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In our efforts to bridge the communication gap and further engage families in their student's education, RPS partners with TalkingPoints to introduce two-way communication into our school communities. Currently, our families are utilizing TalkingPoints in over 40 languages, helping families remove language barriers.
This school year, our staff and families have exchanged over two million messages through TalkingPoints. We hope to continue the conversation with you!
![Rochester Public Schools exchanges 2 million messages through Talking Points](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/7862284/large_Talking_Points_Message__1_.png)
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Our wonderful ALC Clinic Coordinator, Alina Bachman, drew out a large paint-by-number image of our school. Our staff and students have been helping to collaboratively paint it. She has some surprises planned for the background. Looking forward to how it comes together! #arttherapy #teambuilding
![Students paint a large paint by number canvas of our school.](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/7845063/large_Untitled_design__2_.png)
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Wishing a happy Rama Navami to those who celebrate.
![Rama Navami](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/7569097/large_Rama_Navami.png)
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You see them opening milk cartons in the lunchrooms, reading with students in the libraries, helping out on playgrounds, chaperoning field trips, and helping office staff stuff envelopes -- public school volunteers are a force, and we are happy to celebrate them this week!
![public school volunteers week](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/7144689/large_public_schools_volunteer_week__1_.png)
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This past Tuesday, many of our secondary students were recognized at the School Board meeting for their outstanding achievements in activities and athletics during the winter season. These photos show a few of the students who were able to be there in person. You can view the full list of students and their achievements at agenda item 4.1 at this link: https://bit.ly/4arDjNc. Congrats, RPS students!
![Collage of students](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/7782065/large_Blue_White_Bold_Colourful_Photo_Collage_Instagram_Post.png)
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Rochester Public Schools invites you to come and enjoy our spring plays starting April 25!
The Great Gatsby, presented by the Panther Playhouse of Century High School, opens Thursday, April 25, and runs through April 27, with play times from 7 p.m. and a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday.
I Hate Shakespeare, presented by Mayo Stage Door Backstage Pass of Mayo High School, opens April 26 and runs through April 28, with evening showings at 7 p.m. and a 1:00 p.m. matinee on Sunday.
Spy School, presented by John Marshall Theater of John Marshall High school, opens April 25 and runs through April 27 with evening showings at 7 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at the door or through the Hometown Fan app on your phone. To purchase tickets through the app, simply download the Hometown Fan app and search for Rochester High School hosting the play of your choice.
We hope to see you there!
![RPS HS Plays](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/7755199/large_HS_plays_spring_2024.png)
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We have started preparing bus routing for the 2024-25 school year. With boundary and school changes for the upcoming school year and changes in busing eligibility, there may be some changes in eligibility for students. To check if you are eligible for transportation, and more information visit https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1547378
![Transportation Information for the 2024-2025 School Year](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/7770503/large_2024-2025_Transportation_Information__1080_x_1080_px_.png)
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In honor of its 50th Anniversary this year, RPS Community Education is seeking submissions of artwork by our community members about our community to reinforce the lifelong learning mission of Community Education through our publications, event wear, items for sale, and other ways. Submissions are due April 30. Learn more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1544243
![Calling Community Artists!](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/7751863/large_CE_art_contest-03.png)
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Thankful for the University of Minnesota-Rochester "Imagination Studio" Art Collaboration! Students gathered for a final celebration event where they enjoyed a meal at the UMR campus, and engaged in a culminating art project that brought everyone's creations together from the quarter.
![students paint backgrounds for the bottom of the art piece](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/7765829/large_image1.jpeg)
![students paint backgrounds for the bottom of the art piece](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/7765825/large_image4.jpeg)
![students work on a collaborative art project](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/7765830/large_image10.jpeg)
![students work on a collaborative art project](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/7765828/large_image20.jpeg)
![students work on a collaborative art project](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/7765827/large_image11.jpeg)
![students work on a collaborative art project](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/7765826/large_image9.jpeg)
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Happy Eid al-Fitr to those who celebrate.
![Eid al-Fitr](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/7568921/large_Eid_al-Fitr.png)
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A reminder that districtwide ACT testing will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, April 10! Only 11th-grade students and 12th-grade students taking the ACTs should report to school. 9th and 10th-grade students do not report to school. If you have a 12th-grade student not taking the ACT tomorrow, that student does not have to report to school.
Please read the poster for more details.
![ACT testing 2024](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/7738327/large_Screenshot_2024-04-01_at_1.53.35_PM.png)
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May 6-10, 2024, is Teacher Appreciation Week! In addition to the many ways families, school leaders, and PTAs will thank our teachers for their work throughout that week (and year), we would like to send RPS teachers virtual cards as well. Fill out this form and we'll email your teacher with a card. This is the last week. Forms close this Friday. Learn more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1526966
![You're a spec-tacular teacher](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/7606408/large_you_re_a_spectacular_teacher.png)
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Wishing a happy Laylat-al-Qadr to those who celebrate.
![Laylat-al-Qadr (Muslim)](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/7568784/large_Laylat-al-Qadr__Muslim_.png)
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With the warmer weather moving back in, wrap up your spring break by getting outdoors! Our partner, Quarry Hill Nature Center, has over eight miles of hiking trails in Quarry Hill Park, some of the best fossil hunting, and the Harry L. Buck Children’s recreational pond. Guide your experience at Quarry Hill by checking out one of their free adventure packs for fun (and educational) activities! Plan your visit today: https://www.qhnc.org/park-and-trails
![Students feeling the branches of a Pussy Willow Tree in the spring around the pond at Quarry Hill.](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/7684122/large_April_at_Quarry_Hill.jpeg)
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April is Autism Acceptance Month. For six years, the Autism Society of America has promoted its #CelebrateDifferences campaign, working to empower everyone in the Autism community and to make sure that they feel connected, accepted, and celebrated for who they are. Differences should not be what divides us but unite us.
To learn more about Autism Acceptance Month, go to: https://autismsociety.org/autism-acceptance-month/
![Autism Acceptance Month graphic](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/7638732/large_autism_acceptance_month.png)
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We know it's spring break week and students aren't in session, but we're celebrating National Assistant Principal's Week! Our APs play a huge role in helping our buildings run smoothly, supporting our teachers and staff, and helping our students achieve their best! Thank you, APs!
![National Assistant Principals Week](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/7116532/large_national_assistant_principals_week__1_.png)
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Happy Easter to those who celebrate.
![easter](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/7138180/large_EASTER.png)
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Wishing a blessed Good Friday to those who celebrate.
![good friday](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/7137904/large_good_friday.png)
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May 6-10, 2024, is Teacher Appreciation Week! In addition to the many ways families, school leaders, and PTAs will thank our teachers for their work throughout that week (and year), we would like to send RPS teachers virtual cards as well. Fill out this form and we'll email your teacher with a card. Learn more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1526966
![Beary Big Thank you](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/7606263/large_thank_you_cards_2024-04.png)
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Wishing a Happy Holi to those who celebrate.
![holi](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/7137758/large_HOlI.png)