Washington Elementary School

Did you know that every public school student in Minnesota is part of a trust fund? Minnesota owns state public lands that generate revenue from timber, mining, and land leases. That money is placed into a protected investment trust dedicated strictly to supporting public school districts across the state. Due to investment growth, the fund has expanded from $675 million in 2010 to more than $2.3 billion today, but distributions have not kept pace because of outdated constitutional restrictions. This November, Minnesota voters can vote to increase the fund.

What does this ballot question change?

• Sends more money to classrooms: Current constitutional rules limit payouts primarily to interest and dividends, restricting how much money reaches schools. The amendment modernizes the formula to increase the annual distribution from 2-2.5% to 4.5% of the fund's total value, significantly increasing payments to all Minnesota public schools.

• Zero tax increase: It does not raise property, income, or sales taxes. It uses money already sitting in an existing investment fund.

• Bipartisan agreement: The update was unanimously recommended by a nonpartisan task force and received strong bipartisan support in both the Minnesota House and Senate.

Under Minnesota law, a constitutional amendment must receive approval from a majority of all voters. Skipping the question has the exact same mathematical impact as actively voting against it. To support the amendment, you must vote "YES." Leaving the question blank counts as a "NO" vote. You can learn more about this at www.mnpsfamendment.org.

Reminder: there is no school on Wednesday, September 23. RPS staff will participate in a Curriculum and Development (CAD) Day to plan instruction and engage in professional development. We will see students back in school on Thursday, September 24.

The school year is in full swing, and so is your chance to grab some RPS gear! Our Apparel Shop is open through Friday, September 18, 2026, and items will be available for pick up at your school at the end of October. Shop here: https://rps26washington.itemorder.com/shop/home/

Reminder: there is no school on Friday, September 4, for all schools except Longfellow Elementary, which will have a regular school day. Additionally, there will be no school, and RPS offices and buildings will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.

In Craftopia (Gr. 2-5), creativity knows no bounds! This four-day camp invites students to explore a wide variety of art materials and crafting techniques while creating projects they’ll be proud to take home. Join CE Youth Enrichment for a hands-on, imagination-filled experience. Register today at bit.ly/rochce-craftopia.

Is your child ready for the independence of staying home alone? Whether it’s an hour after school or a few hours during the summer, this milestone can be a positive experience when kids are prepared.

Join CE Youth Enrichment at Hoover on June 15 for our Home Alone (Gr. 2 and Up) class. Students will build confidence and learn practical skills, including safe habits, house rules, after-school routines, handling phone calls and unexpected visitors, pet safety, personal safety, severe weather, fire safety, intruders, and basic first aid. Register today at bit.ly/rochce-home-alone.

Join CE Youth Enrichment on June 9 at Hoover for Bicycle Spin Art! Students will create their own masterpieces by pouring their favorite paint colors and designs onto a spinning canvas while pedaling a bike. The results are as fun to make as they are to see! Register online today at bit.ly/rochce-pedaler.

Summer CE Youth Enrichment camps are starting soon! Join us at Hoover from June 8–11 for Once Upon a Movie (Gr. K-2). In this course, we will explore magical and mythical adventures through movies, crafts, and fun activities. From enrolling in Monsters University to saving a family’s magic, there are stories for every kid to enjoy. You can register for this course and view our many upcoming summer offerings at bit.ly/rochce-movie.

Easy as π! Our Washington Elementary Math Masters brought home the competition in the 5th grade events. Congratulations to our 5th graders, including the many students and teams that placed in 1st, 3rd, 5th, and more! Our 4th graders are currently competing, and we're wishing them all the positive vibes!

Rochester Public Schools is the heart of a community focused on lifelong learning. Whether you are three years old or eighty-three, we believe in investing in our community's future by providing exceptional opportunities for everyone to grow.

➡️ We help our youngest learners flourish through 177 Preschool Enrichment classes, 105 Early Childhood Family Education classes, and 26 RPS Preschool classrooms.

➡️ Our youth students stay engaged and inspired through 767 Youth Enrichment and 21st Century programs designed to help them find their spark.

➡️ Learning doesn't stop at graduation. We host 655 Adult Enrichment classes, 241 Adults With Exceptional Abilities classes, and 116 unique offerings at Hawthorne Education.

Learn more about our Community Education program at https://www.rochesterce.org.

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