Rockford Public Schools -

It was the first day of school for our early childhood centers today. Look at all of those smiling faces!

Dr. Kelly Monson and 43 Rockford University students in the Education pathway came back to RPS to welcome students and help support 14 schools on the first day of school. This event was coordinated over the summer between RPS and RU to allow education majors a chance to better experience what back to school looks like while also providing additional supports to our schools on a busy and sometimes chaotic morning. The following schools all had additional support provided by Rockford University students: Gregory, Haskell, Johnson, Lewis Lemon, West View, Froberg, Lathrop, Montessori, Constance Lane, Spring Creek, Brookview, Hillman, Conklin, Welsh, Kennedy, and Whitehead.

In celebration of Subaru Loves Learning month, Napleton Subaru Rockford partnered with Adopt a Classroom and Guilford High School to advance equity in education in the community. Todd Tifft, Sales Manager at Napleton Subaru Rockford and his team delivered a donation of six classroom activity kits that include school supplies as well as a certificate of $500 for each teacher. The monies will get dispersed through adoptaclassroom.org in early September to spend on additional school supplies at the teacher’s discretion. The six teachers chosen to receive the donation were: ● Chris Magee- Science teacher ● Kari Morris de Hernandez- Science/horticulture teacher ● Dana Burkhardt- self-contained Special Education teacher ● Adam Lewis- PE teacher ● Lisa Doll- Art teacher ● Tea Johnson- Social Studies teacher and department head The presentation was during Guilford’s Back to School Open House.

We hope everyone had a great first day back to school. We sure did! Here are some pictures we captured of the big day.

BACK TO SCHOOL REMINDER: As K-12 students prepare to head to school tomorrow, we want to remind you of the following: -Please double check your student's school's start and dismissal times. -Chronic absenteeism occurs when a student misses more than 10 school days for any reason. This year, we're committed to helping students stay on track and avoid chronic absences. -Download the new RPS 205 app to access calendars, news updates, meals, home access center, and more. Android: https://aptg.co/SdXPgz iPhone: https://aptg.co/ml7g3d -RPS 205 schools provide free breakfast and lunch to all students, though a la carte items and those from the snack bar are not included. We can't wait to see you tomorrow!

SmartPass: We’re excited to introduce the SmartPass app for the 2024-2025 school year. SmartPass is a digital tool to enhance the school experience for middle and high school students. It includes a digital ID and a digital hall pass, aimed at streamlining school operations and maximizing student engagement. Digital Hall Pass The digital hall pass feature will replace traditional hall passes, allowing students to request permission to leave the classroom using their Chromebook or a kiosk. This system makes it easier for teachers and principals to track student movement, enhancing safety. Additionally, it will reduce time spent in hallways and maximize learning time. Student ID We encourage all families to have their students download the SmartPass app to access their digital student ID. While students will still receive a physical ID badge this year, the digital ID offers added convenience. It allows students to access extracurricular activities without needing a physical card, which is especially helpful before the physical IDs are issued and can reduce wait times at event gates. Please see the linked flyer: https://5il.co/2uqsu Download the app today! For more information, please visit https://www.rps205.com/page/smartpass

The SCOC & Student/Parent Handbook are available in English at rps205.com. Families can request printed copies by visiting their school’s main office. Schools can translate the SCOC into a family’s native language using google translate. Administrators will provide presentations to review the SCOC with all students within the first 10 days of school.

🎒 Welcome Back to School! 🎒 We’re so excited to see everyone back and ready to start this amazing new school year! 🌟 Attendance is the foundation for success; every day matters—regardless of the reason. Here’s how you can help your student shine: 📅 Be Consistent: Every school day is a new opportunity! Let’s make attendance a priority for a year full of growth. ⏰ Create a Routine: Help your child start the day on the right foot by setting a regular bedtime and wake-up schedule. 🚶‍♂️ Stay Engaged: It’s not just about showing up, but also being actively engaged in learning. A focused student is a successful student! ✨ Why It Matters: Attending school regularly—no matter the reason for an absence—leads to better grades, stronger relationships, and a bright future. Let’s aim for success together! Let’s make this school year the best yet! 🏫 #BackToSchool #AttendanceMatters #ShowUpAndShine #AttendtoAchieve #AttendanceAwareness #RPS205

More than 450 students in grades 4-8 joined the RPS 205 Summer Sports Camps this year! The 4 weeks of camp created opportunities for our young students to try out all the 15 different sports offered at the high school level while developing and maintaining relationships with their future coaches. Thank you to the 150 high school coaches who were involved in leading the camps. We can't wait for next Summer!

Rockford Public Schools wants to ensure every school has an outstanding principal. A partnership between RPS 205 and Northern Illinois University creates a unique opportunity for our teachers to learn while leading in a residency master’s cohort. The program is selective, and admittance is granted to the most highly qualified candidates. The district pays the full tuition for the program. Candidates agree to remain in the district for three more years after completing their program. This cohort-based program improves academic & social-emotional learning outcomes from early childhood to post-secondary success in every school led by a partnership-prepared principal. Cohort 3 graduates from the 2-year program are: • Chris Berogan at Auburn High School • Diane Berogan - She did her residency at Constance Lane Elementary and is now the Assistant Principal at Lincoln Middle School. • Viviana Salinas at Jefferson High School • Ryan Miller from the STEAM Academy at Haskell. They are all now certified administrators. Congratulations to you all!

As we prepare for the new school year, we want to remind you of RPS 205’s Cell Phone Policy: • Personal use of cellular phones is at the discretion of the teacher and may be used for educational purposes or during emergency situations. • When not in use for educational or emergency purposes, cell phones are to be turned off or to silent, kept out of sight or in an inconspicuous location such as backpack, purse, or locker. • Cell phones may be used during the school day if the use of the device is provided in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 plan; permission is received from the student’s teacher; or permission is received from a building administrator. Unless the cell phone is confiscated for evidentiary purposes, progressive intervention for electronic device violations will be as follows: • 1st Offense: Confiscation of device. Device returned to parent or guardian. • 2nd Offense: Confiscation of device. Device returned to parent or guardian. Cell phone prohibited on school grounds for one week. • 3rd Offense: Confiscation of device. Device returned to parent or guardian. Cell phone prohibited on school grounds for one semester or trimester. • 4th Offense: Confiscation of device. Device returned to parent or guardian. Student is prohibited from possessing a cell phone on school grounds for remainder of the school year. Refer to Repeated Level 2 violation under: Defiance, Disobedience, Disrespect K-12, Failure to Attend (2). *Cell phone bans may be imposed for level 4 violations.

TONIGHT: Meeting notices, agendas, and minutes for RPS 205 School Board meetings can now be found at the following on our website: rps205.diligent.community/Portal/ You can also get there by: Menu > Board of Education (drop down) > Diligent Community

There's still time to register for the PTO kick off!

As we get ready to head back to school soon, we are welcoming just under 200 new teachers to the classrooms. Earlier this week, they attended an orientation to learn all about RPS 205.

Cherry Valley Elementary held a Mobile Block Party earlier this week. Staff met families in their neighborhoods on their turf to build relationships, play games, & provide learning materials. They handed out backpacks donated by Collins Aerospace & City First Church.

We're thrilled to announce the new RPS 205 app for our families that we serve as well as our staff! Download for Android https://aptg.co/SdXPgz Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/ml7g3d

Flinn Middle School is holding its 5th annual Future Falcon Frenzy this week. 150 students are meeting new friends, getting to know their teachers, finding their way around the school & their lockers, & learning important “middle school” skills. 25 staff members & 25 current students are leading the way & helping the new students transition into middle school.

REMINDER: In-person registration is this Wednesday, August 14, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at your student's school. You must attend if you haven't registered online or submitted your packet. Please contact your student's school if you have any questions. Thank you.

Thanks to you, both Fairview Early Childhood Center and Summerdale Early Childhood Center have been nominated for Best Pre-School in the Rockford Register Star's What Rocks contest! Now that they are in the top 5, you can vote for for them to make it into the top 3. Voting is now through August 23: https://rrstar.gannettcontests.com/2024-What-Rocks-Communitys-Choice-Awards/gallery?group=495443

The RPS 205 Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2024 was inducted last month. Thank you to more than 200 guests who joined the celebration of our inductees. Congratulations to Horace Box, Laurie Miller, Rick Schmitz, and the late Clarence Miller.