Gibbs Elementary School

#WorldSuicidePreventionDay At Rochester Public Schools, we recognize the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being. Let's take this opportunity to break the stigma around mental health and support each other. Whether it's checking in on a friend, practicing self-care, or seeking professional help, every action counts. Let's work together to create a community that values mental health and provides support to those who need it. Find Resources Below: ➡️ 988 Suicide & Lifeline Call or Text 988 (24/7) ➡️ Crisis Response for Southeast Minnesota (CREST) Call 844.274.7472 ➡️ National Sexual Assault Line: 1.866.656.4673 (24/7) ➡️ RPS Staff and Student Mental Health Sessions: https://ffcstaffconsults.as.me/schedule/d07eafa8

Why is RPS presenting voters with a referendum to increase the school operating levy this Nov.? We are facing a $19.4 M budget deficit that, if not addressed, will lead to: ❌School closures ❌Cuts to teachers and staff ❌Increased class sizes Learn more: RochesterSchools.org/referendum

To avoid school closures and $19.4 million in cuts, we are asking voters to consider an operating levy increase on the ballot this Nov. that would allow us to build on our progress in helping every student reach their full potential. Learn more: RochesterSchools.org/referendum

What are the three psychological needs that need to be met to enable a young person to learn, develop, and achieve their full potential? In his first State of the School District Address, RPS Superintendent Kent Pekel will answer that question and provide an engaging overview of how Rochester Public Schools is working to meet those three essential psychological needs for more than 17,000 young people in our community. The event will also feature performances and observations from RPS students on the state of our schools, our school system, and our city. Thanks to a generous donation, the evening will conclude with frozen treats from La Michoacana Purepecha. Whether you are a parent or caregiver who seeks to help your children succeed or a member of the Rochester community who wants to help all children succeed or both, please join us for what promises to be an important and enjoyable evening.

There will be no school on Monday, September 2 in observance of Labor Day. Additionally, all RPS offices will be closed. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 3.

September's meal menus are ready! Download your copy to plan for next month: https://www.rochesterschools.org/documents/school-meals-and-menus/493023

RPS families: This is a reminder that except for Longfellow Elementary, there is no school tomorrow, Friday, August 30. RPS is also closed on Monday, September 2, in observance of Labor Day. Enjoy the long weekend, and we will see you next Tuesday!

Results on the 2024 Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) indicate that RPS has reversed a multi-year decline in the percentage of students who score at the proficient level or above in math, science, and reading. Read more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1736885

Today is the first day of school for elementary students, and we expect some delays in bus transportation, especially as our bus drivers learn the new route structure with the changeover from transporting elementary students home and turning around to pick up our secondary students. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we navigate this and continuously work to improve our processes. Families using Transportation can download the First View app to see where their student's buses are. The district code for the app is M6QE.

If the "Ignite Student Learning" referendum fails, class sizes will increase, school closures will be unavoidable, and RPS will need to make major cuts to student programs, support services, and teachers and staff. Find out more details at RochesterSchools.org/referendum.

We have a new cell phone procedure that goes into effect starting this school year. For our elementary students, this means if students choose to bring a cell phone/device to school, the device(s) will remain in student backpacks/lockers/cubbies during the full school day, including lunch/recess. Smartwatches may be worn to tell time only. View more information at www.rochesterschools.org/cell-phone-procedures

Beginning in Fall 2024, elementary school students across Rochester Public Schools will use Xello, a new online platform, to: - Encourage Self-Discovery - Create Career Awareness - Build Future-Readiness Skills In elementary school, this program will be led by school counselors in classrooms. Caregivers can expect to receive information about Xello Family Account Access in September. To learn more about supporting your student’s Xello experience at home, visit https://help.xello.world/en-us/Content/Get-Started/Xello-Families/GS_Families.htm

8/26/24: Due to an excessive heat warning issued for this afternoon and evening, all outdoor athletic sports and activities are canceled. However, some coaches may still have indoor practice plans. Please check in with them for this information.

The Ignite Student Learning referendum seeks voter approval of an operating levy increase to stabilize our budget and protect the programs & services that help our students thrive. 🏫 To find out how the proposed levy would impact your property taxes, use our tax calculator https://www.ehlers-inc.com/microsite/rochester2024/ 👈

What's for lunch? Plan ahead for the start of the school year by downloading this month's meal menu. August and September meal menus are available for download. Download here: https://www.rochesterschools.org/documents/school-meals-and-menus/493023

Fill your student's backpack with supplies that will set your student up for success. Find your school's list: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1azTzTLLURXs6Pq7R2kurK83gXfQMB99E?fbclid=IwY2xjawEziaFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZLEfnL6TDs9RecilziLcWZ0gcAZYn_p5acLC9nBTiOfIKDnJkdxNOjwOg_aem_o3lGXQ79JJw-rvrH1VZo8g

"Dear RPS community, I hope you had a great summer and that you are as excited as I am for the school year that is about to begin. One of the most important events for our school district this year is the referendum to increase local funding for Rochester Public Schools (RPS) that will be on the ballot on November 5." Read Superintendent Pekel's full letter: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1724172

Our staff has spent the last week getting ready for you, double check your calendar so you are ready too! Monday, August 26: • Step into Learning for all elementary schools • Meet me in the Middle for incoming 6th grade students • First day of 9th Grade for all 9th grade students Tuesday, August 27: • Step into Learning for all elementary schools • First Day of School for all secondary students Wednesday, August 28: • First Day of School for all elementary students Thursday, August 29: • Regular school day Friday, August 30: • No school for all schools and programs that follow the traditional school year calendar. Longfellow Elementary is still in session.

If approved by voters this November, the additional funding from the Ignite Student Learning plan will protect critical resources such as: ⭐Reading specialist positions ⭐School counselors ⭐Advanced learning teachers ⭐Career and technical education classes Learn more ➡️ RochesterSchools.org/referendum

#RPSinfo New year, New bell times! At the start of the school year, we’ll transition to our new school bell time schedule. • RPS Preschool - Morning session: 8:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. • RPS Preschool - Afternoon session 12:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. • Elementary schools: 7:55 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. • Middle schools: 8:35 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. • High schools: 8:50 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. • Phoenix Academy, RAIL, and Right Fit: 8:20 a.m. - 2:20 p.m. Visit https://www.rochesterschools.org/page/school-bell-times or print our 2024-2025 School Directory and Bell Times document.