Super's Update

What happens in classrooms on any given day in Rockford Public Schools is inspiring. When that inspired work happens during a pandemic, I am even more grateful for our district’s teachers.

Subscription boxes aren’t just for food and clothes any more. Instructional coaches at two elementary schools in RPS 205 have applied the subscription box concept to teaching strategies.

A bilingual teacher at Washington Elementary School is still making his former fourth grade teacher proud. And she is still saying it with chocolate.

Erik Manriquez remembers the day in fourth grade when his teacher’s belief in him became apparent. He was new to the class and, more importantly, new to learning in English.

The experience of mentoring third grade students at Ellis Elementary School convinced Jaszmin Minneyfield that she made the right choice to pursue teaching as a career.

As we strive to improve student outcomes, the most significant investment we can make is in our faculty and staff. However, we must ensure dollars spent in other academic areas have the largest possible impact.

First I want to thank all the employees who participated. This year’s response rate was 67 percent, a four-year high.

COVID-19 brought one good thing to Mar’shawn Vaughn’s life: a perfect career fit. Vaughn, a 2020 graduate of Auburn High School, participated in a pilot program last spring that allowed him to intern in the Rockford Public Schools’ Transportation Department.