Rochester Public Schools E-News
May 2019
We Are Celebrating!
- National School Nutrition Services Appreciation Day • May 3
- NationalTeacher Appreciation Day • May 7
- National School Nurse Appreciation Day • May 8
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George Gibbs Jr. Elementary School Celebrates 10 Years
Ten years ago, Rochester's newest elementary school opened its doors as George W. Gibbs Jr. Elementary School in Northwest Rochester. The school has a rich history behind its name. Rochester resident, Mr. George W. Gibbs Jr. inspired the name and traditions within the school. Mr. Gibbs was an avid explorer and the first African-American explorer to set foot on Antarctica in 1941. During his Antarctica expedition, Mr. Gibbs studied penguins for the Smithsonian Institution. In 2009, two important places, which are continents apart, were named after Mr. Gibbs; a rocky point on the Antarctic Peninsula called Gibbs Point, and our latest public school, George W. Gibbs Jr. Elementary. After the school was named, the students chose their mascot, the penguin, honoring Mr. Gibbs's expeditions in Antarctica.
April 25, also known as World Penguin Day, the students and staff celebrated George W. Gibbs Jr. Elementary School's 10th anniversary. Special events were scheduled, including crafts, photos, parties, videos, and surprise guest readers. A few photos of the celebrations are below.
Gibbs Staff
Mrs. Gibbs and Mascot
Classroom photo
Rockets Giving Back
The five Senior Rockets (below) volunteered one evening during their Spring Break at an event put on by Rochester's Chapter 28 Disabled American Veterans (DAV). The event, "Veterans Helping Veterans," showcased the many ways the DAV chapter is supporting United States Military Veterans in our community, which includes providing support for John Marshall High School's annual "Salute to Veterans" program in recognition of Veterans Day. This opportunity was a great way for JM students to give back to the veteran community of Rochester. We applaud their leadership.
Bamber Valley Hunger Heroes
Bamber Valley students make a big donation to Channel One Food Shelf. In the month of April, Bamber Valley Elementary School students became hunger heroes through their Channel One Food Shelf food drive. Collectively, the students raised 1,276 items plus $588.25 which can provide 2,353 meals for those in need in our community.
Congratulations, Bamber Valley, on your focus, dedication, and generosity. The smiles in the photos below demonstrate Bamber Valley pride!
Website Updates
The content on the District websites continues to expand each week since our official launch date. It's been enlighting to talk with staff and community members as we gather information to tell the stories of our schools, departments, and programs. There is still so much more that we plan to share with our community as we continually make progress toward our vision of a mobile-friendly, interactive, constantly updated, and ADA compliant website.
Currently, the communications department is working with departments on an individual basis regarding their needs. This is the first phase of our training process. The second phase of the training process is to work with our site content managers on ADA compliance, as well as calendar access and posts. The biggest hurdle we face is training on ADA compliance. We have been following the guidance of our website company, Finalsite, along with supporting resources from the National School Public Relations Association. We are working toward full website compliance over the next several months to a year.
ADA compliance and website training will occur in the fall of 2019. In the meantime, content for consideration, feedback, or requests for additions or changes can be sent to the department by using this form or via email.
May District-Wide Dates & Events*
- May 2: Special Education Advisory Council Meeting • 6:30 - 7:30 PM • Edison Room 26
- May 2: 21st Century Engagement Event - College Readiness • 6 - 8 PM • Mayo HS Cafeteria
- May 3: School Nutrition Services Appreciation Day
- May 7: National Teacher Appreciation Day
- May 7: Hands-On Career Fair • 12:30 - 2:15 PM • Rochester Area Learning Center
- May 7: School Board Meeting • 5:30 PM • Edison Board Room
- May 8: School Nurse Appreciation Day
- May 8: Bike to School Day • 7 AM • RPS Middle Schools
- May 9: Family Engagement Event • 5 PM • Homestead Apartment Complex
- May 14: District Family Engagement Meeting • 9:30 - 11 AM • Northrop Room 201
- May 15: Superintendent's Listening Post • 12 - 1 PM • Edison Board Room
- May 16: District Family Engagement Wrap-Up • 6 - 8 PM • Riverside Central Elementary
- May 18: 25th Annual Transportation Fair • 10 AM - 1 PM • Goose Egg Park
- May 18: Mayo HS Garage Sale (Music Department Fundraiser) • 8 AM - 4 PM • MHS Gym
- May 21: Riverside Central Elementary Mural Ribbon Cutting and Ceremony • 1 - 3 PM • Riverside Central
- May 21: School Board Meeting • 5:30 PM • Edison Board Room
- May 23: All City Track Meet (5th Grade Only) • 10 AM - 1 PM • Mayo High School Field
- May 23: Family Engagement Event • 5 PM • Oak Terrace
- May 23: RALC Graduation • 1 PM, 4 PM, 5:30 PM
- May 25: Graduation • Mayo Civic Center • JM, 11 AM • Mayo, 3 PM • Century, 7 PM
- May 27: Memorial Day, students and staff do not report
- May 29: RAIL Graduation • 1:15 – 2:30 PM • Edison Board Room
- May 29: Adult Literacy at Hawthorne Graduation • Doors open at 5 PM, Ceremony at 5:30 PM • John Adams Auditorium
- May 31: Last Day of School
*Events are subject to change. Please check RPS Facebook or website, and/or your staff email for updates to events.
Connect with Us
Email: communications@rochester.k12.mn.us
Website: www.rochesterschools.org
Location: 615 7th Street Southwest, Rochester, MN, USA
Phone: 507-328-4500
Facebook: facebook.com/isd535
Twitter: @RPS535