We’re grateful to HyVee and Pasquale’s for donating such delicious, quality food to our Community School Resource Rooms. Your support means so much to our families!

3 months ago, Lisa Becker
Adults standing behind boxes
Dear Riverside Community, thank you for stepping up when food security felt uncertain. Your generosity filled our shelves—and our hearts. 💚 Our food shelf has never looked so good.
A huge shout-out to Emily Soderberg for spearheading this effort and making such a meaningful impact.
3 months ago, Lisa Becker
woman sitting on floor with supplies
A powerful morning at Riverside. 💜 Brass Etc. joined our Walk for Ruby Bridges, and the president of the Rochester NAACP spoke about Ruby’s legacy of courage and inclusion.
3 months ago, Lisa Becker
Band marching in step with the kids
People marching
Line of people with purple banner in front
Man talking on microphone
What a fun STEM Night at Riverside! We’re so grateful to our partners—Winona State University, the Rochester Public Library, and First Alliance Bank—for bringing hands-on learning to our students.
3 months ago, Lisa Becker
Teacher helping student
Teachers helping students
Teachers helping students
Teacher near table with children
Honoring all who served. Thank you, Veterans.
4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Veterans Day
Riverside families made waves at Family Canoe Night! Big thanks to Wilderness Inquiry and RPS Family Engagement for helping our Otters paddle into adventure together.
4 months ago, Lisa Becker
Families in a canoe
Two kids in a canoe
Families in a canoe
This month, our 4th–6th graders had an amazing day at Silver Lake with Wilderness Inquiry’s giant Canoemobiles! They learned to paddle, explore nature, and connect with our local environment thanks to awesome partners from Oxbow Park and Project GO.
4 months ago, Lisa Becker
Canoe on the water with kids
Kids putting hands together
Two canoes on the water
As part of our Attendance Matters initiative, we are sending all families an attendance update today. This message will provide a current snapshot of your student’s attendance record for the year so far. Our goal is to keep you informed and partner with you to support your student's learning. You can always view up-to-the-minute attendance data in Skyward. Learn more: https://www.rochesterschools.org/attendance-matters
5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Every day counts. Every student matters. Attendance is the first step to success!
Happening today on the Riverside Playground!
Get ready to stroll through a gallery of temporary masterpieces! The annual Chalk the Block is organized by RNeighbors and will transform two Rochester locations (including Riverside's playground) into vibrant, community-built art spaces. This free event celebrates art and positive community-building by inviting local artists to create incredible chalk murals and the public to attend and enjoy, while making connections.

From 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the public is invited to watch 13 local artists as they bring their visions to life, all inspired by the theme of “Origins.” Hope to see you there!
5 months ago, Lisa Becker
flyer for event

To help our students fully engage in their learning, students are encouraged not to bring cell phones or other electronic devices, including smart watches and earbuds/airpods, to school. See more information about our cell phone procedures for each school level at https://rochesterschools.org/cell-phone-procedures

5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
RPS Cell Phone procedures

Rochester Public Schools uses the Standard Response Protocol in response to emergencies that may occur in our school buildings. Students and staff will train, practice, and drill the protocol throughout the year. Learn more about what "hold," "secure," "lockdown," "evacuate," and "shelter" mean: https://www.rochesterschools.org/standard-response-protocol

6 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Standard response protocol list

RPS families: This is a reminder that except for Longfellow Elementary, there is no school on, Friday, August 29. RPS is also closed on Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day. Enjoy the long weekend, and we will see you next Tuesday!

6 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
No school reminder for August 29
Otters, we’re ready for you! 💙 Back to School Night and Step into Learning were just the beginning—let’s dive into an amazing school year! 🦦
6 months ago, Lisa Becker
Families sitting at picnic tables
Kids picking backpacks from a table.
Kids gather around a table creating art
Riverside families: the junction of 6th Street SE & 3rd Avenue SE is currently closed and will remain closed, in some form, until mid-to-late September. To help with traffic, see the attached map.

Drop/Load & Go Zones (7:30-8 a.m. & 1:30-2:30 p.m.):
➡️ Zone 1: Enter the school loop from 6th Street SE (westbound only). Continue through the loop, exit right onto 6th Street, then turn right (northbound) on 4th Avenue SE or left (southbound) away from the school.
➡️ Zone 2: Enter along 5th Street SE. Drop students on the sidewalk beside the school, continue through the parking lot loop, exit back onto 5th Street, and head west, turning right onto 4th Avenue SE.

--
Familias de Riverside, la intersección 6th Street SE & 3rd Avenue SE está cerrada actualmente y permanecerá cerrada, en alguna forma, hasta los mediados-finales de septiembre.

Las zonas para recoger/dejar e irse (7:30-8 a.m. & 1:30-2:30 p.m.):
➡️ Zona 1: Entre a la rotonda escolar desde 6th Street SE (solo hacia el oeste). Continue por la rotonda, salga a la derecha en 6th Street, y luego gire a la derecha (hacia el norte) en 4th Avenue SE, o a la izquierda (hacia el sur), alejándose de la escuela .
➡️ Zone 2: Entre por 5th Street SE. Deje a los estudiantes en la banqueta al lado de la escuela, continue por la rotonda del estacionamiento, salga nuevamente por 5th street, y diríjase hacia oeste, girando a la derecha en 4th Avenue SE.
6 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Detour map in Spanish
Detour map in English
Riverside families: the junction of 6th Street SE & 3rd Avenue SE is currently closed and will remain closed, in some form, until mid-to-late September. To help with traffic, see the attached map.

Drop/Load & Go Zones (7:30-8 a.m. & 1:30-2:30 p.m.):
➡️ Zone 1: Enter the school loop from 6th Street SE (westbound only). Continue through the loop, exit right onto 6th Street, then turn right (northbound) on 4th Avenue SE or left (southbound) away from the school.
➡️ Zone 2: Enter along 5th Street SE. Drop students on the sidewalk beside the school, continue through the parking lot loop, exit back onto 5th Street, and head west, turning right onto 4th Avenue SE.

--
Familias de Riverside, la intersección 6th Street SE & 3rd Avenue SE está cerrada actualmente y permanecerá cerrada, en alguna forma, hasta los mediados-finales de septiembre.

Las zonas para recoger/dejar e irse (7:30-8 a.m. & 1:30-2:30 p.m.):
➡️ Zona 1: Entre a la rotonda escolar desde 6th Street SE (solo hacia el oeste). Continue por la rotonda, salga a la derecha en 6th Street, y luego gire a la derecha (hacia el norte) en 4th Avenue SE, o a la izquierda (hacia el sur), alejándose de la escuela .
➡️ Zone 2: Entre por 5th Street SE. Deje a los estudiantes en la banqueta al lado de la escuela, continue por la rotonda del estacionamiento, salga nuevamente por 5th street, y diríjase hacia oeste, girando a la derecha en 4th Avenue SE.
6 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Detour map in English
Detour map in Spanish
Welcome, new RPS teachers! We are thrilled to have you on board and hope you enjoyed your onboard training, speakers, and Superintendent Pekel's address. Thank you in advance for fostering inclusion, teaching topics close to your heart, and inspiring the young minds of our students!
6 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Group of new teachers smile and cheer for the winner of rock paper scissors.
At new teacher orientation, the speakers asks an audience member about a time they felt included.
New Rochester Public Schools teacher learns about the strategies of the district.
Superintendent Kent Pekel addresses new teachers in John Marshall High School Cafeteria.
Speakers warmly welcome new teachers to Rochester Public Schools.
Superintendent Kent Pekel addresses new teachers in John Marshall High School Cafeteria.
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!
7 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
School Bell Times for 2025-2026
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
7 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
2025-2026 Calendar

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

7 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
2025-2026 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
8 months ago, Rochester Public Schools
Free Summer Meals for everyone 18 years of age or younger from June 9-August 15