John Adams Middle School

It's been a very busy couple of weeks at JA. The 8th graders created a menu of at least 8 items that they described using figurative language. Then, they were given then chance to “sample” from each other’s menus and had to fill their plates with figurative language. At the end, they filled out Google reviews about their favorite restaurants as well. They had so much fun!

Our students showed off all their amazing science projects, art pieces and music skills during our Family Engagement Showcase Event on April 16th. Food trucks parked out in the back lot, Poppa J's kettle corner was provided, and many other creative projects were shared with all those who visited.

Mrs. Priebe and her 6th graders were surrogate parents for a group of chicken eggs that hatched and then delighted the whole building.

about 2 months ago, Patty Whalen

dad and two children looking at projects

Looking for a summer job or an opportunity to learn some skills. Consider the World Garden at John Adams

about 2 months ago, Patty Whalen

learn gardening and food preservation skills

the goal is to make a bench and picnic table for the garden

participants can ride the summer academy bus make sure to apply early to get on the route

Congratulations to JA Band Members Natalie Fisk and Andrew Young who represented John Adams this past weekend at the Minnesota Band Directors Association 6-8 Sate Honor Band!

Natalie and Andrew submitted audition recordings in December and were selected among a competitive pool of musicians from across the state of Minnesota! They made music with other driven musicians from our state, as well as learn and perform with composer and professor Quincy Hilliard from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

We are so proud of you!

2 months ago, Patty Whalen

Students from John Adams participated in the State Science Fair on March 27th.

3 months ago, Patty Whalen

Arely participated in the state science fair

Future Scientists at the State Science Fair

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.

4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

2087 classes offered through community education

Our value of ensuring excellence through evidence means we use data and proven practices to help our students grow. To date, 90% of RPS 8th graders have used Xello to discover careers connected to their personal interests. By using these tools, we are investing in our community’s future and preparing the next generation of thinkers and doers. Discover more about how our students use the Xello tool at www.rochesterschools.org/xello.

#PublicSchoolsWeek #PSW26

4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

90% of 8th graders used Xello to discover career interests

At Rochester Public Schools, we want every student to be “Challenged to Strive and Supported to Thrive.” With more than 120 extracurricular options for our secondary students, we live out our Value of building belonging and connection. By offering a wide variety of activities, we ensure every student can find a place where they belong, helping them develop the social skills and confidence needed to pursue a fulfilling path. Learn more about our mission at www.rochesterschools.org/about.

#PublicSchoolsWeek #PSW26

4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

To help our students flourish, we focus on our value of supporting the whole student. This includes their physical well-being, which is why our nutrition team serves over 16,000 meals every single day. Meeting these basic needs is essential to our mission: to equip every student with the resilience to pursue a fulfilling path. Learn more about our Student Nutrition Services Department at https://www.rochesterschools.org/student-nutrition.

#PublicSchoolsWeek #PSW26

4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

5,313 breakfasts and 11,191 lunches served daily

We are proud of our vibrant school communities! Building belonging and connection is a key RPS Value. With 87 languages spoken by our students, we have much to celebrate. Embracing these perspectives creates an environment where every student feels at home and ready to learn. Learn more about our values at www.rochesterschools.org/about.

#PublicSchoolsWeek

4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

Join us for this exciting as JA students showcase their work!

4 months ago, Patty Whalen

Our Math Counts Team competed today with great results. Our JA team took 3rd place today! Jayden W. won the Countdown Round, which is a head-to-head competition where they get 45 seconds to get the correct answer before the other person! Jayden also scored 4th overall as an individual, which means he can go to the State Competition next month to compete again! The team is coached by JA teacher Nicole Pittenger. We are very proud of our 9 kids who participated today!

4 months ago, Patty Whalen

Not only does John Adams have awesome students, we have an awesome, dedicated and caring counseling staff as well. Students wrote notes to the counselors during Counselors Week 2026 and posted them with this thank you banner hung in the hallway outside of their offices. We are so lucky to have them as part of the John Adams team!

4 months ago, Patty Whalen

Looking to help give back to students? Interested in science and innovation? Sign up to volunteer as a judge for the Rochester Regional STEM Fair: https://rochester.ce.eleyo.com/course/25711/2026-adult-winter-spring-catalog-tentative/volunteer-rochester-regional-stem-fair

Over 200 middle and high school students will be presenting their projects at the 68th Annual STEM Fair. Judges offer feedback to students, and a rubric (and lunch) is provided.

When: February 27, 2026, from 9:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: RCTC Sports Center

Sign up, be inspired, and give back to our future innovators!

4 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

Rochester Regional STEM Fair Judges Needed. Join us as a volunteer on Friday, February, 27, 2026 from 9:45 to 1:00 p.m. at RCTC Sports Center and lunch will be provided.

Last weekend, these awesome band students represented JA at our annual RPS 8th Grade Honor Band. Shout out to these students for spending their Friday and Saturday making great music with new faces from across Rochester.

4 months ago, Patty Whalen

Looking for a way to help your middle schooler succeed? Dig deeper into your student's experience by joining our caregiver and parent empowerment sessions. This virtual mini-series is tailored for the middle school experience, where you'll learn about middle school academics, social growth, and relationships while also preparing your student for high school. Sessions start next week, from January 20 to February 24, from 12 to 1 p.m. Drop in for one session or attend them all; we can't wait to start the conversation!

Register today: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_GfuYOUxMpuXgUQYhR6LeSGGEaS3NIZlS_FuoWjyfCE/

5 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

Caregiver and Parent Empowerment Program Virtual Sessions, middle school parents and caregivers scan the qr code to register.

Our JA FTC (First Tech Challenge) just finished the season up in Hopkins on Saturday. They did a great job. They presented to a panel of judges and also did great winning the majority of games. They made it to the playoff rounds and ended up in 11th place out of 27 teams! The kids had a blast and Coach Anderson was really proud of how they worked with other teams.

5 months ago, Patty Whalen

Before we officially begin winter break, we want to take a moment to celebrate the amazing students we have at RPS! During their annual fundraising competitions, our high school students raised a combined $123,077.95 for local organizations! Thank you, students, for all your hard work and effort to invest back into our community.

6 months ago, Rochester Public Schools

Mayo High School Give One For All 2025 fundraiser

John Marshall High School JM Gives 2025 fundraiser

Century High School Bear Creek at Century 2025 fundraiser

Do you have extra snow pants or other winter gear?

7 months ago, Patty Whalen

Support the John Adams PTSA by Giving to the Max. Help fill the mug of cocoa and "gift" the students with add on goodies. https://give.mn/exjdsf

7 months ago, Patty Whalen

John Adams needs help filling our food shelf. Bring nonperishable items (see flyer for ideas) to school on Monday, November 4 or to parent teacher conferences that evening from 4 to 7. Every item donated counts towards a grade wide reward of extra recess time on Friday.

8 months ago, Patty Whalen