
Future kindergarten students: Come to our Folwell Kindergarten Open House on Tuesday, December 10 at 5-6 p.m. to learn about what it's like to be a kindergarten student at our school. You’ll meet our principal, see a kindergarten classroom, learn about our schedule, and more! We're excited for you to join us!


Here are our latest Falcon Flyer drawing winners and Mrs. Lanza's 4th graders who earned the Wings award. Way to SOAR, Falcons!



Winter will be here soon, and we want to share our procedures with you should we have an unexpected school closing. Because these closures are unexpected, all families should have a contingency plan for their children in the event of school closings. Read more on what to expect: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1859223


Honoring all who served. Thank you, Veterans.


One of my favorite things to do as a principal is to read to kids. Mrs. Leisinger's Kinders were studying bats, so I was the guest reader of Stellaluna. Notice their fun bat.hats?


We held our November assembly this week. We explored what A-Always.Learning means with our SOAR acronymn. We also recognized Above.&.Beyond award winners who consistently SOAR every day at Folwell!






Mrs. Lanza's 4th graders played Battleship in PE with Mr. Thome last week. It's one of our favorites!





Mrs. Coffing's 5th graders designed their dream bedrooms and calculated the cost of their room. They are on display in our media center right now.






We are so proud of last week's and this week's Falcon Flyer drawing winners! Congrats also to Mrs. Strain's 1st graders who were honored for earning their Wings last week and Mr. Olson's 5th graders this week at specials!





“The community’s approval of the Ignite Student Learning Referendum will enable Rochester Public Schools (RPS) to avoid closing schools, raising class sizes, and making major cuts to positions and programs that serve our students. It will provide RPS with the financial stability we need to continue implementing our ambitious strategic plan and to remain focused on our academic mission. Most importantly, it is an investment in our students that will pay off in the skilled workforce that Rochester needs to thrive in the decades ahead. We look forward to providing regular updates to the community on how the referendum funds are being used, and we will work hard to continue earning and strengthening the trust that the community has placed in us through its approval of the referendum on November 5, 2024.”


As the polls close and we await results, we want to thank everyone who participated in this important community decision about Rochester Public Schools.


It’s Election Day! Eligible voters have until 8 p.m. to vote on the Ignite Student Learning referendum seeking a levy increase for RPS to avoid school closures, protect class sizes, and continue helping every student succeed.
Visit RochesterSchools.org/Referendum to learn more.


Tomorrow is Election Day! Today is the last day for early voting. You can vote today from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2122 Campus Drive SE, Suite 300, Rochester, MN, or 201 4th St. SE in Rochester, (Conference Room 104), Rochester, MN.
Don't forget to vote on the Ignite Student Learning referendum to increase the operating levy and allow RPS to continue helping every student reach their full potential.
Learn how to make your voice heard: https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/voting-information


A reminder that there is no school on Tuesday, November 5. Teachers and administrators will participate in a Curriculum Planning Day, planning instruction and participating in professional development. We will see students back in school on Wednesday, November 6.


What's at stake for RPS in this referendum?
If the Ignite Student Learning referendum is approved, additional funding will support academic programs and student services, maintain class sizes and vocational training, and protect faculty and staff positions.
If rejected, major budget cuts will lead to the closure of three schools, increased class sizes, reduced staffing, and diminished programs for academic growth and vocational training.
Learn more at https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/the-plan.


It's almost time to "fall back!" Daylight Saving Time concludes on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 2 a.m. Don't forget, our clocks need to "fall back" one hour.


"Prior to Advanced Learning classes, my kids didn't enjoy school and were bored. Now, they are both thriving and have found their place. They love the faster pace and challenge to think differently and explore topics a bit further than the traditional classroom," Connie said.
Learn more about how Advanced Learning classes have made a difference for our students - https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1850420


This weekend, you can vote early in person on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Olmsted County Elections Office at 2122 Campus Dr. SE, Suite 300, Rochester, MN 55904.
Learn more: https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/voting-information


Our Fall Parade was a hit... it was chilly but oh so fun! Our students were dressed in such creative costumes and characters. Thanks for coming out to enjoy this tradition with us!











Calling all elementary parents and caregivers! In partnership with the City of Rochester, we are seeking your feedback on a Safe Routes to School Plan for our Elementary Schools.
Please share your thoughts in this 2-minute survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SRTS_eng.
Or add your voice to our interactive map: https://mnsaferoutes.altaplanning.cloud/
