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Family Engagement

Rochester Public Schools

Tuesday, October 11, 2022, 10:00-11:30

This meeting will be recorded and posted on the RPS Website.

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Hello,

October!

What is something that made you smile today?

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Welcome to all of you!

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Take a moment to breathe!

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“RPS sites are situated on ancestral lands of the Dakota people. We acknowledge and honor the Dakota Nations and the sacred land of all Indigenous peoples.”

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“Equity is a lens through which all decisions should be made.”

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“True partnership with families… includes engaging them with respect, listening authentically, and having the courage to share decision-making, control, and resources.”

RPS Equity Statement, 2020

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Today’s Plan

  • Welcome
  • Thank you, Lisa!
  • Share Successes
  • Welcome, Lindsey!
  • Small Group Discussion
  • Updates and Good News
  • Closing

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Recognizing

Lisa Weber

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Q&A with Lisa Weber

  • What is your job title?
  • How long have you worked in RPS?
  • What is the work of a Student Support Services Coordinator?
  • What misperceptions do people have about your role?
  • How do those misperceptions differ from reality?
  • What are some highlights of your work?
  • How does family engagement fit with your work?
  • What changes are ahead for you?

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Best wishes to you on your retirement!

RPS will miss you and your heartfelt work with students and families.

Thank you for making a positive impact on the lives of so many in our community!

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What are some positive family engagement experiences you have had with RPS schools and the community recently?

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Gage Gator Night

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Franklin Fall Festival

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Pop-Up Family Engagement

at the Gates Apartments

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Elton Hills: “Belonging and Aspirations”

  • Belonging and Aspirations Video: Click Here
  • Patrick Manansala, Dr. Stef Whitney, Natalie Stoffel, and the Elton Hills Team

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Words from an RPS Staff Member

“Family Engagement is when you could walk away - and you don’t.”

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Introducing…

Lindsey Riess-Wilson:

Student Services Program Coordinator

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  • What is your new position in Rochester Public Schools?
  • What was the pathway you took before stepping into this role?
  • What is the Homework Starts with Home program?
  • Who are the staff members working with you and what do they do?
  • What is the process to go through if someone is concerned about a student or family potentially being in transition?
  • What community partners do you work closely with?
  • What future goals do you have for supporting Students in Transition in the district?
  • How can people reach you?
  • What else should we know about you?

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Consuelo Cohen:

Youth Housing Specialist

Daysha Walker:

Americorps Housing Resource Navigator

Amelia Morrow:

Americorps Housing Resource Navigator

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Contact Lindsey

Lindsey Riess-Wilson

Student Services Program Coordinator

Liriesswilson@rochesterschools.org

Mobile: 507.782.9601

Office: 507.328.4354

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Small Group Discussion

  • What are some areas of current success with Family Engagement in RPS?

  • What are some areas where RPS could improve?

  • What are some new ideas that could build family engagement across the district or in school communities?

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Announcements and

Good News!

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  • Lida Casper, Coordinator of Community Partnerships
  • Lincoln K-8 National Blue Ribbon School
  • Football Spectator Expectations
  • Celebration of Citizenship

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  • Minnesota Colleges Fair, Oct. 14th, RCTC: Click Here
  • Indigenous People’s Day Oct. 10th: City of Rochester Proclamation Click Here
  • Dakota, Longfellow, and Bishop Open Houses, previous two weeks
  • RPS Online Option: Click Here

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RPS School Board Update: Click Here

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Election 2022

  • General Election:
    • Tuesday, November 8th, 2022
  • Register to Vote in MN: Click Here
  • What's on My Ballot?: Click Here

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National Hispanic American Heritage Month

  • Latinofest 2022, was October 1st - and so much fun!

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TalkingPoints

Messages can be sent in English and translated into the home language of the family (over 125 supported languages - soon to be 145) and typed in the home language with translation for the teacher!

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TalkingPoints in RPS

  • Over 100,000 messages sent in RPS since the start of school
  • 13% in languages other than English
  • Translation into over 45 languages

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FAFSA College Information

  • Tuesdays online, 7:00-8:00
  • Information in four languages: Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and English
  • Drawing for $500 scholarships
  • Still two more sessions: October 18 and 25
  • Click here to register for free: Register Here

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And more!

  • Kick Off to Kindergarten: Click Here
    • October 27th, 4:30-7:00 p.m.
    • Mayo High School
    • For families with preschool children
  • Young Women’s Initiative (Governor of MN): Click Here
  • Amelia Cordell, native American Liaison Newsletter: Click Here
  • Rochester Public Schools Foundation Grants: Click Here
  • Free and Reduced Price Lunch Application: Click Here
  • Teacher of the Month Nomination: Click Here

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Sara Taha

Family, Friend, and Neighbor Child Care navigator

126 Woodlake Drive SE

Rochester, MN 55904

(o) 507.287.2020 (f) 507.884-0833

(e) sarat@familiesfirstmn.org

(w) www.familiesfirstmn.org

Open 8-4:30 M-F and by appointment

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What is one takeaway from today’s meeting?

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November Family Engagement Meeting

Tuesday, November 15th, 10:00-11:15

3rd Tuesday instead of 2nd

(due to Election Day priority)

In person meeting

Riverside Central Elementary School

Everyone welcome!

Watch for an invitation with RSVP.

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Grateful for Your Participation!

Jennifer Spindler-Krage

(she/her/hers)

Coordinator of Family Engagement

Department of Equity and Engagement

Rochester Public Schools

jespindler@rochesterschools.org

507-328-4230

RPS Family Engagement Webpage:

Click Here

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Thanks!

Do you have any questions?

youremail@freepik.com

+91 620 421 838

yourwebsite.com

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