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
Our K buddies got to visit their 5th grade buddies classroom this week. 5th graders proudly showed their Kinder around. These K-5 relationships are so special!
Mrs. Strain's 1st graders were sharing lots of strategies for solving part-part-total math problems today!
Rochester Fire Department fire fighters met with our 2nd graders today about fire safety. We got to see some tools that they use to help people in an emergency.
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
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.
If the Ignite Student Learning referendum is approved in November, the operating levy increase will protect essential teaching positions, classes, and programs that empower all students. Learn more about our proposed plan: RochesterSchools.org/referendum
We held a special assembly for our 52 new 1st-5th grade students this morning. Mrs. Evans Hansen shared about our school history and special traditions, we sang our school song, and our Student Council students led small groups to get to know each other. Welcome to Folwell!
Congratulations to these Falcons for SOARing this week! Mrs. Nelson's Ks earned five Wings at Specials this week and Mrs. Howes's 3rd graders earned a Falcon Flyer as a class. Keep SOARing kids!
Our students took a bite out of the day for Apple Crunch day! This month, all of our students have been receiving local apples for lunch from ApplesRUs as part of #MNFarmtoSchool month! We can tell you that our students are loving these fresh, fragrant, and juicy apples!
It was "Walk to School" day. Our Falcon greeted our students and families as they arrived at school this morning. It was a fun start to another great day at Folwell!
At the School Board meeting on Tuesday, October 8, the School Board voted unanimously to direct Superintendent Pekel to develop a 2025-2026 general fund budget recommendation that includes reductions if the Ignite Student Learning referendum plan is not passed by voters on November 5, 2024. Read more about what this budget recommendation would include: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1811261
Mrs. Lewis's 1st graders start their day by answering a question and then graphing their class data. Such a great way to connect with one another while applying their math strategies!
Mrs. Light-Diede taught her music class with Mrs. Huddleston's 2nd graders outside on a beautiful fall day. They sang an echo song that included movement-so fun!
Mrs. Lanza's 4th graders are sharing about their identity and crestivity through their "I am from" writing project. #Deeper Learning
Grab your kicks and get ready for Walk to School Day! Tomorrow, October 9, students and families across Rochester will be walking to school to promote healthy exercise and safe routes to school.
How can you help? Remember to keep your eyes out for our walkers and drive cautiously around school zones.
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