![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/profile/avatar/217959/circled_f71940cb-ca4a-4fb9-b5d9-ea42aa6627d3.png)
1 p.m. update: All activities and practices for this afternoon and evening are canceled.
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/profile/avatar/217959/circled_f71940cb-ca4a-4fb9-b5d9-ea42aa6627d3.png)
RPS will be closed today, January 12, 2024, due to inclement weather.
➡️ School Age Child Care (SACC) will be open 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Northrop Education Center (201 8th St. NW).
➡️ 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 reservations are canceled.
➡️ All Professional Growth Academy classes are canceled.
➡️ All high school, after school athletic and activities practices, performances, and games will continue to be evaluated and a final decision will be made by 3 p.m. We will communicate these decisions via our website, social media channels, and an email to high school families.
➡️ No supper meals will be provided.
![RPS is closed today](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6652142/large_inclement_weather.png)
![](https://thrillshare.com/fallback/circled_default_avatar.png)
Congrats to Mr. Lynch's advisory - winner of our "Winter Theme" advisory door decorating contest! We appreciate our community partners for being our judges! Before the break, students also participated in cookie decorating to delivery to our neighborhood businesses.
![door decorating](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6647249/large_20240111_101357.jpg)
![door decorating](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6647251/large_20240111_102227.jpg)
![door decorating](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6647253/large_20240111_102254.jpg)
![door decorating](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6647252/large_20240111_102337.jpg)
![door decorating](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6647250/large_20240111_102421.jpg)
![cookie decorating](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6647248/large_IMG_3881.jpg)
![cookie decorating](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6647246/large_IMG_3882.jpg)
![cookie decorating](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6647247/large_IMG_3890.jpg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/profile/avatar/240477/circled_75572f6f-809f-4322-bd97-814cb1e6ba64.png)
Wishing a happy Orthodox Christmas to those who celebrate!
![orthodox christmas](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6427752/large_orthodox_christmas.png)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/profile/avatar/217949/circled_65e62de3-0a35-4a23-89f2-70e179e54001.png)
Welcome back, everyone! We hope you had a wonderful winter break and have a fantastic start to the year!
![Welcome Back graphic](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6567577/large_welcome_back_to_2024.png)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/profile/avatar/240477/circled_75572f6f-809f-4322-bd97-814cb1e6ba64.png)
Wishing you a safe and happy New Year!
![Happy New Year](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6426701/large_new_year_2024.png)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/profile/avatar/240477/circled_75572f6f-809f-4322-bd97-814cb1e6ba64.png)
Happy Kwanzaa to those who celebrate! Wishing you light, happiness, and peace in the coming year!
![kwanzaa december 26-january 1](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/6247673/large_kwanzaa_2023.png)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/profile/avatar/240477/circled_75572f6f-809f-4322-bd97-814cb1e6ba64.png)
Wishing a very Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!
![Merry Christmas](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/6246367/large_christmas_2023.png)
![](https://thrillshare.com/fallback/circled_default_avatar.png)
Thank you to Mayo Clinic's Phlebotomy department for all of the wonderful donations that were dropped off for our Food Pantry and Resource Room. A special thank you for the Bath & Body Works sprays... These were a BIG hit with our students!
![bath and body works donation](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6535413/large_20231221_133625.jpg)
![](https://thrillshare.com/fallback/circled_default_avatar.png)
Our equity specialist, Ms. Spencer, and her students organized Spirit Week at the ALC! The hallways were filled with students and staff in pajamas, in all black, in ugly sweaters, and in outfits representing their favorite decade!
![spirit week](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6536331/large_20231219_112901.jpg)
![spirit week](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6536333/large_20231219_122246.jpg)
![spirit week](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6536330/large_20231219_144714.jpg)
![spirit week](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6536328/large_20231220_161140.jpg)
![spirit week](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6536332/large_20231220_161149.jpg)
![spirit week](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6536334/large_20231220_163320.jpg)
![spirit week](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6536329/large_20231221_100616.jpg)
![spirit week](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6536336/large_20231221_112556.jpg)
![spirit week](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6536338/large_20231221_132204.jpg)
![spirit week](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6536337/large_20231221_144601.jpg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/profile/avatar/240477/circled_75572f6f-809f-4322-bd97-814cb1e6ba64.png)
Remember that RPS Winter Break is December 22- January 2. We hope you enjoy some time off with your family and friends and can't wait to see you in the new year!
![RPS Winter Break reminder](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/6245843/large_winter_break_2023.png)
![](https://thrillshare.com/fallback/circled_default_avatar.png)
It was Service Learning Day at the ALC today! Students signed up for a volunteering experience. Some of the options were: sorting produce at Channel One, making birthday boxes for the ALC food pantry, mentoring elementary school students and a cookie mix in a jar activity, and spending time at a senior living center. (More photos to come!)
![volunteering at channel one](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6521919/large_20231220_091911.jpg)
![volunteering at channel one](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6521918/large_20231220_093017.jpg)
![making cake boxes](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6521917/large_image000001_3_.jpg)
![making cake boxes](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6521914/large_image000003_1_.jpg)
![volunteering with elementary school students](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6521913/large_IMG_1041_1_.jpg)
![volunteering with elementary school students](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6521915/large_IMG_1043.jpg)
![caroling at a senior center](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6521920/large_IMG_4506.jpg)
![caroling at a senior center](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6521921/large_IMG_4508.jpg)
![](https://thrillshare.com/fallback/circled_default_avatar.png)
At the ALC, we believe in helping students learn positive ways of socializing with each other. Here, students are playing a variety of card games, engaging in Lego challenges, getting active during Disc Golf at Gamehaven Reservoir, and birdwatching together at Quarry HIll. #schoolcommunity
![playing cards](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6468744/large_IMG_1123.jpg)
![playing cards](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6468746/large_IMG_1124.jpg)
![playing cards](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6468745/large_IMG_1125.jpg)
![disc golf](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6468740/large_IMG_1911.jpg)
![birdwatching](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6468739/large_IMG_1942.jpg)
![lego challenge](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6468743/large_unnamed__3_.jpg)
![lego challenge](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6468741/large_unnamed__4_.jpg)
![lego challenge](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6468742/large_unnamed.jpg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/profile/avatar/217959/circled_f71940cb-ca4a-4fb9-b5d9-ea42aa6627d3.png)
Today, the Mayo Clinic announced a gift of $10 million to Rochester Public Schools to enable the school district to sustain the implementation of the district’s strategic plan for academic transformation. As a result of the gift, Dr. Pekel has made important changes in the Attendance Options Redesign proposal that incorporates insights gained from the extensive feedback that the school district has sought on the proposal since the release of the first draft of the Redesign. View the updated proposal here: https://www.rochesterschools.org/attendance‑options‑redesign
![December 20, 2023 announcement](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6509551/large_122023_Announcement.png)
![](https://thrillshare.com/fallback/circled_default_avatar.png)
Congrats to November's ALC Students of the Month! Each month, staff nominate students across our Day School, Night School, and Success Lab programs. They write a note explaining to their student why they were chosen and what they appreciate about them. #schoolcommunity
![ALC students of the month for November](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6468817/large_20231214_123312.jpg)
![](https://thrillshare.com/fallback/circled_default_avatar.png)
A HUGE thank you to Autumn Ridge Church for purchasing holiday gifts for 50 of our students, meeting their individual needs and wants, up to $50/student. Appreciate the love and kindness towards our ALC community.
![Students receive Angel Tree gifts from Autumn Ridge](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6493904/large_20231218_104727.jpg)
![Students receive Angel Tree gifts from Autumn Ridge](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6493903/large_20231218_114335.jpg)
![Students receive Angel Tree gifts from Autumn Ridge](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6493905/large_20231218_114301.jpg)
![Students receive Angel Tree gifts from Autumn Ridge](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6493907/large_20231218_142922.jpg)
![Students receive Angel Tree gifts from Autumn Ridge](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6493906/large_20231218_114329.jpg)
![Students receive Angel Tree gifts from Autumn Ridge](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6493909/large_20231218_114312.jpg)
![](https://thrillshare.com/fallback/circled_default_avatar.png)
We wanted to get food delivered straight to our families in our holiday boxes. Our food pantry was nearly cleared out, when Autumn Ridge dropped off 10 food boxes. Students helped to unpack them, and now both our healthy snack cabinet and food pantry are full again. At the same time, local company Vanicream donated shampoo, conditioner, soap, and other hygiene items. So thankful. (Our food pantry and resource room are available to all students and families.) #communityschool
![nearly empty food pantry after packing holiday boxes](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6468633/large_20231215_123536.jpg)
![students help to unpack food boxes](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6468632/large_20231215_123914.jpg)
![food pantry is full](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6468635/large_20231215_131340.jpg)
![food pantry is full](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6468631/large_20231215_131555.jpg)
![Autumn Ridge delivers food boxes](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6468637/large_20231215_102836.jpg)
![Vanicream donation](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6468636/large_20231215_133407.jpg)
![Vanicream donation](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6468634/large_20231215_134304.jpg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/profile/avatar/217959/circled_f71940cb-ca4a-4fb9-b5d9-ea42aa6627d3.png)
We are postponing the Attendance Options Redesign Information Sessions scheduled for in-person tonight, Monday, December 18, at 7 p.m. and tomorrow, Tuesday, December 19, 2023, virtually at 12 p.m. and in-person at 7 p.m., to provide school district staff with additional time to prepare an updated version of the Attendance Options Redesign proposal that we plan to announce in the coming days.
You are welcome to continue providing feedback via the feedback forms on our website at www.rochesterschools.org/attendance-options-redesign.
Rescheduled dates will be announced soon.
![remaining information sessions postponed](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6482761/large_remaining_info_sessions_postponed.png)
![](https://thrillshare.com/fallback/circled_default_avatar.png)
We love bringing students out into the community. Our 9th graders got a behind-the-scenes look at the public library, and our APEX Recovery School students are helping local artist, Mary Beth Magyar, each week on the Soldier's Field Pool House mural. Seniors in the STRIVE Mentorship program (in partnership with the Rotary Club) attended a night of personalized tours of RCTC's main campus and the Heintz Center to learn about a variety of programs.
![students help with mural](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6468765/large_image000000_4_.jpg)
![students help with mural](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6468764/large_image000000_5_.jpg)
![public library visit](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6468771/large_Image-3.jpeg)
![public library visit](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6468772/large_Image-6__1_.jpeg)
![RCTC tour](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6468767/large_20231214_163927.jpg)
![RCTC tour](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6468768/large_20231214_170035.jpg)
![RCTC tour](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6468766/large_20231214_173915.jpg)
![RCTC tour](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6468770/large_20231214_174814.jpg)
![RCTC tour](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6468769/large_20231214_184440.jpg)
![](https://thrillshare.com/fallback/circled_default_avatar.png)
Night School staff organized the program's first Student-Centered Learning day. Students signed up for different experiences, including resin art, making dog toys/treats for Paws & Claws, boxing, organized games at Rush World, designing gingerbread houses, learning cookie decorating from Red Barn Bakery, and knitting. A fun evening!
![students participate in a student-centered learning day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6467187/large_20231214_153545.jpg)
![students participate in a student-centered learning day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6467189/large_20231214_153653.jpg)
![students participate in a student-centered learning day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6467186/large_20231214_153848.jpg)
![students participate in a student-centered learning day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6467184/large_20231214_154056.jpg)
![students participate in a student-centered learning day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6467183/large_IMG_1539.jpg)
![students participate in a student-centered learning day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6467188/large_20231214_154307.jpg)
![students participate in a student-centered learning day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6467185/large_20231214_154328.jpg)
![students participate in a student-centered learning day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6467191/large_IMG_1033.jpg)
![students participate in a student-centered learning day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6467190/large_IMG_3251.jpg)
![students participate in a student-centered learning day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/rochester_public_schools__mn_ar/live_feed_image/image/6467192/large_IMG_3254.jpg)