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🌱 Patch AM: Why did Rochester schools ditch the long-running Minnesota Student Survey?

Make time for Pine Island High School vs. Lourdes High School on the Rochester Patch calendar

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Morning Rochester! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why did Rochester schools ditch the long-running Minnesota Student Survey?
  • How a Rochester-trained surgeon spends a week changing lives in Belize
  • Rochester community remembers the life of Margaret “Peggy” Sperling Timm

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Rochester-Mason Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Freezing fog in the morning, with a high of 33 and low of 25 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, temps: high: 37, low: 32.
  • Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 41 and low of 34 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Rochester Public Schools opted out of the Minnesota Student Survey in search of more efficient data (postbulletin.com) — Rochester Public Schools is skipping the statewide Minnesota Student Survey this year and instead using the 5Essentials survey to gather more targeted feedback from students, staff, and families. District leaders say the change should reduce survey fatigue while focusing on data that directly supports academic improvement, mental health insights, and work with partners like Olmsted County.
   

Find out what's happening in Rochester-Mason Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

2. A southern Minnesota surgeon brings his Mayo Clinic training to Belize (postbulletin.com) — A Mayo Clinic–trained oral surgeon who practices in Rochester and Mankato spends a week each year providing free dental and surgical care in Belize. Dr. Richard Kim, who trained and worked extensively in Rochester, describes how these trips sharpen his skills and highlight global gaps in access to care while maintaining his practice in southern Minnesota.
   

3. Margaret "Peggy" Sperling Timm (March 3, 1926 (sweetwaternow.com) — Rochester native Margaret “Peggy” Sperling Timm, 99, who grew up here and graduated high school in 1944, has passed away after a long, family-centered life. She is remembered for her faith, quilting, love of hosting, and a large extended family that includes a daughter still living in Rochester.
   

4. "Major [IBM] Reductions Will Take Place Soon in Rochester MN" (techrights.org) — Rochester residents connected to IBM should be aware of online chatter claiming “major reductions” are planned at IBM’s Rochester operations, with some roles allegedly moving to India. The post, based on layoff forum comments, stresses these are rumors amid broader IBM cuts and notes controversy around a former IBM executive now in the Trump administration.
   

📸 Around Rochester

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🗓 Events Nearby

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • Pet Service Franchise Opportunity in Rochester, MN 🐾
    A Pet Butler franchise is now available for resale in the Rochester area, offering a local foothold in the rapidly growing $24 billion pet service... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Last night we had an experience which was in the Christmas spirit which really touched us and showed that there are wonderful people out there.
    We have an outdoor Christmas light display, and a young couple unknown to us knocked at our door, and gave us a thank you note (with a gift card) to… (Nextdoor North District)
  • Each year during Christmas my husband and I like going to retire homes with Snow Elf and Nemo.
    Most years we go out of town. Was seeing if anyone has ideas here in Rochester? I know anything Mayo owns will not work. (Nextdoor Slatterly Park)
  • TradeJobsWorkforce posted a job opening for British Airways Baggage Handler in Rochester. Apply here.
  • Planet Fitness, Inc. posted a job opening for Overnight Custodian in Rochester. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Rochester here.

Ok Rochester! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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