Contribute to the 205 VIBE™ Blog

• This is a public forum. Content will be shared with the public – that means media might repurpose content.
• Our target audience is our own staff, students and families. 
• Fact-based opinions are welcome.
• Contributors are welcome to share unique content only. Submission cannot be cross-posted on other social media or publications.
• Contributors are encouraged to include links to other sources and websites – even school websites.
• Posts should not exceed 500 words. Every sentence should add value and have a purpose. If it doesn’t, cut it. 
• Make the content easy to read by breaking up text into shorter paragraphs. Consider using subheads, lists and bullet points. 
• Post can include a call to action.
• No personal attacks, name calling, obscenities, bullying, libel, defamation or hate speech. 
• The Rockford Public Schools Communications Department is not responsible for the content provided by its users.

The Rockford Public Schools Communications Department reserves the right to edit for brevity, clarity and other purposes. It also reserves the right to not publish information that is false, misleading or propaganda. Information that is not aligned with the RPS 205 vision or values will not be published.

• Engage readers early. Use powerful images and specific headlines (i.e. include school name)
• Tell your story. Don’t just list the facts of an event or project. Describe your characters, feelings and impact. You can also ditch the formality and be conversational. Write in a way that you – and your friends and family – would want to read it.
• Remember your audience. RPS 205 students, staff and families
• Make the content easy to read. Break up the text into shorter paragraphs. Consider using subheads, lists and bullet points.
• Be Yourself. It’s OK to be vulnerable. Showing personality makes for a compelling read.
• Send high quality photos. Preferably landscape/horizontal photos. If sending a photo from your phone, please send the actual size photo not a compressed version.
• Spread the word. Celebrate your published blog post by sharing with others via social media, email, etc. 

Media must follow g​uidelines for repurposing 205 VIBE™ content​:

• First mention of 205 VIBE™ should include trademark. The following instances can be 205 VIBE.
• VIBE in 205 VIBE™ should be in all caps: 205 VIBE, not 205 vibe
• Reference and give credit in a prominent location that the blog post is housed on the Rockford Public Schools 205 VIBE™. Links must include exact blog post title. For example: “Read ((blog post title)) on the Rockford Public Schools 205 VIBE™.”
• Text referencing the 205 VIBE blog post must be an accurate characterization of the blog post’s message
• Reference Rockford Public Schools or RPS 205, not RPS, District 205 or RPS205