At Step Into Learning elementary families have the opportunity to meet their student’s teacher ahead of the start of the school year. Step Into Learning days are Monday, August 25, and Tuesday, August 26.
In the next few weeks, elementary parents and caregivers will receive an email from their school office with instructions on how to make an individual 20-minute appointment. During this appointment, parents/caregivers and their student can meet their student’s teacher(s), have their student assessed, visit with the school nurse, set up their lunch accounts and pins, explore the school’s PTSA, take school photos, and more.
Don't miss a bell! Set your clocks with a reminder of the 2025-2026 School Bell Times. Check out your school's times here: www.rochesterschools.org/belltimes
Important Update for Elementary Families:
Please note that release times for select elementary schools have changed by 5 minutes. Make sure to double-check your student's specific school schedule!
Attendance matters, all day, every school day! Plan ahead by downloading the 2025-2026 calendar to sync your schedules for the upcoming school year. Download the calendar today: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xrFqCZIbB6lkqDN40P_UVOcFxWJSgS_J?usp=drive_link
We're preparing for the 2025–2026 school year, and we need your help to plan safe, efficient bus routes. Update your student’s transportation info now!
If your student is in grades 10–12, a district‑wide option student, or a non‑public student needing after‑school busing, complete an RPS Registered Rider Form. Address change, foster care, joint custody, and alternate site forms are also on our website. Whether your student is returning, new, or has updated needs, let us know: www.rochesterschools.org/transportation
All summer meal locations are now open and operating under their normal hours. Come and join us for a FREE meal for children 18 years of age or younger. Adult meals are also offered for a small fee. Check out our menus, locations, and meal times online: https://www.rochesterschools.org/page/summer-meals
All RPS buildings and programs, including summer meal locations and summer school-aged child care (SACC), will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. We will resume normal operations on Monday, July 7, 2025. We wish you and your families a safe and happy Fourth of July!
All RPS buildings and programs, including summer meal locations and summer school-aged child care (SACC), will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2024, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. We will resume normal operations on Monday, July 7, 2024. We wish you and your families a safe and happy Fourth of July!
We're in the heart of summer, soaking up the sun! But just like your favorite ice cream cone, summer eventually has to end. And that means getting ready for a new school year! While it might feel early to trade in your swimsuits for notebooks, consider getting a head start on your back-to-school supplies. Get your list here: https://www.rochesterschools.org/schoolsupplies
SPECIAL HOURS: Our summer meal program will only operate out of three locations from June 30 to July 3, and all locations will be closed on July 4. Visit Franklin, Overland, or Washington Elementary for summer meals this week! For more information, visit www.rochesterschools.org/summermeals.
Looking for a quick and nutritious summer meal? Visit one of our summer meal locations for breakfast or lunch! Meals are FREE for children 18 or younger and a small fee for adults. Check out our menus, locations, and meal times online: https://www.rochesterschools.org/page/summer-meals
Please note that meals must be consumed on location and that all summer meal locations will be closed for Juneteenth and reopen on June 20 at locations that operate Monday through Friday.
What an incredible 2024-2025 school year! As we close the books on another year, we want to thank our amazing students, staff, and families for making it so special. Your hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm made this year truly memorable.
We've loved every moment of learning, growing, and achieving together. While we're sad to see it end, we're already looking forward to continuing the adventure with all of you next school year!
We forgot to mention a big accomplishment from this school year: the passing of the 2024 Ignite Student Learning Referendum! Watch this brief video from Superintendent Pekel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQK9P5NxpZU
Big milestones, big smiles! Riverside kindergarteners and 5th graders celebrated the end of an amazing year as they prepare to take their next steps. From first school days to moving on to middle school -- we're so proud of all they've accomplished!
As the 2024–2025 school year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of the highlights from the past ten months. This list doesn’t capture everything great that happened in our schools, but I hope it gives you a sense of the extraordinary work we’ve done together. Everyone connected to Rochester Public Schools (RPS) should feel proud of what we’ve accomplished—and even more excited about what lies ahead. Read Superintendent Pekel's End Of Year Review: https://bit.ly/end-of-year-review-2025
Get Ready, because free summer meals are back! Starting June 9, summer meals will be offered at Elton Hills, Gage, Franklin, Longfellow, Overland, Riverside, Washington, Willow Creek, and John Marshall High School.
Breakfast and lunch served daily. All meals for children 18 years of age or younger are FREE. Adult meals can also be purchased for $3.10 for breakfast and $5.50 for lunch.
See the flyer for a full list, dates, and times, or visit www.rochesterschools.org/summermeals for more information.
🍏 June Menu: https://5il.co/3gpjn
🍏 Flyers: https://www.rochesterschools.org/documents/school-meals-and-menus/summer-meals/805175
What a night! Riverside Elementary wrapped up the final Family Night of the year with Spanish Immersion dance performances, a stunning K–5 Art Showcase, street painting with Slatterly Park neighbors, and more. Art, culture, and family—what a way to end the year!
There will be no school on Monday, May 26, and RPS offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 27.
At Riverside, our Hammock Forest is a calm, nature-filled space for quiet reading, drawing, studying, and mindfulness. With the sound of the river and bustling trees, Ms. Lenz has helped students AND staff learn to slow down, notice their surroundings, and engage all their senses. These moments build focus, calm, and self-awareness - tools that support learning and well-being.
Riverside Otters got moving during a high-energy break-dancing residency with artist Mona Lisa. Through guided instruction and creative exploration, 2nd graders built coordination, confidence, and self-expression -- all while learning the art of breaking. Families were invited to see what children learned on the final day.
Don't forget, School Year SACC Registration opens at 6 a.m. this morning! Get logged in to register: https://rochester.ce.eleyo.com/child-care/3/school-age-child-care
