Gage Elementary School

Every year on October 12, several Latin American countries celebrate Día de la Raza. On this day, people from across the Americas commemorate the day when Cristopher Columbus touched land on this continent (El descubrimiento de América) in 1492. Each Latin American country’s history and society is different, and their view varies according to it and to the political times. This year we are sharing the perspective of one of our staff members, Sara Palomino-Ward, an educational support professional at Gage Elementary School: This important day is known as Día de la Raza (Day of Race) and we celebrate every year to commemorate the first encounters of Europeans and Native Americans, recognizing the cultural fusion of those people with different backgrounds coming together. This day also celebrates the heritage and cultural diversity of Latin America, as well as acknowledges the colonization. Every country in Latin America has its own unique way of celebrating. In México, where I’m from, it is mostly celebrated in school settings. The schools hold assemblies and the students participate by giving a speech about Columbus Day or through living history presentations that re-live the arrival of Europeans on the American continent in their three ships: La Niña, La Pinta, y La Santa María. Also, through living history, they personify Europeans and indigenous people. They have parades and dancers too. Schools see this as an important date because we are part of this wonderful continent and each country that is part of it contributes with their culture, customs, and diversity. It’s important that our students know that. Let’s celebrate Día de la Raza together.

over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools

Exciting news! The full brochure containing all the vital details about the Rochester Public Schools 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum is on its way to you. Stay tuned for comprehensive information on this important initiative. Remember, you can cast your vote on or before November 7. Your voice matters! Find out more about the referendum here >> https://www.rochesterschools.org/referendum Make sure to vote on or before November 7. Early voting is happening now! Find your polling place here: https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/

over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools

over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools

Eager to learn about the Rochester Public Schools 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum? Don't miss this informative video that breaks it all down. Get informed and make your voice count. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4vE0jCxbPI

over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools

over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools

This week is National School Lunch Week! We’re celebrating with some fast facts about our school lunches. Did you know that… • Our Student Nutrition Services (SNS) team spends over $1.3 million in produce purchases each year. This includes thousands of pounds of carrots, peppers, cucumbers, and many other vegetables including local corn on the cob. • Across our 17 elementary schools, when bananas are on the menu, SNS orders 33 cases of petite bananas, which is equivalent to about 1320 pounds. Bananas continue to be a student favorite! • Last month SNS served close to 11,000 lunches per day districtwide!

over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools

National School Lunch Week is October 9 through 13, 2023.

Text: RPS serves thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables throughout the year. Image of student eating a sambusa with fresh peas and carrots in the lunch room.

Text: RPS elementary students love bananas! We serve close to 1320 pounds of petite bananas. Image: Bananas in a serving tray for students.

Text: In September, SNS served close to 11,000 lunches per day.

over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools

Earlier today, law enforcement released the name of the Century High School student who died in a tragic car accident on Saturday, October 7th. As a result, we are now able to send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Davin Tukua. I did not have the opportunity to meet or get to know Davin, but over the past two days, I have heard from teachers, coaches, students, and others that he was a wonderful young man. He was unfailingly kind and always ready to help complete a project or assist someone in need. He was a talented athlete who was a valued member of the football and swim teams at Century High School. I have heard from his coaches that he was a hard worker who always came ready to play, never complained, and would play any position or swim any stroke that would help his team compete and win. He also loved skiing and snowboarding and I'm told he was really good at both. I know that all members of the Rochester Public Schools community send our deepest sympathies to Davin's family and friends during this difficult time. We cannot understand or even imagine what you are thinking and feeling right now, but we want you to know that Davin's tragic loss has broken a part of our hearts as well. We will keep you in our thoughts during the time of grief, remembering, and transition that lies ahead. Sincerely, Kent Pekel Superintendent

over 1 year ago, Rochester Public Schools

Don't miss our Virtual Referendum Info Session on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.! Learn about the Rochester Public Schools 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum. Join us for key insights, and get ready to make an informed decision. Stay tuned for the event link posted on our website on the day of the event. Your participation matters! Find out more about the referendum here >> https://www.rochesterschools.org/referendum Make sure to vote on or before November 7. Early voting is happening now! Find your polling place here: https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/

almost 2 years ago, Rochester Public Schools

Virtual referendum info session on Monday, October 30 at 7 p.m.

almost 2 years ago, Rochester Public Schools

Rochester's financial situation becomes even more apparent when placed in context. Among 11 other Minnesota school districts that share a similar size and demographic profile, our district ranks at the bottom in terms of per-pupil revenue from voter-approved levies. These figures underscore the urgent need for the 2023 Capital Projects Technology Levy Referendum. Find out more about the referendum here >> https://www.rochesterschools.org/referendum Make sure to vote on or before November 7. Early voting is happening now! Find your polling place here: https://pollfinder.sos.mn.gov/

almost 2 years ago, Rochester Public Schools

bar chart showing where Rochester lands on the per pupil dollar amount of capital projects referendum, which is last

FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a national test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET/1:20 p.m. Central today, Wednesday, October 4, 2023. If your mobile phone is on and within range of an active cell tower from a participating wireless provider, you should receive the national test. Wireless providers will transmit the national test for 30 minutes, but your phone should only receive it once. View more information at https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system/national-test-2023

almost 2 years ago, Rochester Public Schools

Reminder: Gage family night is Thursday, September 28. We hope to see you here!

almost 2 years ago, Gage Elementary School

Gage family night! 9/28 5:00-6:30pm El Carambas will serve food. Join us for family activities, learn about our Title plan, and more!

September 17-23, 2023 is Community School Site Facilitator Appreciation Week! We appreciate our Community School facilitators who diligently serve our students and families. So what is a community school?

almost 2 years ago, Rochester Public Schools

What is a Community School? A community school is both a place and a set of collective partnerships between Rochester Public Schools, United Way of Olmsted County, an individual school, and other community resources. Its integrated focus on academics, health, social services, youth and community development, and community engagement leads to improved student learning, stronger families, and healthier communities. A full-service community school has components engaging instructions, expanded learning opportunities; college, career, and citizenship; health and social support; community engagement; early childhood development; family engagement; and youth development.

Meet Julie McLaren, Community School Site Facilitator at Gage Elementary School! Julie is Minnesota-born and raised and is a mom of two children. She loves learning with and from others, and in her spare time, her hobbies are hiking, crafting, and reading. If you ask anyone about Julie, they’ll say she’s an all-star, ambitious staff member, and an amazing person.

almost 2 years ago, Rochester Public Schools

RPS Community School Site Facilitator Appreciation Week - Meet Julie McLaren, What does the community school model bring to your school? We're the Gage family. We love each other, hold each other accountable, and help each other grow. We're able to offer deeper learning experiences and broader perspectives with the partnerships we've developed. We help each other overcome barriers because we know no one can do it all alone. There's an energy at Gage that comes from this culture of belonging that you can feel when you're with us.

Meet Eric McRae, Community School Site Facilitator at John Adams Middle School! This year is his 12th year at John Adams and second year as Community Schools Site Facilitator. Eric enjoys being active year-round and spending time in the sunshine on a lake in the summers. Eric fully believes in the mission of building relationships and investing in the students and families of the JA community.

almost 2 years ago, Rochester Public Schools

RPS Community School Site Facilitator Appreciation Week - What perception would you like to overcome as a community school? Community Schools are accessible by everyone and for everyone. If you've ever stepped into a puddle and walked around with wet feet, you know how nice it is to have a pair of warm dry socks. It doesn't matter if you only have one pair of socks or 100, the comfort you feel from a new pair is like a warm embrace that can change your entire day. Meet Eric McRae,

We're celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! From September 15 to October 15, we come together to honor and celebrate the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities.

almost 2 years ago, Rochester Public Schools

Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana, Happy Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month! Patterned graphic with three photos representing some of the hispanic and latin culture within Rochester Public Schools

As we wrap up this long weekend, we wanted to remind students of the importance of safety, especially as you walk or ride your bike or scooter to school. We made a video with the Rochester Police Department with a few reminders: https://youtu.be/x1kYWW081ng?si=K7MJQdDL3Jz_ybxv

almost 2 years ago, Rochester Public Schools

We're thrilled to announce the new app for Rochester Public Schools! It's everything Rochester Public Schools, in your pocket. Watch this quick introductory video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JViaRlk97s8 (Also available in Spanish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUSfGuH5ksQ and Arabic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnUUuxtqTBw). Then download our app! You'll see information about dining, staff, news, events, and more! Download for Android https://bit.ly/3q4YKls Download for iPhone https://apple.co/456qdlD

almost 2 years ago, Rochester Public Schools

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL families, we know, like us, you're counting down the days until we're back in school! Check out this guide for everything you need to know about bell times are, school supply lists, and when the first day of school is: https://bit.ly/3QyQx3H #15MoreDays

almost 2 years ago, Rochester Public Schools

Graphic for back to school for elementary schools