Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Rochester Public Schools will be open Monday and Tuesday and then close to most students Wednesday.

The decision is in response to an order issued by Gov. Walz in response to the ongoing COVID-19 virus crisis.

RPS will remain closed through Apr. 5th, which will be the end of Spring Break (March 28 - Apr 5).

RPS says the governor "designated March 18 - 27 as a planning period to prepare for remote learning in the event that closures extend beyond this time period. All staff will report as scheduled during the planning period. “

Here is what this means:

March 16 and March 17: students and staff will report as normal. Families may opt to keep their students at home and this will be considered an excused absence. Please continue to follow our regular process of contacting the school if your student will be absent on either of these days. Regular School Age Child Care (SACC) will be available for registered participants.

March 18 - March 27: School is closed for students and no instruction will be provided. Limited care will be available for RPS children of healthcare and emergency workers. By Tuesday, March 17, we will provide more detailed information about child care services for those who qualify via Skylert email.
March 28 - April 5: RPS Spring Break. Students do not report, staff should follow their contract/work agreement.

April 6: At this point, we anticipate teaching and learning will resume either in person or via distance learning depending on guidance from Governor Walz.

After school activities: All after school activities, practices, events, and building rentals are canceled beginning Wednesday, March 18, until further notice. This includes all Community Education programs.

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