Rockford Public Schools -

As we wrap up the school year today, we want to thank the 80 student teachers that we had this year. With support from RPS 205 leaders, families, & cooperating teachers, these future educators connected with administration & gained insight into hiring & the road ahead.

REMINDER: Early Childhood wraps up today with its normal schedule. The last day for K–11 students is tomorrow, but it's a shortened day. For more information on times at your school, check out the 205 VIBE: https://www.rps205.com/article/2813047

Field Day is taking place at elementary schools across RPS 205! Marshall Elementary students had a blast with sleds, water, inflatable horses, a live petting zoo & much more! Big thanks to our awesome teachers & volunteers for making it a day full of smiles!

REMINDER: High school graduation ceremonies are next week. Admission is free, but guests must have a ticket in order to enter the BMO. Tickets can be picked up at the high school's main office. All other info about this district event can be found at rps205.com/page/graduation

Congratulations to Jefferson High School senior Adylene Montoya for winning the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Illinois’ 17th District! Her piece, “Big Kid,” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, representing Rockford and student artists nationwide.

Tooth decay is the 2nd leading cause of students missing school, and 1 in 7 children miss class due to dental pain. This summer, 205 DDS is helping RPS students access FREE dental care at The QUAD. Medicaid required. Call 815-420-8055 to make an appointment or visit 205dds.org/

The Illinois Seal of Biliteracy recognizes students who demonstrate high proficiency in English & another language. This year, a record 60 students earned the Seal and 43 earned the Commendation. Congrats to these students for their academic achievement and cultural connection!

Congratulations to Guilford High School's Nutrition Services staff member, Daisy Powell, for receiving AFSCME’s Never Quit Service Award! Her compassion, & dedication goes far beyond serving meals. afscme.org/blog/an-illinois-cafeteria-worker-nourishes-kids-bodies-and-hearts

Marshall Elementary celebrated School-wide Inquiry Week by sparking curiosity, creativity, and collaboration across classrooms! Students explored topics they were passionate about, worked with peers across grade levels, and engaged in hands-on learning experiences.

DEADLINE APPROACHING: Online Registration is open for the 26-27 SY for all returning PreK-11 grade students. Primary guardians should have received an email from "PowerSchool Enrollment" that is specific to your student(s). If you have any questions, please contact your school's main office or email registrationhelp@rps205.com
You must complete & submit by May 31! If you've already registered, thank you! For more information, please visit: https://www.rps205.com/page/registration

Sophomores in the Production Academy’s Engineering Pathway & Haskell STEAM students raced handmade cardboard canoes at Levings Lake! They designed, engineered, & built their boats using only cardboard & duct tape, then competed to see which was the fastest & stayed afloat.

REMINDER FOR ALL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: Celebrate culture & connection at RPS 205! Join the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council on tomorrow from 12–3 PM at Jefferson High School’s Main Gym for a powerful event showcasing history & unity across our diverse school communities.

RESA MS hosted its 3rd Annual Junior Promise Program Celebration in partnership with Rockford Promise! Students in grades 6–8 were honored for earning a 3.0 GPA or higher while hearing from Rockford Promise scholars & reps from Rockford University about future opportunities.

Congratulations to Eisenhower Middle School reading teacher Ginger Murphy on earning the prestigious READ 180 Educator Award from HMH! The national award honors educators who help struggling readers grow, build confidence, and develop a love of literacy.

RESA wrapped up Teacher Appreciation Week with an unforgettable Staff vs. Student Flag Football Game at the Clarence Hicks Sports Complex! From the cheers in the stands to the teamwork on the field, the day was filled with school spirit, laughter, and connection. More than anything, it felt like a true community among staff and students, celebrating together, supporting one another, and creating memories that will last for years to come! A special thank you to Rockford Park District for partnering & allowing RESA to use their field. They are grateful for the support in helping make this day possible! Thank you to Alignment Rockford for also helping support this event!

Students from Carlson, Marshall Middle, & Auburn excelled in the Illinois Future Problem Solving Competition! Their achievements highlight their dedication to critical thinking & problem-solving. Cheer them on as they head to the international stage to tackle global issues!

Show off your talent at the Juneteenth Celebration Talent Show! Auditions are open May 11–18 for school-appropriate acts. Only 7–10 acts will be selected to perform live at the Sinnissippi Band Shell on June 19. Selected performers notified by June 1. Scan the QR code to sign up.

Our Student Ambassadors are leading the way! Last week, through student-led tours with RPS 205 administration, middle schoolers at Flinn, West, Eisenhower, Lincoln, RESA, and Marshall, built leadership, confidence, and community. This program is shaping tomorrow’s leaders today!

Tooth decay is the 2nd leading cause of students missing school, and 1 in 7 children miss class due to dental pain. This summer, 205 DDS is helping RPS students access FREE dental care at The QUAD. Medicaid required. Call 815-420-8055 to make an appointment or visit 205dds.org

Congratulations to Marshall Middle School's Scholastic Bowl team for taking 4th place at the IESA State Tournament! There were over 400 teams in the state. They lost on the last question to a team that was champion last year. Great job representing RPS 205.
Photos: Maurice Redd