will take place virtually during the evenings of June 24-27 and last for one hour. Participating parents will receive a $40 gift card from Search Institute for their time and insights.
Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/RPSAfterschool
Happy Shavuot to those who celebrate.
More free LGBTQ+ youth events this week! The movie night at Pop's Art Theater is open to all ages, and tickets can be reserved here: www.popsarttheater.com/seriesevents/21307-free-screening-of-wall-e. The other events are intended for youth entering grades 6-12. Learn more: www.rochesterce.org/lgbtq-youth. Community partners for this week's events include The Village Agricultural Cooperative, University of Minnesota Extension, University of Minnesota Rochester, and Pop's Art Theater. Thank you to Rochester Public School Foundation and Old Abe & Co. for providing generous financial support.
In celebration of our upcoming 50th Anniversary, we are happy to announce the 1st Annual ECFE 5K and Family Fun Run! You may have seen flyers around the Transportation Fair teasing this event—registration is now open! The Family Fun Run is free, but we do ask that you register ahead of time if possible. https://bit.ly/ECFE-Run
Thank you to all of our 2023-2024 retirees for your years of dedication to the students of Rochester Public Schools. You have made a difference in their lives! Wishing you a happy retirement.
Summer meals are back! Starting next Monday, June 10, free meals will be available for children ages 1-18. Meals for adults are also available at a small cost ($3 for breakfast and $5.25 for lunch). For locations, dates, and operating hours, visit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LKdY6RFqNy9Mf4fLmIzKrksSv6eaTLVf/view
Happy Pride Month! We are hosting free LGBTQ+ youth events all summer long. All youth entering grades 6-12 are welcome. Adult volunteers are needed too. Learn more: rochesterce.org/o/ce/page/lgbtq-youth
As we near the end of the school year, read a year in review memo from Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel. He writes about:
➡️ The Academic Agenda
➡️ Supports for Learning
➡️ Family Engagement
➡️ Improving the Organization
➡️ School Start Times and Transportation
➡️ Referendums and Reductions
➡️ What’s Ahead
Read the full memo at: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1624433
The RPS School Board voted unanimously to put forward an investment plan to Ignite Student Learning through a referendum. Voters will decide on November 5. View this Q&A to learn more about the Referendum: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1621656
On Memorial Day, we celebrate, honor, and remember those who gave their lives for our country. Thank you for your service!
Reminder: There is no school on Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day. Enjoy your three-day weekend!
All District buildings will be closed on Monday, May 27, and will reopen under normal operating hours on Tuesday, May 28!
Happy Vesak Day to those who celebrate.
At last night's School Board meeting, the Board voted to place a referendum on the November 5 ballot seeking $19.4 million annually to protect and enhance educational programs and student services. The referendum would support the district’s new investment plan to “Ignite Student Learning.” Guided by feedback from residents, this plan was developed to stabilize our operating budget, strengthen our curriculum, and support the programs that will ensure our students are ready for life after graduation. Read more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1611885
Due to predicted severe weather, RPS is canceling all after-school practices and games.
Here's what this means:
- All sporting events and practices are canceled.
- All activity buses are canceled.
- All Middle School After School classes and clubs offered through Community Education are canceled. All other Community Education programs are on as scheduled unless you receive a direct message from Community Education to the contrary.
Please check with your schools about their plans for PTSA meetings, concerts, and other events. The School Board meeting will still occur at the Edison Building starting at 5:30 p.m. If you cannot attend in person, you can livestream the board meeting at https://www.youtube.com/@ISD535.
Coming up next week, All Aboard the Big Yellow Bus! Seats are available for all 3 sessions. In this exciting course, your child will learn about bus safety through art, song, and discussion. They will also take a ride on the bus! Register today, https://bit.ly/BigYellowBusECFE
Our local Olmsted County Master Gardeners are providing S.M.A.R.T. Garden children's activities this summer! Experiencing nature is a great way for your child to grow personally. This opportunity can promote confidence, and social-emotional development along with fresh air and Vitamin D.
