
RPS 205 celebrated student voices at the 5th Annual Youth Story Ledger at Flinn Middle School. Students from Flinn, Marshall, West and Jefferson shared personal stories of strength, resilience and joy, building empathy and connections across our community.










This fall, RPS 205 Middle School Visual Art teachers have collaborated with Wild Roots at Severson Dells to develop “Rooted in the Prairie,” a hands-on exploration of native species in the Illinois prairie ecosystem through the visual arts.
In September, middle school art students from Marshall, West, Flinn, Lincoln, RESA, and Eisenhower visited a living prairie to learn about native Illinois species from Wild Roots Educators. Back at school, we are busy creating artwork inspired by some of the species we observed and learned about.
In November, Rooted in the Prairie will culminate in an educational public art exhibit showcasing the resulting work from all RPS 205 middle schools together, revolving around our common roots and experience in the Illinois prairie ecosystem.
This exhibit will be located inside the City Market building with an opening reception on Friday, November 13 from 5:30-7:30 PM. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this free event.
In September, middle school art students from Marshall, West, Flinn, Lincoln, RESA, and Eisenhower visited a living prairie to learn about native Illinois species from Wild Roots Educators. Back at school, we are busy creating artwork inspired by some of the species we observed and learned about.
In November, Rooted in the Prairie will culminate in an educational public art exhibit showcasing the resulting work from all RPS 205 middle schools together, revolving around our common roots and experience in the Illinois prairie ecosystem.
This exhibit will be located inside the City Market building with an opening reception on Friday, November 13 from 5:30-7:30 PM. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this free event.









RPS 205 will host a free Boys & Girls Youth Wrestling Clinic for all K–8 students at the East HS Fieldhouse:
Tuesday, October 20 for grades K-2 at 5:15—6:45 PM
Thursday, October 22 for grades 3-5 & 6-8 at 5:15—6:45 PM
Sunday, October 25 for grades K-2 at 3:00—4:30 PM
Sunday, October 25 for grades 3-5 & 6-8 at 5:00—6:30 PM
Learn basic wrestling skills. To register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScU_gmRt1vP5laFRA17lZiO3KcB_pH1jGaCPTXxwAmz6
Tuesday, October 20 for grades K-2 at 5:15—6:45 PM
Thursday, October 22 for grades 3-5 & 6-8 at 5:15—6:45 PM
Sunday, October 25 for grades K-2 at 3:00—4:30 PM
Sunday, October 25 for grades 3-5 & 6-8 at 5:00—6:30 PM
Learn basic wrestling skills. To register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScU_gmRt1vP5laFRA17lZiO3KcB_pH1jGaCPTXxwAmz6

The Path of Pumpkins begins this weekend at Anderson Japanese Gardens. Explore a Halloween-themed outdoor experience featuring pumpkin carvings from students at Auburn, Jefferson, Lincoln, RESA, Roosevelt, Quad, & West. Admission includes a ballot. Cast your vote through Oct. 24. Top three schools will win cash prizes. Winners will be announced on Oct. 26!

📢 Schedule Update: Only 6th-grade traditional students will change classes for 2nd quarter today. Here are the steps on how to view your student's schedule:
1) Open ClassLink
2) Open the Home Access Center (HAC)
- Find and click on the Home Access Center (HAC) icon or tile inside your ClassLink dashboard.
- If it asks for a username and password, the username is your students' email address (studentidnumber@students.rps205.com) and their Chromebook password.
3) View Your Schedule
- Once logged into the Home Access Center, click on the Classes tab or button at the top menu.
- Select the Schedule tab to view your class periods, course names, teacher names, and room numbers.
NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH WEEK: The 3rd Annual RPS 205 Chicken Sandwich Contest is here! This is your chance to dream up the most creative, delicious chicken sandwich you can imagine! Submit your entries to your kitchen staff October 13-16 for a chance to win a Nintendo Switch OLED and have your sandwich featured on the spring menu! Winners will be announced on November 16. We can't wait to see your creations!

The Rockford School District and its buildings are closed today for the observance of the Indigenous Peoples' Day and Columbus Day holiday.

Empowering student voices, one story at a time!
Join us for the 5th Annual Youth Story Ledger, presented by RPS 205 students! Come gather to hear incredible personal narratives filled with strength, resilience, and joy from students across Flinn, Jefferson, Marshall, and West Middle Schools.
Together, we can embrace empathy, break assumptions, and build community.
Date: Thursday, October 22
Time: 4:30– 5:30 PM
Location: Flinn Middle School
We hope to see you there to support our powerful student storytellers!
Join us for the 5th Annual Youth Story Ledger, presented by RPS 205 students! Come gather to hear incredible personal narratives filled with strength, resilience, and joy from students across Flinn, Jefferson, Marshall, and West Middle Schools.
Together, we can embrace empathy, break assumptions, and build community.
Date: Thursday, October 22
Time: 4:30– 5:30 PM
Location: Flinn Middle School
We hope to see you there to support our powerful student storytellers!

There's no school today due to Teacher Institute. Enjoy the long weekend!

📸 Picture Retake Day is October 23! Students who would like a retake should bring their original picture package to exchange on picture day. If you order online, guardians will receive a camera pass via email. The pass can be printed or texted to your student to bring on picture day. 📅 Online orders can be placed using the flyer up to 24 hours after picture day. Online code: 0114317AR https://www.barksdalestorefront.com/store/gallery_login_customer_info_entry/788f3025-bd05-4950-ba0a-fa3dec31cd6e/

Hi families! Just a reminder that tonight is the last night of Fall Conferences, from 4:15–7:15 PM. No appointment is needed—just stop by when you can. We hope to see you tonight!
Reminder - Fall Parent Conferences are this week - tonight and Thursday night from 4:15–7:15 PM. No appointments are needed—just stop by and meet with your student’s teachers. We look forward to seeing you!

RPS 205 will host a free Boys & Girls Youth Wrestling Clinic for all K–8 students at the East HS Fieldhouse:
Tuesday, October 20 for grades K-2 at 5:15—6:45 PM
Thursday, October 22 for grades 3-5 & 6-8 at 5:15—6:45 PM
Sunday, October 25 for grades K-2 at 3:00—4:30 PM
Sunday, October 25 for grades 3-5 & 6-8 at 5:00—6:30 PM
Learn basic wrestling skills. To register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScU_gmRt1vP5laFRA17lZiO3KcB_pH1jGaCPTXxwAmz6Z97kw/viewform
Tuesday, October 20 for grades K-2 at 5:15—6:45 PM
Thursday, October 22 for grades 3-5 & 6-8 at 5:15—6:45 PM
Sunday, October 25 for grades K-2 at 3:00—4:30 PM
Sunday, October 25 for grades 3-5 & 6-8 at 5:00—6:30 PM
Learn basic wrestling skills. To register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScU_gmRt1vP5laFRA17lZiO3KcB_pH1jGaCPTXxwAmz6Z97kw/viewform

We are hosting a FREE giveaway for families on October 10 from 9:00–11:30 AM. Stop by and check out the items available while supplies last!

Don’t miss out on this year’s yearbook! Yearbooks are $45.00 and can be preordered online here: https://yearbookforever.com/school-store/3RaI2wBjMuWqVCq36JbzDyF0

Today we celebrate and thank our custodial team for everything they do to keep West Middle School clean, safe, and ready for our students and staff each day. Your hard work often happens behind the scenes, but it makes a BIG difference!

Attendance Awareness Month may be ending, but our commitment to student attendance isn't. Supporting attendance is year-round work built on relationships, early intervention, problem-solving & partnership with families. If attendance becomes challenging at any point this year, reach out to your school. We want to work with you. Every month, Your Presence Matters.

When a student is struggling to attend school, there's often more to the story. Good attendance isn't just a school issue; it's a community effort. Families, schools & community partners all play a role in helping students overcome barriers & stay connected to learning. When a student is struggling to attend, the question isn't simply, “Why aren't you here?” It's also, “What is getting in the way, and how can we help?”

Junior Achievers Flyer

Sometimes the smallest moments of connection give students a reason to keep showing up & can make a BIG difference.
Attendance is about more than being in a seat. It's about connection, belonging & knowing that your presence matters.
Every student deserves to know they are missed when they're gone and valued when they're here.
Attendance is about more than being in a seat. It's about connection, belonging & knowing that your presence matters.
Every student deserves to know they are missed when they're gone and valued when they're here.
