Rockford Rotary & RPS 205 kicked off its 24th year of Rockford Reads at Constance Lane Elementary! The program pairs volunteers with 2nd & 3rd graders to build literacy skills through weekly one-on-one reading. Volunteer trainings will be held on 10/15 @ 1 PM at the Rockford Public Library main branch & 10/21 @ 6 PM at the RPL East Branch. Questions? Email: facedepartment@rps205.com




It’s back! RPS 205’s Chicken Sandwich Contest returns! Create the most creative chicken sandwich for a chance to win a Nintendo Switch OLED & have your sandwich featured on the menu this spring! Turn in entries to your kitchen staff Oct. 14–17. Winners will be announced Nov. 17!

Next stop on the Committee of the Whole Road Show! The RPS 205 Board of Education will be at Lincoln Middle School's auditorium tonight at 6 p.m. Hear from Principal Jake Sayre as he showcases his school and see how board business comes to life where our students learn each day.

As our high school freshmen get ready to attend our Academy Expo next week, here's an overview of our academies and what they have to offer to our students. https://youtu.be/eRrZRW4LBMA

RPS high schools are serving up regional flavor this month! Through our partnership with The Common Market, students at Auburn, East, Guilford & Jefferson are enjoying fresh Honeycrisp apples from Hildebrand Farms in Michigan—supporting area farmers & healthy school meals! 🍎

Flinn Middle School hosts the annual Youth Story Ledger on Thurs, Oct. 9, 4:30–6 PM! Students from Flinn, Marshall, West, Jefferson & Auburn will share powerful stories in a celebration of identity, diversity & storytelling. All are welcome to hear our next gen of storytellers!

Join us on Wednesday, October 8th at 6:00 PM at the Auburn High School Auditorium for an unforgettable evening of music! Featuring talented singers from Auburn HS, Jefferson HS, and NIU, led by Dr. Eric Johnson from NIU’s School of Music.
Free admission – all are welcome!
Free admission – all are welcome!

Enjoy the three day weekend! See you back at school on Monday, October 6!

Hillman Elementary celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a vibrant all-school assembly today! Students enjoyed mariachi music, authentic cultural wear, and amazing dance performances by Grupo de Baile Mosaico Cultural. Staff also held a door decorating contest.










The online survey for Rockford’s next superintendent closes tonight! Everyone is encouraged to share feedback. Your input will help shape the leadership profile & ensure the choice reflects our community’s priorities.
English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BNP9RJF
Spanish: https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/T8PRS3R
Arabic: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HL7ZC62
Swahili: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NDJ3Q2D
English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BNP9RJF
Spanish: https://es.surveymonkey.com/r/T8PRS3R
Arabic: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HL7ZC62
Swahili: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NDJ3Q2D

This past weekend, East, Guilford, & Jefferson High School bands joined schools from across Illinois for NIU Band Day in DeKalb. Students performed at halftime of the Huskies football game alongside hundreds of fellow musicians! Way to represent! Photos courtesy of: Eric Pearson










The Rockford Promise Scholarship application is open Oct. 1–Feb. 5 at 5 p.m. High school students can apply now for the chance to attend college tuition free. Don’t miss this life-changing opportunity! Apply today at https://rockfordpromise.org/

Whitehead Elementary 5th graders took part in the Sun Hero Program today with Miss Illinois Teen USA Sophia Xia and dermatologist Dr. Amy Brodsky. Students learned about sun protection, asked questions, and each received a Sun Hero kit from L’Oréal.








39 Newcomer students at East HS took a field trip to Peak Fitness this morning for a hands-on health & wellness experience. Students participated in machine exercises, a spin class, pilates & yoga, & a fitness boot camp. The event emphasizes the importance of caring for the body & finding calm within—skills that support student learning and well-being.










Share your vision for the next superintendent. Attend a listening session today or tomorrow. For times and locations, check out rps205.com/page/superintendent-search

As we wrap up Attendance Awareness Month, remember it's not just about showing up, but also being actively engaged in learning. A focused student is a successful student.

Bloom Elementary hosted a block party today to celebrate the Walk-A-Thon. Students rotated through games, danced to music, and enjoyed snacks while families and staff joined in on the fun. It was a joyful way to welcome the new school year and wrap up the summer.









Did you happen to catch Auburn High School senior Royal Whitmore featured on the local news last night? He and his siblings are published authors! Check it out! https://www.mystateline.com/news/rockford-siblings-honor-grandfather-with-new-book-before-you-go-to-heaven/

Looking for flexible, rewarding work? Our district is hiring substitutes! Support our schools, enjoy variety in your role, choose your schedule, and earn extra income. Make a difference in students’ lives while working on your terms. Apply today at edustaff.org

The Committee of the Whole Road Show continues! On Tuesday, October 7 at 6 p.m., the school board will meet at Lincoln Middle School. Principal Jake Sayre will share highlights about his school. Join us as board business connects directly to where learning happens every day!
