Gibbs Elementary School

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

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!

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!

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/

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/

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/

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

It is time to order Gibbs Spirit Wear! The 2023-24 Gibbs Spirit Wear Store is open from now until Wednesday, October 4, at 11:59 p.m. The items will likely be ready the first or second week of November and will be sent home with students. Order here! - https://gibbs2023.itemorder.com/shop/home/

Just a reminder the Gibbs PTA Back to School Picnic is coming up on Sept. 21 from 5pm-7pm. We will have bounce houses, dancing and face painting to celebrate the start of the school year. Families can bring their own picnic dinner or purchase a meal from food trucks onsite. We will also have Minnesnowda Snow cones🍧 for sale for $5 (cash only)! Volunteers are needed for the event. We'd love your help! Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050545a4ab23aaff2-back#/

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.

Join us for the Gibbs PTA Back to School Picnic on September 21st from 5pm - 7pm. You can bring picnic food or purchase dinner from food trucks on site. Hope to see you there!

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

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

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

Gibbs Families! Teacher assignments for the 2023-2024 school year have been posted in Skyward! Please sign up for a Step Into Learning time with your child's teacher on August 28th or August 29th through Skyward Family Access. If you need help, please call the Gibbs Office at 507-328-4100. Links to our back to school letters are below. Kindergarten Back to School Letter https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YW46yRAsUCpyqpCq9LwhmiOLgD3NGKuZNhgdhJpJXpg/edit?usp=sharing Grades 1-5 Back to School Letter https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Y_8pp5Np48r9ozq8mDUmAGvaouv8_Gno-QEvJqWTaec/edit?usp=sharing Skyward Family Access https://skyward.rochesterschools.org/scripts/wsisa.dll/WService=wsSky/fwemnu01.w

Your student's teacher for the 2023-2024 school year will be released to families on Monday, August 14 in the late morning. A communication will be sent to you with specific information. As is always the case, class placements are final due to the complexities of equitably balancing classes in order to provide all students with the best learning environment possible. We thank you in advance for your understanding and look forward to a great school year! GO PENGUINS!

Did you know that many of the school supplies you purchase for your child this year could reduce the taxes you pay and possibly lead to a larger refund next year? Save your receipts for these purchases and find out more information about the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction and how to claim them: https:/www.revenue.state.mn.us/k-12-education-subtraction-and-credit

Join us at RPS for our August 1 hiring event! 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Edison Board Room, 615 7th St SW in Rochester. $19/hour minimum pay for hourly positions! We're seeking: - Special Education Teachers - Speech-Language Pathologists - School Psychologists - School Social Workers - Secondary Math Teachers - Secondary Science Teachers - Transportation ESP - Starting at $20.35/hour - Special Education ESP - Starting at $20.35/hour - Heath Office Staff - Maintenance - Starting at $19/hour - Student Nutrition Services - Starting at $19/hour Virtual and in-person interviews are available. Learn more at www.rochesterschools.org/careers.

Join us for the Gibbs Fun Run on May 17th! Here is the schedule for when each grade is running. Parents are welcome to come watch and cheer on our Gibbs Penguins! Kindergarten: 1:15pm - 2:05pm 1st Grade: 10:15am - 11:05am 2nd Grade: 10:15am - 11:05am 3rd Grade: 2:20pm - 3:10pm 4th Grade: 2:20pm - 3:10pm 5th Grade: 11:30am - 12:20pm Gibbs Staff Dance: 3:15pm