This weekend, you can vote early in person on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Olmsted County Elections Office at 2122 Campus Dr. SE, Suite 300, Rochester, MN 55904.
Learn more: https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/voting-information
How will the School District Question show up on your ballot? See below:
"The board of Independent School District No. 535 (Rochester Public Schools), Minnesota has proposed to increase the School District's general education revenue by $1,133 per pupil, subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation. The proposed new referendum revenue authorization would be first levied in 2024 for taxes payable in 2025 and applicable for ten (10) years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the new referendum authorization proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 535 (Rochester Public Schools), Minnesota be approved?"
Voters will then select "yes" or "no."
If you're eligible, have you made a plan to vote? Learn about how to vote early: https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/other-ways-to-vote
Congratulations to the Century Girls Swimming & Diving team for winning the Big 9 Championship on Saturday. This is their 5th consecutive win. Individual recognition and congratulations to the Conference Champion 200 Medley Relay (Sophie Blixt, Michelle Le, Chloe Magnuson, Sarah Homme)… Conference Champion Chloe Magnuson in the 50 Freestyle … and Conference Champion Sophie Blixt in the 100 Breaststroke. Way to go Panthers!
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.
Congratulations to Sophia Comfere and Jazzlyn Hanenberger who are heading to the state cross country meet this weekend in Minneapolis!
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/.
✔️ RPS High Schools are Direct Admissions Minnesota High Schools! We are participating in Direct Admissions, a new state program that simplifies the college application process for our seniors. In the next few weeks, eligible RPS seniors will be proactively notified of multiple MN colleges and universities that are offering them admission, before students even apply! Learn more at https://www.myhighered.mn.gov/direct-admissions-student-center
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
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
All parents/guardians and students are welcome to join us on Thursday evening for our family engagement night . You will have a chance to meet teachers in arena style conferencing, interact with administration and student support specialists, learn about financial aid options from counselors, chat with student club representatives, and hopefully get all your questions answered!
Join us THIS week!
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
In education, part of our job is to meet students where they are. Every student has a unique relationship with learning. From their learning preferences to how their brain explores concepts, education isn't a "one size fits all" experience. At Rochester Public Schools, our Advanced Learning program helps meet the needs of students who are ready for more challenging content and require experiences beyond the traditional classroom setting.
https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1792714
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.
