Hi all! My name is Samantha Erb and I am an aspiring teacher in Kindergarten with Cherry Valley Elementary School. I have been dreaming about teaching since I was a kid and could not be more excited to start this year. I currently live in Poplar Grove with my family and cat. I am in my senior year at Rockford University and will be graduating with my Early Childhood Degree this spring. In my free time I enjoy taking workout classes, spending time with friends, reading and binge watching a good show. This year I am looking forward to engaging in the classroom, learning from my mentors and being able to further my skills as a new teacher.
The SCOC & Student/Parent Handbook are available in English at rps205.com. Families can request printed copies by visiting their school’s main office. Schools can translate the SCOC into a family’s native language using google translate. Administrators will provide presentations to review the SCOC with all students within the first 10 days of school.
🎒 Welcome Back to School! 🎒
We’re so excited to see everyone back and ready to start this amazing new school year!
🌟 Attendance is the foundation for success; every day matters—regardless of the reason.
Here’s how you can help your student shine:
📅 Be Consistent: Every school day is a new opportunity! Let’s make attendance a priority for a year full of growth.
⏰ Create a Routine: Help your child start the day on the right foot by setting a regular bedtime and wake-up schedule.
🚶♂️ Stay Engaged: It’s not just about showing up, but also being actively engaged in learning. A focused student is a successful student!
✨ Why It Matters: Attending school regularly—no matter the reason for an absence—leads to better grades, stronger relationships, and a bright future. Let’s aim for success together!
Let’s make this school year the best yet! 🏫
#BackToSchool #AttendanceMatters #ShowUpAndShine #AttendtoAchieve #AttendanceAwareness #RPS205
Hello! My name is Jamie O'Brien, and I am an aspiring teacher in third grade at Cherry Valley Elementary. I am very excited to start this school year and meet everyone! I live in Chicago when I am not in school at Northern Illinois University. I am a senior and will be graduating in the springtime. In Chicago, I live with my parents and my dog, Thor, who is a 2-year-old goldendoodle. In my free time, I enjoy staying active, being creative with arts and crafts, and I love all types of movies! I hope to create strong relationships with the staff I am working with and be the best version of myself to the students I am teaching.
Hello Cherry Valley families and students! My name is Jordyn Lott and I’m so excited to be joining the team as a 5th grade teacher for the upcoming school year! I graduated from Rockford University with my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I grew up in Belvidere, but I currently reside in Roscoe with my fiancé and two children. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and cheering our son on at sporting events. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone and to be a part of such a great community!
We're thrilled to announce the new RPS 205 app for our families that we serve as well as our staff!
Download for Android https://aptg.co/SdXPgz
Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/ml7g3d
Our Mobile Block Party was a huge SUCCESS! Thank you to our community partners who supported us today. We sincerely appreciate the backpacks donated from Collins Aerospace and City First Church, LawnCare by Walter for sponsoring Kona Ice, RPS205 Early Intervention team, Rosecrance, Rockford Fire, Rockford Police, Flodin Boys and Girls Club, Calvary Christian, City of Rockford, and Rock River Jeeps.
See you all on the first day of school 8/28 at 7:35 a.m.
Tues. Aug. 13 is our last Mobile Block Party with community partners! We are coming to you! We will have backpacks with school supplies, Kona Ice, and lots of community support. A HUGE THANK YOU to City First Church and Collins Aerospace for donating backpacks filled with supplies.
Here is the link to our locations:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13G4i1kkVvjJ74LgvAx_UqOZVBmkkyBkq/view?usp=sharing
Hello, my name is Valerie Young and I am a new fifth grade teacher at Cherry Valley Elementary this year. This will be my first-year teaching, and I am so excited to join the wonderful team here at this school. I have been married for 18 years, and we have three children. In my free time I like to watch my kids play sports, read and hang out with family and friends. Can't wait to meet all of my students and families this year!
Nia Delaney is a new kinder transition support specialist at Cherry Valley. She is currently enrolled at Central State University for her degree in Education. She has over 5 years of experience and working with all ages of children. She is the only child and loves to spend her free time with her church family, going shopping, and trying new foods. Nia enjoys working with kids and watching them grow and gain new information each day. Her favorite quote is “ There is no magic to achievement. It's really about hard work, choices, and persistence.” - Michelle Obama
Meet our new PE teacher Danielle Kunce! I am excited to start my 10th year as a teacher with Cherry Valley Elementary! I have a deep passion for teaching the importance of movement and strive to help every student feel accepted and find joy in being active. In my free time, I enjoy playing with my kids and dogs, working on crafts and DIY projects, and indulging in anything spooky!
Please welcome Mrs. Courtney Matula to our Cherry Valley Charger family! Courtney is our new Attendance Specialist. She will support families and students to help remove barriers to ensure students are at school each day. Courtney has lived in Rockford for almost 20 years however, she is new to the Rockford Public Schools. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, and working out. Courtney is very excited to create strong relationships with the Cherry Valley Elementary students and their families.
Hello! My name is Hunter McClusky, and I am a new physical education teacher here at Cherry Valley Elementary. I am 24 years old and just graduated from Rockford University with a degree in Kinesiology this past December. In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball and spending time with my little family. I recently got married in July to my wife Mallorie, and we share a 6-month-old daughter named Myla! I am looking forward to starting my journey here at Cherry Valley Elementary School!
Mobile Block Party today Aug 6! See you there!
9:50 - 10:35 a.m.: Winnetka & Skokie
10:40 - 11:25 a.m.: Forest View & Hinsdale
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 a.m.: Holmes & Polk - small parking lot
12:20 a.m. - 1:05 p.m.: Apple Orchard Lane - small parking lot
Four area school districts competed as guest bartenders at local restaurants to raise funds for the Golden Apple Foundation. Each team had to earn tips. Which district came out on top? RPS 205 did with more than $2,200! The event raised a total of $4,600 for teacher programs.
Great pay & benefits are just the start. Become a school bus driver today and make a difference. rps205.com/o/rps/page/become-a-bus-driver
CLASS OF 2024: Congratulations graduates! Check out our highlights from the high school ceremonies! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giKctOwcpsE
Jefferson High School artists received state recognition. Read all about it in our 205 VIBE: https://www.rps205.com/article/1669357
BEAT THE AUGUST RUSH! The Welcome Center is open all summer long.
Visit for: Enrollment K-12, Change of address, Zone transfer, Administrative transfer, Special Program transfer, Alternative transportation, & Student Records.
Alternate address stops may only be at daycares assigned to your school or babysitter addresses within the zone of the school students are attending if it is requested by the deadline (August 2nd) and must be more than 1.5 miles from their assigned school. Out-of-zone alternate stops are not granted.
Read all about our upcoming Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: https://www.rps205.com/article/1666416
