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John Marshall High School

The Rocket Monthly: December 2025

A Message From Principal Ruzek

ROCKET FAMILY
I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful break and successfully navigated the first big snowfall of the season. It’s hard to believe, but we are already nearing the completion of our first semester!

This time of year also marks the beginning of JM GIVES—a truly special tradition at John Marshall. Throughout the month, every Rocket has the opportunity to give back and help raise money for our greater community. You can expect to see incredible efforts, creative activities, and the generous spirit that makes JM so unique.

As we move toward the end of the semester, this is also the perfect time to check in on your student’s progress. Are they maintaining 90% or better attendance, earning C’s or higher, and staying involved in at least one activity? These benchmarks help ensure our students are on track for success.

We are proud to celebrate an outstanding fall season of activities, including State Competitors and even a State Champion in Swimming! Our JM Theater team also delivered an unforgettable performance of Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief—a true showcase of the talent and dedication within our school community.

Happy JM GIVES season, Go Rockets, and thank you for being an essential part of our Rocket Family! —Go Rockets!

 

Important Dates & Reminders

 

Upcoming Dates

  • Dec 2 - JM Gives Kickoff Event for Students during the School Day
  • Dec 2 - Indoor Marching Band Concert 7-9PM
  • Dec 4 - Orchestra Concert 7-9PM
  • Dec 10 - RPS Drumline Showcase 8PM at John Marshall Gym
  • Dec 10 - RPS Drumline Showcase at JM 8PM
  • Dec 11 - Choir Concert 7-9PM
  • Dec 16 - Holiday Band Concert 7-9PM
  • Dec 22 - Jan 2 - No School for Winter Break
Subscribe to our Online School Calendar
 
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Want to witness a cross-town battle of epic proportions? Join us for the RPS Drumline Showcase benefitting the high school fundraisers. Wednesday, December 10th at 8PM in the John Marshall Gym.

Are you interested in learning more about course planning for your four years at high school? Join staff from the RPS Department of Academic Services on this virtual link.

Join Virtual Session
campus-session

Student Life & Activities

 

There are a multitude of ways for students to be involved in activities at John Marshall. The best way for students & families to be informed about these opportunities is by checking the JMHS Website.

Athletics

Our Winter Athletics season started in November. Use this link to see when different meets & games are happening. This is a great way for your student to be involved in the school culture.

Winter Events

Clubs & Activities

JM offers many clubs after and before school. Visit the club and activities web page to view our clubs, including the days and times they meet, as well as the club advisor. Clubs are a great way for your student to build connections & try a new skill.

JM Clubs & Activities

"Percy Jackson is my favorite book ever, so I had to try out!"         Charlie (Greyhound Passenger)

JM displayed its talent once again on the stage & behind the scenes in its production of The Lightning Thief: A Percy Jackson Musical. 

"The best part about the play is all of the random stuff we do. One time we had a fake wedding between two characters."
Katherine (Ensamble, Dead Musician & Newscaster)

JM Gives ... so What's the Big Deal?

Ask 100 JM Alumni from the past 20+ years, and a good number of them will tell you that JM Gives is a top highlight of their time at John Marshall.

During the month of December, all RPS high schools are taken over by a season of fundraising. The money raised is donated to local charities if their choosing. For John Marshall, the receiving organizations are Family Promise Rochester & Christmas Anonymous. Last year, JM raised over $35K towards these local non-profits!

Fundraising efforts range from hiring the Drumline to follow a student/staff, to Senior Elves going back to their elementary schools, to a Staff Rocket Dance, to many many (many!) tasty treats.

2024 = $35,019!

Family Promise Rochester
Christmas Anonymous
 

Celebrations & Spotlights

 

"For JM, one of my biggest goals is to be a good example for my team, especially, since we have a lot of younger swimmers."

A Sit Down with Julia Ogren

Spend a few minutes with Julie Ogren, and what you are most struck by is not her swim accomplishments, but her desire to be a great role model and her humble attitude. This past month was an exciting one for Julia - winning a State championship in Class AA 100-Butterfly, making her the first Swim & Dive Champ from Rochester since 2014, and being named KTTC's Athlete of the Week.

When she's not in the water, Julia loves her pup, Nala, playing guitar and weightlifting. She is excited for her future next year as a student-athlete at the University of Louisville studying neuroscience. 

Julia...we wish you the very best of luck both in, and out, of the pool!

KTTC Athlete of the Week

Academics & Opportunities

There are many ways we work to support your student at JM. This section will highlight a couple each month.

 

Academic Support & Homework Help

Does your student want some extra academic support? Here's some ideas:

  • Talk with the Classroom Teacher - they are first go-to, as they know the content, assignments & learning goals
  • Visit the W.I.N. Room (What I Need) during the school day. It is located just inside of the Library, open most periods & staff by JM teachers. This is a great opportunity to get some 1-on-1 help from a staff offering a new perspective, make up a test or have an accountability buddy. See schedule for times/days.
  • Attend After School Homework Help. This is a free offering to JM students, runs out of the Library, and is staffed by JM teachers. You do not have to attend every day - do what works for you!
WIN Room Schedule
After School Homework Help 

Attendance Matters

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When children and teens regularly attend school in person, they’re more likely to develop their whole selves—personally, socially, academically, and emotionally. They’re routinely able to connect with friends and adults, collaborate and problem-solve, make decisions, think critically, be creative, and engage in hands-on learning.

This school year, you will receive a text message at the start of each month showing your child’s current attendance. Students should aim to have their attendance rate be 90% or greater. The monthly text will include your student's attendance rate and their school's attendance rate (both excused and unexcused). We want to keep you informed so we can work together to support your student.

If your family or your child needs support, please reach out to Ms. Rogers.

Email Ms. Rogers

Tips & Helpful Information

Location & Links to Access JM Information

 

Many links for JM Information

JM Information

Skyward Tutorials

Skyward Support
for Families

Past Newsletters

October
November
 
 

Information for This School Year

  • 2025-2026 Student Calendar
  • 2025-2026 School Bell Times
  • 2025-2026 Fall Flu Vaccination Information
  • 2025 RPS Summer Take Home Folder

Visit Us

1510 14th Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901

Office Hours:
7:30 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

School Hours:
8:50 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Contact Us

Phone: 507.328.5402
Attendance: 507.328.5410
Fax: 507.328.5295