This fall, RPS 205 Middle School Visual Art teachers have collaborated with Wild Roots at Severson Dells to develop “Rooted in the Prairie,” a hands-on exploration of native species in the Illinois prairie ecosystem through the visual arts.
In September, middle school art students from Marshall, West, Flinn, Lincoln, RESA, and Eisenhower visited a living prairie to learn about native Illinois species from Wild Roots Educators. Back at school, we are busy creating artwork inspired by some of the species we observed and learned about.
In November, Rooted in the Prairie will culminate in an educational public art exhibit showcasing the resulting work from all RPS 205 middle schools together, revolving around our common roots and experience in the Illinois prairie ecosystem.
This exhibit will be located inside the City Market building with an opening reception on Friday, November 13 from 5:30-7:30 PM. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this free event.
In September, middle school art students from Marshall, West, Flinn, Lincoln, RESA, and Eisenhower visited a living prairie to learn about native Illinois species from Wild Roots Educators. Back at school, we are busy creating artwork inspired by some of the species we observed and learned about.
In November, Rooted in the Prairie will culminate in an educational public art exhibit showcasing the resulting work from all RPS 205 middle schools together, revolving around our common roots and experience in the Illinois prairie ecosystem.
This exhibit will be located inside the City Market building with an opening reception on Friday, November 13 from 5:30-7:30 PM. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this free event.
Congratulations to Eisenhower on winning the JV soccer championship in penalty kicks against Marshall, and to Lincoln on their Varsity championship with a 3-0 win over Eisenhower! Thank you to all our athletes, coaches and families for a great season!
It’s National School Bus Safety Week! This year’s theme, “Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes,” reminds us that keeping students safe is a shared responsibility. Thank you to our school bus drivers, and remember to follow bus safety rules and stop for school buses!
RPS 205 will host a free Boys & Girls Youth Wrestling Clinic for all K–8 students at the East HS Fieldhouse:
Tuesday, October 20 for grades K-2 at 5:15—6:45 PM
Thursday, October 22 for grades 3-5 & 6-8 at 5:15—6:45 PM
Sunday, October 25 for grades K-2 at 3:00—4:30 PM
Sunday, October 25 for grades 3-5 & 6-8 at 5:00—6:30 PM
Learn basic wrestling skills. To register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScU_gmRt1vP5laFRA17lZiO3KcB_pH1jGaCPTXxwAmz6
Tuesday, October 20 for grades K-2 at 5:15—6:45 PM
Thursday, October 22 for grades 3-5 & 6-8 at 5:15—6:45 PM
Sunday, October 25 for grades K-2 at 3:00—4:30 PM
Sunday, October 25 for grades 3-5 & 6-8 at 5:00—6:30 PM
Learn basic wrestling skills. To register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScU_gmRt1vP5laFRA17lZiO3KcB_pH1jGaCPTXxwAmz6
Whitehead Elementary celebrated the conclusion of Hispanic Heritage Month with a special assembly featuring cultural performances, student participation & live dance by Mosaico Cultural. A couple of Whitehead staff also took the stage to perform the tango.
A Conversation with Dr. Huff was held at Auburn High School. Families, staff, & community members came together to meet the Superintendent and hear his vision for RPS 205. The audience shared their thoughts & ideas. Cabinet members in attendance also answered questions.
The Path of Pumpkins begins this weekend at Anderson Japanese Gardens. Explore a Halloween-themed outdoor experience featuring pumpkin carvings from students at Auburn, Jefferson, Lincoln, RESA, Roosevelt, Quad, & West. Admission includes a ballot. Cast your vote through Oct. 24. Top three schools will win cash prizes. Winners will be announced on Oct. 26!
Hillman Elementary 4th & 5th graders took the Anti-Bullying Prevention Pledge during a special assembly. Alderwoman Hoffman read the Bullying Prevention Month Proclamation, highlighting the importance of standing together to prevent bullying & create a safe, welcoming school. Thank you to the Bullying Subcommittee with the Trauma Informed Community Initiative-Violence Reduction Workgroup. Members representing NAMI Northern Illinois, City of Rockford, Winnebago County Health Department, and Marshmallows Hope were there to participate and help facilitate the pledge.
TONIGHT: Join us for a Conversation with Dr. Huff from 5-7 p.m. at Auburn HS.
Meet the Superintendent, hear his vision, & share your ideas.
Meet & Greet 5-5:30
Presentation, Q&A 5:30-7
Lower cafeteria. Enter through door FH1. MAP: rps205.com/page/a-conversation-with-dr-huff
Meet the Superintendent, hear his vision, & share your ideas.
Meet & Greet 5-5:30
Presentation, Q&A 5:30-7
Lower cafeteria. Enter through door FH1. MAP: rps205.com/page/a-conversation-with-dr-huff
TODAY is the last day to nominate a PreK-5th grade teacher for a 26-27 Golden Apple Award! Don’t miss your chance to celebrate a teacher who inspires students, builds connections, & makes a difference. https://goldenappleofrockford.com/golden-apple-teacher-awards/nominate/
TASTE OF CAPA - West Middle School
Come experience what makes CAPA program such a unique, arts-intensive learning community! Our CAPA arts areas will perform and showcase student work, while our academic areas will provide a brief overview of what classes are like in CAPA Middle School.
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Time: 6:30–7:30 PM
Location: West Middle School – Gymnasium
Who: Open to all elementary families
It’s not too early to start planning for your student’s 6th grade school year! Middle School CAPA auditions for the 2027–2028 school year will be held on November 7, 2026.
Community members, families, students, & staff explored The QUAD during an open house. Student-led tours showcased new Automotive, Engineering, Fabrication, Manufacturing & Welding spaces & opportunities to help students build skills & prepare for future careers.
Marshall Elementary students took the stage alongside professional artists from Opera for the Young in Rusalka: A Mermaid's Tale! It's a story of courage, kindness, & embracing our differences and was told through enchanting melodies, underwater mischief, & the power of love.
Congratulations to Barbour for earning 1st place & Whitehead for securing 2nd place in the 2026 Rockford Public Schools Elementary Soccer League! Thank you to our coaches, parents, & staff for their dedication & support throughout the season.
NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH WEEK: The 3rd Annual RPS 205 Chicken Sandwich Contest is here! This is your chance to dream up the most creative, delicious chicken sandwich you can imagine! Submit your entries to your kitchen staff October 13-16 for a chance to win a Nintendo Switch OLED and have your sandwich featured on the spring menu! Winners will be announced on November 16. We can't wait to see your creations!
Last week at Lewis Lemon Elementary, fifth-grade students welcomed special guests State Representative Maurice West and Rockford Mayor Janessa Neal! Both visitors spoke with students about their roles and responsibilities as local elected officials.
Mayor Janessa Neal transformed the classroom into a mock city council meeting, where students took on the roles of aldermen, community members, and the mayor. They practiced persuading their classmates to vote for or against a proposal to upgrade the playground at Lewis Lemon. Students then participated in a debate and cast their final votes, giving them a hands-on opportunity to experience local government in action!
Representative Maurice West visited Ms. Askins’ fifth-grade class and answered students’ questions. He shared stories from his time in office and his experiences as a young man. He also showed students photos of the State Capitol and his family and discussed several pieces of legislation he has worked on throughout his career.
Mayor Janessa Neal transformed the classroom into a mock city council meeting, where students took on the roles of aldermen, community members, and the mayor. They practiced persuading their classmates to vote for or against a proposal to upgrade the playground at Lewis Lemon. Students then participated in a debate and cast their final votes, giving them a hands-on opportunity to experience local government in action!
Representative Maurice West visited Ms. Askins’ fifth-grade class and answered students’ questions. He shared stories from his time in office and his experiences as a young man. He also showed students photos of the State Capitol and his family and discussed several pieces of legislation he has worked on throughout his career.
The Rockford School District and its buildings are closed today for the observance of the Indigenous Peoples' Day and Columbus Day holiday.
Empowering student voices, one story at a time!
Join us for the 5th Annual Youth Story Ledger, presented by RPS 205 students! Come gather to hear incredible personal narratives filled with strength, resilience, and joy from students across Flinn, Jefferson, Marshall, and West Middle Schools.
Together, we can embrace empathy, break assumptions, and build community.
Date: Thursday, October 22
Time: 4:30– 5:30 PM
Location: Flinn Middle School
We hope to see you there to support our powerful student storytellers!
Join us for the 5th Annual Youth Story Ledger, presented by RPS 205 students! Come gather to hear incredible personal narratives filled with strength, resilience, and joy from students across Flinn, Jefferson, Marshall, and West Middle Schools.
Together, we can embrace empathy, break assumptions, and build community.
Date: Thursday, October 22
Time: 4:30– 5:30 PM
Location: Flinn Middle School
We hope to see you there to support our powerful student storytellers!
There's no school today due to Teacher Institute. Enjoy the long weekend!
Riverdahl Elementary Principal & staff along with RPS 205's Family & Community Engagement department celebrated students in the Orton Keys community with excellent attendance! Students were recognized at an award ceremony & introduced to Rockford Promise opportunities.
