April is Autism Acceptance Month. For six years, the Autism Society of America has promoted its #CelebrateDifferences campaign, working to empower everyone in the Autism community and to make sure that they feel connected, accepted, and celebrated for who they are. Differences should not be what divides us but unite us.
To learn more about Autism Acceptance Month, go to: https://autismsociety.org/autism-acceptance-month/
Hey, RPS students in grades 3-6! Interested in being a student scientist? Check out the GATEway Science Fair taking place on April 20. Register by April 7. More information at www.rochestergateway.com.
We know it's spring break week and students aren't in session, but we're celebrating National Assistant Principal's Week! Our APs play a huge role in helping our buildings run smoothly, supporting our teachers and staff, and helping our students achieve their best! Thank you, APs!
Happy Easter to those who celebrate.
As part of our strategic plan, the Family Engagement department recently trialed our new program, RPS CAPE: Caregiver and Parent Empowerment. Over eight weeks, parents and caregivers came together at Gage Elementary School, where they learned how to navigate their school and advocate for their students. They also learned how parents, caregivers, and staff can collaborate in a school community to support student success. Each session was led by Arabic, English, and Spanish facilitators so all families could learn in a language that was easiest for them to understand. As a result of the trial, 25 parents and caregivers graduated from our first RPS CAPE program. We want to congratulate these families and look forward to better partnering with them in their students' school experience!
Wishing a blessed Good Friday to those who celebrate.
May 6-10, 2024, is Teacher Appreciation Week! In addition to the many ways families, school leaders, and PTAs will thank our teachers for their work throughout that week (and year), we would like to send RPS teachers virtual cards as well. Fill out this form and we'll email your teacher with a card. Learn more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1526966
Wishing a Happy Holi to those who celebrate.
Happy Palm Sunday to those who celebrate.
Happy Purim to those who celebrate.
Happy Naw-Rúz to those who celebrate.
According to History.com, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17, the anniversary of Saint Patrick's death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years and have been observing the Roman Catholic feast day of St. Patrick since around the ninth or 10th century.
Ramadan Mubarak to all who participate.
It's almost time to "spring forward!" Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 2:00 A.M. Don't forget, our clocks need to “spring forward” one hour.
Today, March 8, is International Women's Day. At Rochester Public Schools, we are proud of the women and girls who contribute to our school district as staff, students, parents, and community members and celebrate the women who have positively impacted our lives.
Happy Maha Shivaratri to those who celebrate.
As you're replenishing school supplies for the last few months of school, remember to save your receipts. The Minnesota Department of Revenue offers two valuable tax benefits for parents who purchase school supplies for their K-12 students: the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction. These benefits can reduce parents’ taxes to increase their refund, but is only available for those who keep their receipts. Purchases for most school supplies, field trips, and musical instruments for school band are eligible.
Most Minnesota parents qualify for the K-12 subtraction, which reduces their taxable income. Parents under certain income limits may also qualify for the K-12 credit, which can refund up to 75% of their costs – even for parents who do not owe any taxes. More details here: https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/press-release/2022-08-03/save-those-back-school-shopping-receipts-valuable-tax-benefits
Rochester Public Schools is surveying families and community members to engage in conversation and seek feedback about a 2024 Referendum. We invite you to participate because your opinion is important to us!
The survey will remain open for responses until 11:59 p.m. on March 8, 2024.
Take the survey at this link: https://rochesterpsd.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4HI6PWOEKbcIFpA
Today, we're kicking off Public Schools Week, a celebration of the heart of our communities - our public schools! Public schools are the backbone of our society, nurturing future leaders. Let's celebrate the achievements and dedication of our educators and education advocates!
Through First Student and Kids on the GO, RPS has around 160 active bus drivers and 136 a.m. & p.m. routes, as well as 63 van drivers who are dedicated to providing service to the District. We recognize the importance of every one of our drivers and appreciate their dedication to our students. #schoolbusdriverappreciationday #thankabusdriver
