Now Open! Special Programs Pre-K & Kindergarten Lotteries for the 2026–2027 school year.
Apply by March 13, 2026.


Kindergarten Special Programs:
Age-Eligible: Students must be 5 years old by 9/1/2026.
--International Baccalaureate (IB) at Conklin
--STEAM Academy at Haskell
--Two-Way Language Immersion at Barbour (requires passing an oral language assessment)

Pre-Kindergarten Program:
Students must be 4 years old by 9/1/2026.
--Maria Montessori at Marsh

How to Apply:
1) Complete an application at the RPS Welcome Center by March 13, 2026 (bring your photo ID, two proofs of residence, and child's birth certificate)
2) Attend a mandatory orientation at the school offering the program

Learn more about each special programs:
What is Montessori?
What is STEAM Academy?
What is International Baccalaureate (IB) at Conklin?
What is Two-Way Language Immersion at Barbour?

about 10 hours ago, Rockford Public Schools
RPS Special Programs Lottery
IB Lottery
Montessori Lottery
STEAM Lottery
Barbour Lottery
Are you ready to elevate your leadership career? The NIU Principal Residency Program offers the opportunity to earn a Master's in Education & an Illinois Principal Endorsement with leadership coaching. All at zero tuition cost!

Join us at one of our info sessions to learn more:

1/7- Virtual at 2:30 p.m. https://meet.google.com/jwa-thds-rha
1/14- 3:00 p.m. in-person at RPS Admin Building
2/11 Virtual at 3:30 p.m. https://meet.google.com/jwa-thds-rha
2/18 Virtual at 7:15 a.m. https://meet.google.com/jwa-thds-rha
3/10 4:15 p.m. in-person at RPS Admin Building
3/23 Virtual at 4pm https://meet.google.com/jwa-thds-rha

If interested, contact Heather Psaltis at heather.psaltis@rps205.com to reserve your spot.
about 14 hours ago, Rockford Public Schools
NIU Principal Residency Program
Happy New Year! Here’s to new beginnings, big dreams, and a year full of learning, laughter, and success. Cheers to 2026!
1 day ago, Rockford Public Schools
Happy New Year 2026

Calling all RPS 205 students in grades K-8: Want to be a part of the Valkyries Synchronized Swimming show in 2026? Attend a meeting this coming Monday to learn what it's all about!

2 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
Future Valkyries
Whitehead Wildcats bundled up and spread holiday cheer during Winter Caroling! Families sang favorite carols through the neighborhood, then warmed up with hot chocolate and cookies. A magical night full of music, smiles, and Wildcat togetherness!
11 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
2025 Whitehead Caroling WEB-27
2025 Whitehead Caroling WEB-31
2025 Whitehead Caroling WEB-44
2025 Whitehead Caroling WEB-34
2025 Whitehead Caroling WEB-47
2025 Whitehead Caroling WEB-50
2025 Whitehead Caroling WEB-51
2025 Whitehead Caroling WEB-38
2025 Whitehead Caroling WEB-37
Whitehead Caroling
Need assistance when school is not in session for the next two weeks?

Check out our resources: rps205.com/page/family-community-engagement

We'll see you on Monday, January 5th!
12 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
No School for Winter Break
Today marks the first day of the season. Bring on cozy sweaters, warm drinks, snowy fun, and bright smiles. Stay warm, have fun, and enjoy all the winter magic ahead!
13 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
Hello Winter!
Eisenhower Middle School hosted its annual Sixth Grade Winter Wonderland, a fun winter celebration just for sixth graders. A big highlight was a visit from Hammy the IceHogs mascot who gave out stuffed animals to students.
14 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
EHS Winter Wonderland
EHS Winter Wonderland
EHS Winter Wonderland
EHS Winter Wonderland
EHS Winter Wonderland
EHS Winter Wonderland
Christmas hope was shared at Constance Lane Elementary today! City First Church partnered with the school to donate Christmas toys to all K–5 students. Santa made a surprise visit to help hand out presents to more than 650 students, spreading lots of holiday cheer!
14 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
SantaCL-01
SantaCL-02
SantaCL-03
SantaCL-04
SantaCL-05
SantaCL-06
SantaCL-07
SantaCL-08
SantaCL-09
SantaCL-10

RPS 205 & Tyson teamed up to host the Ultimate Chicken Sandwich Contest. The winners each received a Nintendo Switch along with a portrait of their creations. Congratulations to Iker at Flinn, Jordan at Auburn, and Connor at Conklin! The sandwiches will be featured on the lunch menu this Spring!

15 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
Chicken Sandwich
Chicken Sandwich
Chicken Sandwich
Chicken Sandwich
Chicken Sandwich
Chicken Sandwich
Fairview Early Childhood Center was filled with smiles and laughter as staff brought The Gingerbread Man to life! Students and families enjoyed an interactive retelling, making this classic story a fun and memorable experience for all.
17 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
Gingerbread-01
Gingerbread-02
Gingerbread-03
Gingerbread-04
Gingerbread-05
Gingerbread-06
Gingerbread-07
Gingerbread-08
Gingerbread-09
Gingerbread-10
Get ready for Rumble in the Rock!
January 9 & 10 at Rock Valley College
$10 weekend pass

Friday:
5:30 & 7pm Belvidere North & Hononegah

Saturday:
9am Jefferson G vs East G
10:30 Auburn G vs Guilford G
12 & 2 RVC Women & Men
4pm Jefferson B vs East B
5:30 Auburn B vs Guilford B
19 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
Rumble in the Rock
RPS 205 hosted its first-ever regional CDW & Google for Education workshop at The Quad! Nearly 50 leaders from 25 regional school districts explored Gemini, Chrome management, and next-gen classroom tools. A hands-on student component showcased real transformation in action.
22 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
Google Event
Google  Event
Google Event
Google Event 12-2025_WEB-2
Google Event
Google Event 12-2025_WEB-3
Google Event
Google Event
Google Event
Google Event
Join us for an evening of music at the East High School 2025 Winter Concert! Featuring Choirs I & II, Orchestra, String Quartet, and Bands I–III.
📅 December 17 | 🕕 6:00 PM | 📍 East High School Auditorium
Celebrate the season with beautiful performances.
22 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
Poster for East High School’s 2025 Winter Concert. The design features a teal snowy background with a large yellow snowflake and text announcing the event: “East High School 2025 Winter Concert, December 17, 6:00 PM, East High School Auditorium.” Performances include Choir I, Orchestra, Band I, Choir II, String Quartet, and Bands II/III. At the bottom, there is a snowman wearing a red scarf and hat, a decorated Christmas tree, and an orange fox sitting in the snow.
The Rockford Promise Scholarship application is open now through February 5th. High school students can apply for the chance to attend college tuition free. Don’t miss this life-changing opportunity! Apply today at https://rockfordpromise.org/apply-scholarship-application/
23 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
Rockford Promise
SupplyCore stopped by Johnson Elementary to present a $2,000 check to support students in need. It's part of their Angel Giving Tree initiative. The donation will be used to purchase winter gear and other items for students with the greatest need this holiday season. Thank you!
23 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
Johnson Check from Supplycore
The RPS 205 Admin Building brought the holiday spirit with our Ugly Sweater Contest!
Ugliest: Andrianna Yancy (LL Extended Campus)
Cutest: Kristina Perry (2F CI&A)
Best DIY: Kathy Sobucki (1F Welcome Center)
Head-to-Toe: Jess Micheli (2F FACE)
Congrats to all of our winners!
24 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
Ugly Sweater
Cutest Outfit
Best Homemade
Best Head to Toe

Rockford Public Schools is thrilled to announce the Special Programs Pre-K and Kindergarten Lotteries for the 2026-2027 school year!

Pre-K and Kindergarten applications will be accepted starting January 2, 2026, through March 13, 2026.

Kindergarten Special Programs:
Students must be 5 years old by 9/1/2026.

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) at Conklin

  • STEAM Academy at Haskell

  • Two-Way Language Immersion at Barbour (requires passing an oral language assessment)

Pre-Kindergarten Program:
Students must be 4 years old by 9/1/2026.

  • Maria Montessori at Marsh

How to Apply:
1) Complete an application at the RPS Welcome Center (bring your photo ID, two proofs of residence, and child's birth certificate)
2) Attend a mandatory orientation at the school offering the program

Learn more about each special programs:
What is Montessori?
What is STEAM Academy?
What is International Baccalaureate (IB) at Conklin?
What is Two-Way Language Immersion at Barbour?

24 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
2026-2027 SY Lottery
IB 2026-2027 orientation dates
Montessori 2026-2027 orientation dates
STEAM 2026-2027 orientation dates
Barbour 2026-2027 orientation dates
Jefferson High School’s Advanced Theatre invites you to the 7th Annual Children’s Readers Theatre! Join us on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 5:30pm in the JHS auditorium (4145 Samuelson Rd.). Admission is FREE! Enjoy Adventures of Frog and Toad brought to life like a bedtime story on stage.
25 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
JHS CRT
Last week, we hosted an RPS 205 Leadership Summit for administration building staff, focusing on the power & future of data & technology. Leaders from across our district are proving what’s possible when we use these tools to build smarter schools & better serve students.
26 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
December 25 Summit-01
December 25 Summit-02
December 25 Summit-03
December 25 Summit-04
December 25 Summit-05
December 25 Summit-06
December 25 Summit-07
December 25 Summit-08
December 25 Summit-09
December 25 Summit-10