See you on Tuesday morning!

2 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
Presidents' Day
Make a splash at “Valks On-Air” at the Guilford High School pool!

This synchronized swimming performance by the Valkyries & future Valkyries hits the water from February 24 to March 1.

Shows at 6pm (Tue–Fri) + Sat 10am, 12pm, 5pm & Sun 12pm.

$8 at the door.

Don’t miss it!
3 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
Valkyries 2026
Love was in the air (and the oven!) Students in Nutrition, alongside their teachers, celebrated Valentine’s Day in the culinary lab at The Quad by making heart-shaped pizzas and sweet strawberry rolls. From savory to sweet, they mixed creativity with delicious fun!
3 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
Quad Valentines
Quad Valentines
Quad Valentines
Quad Valentines
Quad Valentines
Quad Valentines
Auburn High School Orchestras had an opportunity to learn from Ms. Genevieve Smelser of the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra. Students performed & learned in a masterclass format to better their small ensemble skills. Genevieve also performed the Brahms Double Concerto with her father, Linc Smelser, with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. RPS is grateful for the Rockford Symphony for their support!
4 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
Genevieve Smelser Visit
Genevieve Smelser Visit
Genevieve Smelser Visit
We’re pleased to share that a tentative agreement has been reached between RPS 205 and the Rockford Education Association.

We deeply appreciate the collaboration, persistence, and tough but respectful bargaining that brought us to this moment.

This agreement reflects a shared commitment.

A commitment to value our educators while honoring our responsibility to the broader community.

Out of respect for the process, no details will be released until both sides have had the opportunity to review and vote on the agreement.

We’re grateful for the continued support of our families, staff, and community as we move forward together.
4 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
A tentative agreement has been reached
This week, all RPS 205 high school juniors took part in College & Career Prep Week at The QUAD. Students rotated through mock interviews, resume building, financial literacy, & ACT prep sessions led by industry professionals — gaining real-world skills for life after graduation.
4 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
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Quad College Fair-10
Eisenhower Middle School’s 8th grade boys basketball team made it to the IESA 4A State Tournament last weekend! The season included a buzzer-beater regional win, a comeback sectional title over undefeated Lake Zurich North, & a 23-4 finish. Congrats on an incredible run, Eagles!
5 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
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Do you have a child starting Kindergarten in Fall 2026?
Consider applying for the Kindergarten Lottery for STEAM Academy at Haskell before it closes on Friday, March 13, 2026.

STEAM = STEM + ARTS
The program is an educational approach that focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. These subject areas are integrated into everyday learning. The STEAM Academy focuses on a student-driven learning environment that fosters inquiry, problem-solving, innovation and a growth mindset.

Click this video link to hear directly from Haskell staff and students about STEAM Academy!

Students who would benefit from the STEAM Academy
- Show interest in activities related to science, technology, engineering, art and math
- Are curious & innovative
- Engage in problem-solving activities
- Have a growth mindset: they keep trying when challenged

What Makes The Program Unique?
- Applies a research-based science curriculum and uses Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to create a hands-on learning environment
- 30 minute longer school day
- LEGO education for all students
- Weekly makerspace classes where students design, construct and problem solve
- Coding instruction starts in kindergarten
- Band opportunities in grades 4-5
- Community partnerships reinforce science concepts and real-world experiences

Ready to apply? Learn how to begin your Kindergarten lottery application here:
https://haskell.rps205.com/o/haskell/page/how-do-i-apply-for-steam

5 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
STEAM Flier
STEAM STEAM Flier
The Rockford Area Arts Council announced its Poetry Out Loud Regional winners! Aminah Givens from East HS earned 1st place and Mikiah Gerrity from Jefferson HS earned 2nd. Both advance to the Illinois State Competition!

We’re proud of all who took the stage: Silvana Knox from JHS, Ace Cox from EHS, Sophie Bolanos from EHS, Vanessa Malyanh from JHS, and Geannie Chounlamountry from JHS.

Thank you to the teachers who inspired their students to share their voices and love of poetry!
5 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
Poetry Out Loud
Poetry Out Loud
Members of the AHL All-Stars, NHL, and Rockford's own Ice Hogs swung by Conklin Academy today to give students some hockey pointers. Students practiced their technique with the pros before facing off in a scrimmage!
6 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
Conklin Academy students with AHL and NHL members
Hockey player gives Conklin students high fives
Conklin student plays hockey against AHL All-Star player
Hockey pros and Conklin students in huddle
AHL All-Stars teach Conklin students
Hockey pro teaches Conklin students
Hockey pro teaches Conklin student
Hockey pro teaches Conklin students
Hockey pros talk to Conklin students
Hockey pro speaks to Conklin student
Catch this week’s high school basketball games from anywhere with live play-by-play and color analysis on the RPS 205 Athletics YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@RPS205Athletics

📅 2/13
Hononegah vs. Auburn
Boys Varsity Basketball

As always, you can follow each school’s Hudl page to watch various team competitions being live streamed. These may or may not have audio.

Auburn: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/rockford/organization/21180/auburn-high-school
East: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/rockford/organization/12357/east-high-school
Guilford: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/rockford/organization/13904/guilford-high-school
Jefferson: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/rockford/organization/22969/jefferson-high-school

Tune in, follow the action, and enjoy the game—live from wherever you are!
6 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
Basketball
News from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards regional competition: WMS artists Josephine Tortorici & Hailey Palacios won Gold Keys & will advance to nationals in NYC. Hailey & Adelaide Beaman were awarded Silver Keys. Proud of these artists for earning their place at the table!
7 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
WMS Art
WMS Art
WMS Art
WMS Art
VIKING PRIDE: Are you watching the Olympics? Keep an eye out for Cameron Smith, Guilford High School Class of 2014! He’s competing in the debut of Ski Mountaineering (Skimo) at the 2026 Olympics in Milan-Cortina. A 13x national champion making history! Good Luck Cameron!
7 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
Cameron Smith

Kennedy Middle School celebrated Black History Month with its annual student projects event! Students proudly showcased projects highlighting black leaders, contributions, & themes learned in class. The school choir also sang. The community joined in on the celebration.

7 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
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See you tomorrow!
8 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
Teacher Institute
Reminder: There's no school tomorrow due to Teacher Institute Day.
9 days ago, Rockford Public Schools

Are you going to watch the big game tonight? Keep an eye out for Auburn High School grad Vederian Lowe, offensive tackle for the New England Patriots, as they take on the Seattle Seahawks. Local pride on the biggest stage!

9 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
Vederian Lowe
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:

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 - Room 208
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.
11 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
NIU Principal Residency
How the Proposed Contract Impacts Veteran Teachers

Based on teachers' steps, they would receive around a 4% to 8% raise each year for the three-year contract. They also would have the opportunity for additional raises through lane movement. Here is an example of a 20+ year teacher with a Master’s degree.

She teaches U.S. History, helping students connect their lives to the world around them. She also coaches track, spending afternoons and weekends on the field.

Right now, she earns $100,912 in base pay. By the end of this contract, that would increase to $113,512.

Please visit rps205.com/offer for more information on our current proposal.
12 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
Teacher Raise
Attention RPS 205 high school seniors! Today is your last chance to apply to Rockford Promise's scholarship application for an opportunity to attend college tuition-free! https://rockfordpromise.org/apply-scholarship/
12 days ago, Rockford Public Schools
Rockford Promise