School District Name:
Rochester Public Schools
Website:
http://www.rochester.k12.mn.us/ (Coverage Map)
Contact Information
| (507) 328-3000 615 7th Street SW Rochester, MN 55902 |
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PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES
Thinking about moving to the area? ENROLLMENT INFORMATION
We are so excited to welcome you and your family to our district! Please register your child or children for school as soon as possible to help them join our community.
Rochester Public Schools (RPS)
RPS is a high performing public school district. Located in the middle of South-Eastern Minnesota. Spanning over 218 square miles. We have 27 schools in the our district. There are over 18,100 students in the district. With more than 80 spoken languages.
As a result, our students are experiencing success both in and out of the classroom. Our work is not done alone. We are thankful for the support that parents and community members provide to our students. Rochester Public Schools is a world-class educational system
All students who attend our schools will discover their individual passions. Along with a strong sense of self and purpose. At RPS, we will make educational quality a reality. Done so by ensuring every student experiences high-quality teaching and learning in a culturally responsive environment.
Our Mission
Inspire, challenge, and empower all students. Provide them the knowledge and skills required to reach their full potential. While also contributing to future generations. Most noteworthy, become involved members of a global community. We work hard every day to fulfill our mission.
Classroom Environment
All students who attend Rochester Public Schools will discover their individual passions along with a strong sense of self and purpose. At RPS, we will make educational equity a reality by ensuring every student experiences high-quality teaching and learning in a culturally responsive environment.
Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching (CLRT)
CLRT, or Culturally and Linguistically Relevant Teaching, is a classroom management strategy used throughout the Rochester Public School District. Our staff have been trained in Responsive Classroom Management, Responsive Academic Vocabulary, Responsive Academic Literacy, and Responsive Academic Language through the teachings of Dr. Sharroky Hollie, a national educator who provides professional development to thousands of educators in the area of cultural responsiveness.
Educational Non-Verbal Yardsticks (ENVoy)
ENVoY, or Educational Non-Verbal Yardsticks, is a classroom management technique utilized district-wide at Rochester Public Schools. Research shows that over 80% of communication is non-verbal. Our staff receive training to focus on how to systematically and effectively use eye contact, voice patterns and body language. This establishes an educational environment that nourishes positive relationships, which leads to increased student achievement.
Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS)
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports or PBIS is an effective framework for preventing problem behavior and supporting students’ social, emotional, and behavioral needs.Comprehensive PBIS plans include intervention strategies designed to decrease disruptive behavior and promote positive choices. Supports include modifying students’ environments, teaching students new skills, and controlling staff responses.
SUPERINTENDENT MICHAEL MUÑOZ
An advocate for providing high-quality education for all children, Mr. Michael Muñoz started his tenure as Superintendent of Rochester Public Schools on July 1, 2011. Mr. Muñoz worked collaboratively with staff, students, and the community to develop a five-year strategic plan with a mission is to inspire, challenge, and empower all students with the knowledge and skills required to reach their full potential, to contribute to future generations, and to become involved members of a global community. Board members and stakeholders describe Mr. Muñoz as having extensive knowledge of all academic programs and services, as an advocate -for high achievement for all, as an excellent communicator, and as a visionary leader. He engages the community, is collaborative in his work, and is highly respected by his staff as a productive and positive leader.
In his time at Rochester Public Schools, Mr. Muñoz has focused on increasing graduation rates, college enrollment, and the number of students on track to graduate college-ready. During his tenure, Mr. Muñoz has led through collaboration and by focusing on the mission of the district. He works hard to develop and nurture relationships between all stakeholders and is steadfast in giving voice to faculty, staff, students, and the community. In his 40 plus years in education, Mr. Muñoz has been a strong supporter and facilitator of partnerships between schools, businesses, and the community.
Mr. Muñoz serves on numerous Boards and Councils, including Minnesota Chicano Latino Affairs Council, Greater Rochester Advocates for Universities and Colleges, United Way of Olmsted County, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce 2020 Coalition, Mayo Clinic Community Engagement, and Steering Committee Rochester Area Economic Growth.
Mr. Muñoz began his career as a teacher in the state of Nebraska before moving to Iowa to become an elementary and secondary school counselor. He held administrative and executive positions in rural, suburban, and urban districts.
Born and raised in Lexington, Nebraska, Mr. Muñoz earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Nebraska, a master’s degree in Developmental Counseling and administrative certification from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and a superintendent’s credential and Certificate of Advanced Studies from Iowa State University.