Where does Rochester rank in the funding we receive? In this short video, Superintendent Pekel shares a fact about funding for RPS that has surprised people across our community. Check it out: https://youtu.be/b7edFAoSosU
As the weather gets colder and it remains darker during morning commutes, a reminder to go slow around school zones and pay attention to school buses. Always be prepared to stop for school buses.
🛑 Stop for a school bus with its flashing red lights activated and the stop-arm extended.
🛑 Stop at least 20 feet from a school bus.
🛑 Remain stopped until the stop-arm is retracted and the red lights are turned off.
Do you have any questions about the referendum? Want to learn more before you head to the polls? Join us tonight for our final virtual referendum information session at 7 p.m.
We're ⭐one week⭐ away from Election Day! On the ballot, voters will consider the Ignite Student Learning proposal to raise the operating levy, stabilize RPS’ budget, and protect essential student programs and services.
Check out our Straight Answers to 20 Big Referendum Questions webpage to learn more: https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/straight-answers.
RPS serves more students in our community than all other schools combined. The Ignite Student Learning referendum asks voters to consider funding to protect the resources that help these students thrive.
Learn about this important decision: RochesterSchools.org/Referendum
This week, with the help of TRBHI, a company owned by an RPS parent, we launched a new AI Chatbot to help answer questions about the referendum. You can view the Chatbot and ask your specific questions at https://thedecision.ai/.
Listen to students and staff explain what’s at risk this election with the Ignite Student Learning referendum. If voters reject the levy increase, RPS will face major cuts, including to counseling and programs that promote student health and well-being: youtu.be/qDSmxDIqbAQ
RPS is the 7th largest district in MN but ranks last in voter-approved school funding among districts with 10,000 or more students. The Ignite Student Learning referendum asks voters to consider an operating levy increase to help students thrive. Learn more: https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/the-plan
Craving delicious Italian food? Support our upcoming STEM Fair by ordering from Sorellina's on Sunday, November 3rd!
All day on November 3rd, 25% of every purchase will go directly to funding our STEM Fair, helping us bring exciting science, technology, engineering, and math activities to the community. 🧪🔬🚀
How you can help:
1 - Order your favorite dish from Sorellina's.
2 - Mention our STEM Fair fundraiser when you pick up or place your order.
3 - Enjoy a great meal while supporting a great cause!
Let's make this year's STEM Fair a huge success—one delicious bite at a time!
You can vote early now through November 4, and you can vote early in person on Saturday, October 26, 2024, and November 2, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, hours are extended from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Learn more: https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/voting-information
Have you ever wondered what MEA is and why students don't have school in the middle of October? Check out this article from the Star Tribune explaining this two-day break: https://www.startribune.com/mea-weekend-minnesota-educators-academy-explained-third-week-october/600313386
Thank you to all the families who joined us at Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo! 🦉🐾 We had such a great time exploring the park, crafting, sharing stories, and meeting the animals together. Your energy and enthusiasm made the day extra special. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! ❤️🌳
If the Ignite Student Learning referendum is approved in November, the operating levy increase will protect essential teaching positions, classes, and programs that empower all students. Learn more about our proposed plan: RochesterSchools.org/referendum
A reminder that there is no school for students on Thursday, October 17, and Friday, October 18, for MEA (Minnesota Educators Academy). We will see students back in school on Monday, October 21.
Last week, ECFE celebrated Fire Prevention Week with a variety of engaging activities to teach our students about fire safety.
Our students took a bite out of the day for Apple Crunch day! This month, all of our students have been receiving local apples for lunch from ApplesRUs as part of #MNFarmtoSchool month! We can tell you that our students are loving these fresh, fragrant, and juicy apples!
At the School Board meeting on Tuesday, October 8, the School Board voted unanimously to direct Superintendent Pekel to develop a 2025-2026 general fund budget recommendation that includes reductions if the Ignite Student Learning referendum plan is not passed by voters on November 5, 2024. Read more about what this budget recommendation would include: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1811261
For our AwEA participants joining us on Friday for the movie, our new theatre location is CMX Cinema, 3450 East Circle Drive NE, Rochester. This month's movie is The Wild Robot, starting at 7 pm and ending at 8:45 pm. Our staff will be there with your tickets at 6:45 pm. Please do not arrive more than 15 minutes before the show time as you will not be allowed into the movie or concessions area until you have collected your ticket from the Community Education staff.
Join us at Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo! 🦉🌲
Catch the bus or meet us there! Bring the family along for a fun-filled day of exploring nature, meeting wildlife, and creating unforgettable memories! This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the beauty of Oxbow Park and see the animals up close at Zollman Zoo—all at no cost!
📅 Date: Saturday, October 12
🕙 Time: 10 AM-12 PM
📍 Location: Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo
Don't miss out—space is limited if you want to join us on the bus, so sign up soon! 🐻🐢 Registration is only required if you are riding the bus, https://rochester.ce.eleyo.com/course/ecfe/23360/2024-fall-ecfe/outing-at-oxbow#0710-120
Thank you to everyone who came out to our 1st Annual Rochester ECFE 5K & Family Fun Run! 🏃♀️🎉
We had an incredible turnout and couldn’t be more grateful for your support. It was a joy to see so many families, runners, and community members enjoying the event together. Your participation helps us continue supporting families in the Rochester community.
