Big Rally for Strong Schools | Peace Plaza

On Sunday, October 27, the Vote Yes for RPS Community Committee will hold a Big Rally for Strong Schools in support of the Rochester Public Schools funding referendum on the ballot November 5. The Rochester Education Association, Seeking Stability for RPS, NAACP Rochester Branch, Rochester Community Initiative, and ISAIAH are co-hosting the event.

Vote Yes for RPS believes all our kids, no matter their race, income, or neighborhood, deserve to learn in small classes with the support they need to succeed. But if this year’s Rochester Public Schools referendum fails, it means three schools will close, class sizes will rise, and resources like counselors, reading specialists, arts & music, vocational programs and more will be reduced or eliminated. We invite the community to join us for a rally to #VoteYesForRPS together and make sure every child has the resources they need to learn.

WHEN: Sunday, October 27 | 1:00-2:00pm

WHERE: Peace Plaza, 1st Avenue SW & 1st Street SW, Rochester

EVENT LINEUP:

• 12:45-1:10: Arrivals and sign-making.

• 1:10-1:35: March around block: Eastward on Center St, south on Broadway, westward on 2nd St back to Peace Plaza.

• 1:35-2:00: Rally program on stage.

  • 1:35-1:38: Welcome by Mayor Norton

  • 1:38-1:43: Student remarks by Amelia Barkmeier (Mayo HS) & Sammy Shao (Mayo HS & Rochester Community Initiative)

  • 1:43-1:46: Educator remarks by Colleen Spillers (Reading Specialist)

  • 1:46-1:49: Community leader remarks by Walé Elegbede (NAACP)

  • 1:49-1:52: Community leader remarks by Danielle Teal (Parent)

  • 1:52-1:56: Volunteer pitch by Brennan McWilliams (Century HS) & Kim Harris (Parent)

  • 1:56-2:00: Close with student Colorguard performance to music