A Message From the President We have all been through a lot of change in the past few months. We've said goodbye to veteran RCS staff and welcomed new faces in each building. We've navigated new systems (SchoolAdmin), new leadership, and, oh yeah, a pandemic. Change can be both exciting and difficult. Read more... Taking Learning to the Next Level Two separate initiatives launched in the past year at Rochester Catholic Schools are working in tandem to create powerful opportunities for students and teachers to take their learning to the next level. Lourdes High School English teacher Brett Blattner is finding that these initiatives have a win-win outcome. Read more... Celebrating Feast Days As a Catholic school community, we are presented with opportunities during the month of November to celebrate two special feast days, also known as and All Saints' and All Souls' Days. On All Saints' Day, third-graders at Holy Spirit Catholic School dressed as saints for Mass and shared facts about each saint with the community. Read more... The Spirit of Giving It is the season of giving! During this time, you may be able to take advantage of beneficial ways to make a gift and provide essential support for the advancement and growth of Rochester Catholic Schools. This is an ideal time to arrange for your IRA rollover distribution to be gifted to the RCS Fund for Academic Excellence or Lourdes Foundation. Donors also may receive the one-time CARES Act tax relief that was extended into 2021 when making a gift by Dec. 31. Read more... Winter Showcase of Schools We welcomed 40 families who visited RCS during our Fall Showcase of Schools! Families toured our five campuses, met the principals, and talked with our admissions team. This is an exciting time as we are seeing growth throughout our system - with 1059 returning and 268 new students this school year and more than 50 applications already for next year! The event was such a great success that a Winter Showcase of Schools will be held the week of Jan. 24. Tell your friends and neighbors, and register today! Early Application Encouraged RCS is now accepting applications from new families for the 2022-2023 school year. Invite your friends and neighbors to schedule a tour and learn why families continue to Say YES to RCS! The deadline for early application is Feb. 4. Learn more or apply today at rcsmn.org/admissions. Re-enrollment information for current families is coming soon. A Time to Reunite Although many reunions have been put on hold, several classes were able to come together this season. The Class of 1970, pictured above, postponed their event last year but recently had some fun getting together for a 50th+1 year reunion. Other milestone gatherings included the 50th reunion for the Class of 1971 and the 55th/56th reunion for the Class of 1965. View photos... Calling All Alumni! Alumni from all years and all schools within the Rochester Catholic Schools system are invited to a pre-Thanksgiving get-together on Nov. 24, 5:00 p.m., at the Tap House West End. Enjoy complimentary appetizers and a cash bar. We are excited to have this opportunity to show our gratitude for our amazing alumni! RSVP by Nov. 23. To RSVP or learn more, visit rcsmn.org/alumnisocial. Meet Our Trustees Michael Cook, Melissa Saunders, and Co-Chair Fr. Tom Loomis share with us why they are committed to serving Rochester Catholic Schools. You will also learn how these members of the RCS Board of Trustees see the tenets of excellence, character, and community lived-out within our school community. Read more.. Sports Hall of Fame The 14th Annual Lourdes High School Sports Hall of Fame, held at the Rochester International Event Center this fall, celebrated inductees Tim Fischer '70, Jean (Ohly) Herbert '74, Tom Jirele '79, Sara Atkinson '94, Sara (Peterson) Goodman '99, Leah (Kodet) Nigon '03, Molly (Noser) Jarrett '07, and Coach Chris Miller '76. LHS students introduced these accomplished individuals who carry on the Eagles athletics legacy! The 1994 Girls True Team Track & Field Team was also honored. View photos... Activities Update Lourdes High School Girls Soccer celebrated their 25th anniversary this year and had a great season, falling just short in the Section Championship game to Fairmont. Coach Sarah Groven captured her 350th win and was named Class A Minnesota State Girls Soccer Coach of the Year. These are just a few of the many highlights from the Fall 2021 season. Read more... Join In the Christmas Fun! Rochester Catholic Schools invites you to participate in a Christmas Countdown Scavenger Hunt on Dec. 10! Join together with family and friends to solve 15 clues, each with a mission to complete in your home, neighborhood, or throughout the Rochester community. This fun and festive event is free and open to the public. RSVP by Dec. 8. Learn more at rcsmn.org/christmas. © 2021 Rochester Catholic Schools |