If your family has a new address or will soon, update it early online or at the Welcome Center. Having the correct address before online registration starts will make the process faster & easier. rps205.com/page/update-mailing-address

CONGRATULATIONS! Rolling Green Elementary kindergarten teacher, Lisa Robinson, is a Golden Apple Award winner! Representatives from the Golden Apple Foundation surprised her at the school this afternoon with the prestigious award!

CONGRATULATIONS! Cherry Valley Elementary Special Education Resource Teacher, Kellie Kim, is a Golden Apple Award winner! Representatives from the Golden Apple Foundation surprised her at the school this morning with the prestigious award!

CONGRATULATIONS! Haskell kindergarten teacher Jelena Holcomb is a Golden Apple Award winner! Representatives from the Golden Apple Foundation surprised her at the school this morning with the prestigious award!

Please join us on Monday, March 10th, at 6pm! The middle school band programs across RPS have been rehearsing to put together a wonderful concert at Rockford's crown jewel, the Coronado PAC!

Act now! Only 1.5 weeks before the Pre-K and Kindergarten Lotteries for the 2025-2026 school year closes. Apply by Friday, March 14, 2025 at the Welcome Center. Kindergarten Programs (Age eligible: 5 years old by 9/1/2025): International Baccalaureate Candidate School at Conklin STEAM Academy at Haskell Two-Way Language Immersion at Barbour (requires passing an oral language assessment) Pre-Kindergarten Program (Age eligible: 4 years old by 9/1/2025): Maria Montessori at Marsh How to Apply: 1) Complete an application at the RPS Welcome Center by March 14, 2025 (bring your photo ID, two acceptable proofs of residence, and child's birth certificate) 2) Attend a mandatory orientation at the respective school Helpful Links: What is STEAM Academy? https://haskell.rps205.com/o/haskell/page/what-is-the-steam-academy What is IB Candidate School at Conklin? https://conklin.rps205.com/o/ibcsc/page/what-is-the-ib-program What is Two-Way Language Immersion at Barbour? https://barbour.rps205.com/o/twlib/page/how-do-i-apply-for-two-way-language-immersion What is Montessori? https://montessori.rps205.com/o/mmam/page/what-is-the-montessori-program Welcome Center Information: https://www.rps205.com/o/rps/page/k-12

THIS SATURDAY: The Welcome Center and the Early Childhood Screening & Placement will be open for regular business services including enrollments, change of address, & screenings for all Pre-K through 12th grade. Plus, families can submit their special program lottery application.

IHSA State Wrestling: Congratulations to East High School on their record-breaking boys & girls wrestling seasons! All four of their IHSA State qualifiers received medals in their weight class at the State Tournament. This includes, Donald Cannon (2nd Place), Dana Wickson (5th), Ty Smart (5th) and our IHSA State Champion, Saya Hongmoungkhoune!! Saya ended her freshman season undefeated!

Spring Creek Elementary celebrates Read Across America Week with an event to honor Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Students explored books from Dr. Seuss Library & other popular authors while enjoying snacks & drinks. This week is dedicated to fostering a love of reading among children.

This week, we celebrate National School Social Work Week, a time to recognize & appreciate the profound impact our school social workers have on our students. They provide emotional support, guidance, & resources that enhance their academic & personal growth. Thank you!

REMINDER: Due to the emergency day that we used on January 21, we WILL have school this Monday, March 3. Please see the revised academic calendar: https://5il.co/2g7fc

The following Auburn High School seniors have been designated as Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission: Muaz Ahmed, Siera Biggers, Ryan Dover, Natalie Goodin, Derek Henschen, Rosalie Johnson-Doyle, Michele Luu, Aneri Mehta, James Murray, Logan Nalley, Henry Peifer, Ella Roxworthy, Raine Sides, Luke Snyder, Maxwell Tatman, Avery Trapp, Ian Wan In order to earn this honor, students must rank in the top half of their graduating class and score in the 95th percentile of the ACT or SAT.

You are not alone: Some of our kids are struggling. They feel overwhelmed and isolated. Like they have nowhere to turn. And no one should feel this way. The truth is, too many young people do. And they suffer alone in silence. That’s why It’s time to look out for one another, to listen. It’s time to remind our children - “we’re here for you.” Mental health reality: More kids than ever are battling feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for kids 10 to 14 - a grim fact that’s grown more than 60% in the past decade. Clearly, this can’t continue. We have to be there for one another. The warning signs: If you see a friend struggling, a classmate, or even yourself – don’t ignore it! Please reach out if you or someone you know is: -Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they used to love -Feeling anxious, hopeless, or unusually sad -Having sudden changes in mood or behavior -Talking about disappearing or not wanting to be here You are not alone: Every one of our schools has counselors, social workers, and people who truly care. Your mental health matters. You matter. If you’re struggling - reach out. Talk to a teacher, counselor, a parent, or any adult you trust. And if you see someone in trouble - don’t stay silent. Talk to them, offer support. And tell someone! Make a difference: Rockford Public Schools invests nearly $30 million every year in social-emotional support. But no amount of money replaces everyday human contact. Check in, say hi, or have a conversation telling someone they’re not alone. So, let’s do something good. Because a little kindness can make all the difference. Please reach out, we’re here to help: - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call 988 - Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 - Safe 2 Help Text Line – Text 72332 - RPS 205 School Counselors & Support Services available in every school

This year, we’re taking the next step in streamlining and simplifying the registration process for everyone by transitioning to 100% online registration. For more detailed information, please visit https://www.rps205.com/page/registration

Come join us tomorrow!

Congratulations to the 2025 REBA Champions at Brookview Elementary School (Girls) and Froberg Elementary School (Boys)! Special thanks to all of our volunteers that helped build another fun and exciting 4th and 5th grade basketball season!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: The Welcome Center & Early Childhood Screening & Placement will be open for regular business services including enrollments, change of address, & screenings for all Pre-K through 12th grade. Plus, families can submit their special program lottery application.

This week, local high schoolers got a hands-on look at skilled trades at the NW IL Building Trades Expo! Hosted at the Plumbers & Pipefitters facility, students explored top apprenticeship programs and careers in construction.

The 2025 Valkyries Synchronized Swimming Show starts next week! Doors open 30 minutes before show time. Tickets $8.00 each at the door. Future Valkyries will perform on Tuesday, Saturday (all shows), and Sunday. That consists of 50 girls from RPS elementary and middle schools. WHEN: Tuesday, February 25th @ 6:00 pm (Sold Out) Wednesday, February 26th @ 6:00 pm Thursday, February 27th @ 6:00 pm (Senior Night) Friday, February 28th @ 6:00 pm Saturday, March 1st @ 10:00 am (Mini Show) Saturday, March 1st @ 12:00 pm Saturday, March 1st @ 5:00 pm Sunday, March 2rd @ 12:00 pm WHERE: Guilford High School Swimming Pool, 5620 Spring Creek Rd.

Have a great weekend! See you on Monday!