Rockford Public Schools -

Come check out works of art from our elementary & middle school students starting this Sunday!

Make this summer your best one yet! Join our summer programs for exciting opportunities to explore, create, and grow. From art to science to sports, we have activities for every interest. Don’t wait—register now and start the adventure! rps205.com/page/summer-programs

We’re excited that our district offers athletic opportunities at the elementary, middle, and high school levels during the school year. We’d love for your kids to join us for RPS 205’s Summer Sports Camps. We believe in the positive benefits school-based sports have on a child’s life and look forward to learning through athletics with your kiddos this summer. Our camps are for RPS students entering grades 4-8 and we’ll offer every sport that is available at the middle and high school levels. Register here: https://manage.snap.app/register/rps205

See you on Monday, March 31st!

We mourn the passing of 96-year-old Dr. Jack Swanson, Guilford High School’s first Principal. A dedicated educator, he also served as Counselor & Assistant Principal at East High School from 1957–1961 before leading Guilford from its opening until 1969. A memorial service will be held at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Warrenville, IL, on March 29, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 10:00–11:00 a.m.

Take advantage of spring break next week to enroll new students or to update the address of existing students. The RPS 205 Welcome Center at 501 7th Street is open all break. For more information, please visit https://www.rps205.com/page/k-12

Hello first day of Spring!

The new College and Career Education Center (CCEC) is designed to give every high school student access to hands-on labs, advanced equipment, and career pathways previously limited to specific schools. We are on track to open the CCEC in the fall of 2025. This is a transformative initiative designed to provide all high school students with equitable access to cutting-edge labs, advanced equipment, and career pathways. John Cusimano, CCEC Principal, and Jeremy Browne, CCEC Assistant Principal, will lead this state-of-the-art facility. Our teams are working on hiring, scheduling, and onboarding staff to get ready to launch a successful 2025 - 2026 school year. Look for information to come on open houses and tour opportunities. For all details, including changes to classes and locations, please visit https://www.rps205.com/page/college-career-readiness

CONGRATULATIONS! Jefferson High School junior, Mikiah Gerrity, won the Illinois Poetry Out Loud competition, taking the top spot in a contest including more that 7,800 students throughout Illinois! She will represent the state at Nationals in Washington, D.C. in May.

RPS 205 Legislative Luncheon: Local lawmakers saw firsthand how dedicated educators and engaged students can create success. The event featured Haskell’s achievements, a Q&A panel with legislators & the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council, & a student-led tour.

Registration is open for RPS 205’s Summer Sports Camps! Our camps are for RPS students going into 4th through 8th grades and only cost $20/week. Summer Sports Camps are from 1:30-4 pm, so if your kids are signed up for another RPS camp that goes in the morning, you can request transportation from that location to ours. Register here: https://manage.snap.app/register/rps205

🌞 Get ready for an unforgettable summer! Our summer programs are packed with fun, learning, and adventure. Whether you love arts, science, sports, or exploring new interests, there’s something just for you! Don’t miss out—sign up today! rps205.com/page/summer-programs

Rockford-area leaders discussed the workforce crisis. Employers highlight childcare struggles & hiring challenges, with investments boosting productivity. A new state poll shows strong support from businesses for early childhood investments. Today's event was held @ Summerdale.

Tell us about your favorite RPS 205 Teacher! We're looking for stories to share during Teacher Appreciation Week in May. Submit them at rps205.com/page/thank-a-teacher by Monday, April 14 to be considered for publication on the 205 VIBE.

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