Listen to RPS students explain the Ignite Student Learning referendum that is on the November ballot!
The video shows how the proposed levy increase would stabilize district finances and support the programs and services that help students thrive: https://youtu.be/2-Y2VWb-wA8
Listen to Superintendent Pekel explain what's at stake for RPS this election when voters consider an operating levy increase that would stabilize our budget, allowing RPS to avoid school closures, protect class sizes, and maintain student programs and services: bit.ly/3MRUWLR
Today -- A LIVE, one-day donation drive!
Riverside Elementary is grateful for ABC 6 - KAAL TV, United Way, and the Rochester community for your help in restocking our Community School Resource Rooms! These rooms help families access basic necessities in six schools across our city.
You can drop hygiene donations off at United Way (903 West Center St.) from 6am-7pm today, Thursday, 9/26!
The following is a list of some of the items needed to restock the Resource Rooms:
Full-Size Shampoo & Conditioner (for textured hair types as well)
Lotion
Body Wash
Toothpaste & Toothbrushes
Chapstick
Deodorant
Hair Brushes
Laundry Detergent
Hand Soap
Kleenex Boxes
Toilet Paper
Learn more here!
https://www.kaaltv.com/stuff-the-resource-room/
Does your student ride a school bus? Families using transportation can download the First View app to see where their student's buses are. The district code for the app is M6QE. Check it out!
In case you missed it! Read the recent op-ed by RPS School Board Chair Cathy Nathan, which explains why we put forward the Ignite Student Learning referendum to stabilize our finances and continue helping all students reach their full potential. ➡️ bit.ly/3XCaF6X
A reminder that there is no school tomorrow, Wednesday, September 25, for all students. Your teachers and administrators will be participating in professional development, reviewing assessment data, and planning instruction. We look forward to seeing you on Thursday!
Thank you to Pasquale's Neighborhood Pizzeria for providing a large donation to our Community Schools in Rochester. Our families appreciate this delicious, quality food.
Riverside Central, Franklin, and Gage Elementary School were stocked with thousands of apples during the first two weeks of school. This generous gift came from a team of people mentioned here. Thank you to everyone who provided these scrumptious apples for our students.
Early voting begins TODAY! This election, voters will decide whether to approve an operating levy increase to stabilize the RPS budget, protect class sizes, strengthen academic and career programs and more.
Explore RochesterSchools.org/referendum for more information.
Mark your calendars: Early voting for the "Ignite Student Learning" referendum starts this Friday, September 20.
You can vote early via absentee ballot or in person at the Olmsted County Elections Office.
Visit RochesterSchool.org/referendum to learn more about early voting.
Why is RPS facing a budget deficit?
➡️ State funding hasn’t kept up with inflation or the rising cost of staff salaries, utilities, and school equipment.
➡️ Of the 15 MN districts with 10,000+ students, RPS ranks last in voter-approved local funding.
Visit RochesterSchools.org/referendum to learn more.
Join us tonight to hear what the three psychological needs are that need to be met to enable a young person to learn, develop, and achieve their full potential. In his first State of the School District Address, RPS Superintendent Kent Pekel will answer that question and provide an engaging overview of how Rochester Public Schools is working to meet those three essential psychological needs for more than 17,000 young people in our community. The event will also feature performances and observations from RPS students on the state of our schools, our school system, and our city. Thanks to a generous donation, the evening will conclude with frozen treats from La Michoacana Purepecha.
Whether you are a parent or caregiver who seeks to help your children succeed or a member of the Rochester community who wants to help all children succeed or both, please join us for what promises to be an important and enjoyable evening. See you at 7 p.m. at the John Marshall High School auditorium (1510 14th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901).
It was a beautiful week to taking learning outside at Riverside Central Elementary. Ms. Norris and her class enjoyed smelling herbs from the garden along with a discussion in the hammocks while Ms. Weinmann's class focused on rhythm and beat.
Make your voice heard about the referendum to support RPS. Early voting starts on Friday, Sept. 20! You can learn more about the "Ignite Student Learning" plan to provide financial stability that will support our students by visiting RochesterSchools.org/referendum.
If approved by voters this Nov., funding from the school referendum will eliminate our budget deficit and provide the financial stability we need to continue inspiring, challenging, and empowering all students to reach their full potential. Find out more: RochesterSchools.org/referendum
#WorldSuicidePreventionDay At Rochester Public Schools, we recognize the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being. Let's take this opportunity to break the stigma around mental health and support each other. Whether it's checking in on a friend, practicing self-care, or seeking professional help, every action counts. Let's work together to create a community that values mental health and provides support to those who need it.
Find Resources Below:
➡️ 988 Suicide & Lifeline Call or Text 988 (24/7)
➡️ Crisis Response for Southeast Minnesota (CREST) Call 844.274.7472
➡️ National Sexual Assault Line: 1.866.656.4673 (24/7)
➡️ RPS Staff and Student Mental Health Sessions: https://ffcstaffconsults.as.me/schedule/d07eafa8
Why is RPS presenting voters with a referendum to increase the school operating levy this Nov.? We are facing a $19.4 M budget deficit that, if not addressed, will lead to:
❌School closures
❌Cuts to teachers and staff
❌Increased class sizes
Learn more: RochesterSchools.org/referendum
Our Riverside Families are the best! It's going to be a great year at Riverside Central Elementary. Go Otters!
This summer, a special community partnership between Riverside Elementary, the SNAP - Education program at the UM Extension, Rochester Parks and Rec, Rochester Orcas, and
RNeighbors resulted in free swimming & nutrition classes for our Riverside kids.
Last Spring, classrooms at Riverside grew plants from seed under growing lights. Many survived and were transplanted into our garden boxes. Summer of Discovery took care of the plants, and even harvested some to eat. There are still a few tomatoes out there!
