This is a reminder that there is no school on, Wednesday, November 26 through Friday, November 28, for Thanksgiving Break. RPS will resume normal operations and hours on Monday, December 1. Enjoy the long weekend!
Honoring all who served. Thank you, Veterans.
Honoring all who served. Thank you, Veterans.
As part of our Attendance Matters initiative, we are sending all families an attendance update today. This message will provide a current snapshot of your student’s attendance record for the year so far. Our goal is to keep you informed and partner with you to support your student's learning. You can always view up-to-the-minute attendance data in Skyward. Learn more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/attendance-matters
It was a perfect morning for Walk to School Day! Pinewood Elementary students hopped off the bus at Bear Creek Park, then walked the rest of the way along Marion Road—practicing safe walking skills with friends and crossing guards. Mayor Norton, the Rochester Police Department, the School Board, Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel, and even Slider from the Rochester Honkers joined in as well!
Rochester Public Schools uses the Standard Response Protocol in response to emergencies that may occur in our school buildings. Students and staff will train, practice, and drill the protocol throughout the year. Learn more about what "hold," "secure," "lockdown," "evacuate," and "shelter" mean: https://www.rochesterschools.org/standard-response-protocol
Welcome, new RPS teachers! We are thrilled to have you on board and hope you enjoyed your onboard training, speakers, and Superintendent Pekel's address. Thank you in advance for fostering inclusion, teaching topics close to your heart, and inspiring the young minds of our students!
Don't miss a bell! Set your clocks with a reminder of the 2025-2026 School Bell Times. Check out your school's times here: www.rochesterschools.org/belltimes
Important Update for Elementary Families:
Please note that release times for select elementary schools have changed by 5 minutes. Make sure to double-check your student's specific school schedule!
Attendance matters, all day, every school day! Plan ahead by downloading the 2025-2026 calendar to sync your schedules for the upcoming school year. Download the calendar today: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xrFqCZIbB6lkqDN40P_UVOcFxWJSgS_J?usp=drive_link
We're preparing for the 2025–2026 school year, and we need your help to plan safe, efficient bus routes. Update your student’s transportation info now!
If your student is in grades 10–12, a district‑wide option student, or a non‑public student needing after‑school busing, complete an RPS Registered Rider Form. Address change, foster care, joint custody, and alternate site forms are also on our website. Whether your student is returning, new, or has updated needs, let us know: www.rochesterschools.org/transportation
All summer meal locations are now open and operating under their normal hours. Come and join us for a FREE meal for children 18 years of age or younger. Adult meals are also offered for a small fee. Check out our menus, locations, and meal times online: https://www.rochesterschools.org/page/summer-meals
All RPS buildings and programs, including summer meal locations and summer school-aged child care (SACC), will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. We will resume normal operations on Monday, July 7, 2025. We wish you and your families a safe and happy Fourth of July!
All RPS buildings and programs, including summer meal locations and summer school-aged child care (SACC), will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2024, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. We will resume normal operations on Monday, July 7, 2024. We wish you and your families a safe and happy Fourth of July!
We're in the heart of summer, soaking up the sun! But just like your favorite ice cream cone, summer eventually has to end. And that means getting ready for a new school year! While it might feel early to trade in your swimsuits for notebooks, consider getting a head start on your back-to-school supplies. Get your list here: https://www.rochesterschools.org/schoolsupplies
SPECIAL HOURS: Our summer meal program will only operate out of three locations from June 30 to July 3, and all locations will be closed on July 4. Visit Franklin, Overland, or Washington Elementary for summer meals this week! For more information, visit www.rochesterschools.org/summermeals.
Looking for a quick and nutritious summer meal? Visit one of our summer meal locations for breakfast or lunch! Meals are FREE for children 18 or younger and a small fee for adults. Check out our menus, locations, and meal times online: https://www.rochesterschools.org/page/summer-meals
Please note that meals must be consumed on location and that all summer meal locations will be closed for Juneteenth and reopen on June 20 at locations that operate Monday through Friday.
Two big cats, under one big roof. The Pinewood Panthers and the Longfellow Leopards display their new mural at the entrance of their school!
What an incredible 2024-2025 school year! As we close the books on another year, we want to thank our amazing students, staff, and families for making it so special. Your hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm made this year truly memorable.
We've loved every moment of learning, growing, and achieving together. While we're sad to see it end, we're already looking forward to continuing the adventure with all of you next school year!
We forgot to mention a big accomplishment from this school year: the passing of the 2024 Ignite Student Learning Referendum! Watch this brief video from Superintendent Pekel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQK9P5NxpZU
As the 2024–2025 school year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of the highlights from the past ten months. This list doesn’t capture everything great that happened in our schools, but I hope it gives you a sense of the extraordinary work we’ve done together. Everyone connected to Rochester Public Schools (RPS) should feel proud of what we’ve accomplished—and even more excited about what lies ahead. Read Superintendent Pekel's End Of Year Review: https://bit.ly/end-of-year-review-2025
