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John Marshall High School

The Rocket Monthly: November 2025

A Message From Principal Ruzek

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ROCKET FAMILY
As we move into November, I want to reflect on an incredible fall season at John Marshall High School. Our Homecoming parade, game, and dance were a huge success—thank you to everyone who showed their Rocket pride! We also celebrated remarkable student-athlete achievements, with Boys and Girls Cross Country, Boys Soccer, and Girls Swimming competing at the state level. Looking ahead, we’re excited for winter activities, including our upcoming school musical, Percy Jackson: The Musical.

As the first semester progresses, now is a great time to check in on your student’s progress. Are they on track for credits, maintaining passing grades, and involved in activities? Engagement is key, and we’re here to support you. If your student needs help, reach out to teachers, counselors, or administrators. I’m proud of our students and staff—Go Rockets!

 

Important Dates & Reminders

 
 

Upcoming Dates

  • November 4 - Students do not report to School - Curriculum Adjustment Day
  • November 6 - What Every Parent Should Know: Teen Substance Use Today VIrtual Session
  • November 12 - FAFSA Completion Night: 3:30-5:30PM at John Marshall
  • November 19-23 - Theatre JM Presents: The Lightening Thief: A Percy Jackson Musical
    • Tickets on sale at the door Adults: $8 Students: $6
    • Tickets will be on sale on the GoFan app as well
  • November 26-28 - Students do not report to school - Fall Break
  • June 6 - Graduation Ceremony for Seniors
Subscribe to our Online School Calendar
 
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On Thursday, November 6th, please join us VIRTUALLY for an informative event regarding teen substance use - how to support and keep your teen safe. This is a safe, non-judgmental event for anyone looking to become better informed. Caregivers from all RPS high schools are welcome. 

Google Meet joining info:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/gaa-kdew-zrp
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 347-450-3951‬ PIN: ‪150 840 256‬#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/gaa-kdew-zrp?pin=6897788428030

To Join Google Meet

Parents & Caregivers of Seniors. Are you wanting some help and guidance on applying for Financial Aid for college? Please consider joining us for the John Marshall FAF$A Lab on Wednesday, November 12th from 3:30-5:30PM in the Rocket Center. See the flyer for details.

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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 is gearing up to start in November. Please see the flyer with dates for tryouts or starting practice.

JM Athletics

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.

JM Clubs & Activities

JM Theater: Don't Miss The Lightning Thief: A Percy Jackson Musical

Treat yourself to a night of performance before breaking for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Join us at the JM Theater Production of The Lightning Thief.

November 20 - 22 at 7PM
November 23 at 2PM

Performance is in the John Marshall Auditorium.

Tickets at the door. Students $8 and Adults $10.

 

Celebrations & Spotlights

 

"I want the community to know that we are all here to serve a purpose, and right now starting this club and encouraging others to join, is mine."

 

Alajiah Campbell, Change Maker

Alajiah isn't one to just sit around when she sees something that she wants to change or improve. When she came to us last year as a freshman, she arrived with Drill Team experience, and knew that she wanted to bring that to the JM community. Alajiah has worked hard this year to find an advisor, recruit members, fundraise and start this new club. She already has several dedicated members who practice regularly after school. She said she wanted to start Cloves Drill and Dance to keep in good physical shape and have fun. Alajiah is encouraged by the warm reception this club has received at JM, and loves that many staff and students continue to ask her about how it is going. Alajiah has big dreams for the Drill Team and hopes to one day make it an official competition sport. But for now, we just have to wait for their first performance!

 

Academics & Opportunities

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

 

A Note from our School Social Workers

Welcome to the start of a great new year! We are the JM school social workers. This year there are two of us, (Jaimi Smiley and Jen Obermueller) and we are happy to help support you and your student(s). 

Our role is to help support students’ social, emotional, and academic well-being by working collaboratively with families, teachers, students, and staff. We meet with students to help support positive relationships, develop self esteem, promote healthy coping skills and stress management strategies, collaborate with families on mental health concerns, and connect families to resources available within the community. 

We would like to share some resources available within Rochester. There are many resources available for families but finding the right kind of help can be challenging. If you are unsure how to start, here are some community services that may be very helpful.

Local Resources

Brenda Akin, PSEO (Postsecondary Enrollment Options)

Every Wednesday, Brenda Akin is available in the College & Career Resource Center, 3-105, to support students interested, or enrolled, in PSEO courses.

PSEO (Postsecondary Enrollment Options) with RCTC allows high school students, primarily juniors and seniors, to take college courses at Rochester Community and Technical College to earn both high school and college credit. 

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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
 
 

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