Search
About
Business Card
Open Collection
Buy
Install
Share
Download
Notification
Notification
Loading...
r o f e m i t n e It s rgart e d n ki E M ROLL N EN ARTE G R E ND R YOU I TO K E D I GU HE RT NT FO 22 20 2021 EAR OL Y O H C S Due to COVID 19 kindergarten preparation and registration may require additional steps to follow social distancing and safety measures
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 Kindergarten Enrollment Timeline 9 3 Registration Information 10 Kindergarten Prep School Age Child Care SACC 4 Getting My Child Ready for Kindergarten To Do List 11 Family Community Engagement Volunteers in Education 5 Health Services 12 Transportation 6 Quality Neighborhood Schools 7 8 District Wide Schools Programs RPS Preschool 13 14 Frequently Asked Questions CONTACT INFORMATION Office of Registration and Records Edison Administration Building 615 7th Street SW Rochester MN 55902 507 328 4200 8 00 am 4 45 pm Monday Friday rochesterschools org facebook com isd535 twitter com RPS535 twitter com munoz535 linkedin com company rochester public school district youtube com isd535 Charter Subscribers Channel 189 Para asistencia en espa ol por favor marque al 328 4241 Za pomoc na bosanskom jeziku pozovite 328 4243 328 4246 Haddii aad jeclaan lahayd in aad hesho macluumaadkaan oo ku qoran Soomaali fadlan la soo xiriir waaxda EL bartaha ingariiska 328 4247 1
WELCOME TO ROCHESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS Our records show that you have a child who will be eligible to enter kindergarten in September 2021 As the parent or guardian of a student in our schools you are our most important and valued partner in our work to help your child achieve academic excellence Rochester Public Schools offers several different programming options for your kindergartner This book will introduce you to all of the options within Rochester Public Schools as well as information about kindergarten preparation school tours transportation and more KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT TIMELINE NOVEMBER 16 2020 Open date for District wide option registration LATE DECEMBER 2020 Office of Registration and Records will mail kindergarten registration instructions to all eligible incoming kindergartners JANUARY 4 29 2021 Kindergarten registration opens online and at the Edison Administration Building 615 7th St SW Due to COVID 19 appointments are required Office of Registration and Records 507 328 4200 Monday Friday 8 00 am 4 45 pm JANUARY 17 2021 District wide school applications are due to the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education See page seven for information on the District wide application Students accepted into a District wide school via random selection process are notified by the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education during the week of January 18 MAY 2021 Approved Denied Exception to Attendance and acceptance to District wide school program copies are mailed to parents guardians Parents should contact the Office of Student Advancement by May 1 2021 at 507 328 4275 to make initial request for early entrance to kindergarten SUMMER 2021 Kindergarten Prep 2021 is offered through Community Education Watch for Community Education s spring brochure for class times fees scholarship and registration information LATE AUGUST 2021 Transportation routing information will be mailed to those that qualify for busing Elementary meet the teacher events will occur at all schools 2
REGISTRATION INFORMATION What you should know Please bring the following records to your appointment when you register your child for kindergarten Kindergarten registration packets will be mailed to families in late December 2020 If you have not received a registration packet by January 3 2021 pleas call the Office of Registration and Records at the Edison Administration Building at 507 328 4200 A certified copy of the child s birth certificate A photocopy can also be made from the original by Registration and Records staff A copy of your child s latest immunization records It is understood that many children will not have all their immunizations needed until MANDATORY EARLY CHILDHOOD SCREENING BEGINNING AT AGE 3 The State of Minnesota requires that all children check in for a development screening before entering a public kindergarten program Rochester Public Schools provides a comprehensive early childhood screening for any child three years of age and older at no charge During an early childhood screening our staff will check your child s vision hearing growth immunizations status skills in thinking communication and language large and small muscle control and social and emotional development The best time to schedule your child s screening is when your child turns three years old Children will be asked to complete age appropriate tasks so just as children grow and change with age so will the tasks they complete at screening Early detection and intervention make a difference in the lives of young children Getting your child screened at age three will help you identify developmental needs your child may have Even if you have no concerns about your child s development you are still required by law to have a childhood screening summary and an immunization record before your child can start school Appointments are available at a variety of days and times Screenings are completed by Registered Nurses and Early Childhood Professionals A parent or guardian must attend the screening with the child An interpreter is provided if needed If your child receives special education services from Rochester Public Schools speak with your child s teacher regarding the screening HOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT Call 507 328 4004 Early childhood screenings take place at Northrop Community Education Center 201 8th Street NW Rochester MN 55901 3
GETTING MY CHILD READY FOR KINDERGARTEN TO DO LIST 1 As soon as my child turns 3 schedule an early childhood screening by calling 507 328 4004 Location of Screening Northrop Date of Screening Time of Screening 4 Plan how my child will get to and from school walk bus other 2 Register my child for kindergarten online rochesterschools org academics kindergarten or by appointment in January 507 328 4200 My appointment date time 3 Learn which school my child will attend Name of School School Phone Number Papers to bring to registration Birth certificate Immunization records Principal Name School Website 5 Figure out my child s kindergarten schedule for the fall From home to school School start end times From school to home Start Before after school child care arrangements Breakfast lunch programs are provided Breakfast End 6 Attend events at my child s elementary school such as Meet the Teacher Day an open house or play at the playground during the weekends following COVID 19 guidelines Dates for Events Lunch 7 Share information about my child with the kindergarten teacher Ways to share Meet or talk with the kindergarten teacher Meet the Teacher Day is in August See if there is a kinder calendar Visit the classroom with my child Provide written information to the 8 Find out if there are resources at the elementary school that may help my child and our family For example translation services speech therapy transition resources ViE PTSA etc Notes 9 Do fun things with my child at home to help prep for kindergarten Examples of things you can do Play on the playground Work on letter recognition Read with your child Play counting games Visit the library kindergarten teacher about my child s strengths and needs 4
HEALTH SERVICES The safety of our students and staff is our top priority Our Department of Student Health Services is a key component to meeting this daily goal If your child has special considerations such as food allergies diabetes asthma seizures etc we need to know about this before your child can begin kindergarten Please visit our Student Health Services website download and complete the appropriate forms before your child s first day of kindergarten Some forms may require a health care provider authorization in addition to parent guardian authorization Find us at www rochesterschools org Search keyword Student Health Services Are Your Kids Ready Prior to your child s 5th birthday you should contact your child s primary care physician to schedule a Well Child Checkup for your incoming kindergarten student Schedule early to ensure your child will have the needed immunizations prior to the first day of school Students will not be allowed to start school on the first day of school if they do not have their immunizations or the proper documentation for exemption IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS MINNESOTA S IMMUNIZATION LAW Use this chart as a guide to determine which vaccines are required to enroll in child care early childhood programs and school public or private Find the child s age grade level and look to see if your child had the number of shots shown by the checkmarks under each vaccine BIRTH THROUGH 4 YEARS AGE 5 THROUGH 6 YRS Early childhood programs child care 3 AGE 7 THROUGH 11 YRS AGE 12 YEARS AND OLDER For Kindergarten For 1st through 6th grade For 7th through 12th grade Hepatitis B Hep B Hepatitis B Hep B Hepatitis B Hep B Hepatitis B Hep B DTaP DT DTaP DT Hepatitis A Hep A Polio Polio MMR MMR Hib 4 5 Polio Polio MMR MMR 6 Varicella 1 2 diphtheria containing doses Varicella 2 Varicella 2 Varicella 9 IMMUNIZATIONS RECOMMENDED BUT NOT REQUIRED Influenza Rotavirus Annually for all children age 6 months and older For infants 1 Not required after 24 months 2 If the child has already had chickenpox disease varicella shots are not required If the disease occurred after 2010 the child s doctor must sign a form confirming disease 3 First graders who are 6 years old and younger must follow the polio and DTaP DT schedules for kindergarten 4 Fifth shot of DTaP not needed if fourth shot was after age 4 Final dose of DTaP on or after age 4 5 Fourth shot of polio not needed if third shot was after age 4 Final dose of polio on or after age 4 6 Need proof of at least three tetanus and diphtheria containing doses If up to date on DTaP DT series no additional doses needed 7 An alternate two shot schedule of hepatitis B may also be used for kids age 11 through 15 years 8 One dose of Tdap is required beginning at 7th grade Also need proof of at least two tetanus and diphtheria containing doses DTaP DT Td If a child received Tdap prior to 7th grade another dose of Tdap is not needed 9 One dose is required beginning at 7th grade The booster dose is usually given at 16 years 5 8 Meningococcal booster Pneumococcal TdaP at least 2 tetanus and Tetanus and diptheria containing doses 7 Human papillomavirus At age 11 12 years EXEMPTIONS To enroll in child care early childhood programs and school in Minnesota children must show they ve had these immunizations or file a legal exemption Parents may file a medical exemption signed by a health care provider or a non medical exemption signed by a parent guardian and notarized LOOKING FOR RECORDS For copies of your child s vaccination records talk to your doctor or call the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection MIIC at 651 201 3980
GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOLS Rochester Public Schools takes tremendous pride in a safe and welcoming learning environment for all of our students Our quality neighborhood schools offer child centered curriculum that include ageappropriate teaching methods and materials Teaching and support staff work to develop all areas of a child social emotional physical academic and creative We promote independence and decisionmaking problem solving and social skills in each child A balance of whole group small group and individual learning opportunities along with a wealth of classroom materials and resources are used to create the best learning environment possible for your child Your child will be attending the school assigned to your neighborhood area For additional information visit www rochesterschools org and search keyword Neighborhood Schools or visit infofinderi com SCHOOL ADDRESS PRINCIPAL PHONE Bamber Valley 2001 Bamber Valley Rd SW Kristin Engbrecht 507 328 3030 Bishop 406 36th Ave NW Jared Groehler 507 328 3100 Churchill 2240 7th Ave NE Ryan Eversman 507 328 3150 Elton Hills 1421 Elton Hills Dr NW Steve Willman 507 328 3200 Folwell 603 15th Ave SW Wendy Moritz 507 328 3220 Franklin 1801 9th Ave SE Sam Pearson 507 328 3300 Gage 1300 40th St NW Kris Davidson 507 328 3400 Gibbs 5525 56th St NW Mark Randall 507 328 4100 Jefferson 1201 10th Ave NE Heather Klavetter 507 328 3500 Longfellow 1615 Marion Road SE Amy Adams 507 328 3600 Pinewood 1900 Pinewood Rd SE Michelle Schrantz 507 328 3630 Riverside Central 506 5th Ave SE Matt Ruzek 507 328 3700 Sunset Terrace 1707 19th Ave NW Heather Hogen 507 328 3770 6
GET TO KNOW YOUR DISTRICT What is a District wide school program District Wide schools programs are schools or programs located within the Rochester Public School District that may deliver the curriculum calendar in a different manner than neighborhood schools District Wide schools and programs are tuition free to students Transportation is provided to eligible students that are enrolled in a District Wide school or program How do I apply for a District Wide School Program To apply you must fill out and submit an application to the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education There are three ways in which you can do this 1 Complete the form online www rochesterschools org Families Enrollment Registration and Records District Wide Schools Apply for District Wide Schools and Programs Please note that you will need to create an account prior to creating an application this is not connected to your Skyward account This application does not take place of the registration process for new incoming kindergarten or other new students to the district 2 Print the Paper Application and mail it or drop it off at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Edison Administration Building Second Floor 615 7th Street SW Rochester MN 55902 3 Fill out the form in person at the Edison Administration Building 2nd Floor Why do I need to apply Students are automatically assigned to their neighborhood school when enrolling at Rochester Public Schools In order to learn about a family s interest in attending a District Wide school program students must apply to attend a District Wide school Students applying for sibling preference must also apply Sibling Preference Sibling preference applies to students who will have a sibling attending a District Wide School at the same time i e if you are a current 5th grade 8th grader moving to middle school high school there would be no sibling preference to the incoming student For more information on sibling preference please contact Diane Paprocki Elementary Secondary Education 328 4300 Friedell Middle School We will accept application for Friedell Middle School for incoming 6th grade Sibling preference guidelines remain the same At the conclusion of the 2021 22 school year Friedell will no longer operate as a middle school This will coincide with the opening of a new middle school in NW Rochester which is currently under construction Sixth and seventh grade students who are enrolled at Friedell during the 2021 22 school year will complete their middle school experience at their neighborhood middle school What is the time frame for the 2021 2022 process The application will open on November 12 2020 with the first initial drawing for incoming kindergarten students and 6th grade to Friedell the week of January 18th To be included in the first initial drawing your application must be submitted no later than midnight January 17th this includes siblings Students that are selected will be called sometime during the week of January 18th Once you are selected and accept placement we ask that you complete the registration process immediately Registration Records enrollment forms If you do not receive a call your student will remain in the lottery pool for 7 What are the District wide schools programs ROCHESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS OFFER FIVE DISTRICT WIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS PROGRAMS
T WIDE SCHOOLS PROGRAMS GAGE SPANISH IMMERSION DISTRICT WIDE PROGRAM Hola Gage offers the Spanish Immersion District wide program in Rochester Public Schools Our Spanish Immersion program follows a 90 10 model meaning 90 of the day is in Spanish and 10 of the day is in English Our teachers are licensed elementary teachers proficient in both Spanish and English The Spanish Immersion program covers the same curriculum and is held to the same standards for success as our traditional kindergarten programs To arrange a tour call 507 328 3400 Principal Kris Davidson LINCOLN K 8 DISTRICT WIDE SCHOOL The mission of Lincoln is to educate and empower our children in a family oriented and creative community by cultivating excellence Staff use a thematic approach to deliver curriculum which support the individual learning styles of the whole child Our innovative science curriculum supports academic excellence and is fostering the next generation of talented and creative scientists We are a creative community that incorporates visual arts music and class productions in grades K 8 To arrange a tour call 507 328 3550 Principal Jim Sonju LONGFELLOW 45 15 DISTRICT WIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Longfellow follows a 45 15 instructional calendar with school beginning the last week of July after a six week summer break Students attend school each of the four instructional quarters for approximately 45 days followed by 15 days of break Benefits of the 45 15 schedule include greater student retention and less reteaching due to the strategically placed breaks consistent teaching time and positive school culture The staff at Longfellow are highly creative with the infusion of research based differentiation models to meet the needs of our learners To arrange a tour call 507 328 3600 Principal Amy Adams MONTESSORI AT FRANKLIN DISTRICT WIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL The Montessori approach to education embraces individualized instruction for children mixed age groupings a structured curriculum and a prepared environment using specialized Montessori teaching materials The Montessori classrooms allow children to move touch manipulate and explore the specifically designed learning materials with both direct and indirect teaching to foster their journey from the concrete to the abstract Since Montessori education is based on the inner motivation of the child it is the teacher s role to work with this motivation in ways that will enhance each child s learning experience To arrange a tour call 507 328 3300 Principal Sam Pearson WASHINGTON CORE KNOWLEDGE DISTRICT WIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Washington uses a portion of their curriculum based on the Core Knowledge Sequence a rich and rigorous body of information in American and world history geography science literature music and art It is our belief that the most effective elementary education balances high expectations for mastery of basic reading math writing and technology skills with a solid foundation of factual information in the content areas The area of reading stresses systematic phonics instruction in the primary grades and builds vocabulary comprehension and reading fluency throughout the grades and reading instruction is supplemented with classic literature recommended in the Core Knowledge Sequence Bridges Math 2 0 is used for math instruction that focuses on developing students deep understandings of mathematical concepts proficiency with key skills and ability to solve complex and novel problems in multiple ways Bridges blends direct instruction structured investigation and open exploration To arrange a tour call 507 328 3800 Principal Chad Schroeder 8
2020 21 TION REGISTRA N STILL OPE RPS PRESCHOOL Everyone Connects Why Rochester Public Schools preschool PRESCHOOL LOCATIONS Hoover Early Learning School 369 Elton Hills Dr NW Rochester MN 55901 Northrop Education Center 201 8th St NW Rochester MN 55901 Mighty Oaks Early Learning School 3800 50th Ave SE Rochester MN 55904 4 Star Rated Four Star Parent Aware Rated RPS preschool program has earned a Four Star rating from Minnesota s Parent Aware Quality Rating System as a result of our commitment to quality curriculum instruction assessment and professional development Skills we build in preschool serve us for a lifetime positive relationships language and literacy numbers and thinking skills and much more Rochester Public Schools preschool prepares our young learners for a future of school and life success We use a play based approach facilitated by high quality educators with respected curricula and assessments in a positive learning environment RPS preschool is a quality preschool program that respects the unique needs of each child When children are prepared to succeed at kindergarten entrance all of society benefits Growing Young Minds RPS preschool focuses across the areas of child development facilitating learning in social and emotional cognitive and physical development literacy and language math science and the arts Our children play to learn with whole group small group and individualized opportunities Our licensed teachers and talented assistants provide caring quality environments where the love of learning will flourish For more information and registration call 507 328 4024 SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR QUALIFYING FAMILIES 9
KINDERGARTEN PREP SCHOOL AGE CHILD CARE SACC Kindergarten Tours You are welcome to visit your neighborhood or District wide school Please contact the main office to schedule a tour Phone numbers can be found on pages 6 and 8 KINDERGARTEN PREP 2021 Kindergarten is one of your child s milestones that creates excitement and wonder Community Education along with your child s school and District teachers have created an optional course for incoming kindergartners to help them feel prepared and excited to come to school in September Experience what a regular day in kindergarten will be like with Hands on learning Number games Art projects Learning the layout of the school Purposeful play Experiencing how classroom materials are used Classroom routines SACC Classes will be offered summer of 2021 watch for Community Education s spring brochure for class times fees scholarship and registration information Visit www rochesterce org for more information School Age Child Care SACC provides the highest quality enrichment opportunities in a nurturing and safe environment for more than 1 700 children in kindergarten through fifth grade throughout Rochester Public Schools SACC provides care before and after school on all regular school days non school enrichment days NSEDs most inclement weather days and summer The SACC program is available at all RPS elementary schools where registration numbers support an operating site Information for SACC is available at Kick Off to Kindergarten through the SACC office at Northrop Education Center and online through Rochester Public Schools Community Education Registration begins in March for the following summer and school year For more information visit www rochesterce org Keyword search SACC 10
FAMILY COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Our goal is to educate parents and community members about the value of family and community engagement as well as to provide strategies for these efforts throughout the District You are encouraged to visit the webpage where you can access resources focused on engagement Learn more about the six different types of proven parent and family outreach practices They are 1 Parenting Help all families establish home environments to support learning 2 Communicating Design more effective forms of communication to reach parents 3 Volunteering Recruit and organize parent help and support 4 Learning at Home Provide ideas to parents on how to help a child at home 5 Decision Making Include parents in school decisions and develop parent leaders 6 Collaborating with the Community Identify and integrate resources and services from the community MEETING DATES All parents families and community members are invited to attend one or all of the following meetings Meetings are typically held on the second Tuesday of each month from 9 30 11 00 am Meetings will be canceled if there is a 2 hour school delay DATE October 12 2021 November 9 2021 December 14 2021 January 11 2022 February 8 2022 March 8 2022 April 12 2022 May 10 2022 For questions call 507 328 4356 or visit www rochesterschools org Search keyword Family and Community Engagement Volunteers in Education ViE Volunteering can deliver immeasurable rewards Due to COVID 19 the District is not allowing visitors inside the buildings in distance learning and hybrid models Parents guardians grandparents and community members are encouraged to share their time talents and knowledge with our students Volunteering in RPS enriches the educational programs and strengthens our relationships with families businesses and the community as a whole 11 To volunteer in Rochester Public Schools visit www rochesterschools org and search keyword volunteers in education to complete an application and review frequently asked questions
TRANSPORTATION What you should know The Minnesota state statute requires transportation for students residing two miles or more from their neighborhood school However Rochester Public Schools transports students in grades K 5 who reside more than 1 25 miles from their neighborhood school You will receive an enrollment letter in the spring Your letter will state whether or not you are eligible for transportation If you are eligible you will receive bus routing information by mail in late August of 2021 Transportation can be provided to and or from your child care location if the following circumstance exist Your child care is in the attendance area of the school your child attends Your child care address is more than 1 25 miles from the school your child attends A child care request form must be completed in its entirety and signed by the parent guardian s Requests for transportation from child care will be carried forward each year through 5th grade Parents must notify the Transportation Office if they wish to cancel Forms are available at the Transportation Office Room 122 Edison Administration Building 615 7th St SW or online at www rochesterschools org search keyword Transportation 12
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Where and when will kindergarten registration take place Kindergarten registration will take place by appointment from 8 00 am to 4 45 pm Monday Friday Jan 4 29 2021 at the Edison Administration Building 615 7th Street SW Please bring a certified copy of your child s birth certificate A photocopy can also be made from the original by Registration and Records staff You will also need a copy of your child s latest immunization records It is understood that many children will not have all immunizations needed until their fifth birthday How can I find out where my neighborhood school is located School attendance boundary maps are available on the District website or you may contact Registration and Records at 507 328 4200 Boundaries are subject to change The District will begin a boundary adjustment process in November 2020 in order to address capacity and walkability Boundary changes for the 2022 2023 school year will be announced in Fall 2021 How do I obtain a copy of my child s birth certificate If your child was born in the state of MN you can purchase a copy at the Olmsted County Courthouse in Rochester If your child was not born in MN contact the county of the state in which your child was born We can photocopy the original for you According to MN State Statute a person shall not be admitted to a public school as a kindergarten pupil unless the pupil is at least five years of age on or before September 1 of the calendar year in which the school year commences 120A 20 MN Statutes 2007 What is the age requirement for entrance to kindergarten Students who demonstrate superior academic readiness will be considered for early entrance to kindergarten if they will be turning five years of age between September 2 and August 31 of their early entrance school year 120B 5 MN Statutes 2004 For more information contact Monica Bowler at 507 328 4275 All children in Minnesota are required to begin attending school by the age of seven Children are not required by statute to complete kindergarten before beginning first grade The District recommends that children attend kindergarten before entering first grade Is there all day kindergarten in Rochester Yes The Rochester Public Schools kindergarten program is all day every day 13
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How can I volunteer at my child s school and become involved in my child s education Visit the District website www rochesterschools org search keyword volunteers in education to learn how you can volunteer at your child s school or ask your child s teacher or principal Is there childcare at school Rochester Public Schools Community Education administers the School Age Child Care SACC Program The School Age Child Care Office is located at Northrop Education Center 201 8th Street NW 507 328 4040 Information regarding the SACC program can be found on the Community Education website What do I do if I need to have an interpreter help me during the registration process The District can assist families that may need a language interpreter during the registration process Please let us know if you will need some assistance during registration by calling 507 328 4237 How do I apply for Free or Reduced lunch Applications for Free or Reduced Priced School Meals are available at your school office or the Student Nutrition Services Office located at the Edison Administration Building For more information please call 507 328 4218 or go to the Student Nutrition Services webpage What if my daycare is in another attendance area other than where I live A parent legal guardian may request that a child attend school in the neighborhood school serving the area in which the childcare provider resides This is granted provided building capacity class size will accommodate the request agreedupon plan will continue for the entire year transportation is provided by the district only if the address is within the attendance area of the receiving school and meets the distance requirements for the transportation and the student maintains acceptable attendance and behavior as determined by the building administrator An Exception to Attendance form for this request can be found at www rochesterschools org search keyword exception to attendance G kBitCaTTYlsaVKmenATIenH H n hoan ch o n c c em H c Sinh 14
615 7th Street SW Rochester MN 55902 Join us to learn about your Rochester Public Schools options for your child entering Kindergarten for the 2021 2022 school year Stay tuned for details and visit www rochesterce org OnMyWay2K for more information
