VOLUME 34 NUMBER 1 ROCKFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS AUGUST 2016

RAMPAGE

VISIT THE ROCKFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS WEBSITE AT www.rockfordschools.orgThe Rampage is published 5 times annually by Rockford Public Schools

THE

WELCOME TO THE 2016-17 SCHOOL YEAR! Dear Parents, Community and Staff:

As usual, summer is just flying by, but I hope you are able to create opportunities to enjoy what is left of this summer with family and friends. You may already know that RPS was approved by the Michigan Department of Education for an early start of the 2016-17 school year. This means that school will begin on Monday, August 29 rather than the Tuesday following Labor Day. If you have any questions about this, please contact your child’s principal.

We are looking forward to school begin-ning on August 29 as we plan many excit-ing educational opportunities for students. While the upcoming school year promises to meet our philosophy of continuous im-provement, much has occurred during the past year as well, which we are very proud of. For example:

AcademicsTeaching and learning will always be our number one priority. This past month, RPS was notified by the Advance Placement Bu-reau (AP) that 712 of RHS students took AP exams and that 90% of those students scored a 3, 4, or 5, which means they have earned college credit for those class-es. The national and state averages are around 60%.

We will be commencing our fourth year partnership with Ferris State University, which allows Rockford students to enroll in college classes at RHS and earn both high school and college credit in those classes. This early college opportunity for our stu-dents will be expanded starting this fall, as we introduce Health Science classes from Grand Valley State University. These two university/RPS opportunities are providing students and families a way to reduce the cost of attending college and providing an

early start for students to experience the rigors of college work. Examples of Student SuccessesRPS students continue to excel in a variety of educational and cocurricular opportuni-ties. For example, since 1989, RPS stu-dent-athletes have earned 53 high school state championships. This past year, the boys’ cross country, girls’ gymnastics and girls’ lacrosse teams won state champion-ships.

Another example of student achievement was demonstrated when RHS’ TV studio program earned its 8th Michigan TV Sta-tion of the Year award while competing against other high school and college tele-communications programs.

Finally, one of RPS’ teams won the district’s 9th Odyssey of the Mind world competi-tion while competing against students from all over the world. RPS sent seven teams to the world competition and all did excep-tionally well.

2014 Bond Issue ProjectsConstruction work from the 2014 bond issue continues at a furious pace. These

projects include new construction as well as building upgrades, significant secu-rity improvements and new technology for teaching and learning. The construction projects will continue through 2018, pro-viding facility upgrades that will enhance the quality of life for RPS students, adults and the community.

The RPS Board of Education, administra-tion, and staff are very grateful for your support and input. Please do not hesitate to contact me with concerns or suggestions at 863-6557 or mshibler@rockfordschools.org.

Thank you,

Michael S. Shibler, Ph.D.Superintendent of SchoolsRockford Public Schools

Dr. Michael Shibler

INSIDEWelcome Back ............................3Fall Athletics ............................. 4-6 Transportation Message ...............7School Closings ..........................8Free and Reduced-Price Meals ...11School Calendar .......................12Events Calendars .................13-15Developing Healthy Kids ............16

2 ROCKFORD

ROCKFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLSROCKFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION

President .............................................Miles J. PostemaVice President ....................................... David M. KellerSecretary ..............................................Lisa M. KreagerTreasurer ....................................... Laura L. FeatherstonTrustee .................................................Timothy J. LewisTrustee ............................................... Nick ReichenbachTrustee .............................................Randall C. Sellhorn

ADMINISTRATIONDr. Michael Shibler .........................................863.6557Superintendent of SchoolsMichael Cuneo ...............................................863.6555Assistant Superintendent of FinanceDr. Ryan Kelley ..............................................863.6556Assistant Superintendent of InstructionDr. Doug VanderJagt ......................................863.6554Assistant Superintendent of Human ResourcesLisa Jacobs ....................................................863.6322Executive Director of Community ServicesKirsten Myers.................................................863.6326Executive Director of Special Services SUPPORT SERVICESAthletics .........................................................863.6040Tim Erickson, DirectorFacilities Operations (Maintenance) ................863.6330Jim VanderKolk, DirectorFood Service ..................................................863.6037John Henry, DirectorInformation Services (Technology) ..................863.6332Robert Stull, DirectorInstructional Technology .................................863.6326Maggie Thelen, DirectorLibrary Services .............................................863.6377Mike Westgate, DirectorSecurity .........................................................863.6034Scott Beckman, DirectorTransportation ...............................................863.6328Jacquie Fase, Director SCHOOLSBelmont Elementary .......................................863.6362Jeremy Karel, PrincipalCannonsburg Elementary ...............................863.6344Mike Westgate, PrincipalCrestwood Elementary ...................................863.6346Nicole Reeves, PrincipalLakes Elementary ...........................................863.6340Sharon Wells, PrincipalMeadow Ridge Elementary ............................863.6342Blake Bowman, PrincipalParkside Elementary ......................................863.6360Larry Watters, PrincipalRoguewood/Spanish Immersion Elementary ..863.6374Doug Hoogerland, PrincipalValley View Elementary .................................863.6366Robert Siegel, PrincipalEast Rockford Middle .....................................863.6140Mike Ramm, PrincipalShannon Ouellette, Assistant PrincipalKevin O’Rourke, Student Activities CoordinatorNorth Rockford Middle ...................................863.6300Lissa Weidenfeller, PrincipalAl Reickard, Assistant PrincipalKevin O’Rourke, Student Activities CoordinatorRHS Freshman Center .....................................863.6348Tom Hosford, PrincipalKelly Amshey, Assistant PrincipalRockford High School .....................................863.6030Daniel Zang, PrincipalKaty VanCuren, Associate PrincipalAdam Burkholder, Assistant PrincipalEric Cavalli, Assistant PrincipalRiver Valley Academy ....................................863.6324Lisa Jacobs, Principal

PESTICIDE ADVISORY TO ALL PARENTSDear Parent/Guardian:

Rockford Public Schools has adopted an Integrated Pest Management pro-gram. Inherent with this are the District’s efforts to reduce pesticide use as much as possible. While it may occasionally be necessary to apply a pesticide, this program does not rely on routine pesticide applications to resolve problems. We use various techniques such as habitat alteration, sanitation, mechanical means, exclusion, etc. to prevent pests from becom-ing a problem.

As required by Michigan law, you will receive advanced notice of non-emergency application of a pesticide (insecticide, fungicide, or herbicide), other than bait or gel formulation, which is made to the school, school grounds, or buildings. This advance notice of a pesticide application will be given 48 hours before the application by the following two methods:

1) Posting at the primary entrances to your child’s school. The en-trances that will be posted are the main entrance and those that have a sidewalk that leads directly to a parking lot.

2) Posting in the common area located by the main office of the school.

Please note that notification is not given for use of sanitizers, germicides, disinfectants or anti-microbial cleaners. In certain emergencies, such as an infestation of stinging insects, pesticides may be applied without prior notice to prevent injury to students, but you will be promptly notified follow-ing any such application, via the two posting methods identified (above).You may review the school’s Integrated Pest Management program and records of any pesticide application upon request by contacting Jim VanderKolk, 616-863-6330 or Jvanderkolk@rockfordschools.org.

Parents or guardians of children attending the school are also entitled to receive the advance notice of a pesticide application, other than a bait or gel formulation, by first class United States mail postmarked at least 3 days before the application, if they so request. If you would like to be notified by mail, please contact Department and/or person named at the following number: 616-863-6330. Please give the Department person or secretary your name, mailing address, and what school(s) your child or children attend and they will put your name on the advance notification by US Mail list.

Sincerely,

Jim VanderKolk, Director Facilities and Operations616-863-6330 or Jvanderkolk@rockfordschools.org

ROCKFORD 3

Michigan summers seem to get shorter and shorter the older I get. In short order, the 2016-2017 academic year will begin. At this time of year, I am torn between hanging on to the last weeks of summer but eager to see students return to Rockford Public Schools and where I work at Ferris State University. Each year is an opportunity to press the restart button to a degree. Each year students are greeted by new classmates and new teachers and to some extent there is a fresh start with a relatively clean slate.

Since I serve on the Rockford School Board and work at a public university, it is no surprise that I am a huge fan of public educa-tion. Just as I look forward to summer I also look forward to the beginning of the school year. Many things have changed since I was in elementary school in the sixties. I do not remember the parents with camera (today an iPhone) in hand waiting for their kids to get off the bus when I arrived for my first day of kindergar-ten in 1965. Nonetheless, I waited with digital camera in hand for my daughter to get off the bus at Valley View when she began 13 years ago. I continued that first year tradition until middle school. Each year it seems like a bigger group is assembled to welcome the kids to their first day of school. I see many of these same parents in the halls and classrooms volunteering in our schools throughout the year. It is obvious to me that these parents are eager to see their sons and daughters begin their education at Rockford Public Schools and so I see this change as a welcome one and a sign of supportive and engaged parents. To me the photos of those “first days” underscore the excitement and hope that we have for our students through educational attainment.

I see an extension of this when I see a prospective college student visiting the campus at Ferris with their campus maps in hand. Often they bring their parents or a sibling or even a grandparent. You can see the excitement in the student but also the pride and anticipation of the rest of the family. This is especially true if the student is the first generation of a family to attend college.

The last “picture worthy” moment of a student’s education is grad-uation. For the last several years I have brought my camera with me to snap a photo of the sons or daughters of friends shaking the hand of the Board member delivering the diploma or shak-ing Dr. Shibler’s hands. I did not hand out any diplomas for the last three years so I could take snapshots. Last June, I made the mistake of trying to get a picture of every graduate and half-way through I wondered what I was thinking when I decided to try it. But once you start it is hard to stop knowing you have a snapshot for some but not for others. This year I have a different dilemma since I will have to choose to hand my daughter her diploma over taking her picture. It seems like yesterday that I took a picture of her, now in the Class of 2017, as she got off the bus on that first day of kindergarten.

My love of public education is easy to explain. Public education transforms people in a way that nothing else does. Access to a quality education helps level the playing field for all students. For many students education makes the impossible possible and while education changes the student it also impacts the student’s family and successive generations in positive ways. Teachers and guidance counselors reinforce the value of education for our chil-dren but also encourage them to explore and find their passion. Rockford is particularly fortunate to have an extraordinary school district with outstanding and dedicated teachers, staff and admin-istrators. But Rockford’s talented teachers, staff and administra-tors could not shine without supportive parents and an engaged community. Rockford is a wonderful community of parents and citizens that support and engage in its schools. You have noticed construction around the district this summer and community sup-port extends to a positive vote for bonds that allow the district to improve the facilities and technology in the classroom. This sup-port provided for significant improvements in facilities and tech-nology across the district, which ultimately significantly improves the quality of student learning. Last year one of the elementary school principals quizzed some elementary students on what a school Board member does. The answers were accompanied by “portraits” of each Board mem-ber that the students had drawn or colored. As you can imagine many of the answers and portraits, though serious, were also funny. One student seemed to get it right when he wrote “The school Board makes the school better.” I would add the word “tries” to his sentence because it is consistent with Dr. Shibler’s constant message that as a district we always want to be better tomorrow than we are today. The district and the Board believe in continuous quality improvement and want to do everything we can to ensure that every student arriving for that first day of class-es has access to the opportunity to earn a high quality education.

I hope you have had a great summer. Enjoy these last few weeks and I hope that, like me, you are also looking forward to the start of the school year.

WELCOME BACK TO A NEW SCHOOL YEARBy Miles Postema, School Board President

4 ROCKFORD

CHANGES & DAILY UPDATES CAN BE FOUND ON THE RPS ATHLETIC WEBPAGE OR @ http://www.usatodayhss.com/school/rockford-high-school-rockford-mi

CROSS COUNTRY BOYS/GIRLS VARSITYFriday 08/19/16 Portage Central - Early Bird Inv Away 9:15 AMSaturday 09/17/16 Sparta Invite Away 8:00 AMTuesday 09/20/16 Jamboree #1 @ EK Away 4:00 PMFriday 09/23/16 GR Com College XC Invite Away TBASaturday 10/01/16 Allendale - Falcon Invite Away 8:30 AMTuesday 10/04/16 Jamboree #2 @ Grand Haven Away 4:00 PMSaturday 10/08/16 Portage XC Invite Away 8:30 AMSaturday 10/15/16 Kent-Ottawa County Invite Away 10:00 AMThursday 10/20/16 Conference Meet (Hudsonville) Away 4:00 PMSaturday 10/29/16 Regionals Away TBASaturday 11/05/16 State Finals Away TBACoach Boys: Andy Martin Coach Girls: Ben Watson

FOOTBALL BOYS VARSITYFriday 08/26/16 Saline High School Home 7:00 PMFriday 09/02/16 Lowell High School Away 7:00 PMFriday 09/09/16 Mona Shores High School Home 7:00 PMFriday 09/16/16 Caledonia High School Away 7:00 PMFriday 09/23/16 Grand Haven High School Away 7:00 PMFriday 09/30/16 Grandville - Sr. Night Home 7:00 PMFriday 10/07/16 West Ottawa - Homecoming Home 7:00 PMFriday 10/14/16 East Kentwood High School Away 7:00 PMFriday 10/21/16 Hudsonville High School Away 7:00 PMFriday 10/28/16 Pre-Districts Away 7:00 PMFriday 11/04/16 District Championship Away 7:00 PMCoach: Ralph Munger

FOOTBALL BOYS JVThursday 08/25/16 Saline High School Away 6:00 PMThursday 09/01/16 Lowell High School Home 6:30 PMThursday 09/08/16 Mona Shores High School Away 6:30 PMThursday 09/15/16 Caledonia High School Home 6:30 PMThursday 09/22/16 Grand Haven High School Home 6:30 PMThursday 09/29/16 Grandville High School Away 6:30 PMThursday 10/06/16 West Ottawa HS Away 6:30 PMThursday 10/13/16 East Kentwood High School Home 6:30 PMThursday 10/20/16 Hudsonville High School Home 6:30 PMCoach: Brian Richardson

FOOTBALL BOYS FRESHMANThursday 08/25/16 Saline High School Away 4:00 PMThursday 09/01/16 Lowell High School Home 4:30 PMThursday 09/08/16 Mona Shores High School Away 4:30 PMThursday 09/15/16 Caledonia High School Home 4:30 PMThursday 09/22/16 Grand Haven High School Home 4:30 PMThursday 09/29/16 Grandville High School Away 4:30 PMThursday 10/06/16 West Ottawa HS Away 4:30 PMThursday 10/13/16 East Kentwood High School Home 4:30 PMThursday 10/20/16 Hudsonville High School Home 4:30 PMCoach: Brett Beimers

GOLF GIRLS VARSITYWednesday 08/17/16 Kent Co. Classic - NPC Away 9:30 AMFriday 08/19/16 Jenison Var Invite Away 7:00 AMThursday 08/25/16 Grand Haven Jamboree Away 3:30 PMMonday 08/29/16 Hudsonville Jamboree Away 3:30 PMThursday 09/08/16 Mid Season Away 9:00 AMTuesday 09/13/16 E Kentwood Jamboree Away 3:30 PMThursday 09/15/16 Grandville Jamboree Away 4:00 PMThursday 09/22/16 Caledonia Jamboree Away 3:30 PMFriday 09/23/16 Greenville Invitational Away 9:30 AMTuesday 09/27/16 Rockford Jamboree Home 3:30 PMWednesday 09/28/16 Ernie Popiel Memorial Tourn Away 10:00 AMThursday 09/29/16 W.O. Jamboree Away 3:30 PMMonday 10/03/16 Post Season Away TBATuesday 10/04/16 Hudsonville Ryder Cup Inv Away 4:00 PMCoach: Scott Kruisenga

GOLF GIRLS JVFriday 08/19/16 Grandville High School Home 9:00 AMMonday 08/22/16 Grand Haven Jamboree Away 3:30 PMWednesday 08/24/16 E.K., Rockford @ Caledonia Away 3:30 PMThursday 08/25/16 Greenville High School Home 3:30 PMWednesday 08/31/16 Grand Haven High School Away 3:30 PMWednesday 09/07/16 E Kentwood Jamboree Away 3:30 PMMonday 09/12/16 West Ottawa Jamboree Away 3:30 PMWednesday 09/14/16 W.O., Hudsonville @ Rockford Home 3:30 PMMonday 09/19/16 Rockford Jamboree Home 3:30 PMWednesday 09/21/16 Grandville Jamboree Away 3:30 PMMonday 09/26/16 Hudsonville Jamboree Away 3:30 PMWednesday 09/28/16 Caledonia Jamboree Away 3:30 PMCoach: Bob Wells

GOLF GIRLS J V BWednesday 08/24/16 Calvin Christian High School Away 3:00 PMThursday 09/01/16 Sparta High School Away TBAThursday 09/08/16 Cedar Springs High School Away 3:30 PMMonday 09/12/16 Maple Hill JV Invite (2 teams) Away TBAThursday 09/15/16 Lowell High School Away 3:30 PMTuesday 09/20/16 Sparta High School Home 3:30 PMFriday 09/23/16 Calvin Christian High School Home 3:30 PMThursday 09/29/16 Northview JV Invite Away 3:30 PMCoach: Rick Laven

SOCCER BOYS VARSITYSaturday 08/20/16 Var Soccer Quad Away TBAMonday 08/22/16 Grand Rapids Christian HS Home 7:15 PMWednesday 08/24/16 Lowell High School Away 6:45 PMFriday 08/26/16 Forest Hills Central HS Away 6:45 PMMonday 08/29/16 West Ottawa HS Away 7:15 PMWednesday 08/31/16 Grandville High School Away 7:15 PMThursday 09/01/16 Fruitport High School Home 7:15 PMTuesday 09/06/16 Caledonia High School Away 7:15 PMThursday 09/08/16 Grand Haven High School Home 7:15 PMTuesday 09/13/16 East Kentwood High School Away 7:15 PMThursday 09/15/16 Hudsonville High School Home 7:15 PMThursday 09/22/16 West Ottawa HS Home 7:15 PMTuesday 09/27/16 Grandville High School Home 7:15 PMThursday 09/29/16 Caledonia High School Home 7:15 PMTuesday 10/04/16 Grand Haven High School Away 7:15 PMThursday 10/06/16 East Kentwood High School Home 7:15 PMMonday 10/10/16 Hudsonville High School Away 7:15 PMThursday 10/13/16 Portage Central HS Away 6:45 PMWednesday 10/19/16 Districts (19-24th) Home TBACoach: Stu Quackenbush

2016 RHS RAMSFALL ATHLETICS

ALL-SPORTS PASSESAll-Sports Passes are available at the RHS Athletic Office

New Sport Pass/Fees:All Admissions Now $5.00 (K-Adult)

Family Pass $190(2 adults & 2 students K-12,

$10 for each additional pass – immediate family only)

Adult Pass $70 current school year onlyStudent Pass $50 current school year only

Adult Punch Pass $40 (Good for 10 punches - does not expire)

Student Punch Pass $25 (Good for 10 punches - does not expire)

All–Sports passes are good for HOME events only, EXCLUDING: Ice Hockey, Multi-Team Tournaments & MHSAA Tournaments.

ROCKFORD 5

SOCCER BOYS JVSaturday 08/20/16 JV Soccer Quad Away TBAMonday 08/22/16 Grand Rapids Christian HS Home 5:30 PMWednesday 08/24/16 Lowell High School Away 5:00 PMFriday 08/26/16 Forest Hills Central HS Away 5:00 PMMonday 08/29/16 West Ottawa HS Away 5:25 PMWednesday 08/31/16 Grandville High School Away 5:25 PMThursday 09/01/16 Fruitport High School Home 5:25 PMTuesday 09/06/16 Caledonia High School Away 5:25 PMThursday 09/08/16 Grand Haven High School Home 5:25 PMTuesday 09/13/16 East Kentwood High School Away 5:25 PMThursday 09/15/16 Hudsonville High School Home 5:25 PMThursday 09/22/16 West Ottawa HS Home 5:25 PMTuesday 09/27/16 Grandville High School Home 5:25 PMThursday 09/29/16 Caledonia High School Home 5:25 PMTuesday 10/04/16 Grand Haven High School Away 5:25 PMThursday 10/06/16 East Kentwood High School Home 5:25 PMMonday 10/10/16 Hudsonville High School Away 5:25 PMThursday 10/13/16 Portage Central HS Away 5:00 PMCoach: Timothy Boelman

SOCCER BOYS FRESHMANFriday 08/26/16 Grand Rapids Christian HS Away 5:30 PMMonday 08/29/16 West Ottawa HS Away 4:00 PMWednesday 08/31/16 Grandville High School Away 4:00 PMTuesday 09/06/16 Caledonia High School Away 4:00 PMThursday 09/08/16 Grand Haven High School Home 4:00PMTuesday 09/13/16 East Kentwood High School Away 4:00 PMThursday 09/15/16 Hudsonville High School Home 4:00 PMThursday 09/22/16 West Ottawa HS Home 4:00 PMTuesday 09/27/16 Grandville High School Home 4:00 PMWednesday 09/28/16 Grand Rapids Christian HS Home 5:30 PMThursday 09/29/16 Caledonia High School Home 4:00PMTuesday 10/04/16 Grand Haven High School Away 4:00 PMThursday 10/06/16 East Kentwood High School Home 4:00 PMSaturday 10/08/16 East Lansing Freshman Invite Away 10:00 AMMonday 10/10/16 Hudsonville High School Away 4:00 PMCoach: Grant Oosse

SWIMMING/DIVING GIRLS VARSITYSaturday 08/20/16 Forest Hills Northern HS Home 10:00 AMTuesday 08/30/16 Forest Hills Central HS Home 6:00 PMSaturday 09/10/16 West MI Relays @ Hudsonville Away TBAThursday 09/15/16 GR Catholic Central Home 6:00 PMSaturday 09/17/16 Skyline HS Away 12:00 PMTuesday 09/20/16 Zeeland West High School Home 6:00 PMThursday 09/22/16 East Kentwood High School Away 6:00 PMThursday 09/29/16 Hudsonville High School Away 6:00 PMThursday 10/06/16 Grand Haven High School Home 6:00 PMFriday 10/07/16 MISCA - Dive @ EMU Away TBASaturday 10/08/16 MISCA Away TBAThursday 10/13/16 West Ottawa HS Away 6:00 PMThursday 10/20/16 Grandville - Sr Night Home 6:00 PMThursday 11/03/16 Conf Diving Prelims @ GH Away TBAFriday 11/04/16 Conf Swim Prelims @ GH Away TBASaturday 11/05/16 Conference Finals @ GH Away TBAThursday 11/10/16 Diving Regionals @ EK Away TBAFriday 11/18/16 State Prelims Away TBASaturday 11/19/16 State Finals Away TBA Coach: Tom Parks

TENNIS BOYS VARSITYSaturday 08/20/16 Eisenhower Var Invite Away TBAMonday 08/22/16 FHC - Elliot Pearce Invite Away 9:00 AMThursday 08/25/16 Sturgis - Big 8 Tourney Away 9:00 AMMonday 08/29/16 Northview High School Home 4:00 PMWednesday 08/31/16 Grand Haven High School Away 4:00 PMThursday 09/01/16 East Grand Rapids HS Home 4:00 PMWednesday 09/07/16 Grandville High School Home 4:00 PMSaturday 09/10/16 FHE Quad Away 9:00 AMMonday 09/12/16 East Kentwood High School Home 4:00 PMWednesday 09/14/16 Caledonia High School Away 4:00 PMSaturday 09/17/16 Holly Quad Away TBAMonday 09/19/16 Hudsonville High School Away 4:00 PMFriday 09/23/16 Cadillac High School Home 4:00 PMMonday 09/26/16 West Ottawa HS Home 4:00 PMWednesday 09/28/16 Rain Date Away TBASaturday 10/01/16 Conference Meet Away TBA

Thursday 10/06/16 Regionals Away TBAFriday 10/07/16 Regionals Away TBAFriday 10/14/16 State Finals @ Midland Away TBASaturday 10/15/16 State Finals @ Midland Away TBACoach: Tom Huizing

TENNIS BOYS JVWednesday 08/24/16 Forest Hills Eastern Away 4:00 PMSaturday 08/27/16 Hudsonville JV Tourn Away 9:00 AMWednesday 08/31/16 Grand Haven High School Home 4:00PMThursday 09/01/16 East Grand Rapids HS Away 4:00 PMWednesday 09/07/16 Grandville High School Away 4:00 PMSaturday 09/10/16 Rockford JV Invite Home 8:30 AMMonday 09/12/16 East Kentwood High School Away 4:00 PMWednesday 09/14/16 Caledonia High School Home 4:00PMMonday 09/19/16 Hudsonville High School Home 4:00PMSaturday 09/24/16 West Ottawa JV Invite Away 8:30 AMMonday 09/26/16 West Ottawa HS Away 4:00 PMTuesday 09/27/16 Forest Hills Central HS Home 4:00 PMWednesday 09/28/16 Rain Date Away TBACoach: Matt Drolett

TENNIS BOYS J V BWednesday 08/24/16 Forest Hills Eastern Away 4:00 PMWednesday 08/31/16 Grand Haven High School Home 4:00 PMThursday 09/01/16 East Grand Rapids HS Away 4:00 PMWednesday 09/07/16 Grandville High School Away 4:00 PMMonday 09/12/16 East Kentwood High School Away 4:00 PMWednesday 09/14/16 Caledonia High School Home 4:00 PMMonday 09/19/16 Hudsonville High School Home 4:00 PMWednesday 09/21/16 Jenison High School Home 4:00 PMFriday 09/23/16 Cadillac High School Home 4:00 PMMonday 09/26/16 West Ottawa HS Away 4:00 PMCoach: Craig Beach

VOLLEYBALL GIRLS VARSITYSaturday 08/20/16 Portage Central Varsity Inv Away 8:30 AMSaturday 08/27/16 WMVOA Inv @ EK Away TBAWednesday 08/31/16 E Kentwood Inv #2 Away 4:30 PMSaturday 09/10/16 E Kentwood VB Classic Away 8:00 AMThursday 09/15/16 Hudsonville High School Home 7:00 PMSaturday 09/17/16 Portage Central Varsity Inv #2 Away 8:30 AMThursday 09/22/16 Caledonia High School Away 7:00 PMSaturday 09/24/16 Power League Tourney @ PC Away 8:30 PMSaturday 10/01/16 EGR Varsity Invite Away 9:00 AMTuesday 10/04/16 Grand Haven High School Home 7:00 PMThursday 10/06/16 East Kentwood High School Home 7:00 PMThursday 10/13/16 Grandville High School Away 7:00 PMSaturday 10/15/16 Beast of the East VB Inv - Warren Away 8:30 AMTuesday 10/18/16 West Ottawa HS Away 7:00 PMThursday 10/20/16 Conf #1 @ Grandville Away 4:30 PMSaturday 10/22/16 Conf #2 @Hudsonville Away 9:00 AMWednesday 10/26/16 Conf #3 @ RHS Home 4:30 PMTuesday 11/08/16 Regionals #1 Away TBAThursday 11/10/16 Regional Finals Away TBATuesday 11/15/16 Quarterfinals Away TBAThursday 11/17/16 Semi Finals Away TBASaturday 11/19/16 State Finals Away TBACoach: Kelly Delacher

VOLLEYBALL GIRLS JVSaturday 08/20/16 E Kentwood JV Invite Away 8:00 AMMonday 08/22/16 JV Tri-Meet #1 Home 5:30 PMSaturday 08/27/16 Portage Central JV Inv Away 8:30 AMTuesday 09/06/16 Ram-Sailor JV VB Quad Home 5:00 PMTuesday 09/13/16 Rockford Tri-Meet (Tent) Home 5:30 PMThursday 09/15/16 Hudsonville High School Home 5:30 PMThursday 09/22/16 Caledonia High School Away 5:30 PMSaturday 09/24/16 MSA Tourney Away 9:00 AMMonday 09/26/16 Jension JV Quad Away 5:00 PMSaturday 10/01/16 Rockford JV Volleyrama Home 8:30 AMTuesday 10/04/16 Grand Haven High School Home 5:30 PMThursday 10/06/16 East Kentwood High School Home 5:30 PMThursday 10/13/16 Grandville High School Away 5:30PMSaturday 10/15/16 Grand Haven Lakeshore Classic Away 8:30 AMTuesday 10/18/16 West Ottawa HS Away 5:30PMCoach: Sara Tountas

CHANGES & DAILY UPDATES CAN BE FOUND ON THE RPS ATHLETIC WEBPAGE OR @ http://www.usatodayhss.com/school/rockford-high-school-rockford-mi

6 ROCKFORD

VOLLEYBALL GIRLS FRESHMANMonday 08/22/16 Freshman Tri-Meet #1 Home 5:30 PMTuesday 09/06/16 Ram-Sailor 9th Quad Away 5:00 PMSaturday 09/10/16 West Ottawa - Fresh Inv Away 8:30 AMTuesday 09/13/16 Rockford Tri-Meet (Tent) Home 5:30 PMThursday 09/15/16 Hudsonville High School Home 5:30 PMSaturday 09/17/16 MSA Tourney Away 9:00 AMThursday 09/22/16 Caledonia High School Away 5:30 PMSaturday 10/01/16 Portage Central Freshman Inv Away 8:30 AMTuesday 10/04/16 Grand Haven High School Home 5:30 PMThursday 10/06/16 East Kentwood High School Home 5:30 PMThursday 10/13/16 Grandville High School Away 5:30PMSaturday 10/15/16 Rockford Freshman Volleyrama Home 8:30 AMTuesday 10/18/16 West Ottawa HS Away 5:30PMCoach: Jill Brouwer

WATERPOLO BOYS VARSITYThursday 08/11/16 Alumni Game Home 8:00 PMFriday 08/12/16 Rockford Varsity Tourn Home TBASaturday 08/13/16 Rockford Varsity Tourn Home TBAFriday 08/19/16 AAP Varsity Tourn Away TBASaturday 08/20/16 AAP Varsity Tourn Away TBAFriday 08/26/16 Jenison Var Invite Away TBASaturday 08/27/16 Jenison Var Invite Away TBAThursday 09/01/16 Okemos High School Home 7:00 PMFriday 09/09/16 Shoot Out at the Shore Away TBASaturday 09/10/16 Shoot Out at the Shore Away TBAWednesday 09/14/16 East Grand Rapids HS Away 7:00 PMFriday 09/16/16 Ann Arbor Huron Tourn Away TBASaturday 09/17/16 Ann Arbor Huron Tourn Away TBAMonday 09/19/16 Grand Haven High School Home 7:00 PMFriday 09/23/16 Zeeland Varsity Tourn Away TBASaturday 09/24/16 Zeeland Varsity Tourn Away TBAMonday 09/26/16 Zeeland Away 7:00 PMWednesday 09/28/16 Grandville High School Home 7:00 PMFriday 09/30/16 EGR Varsity Tourn Away TBASaturday 10/01/16 EGR Varsity Tourn Away TBAMonday 10/03/16 West Ottawa HS Home 7:00 PMWednesday 10/05/16 Jenison - Sr. Night Home 7:00 PMFriday 10/07/16 AA Skyline Var Tourn Away TBA

Saturday 10/08/16 AA Skyline Var Tourn Away TBAMonday 10/10/16 East Kentwood High School Away 7:00 PMWednesday 10/12/16 Hudsonville High School Away 7:00 PMFriday 10/14/16 Rockford Varsity Tourn #2 Home TBASaturday 10/15/16 Rockford Varsity Tourn #2 Home TBAMonday 10/17/16 Portage Home 6:00 PMFriday 10/21/16 Districts @ EGR Away TBASaturday 10/22/16 Districts @ EGR Away TBAFriday 10/28/16 Regionals @ Jenison Away TBASaturday 10/29/16 Regionals @ Jenison Away TBAFriday 11/11/16 State Finals @ Hudsonville Away TBASaturday 11/12/16 State Finals @ Hudsonville Away TBACoach: Jon Haga

WATERPOLO BOYS JVFriday 08/19/16 Jenison JV Tourn Away TBASaturday 08/20/16 Jenison JV Tourn Away TBASaturday 08/27/16 E Kentwood JV Tourn Away 8:15 AMThursday 09/01/16 Okemos High School Home 6:00PMWednesday 09/14/16 East Grand Rapids HS Away 6:00 PMFriday 09/16/16 Zeeland JV Tourn Away TBASaturday 09/17/16 Zeeland JV Tourn Away TBAMonday 09/19/16 Grand Haven High School Home 6:00PMFriday 09/23/16 Hudsonville JV Tourn Away TBASaturday 09/24/16 Hudsonville JV Tourn Away TBAMonday 09/26/16 Zeeland Away 6:00 PMWednesday 09/28/16 Grandville High School Home 6:00PMFriday 09/30/16 Rockford JV Tourney Home TBASaturday 10/01/16 Rockford JV Tourney Home TBAMonday 10/03/16 West Ottawa HS Home 6:00PMWednesday 10/05/16 Jenison High School Home 6:00 PMFriday 10/07/16 West Ottawa JV Invite Away TBASaturday 10/08/16 West Ottawa JV Invite Away TBAMonday 10/10/16 East Kentwood High School Away 6:00 PMWednesday 10/12/16 Hudsonville High School Away 6:00 PMFriday 10/14/16 Grand Haven JV Tourn. Away TBASaturday 10/15/16 Grand Haven JV Tourn. Away TBAMonday 10/17/16 Portage Home 7:00 PMCoach: Craig Peterman

CHANGES & DAILY UPDATES CAN BE FOUND ON THE RPS ATHLETIC WEBPAGE OR @ http://www.usatodayhss.com/school/rockford-high-school-rockford-mi

MEET THE BOARD OF EDUCATION CANDIDATES

Please contact your township/city office or go to www.accesskent.com for ballot information and voting locations

Check the RCTV Community Calendar for broadcast dates of “Meet the Candidates”

Monday, October 3, 20167:00 p.m.

North Rockford Middle School397 E. Division - Rockford, MI

(Auditorium)

CANDIDATES

*Incumbent

Geoffrey L. DownsLaura L. Featherston*

Lisa M. Kreager*Gina McCambridgeNick Reichenbach*

Amy C. Vancil

Four candidates to be elected,each to a four-year term which runs from

January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2020

ROCKFORD 7

TRANSPORTATION MESSAGE

The buses will hit the road on August 29th like hamsters in the wheel of life. Trying to keep their timing in place, picking up and dropping off at numerous school buildings, homes, and daycare centers, the bus drivers take on this amazing task with-out fear. The responsibility is huge. As they traverse over hill and dale with up to seventy kids at their back, singing, yelling, jumping seat to seat, suddenly a dog jumps out of the ditch, the driver hits the brakes and somebody hits the floor ….

The lesson here is all about properly riding the school bus. We have all heard the stories pertaining to distracted driving. We have watched the reports and we know the law. A school bus driver is an expert multi-tasker, but every time they look up into the mirror to see who is causing a disturbance their eyes are not on the road. In that instance the vehicle that they were follow-ing could have hit the brakes to avoid some other hazard and BAM! ... all because someone refused to remain seated while the bus was in motion. The ripple effect is far reaching; police are called, district security is on-site, possible injuries and EMS if needed, tow trucks, late arrivals to home or school, worried parents, repair costs, drug and alcohol testing for the bus driver, missed work, insurance claims, and a pile of paperwork for everyone involved.

A while back I received a voice mail from a person who was complaining about the traffic backup caused by a school bus that was picking up students on a busy road. He stated that buses are “not to control traffic.” I felt compelled to return the call and explain that school buses do, in fact, have the ability to control traffic, but the caller failed to leave a name or number. So I will clarify that myth, as well.

Yellow means CAUTION. When you see flashing yellow lights you should be prepared to stop.

Red means STOP. This is the law.

The law also states that the bus must pull as far to the right as “practicable” to clear traffic after making a stop. The bus will not jump a curb, pull into the ditch or a snow bank, or pull over in a place that would force traffic to cross a yellow line in order to pass the school bus safely. Many times it can be difficult to find a space wide enough for the bus to pull over for safe pas-sage of the vehicles waiting to proceed. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause.

You may encounter a school bus sitting completely off the road discharging students with only the hazard lights flashing. This is completely acceptable and within the law. The law states that if the speed limit is less than 45 MPH and the bus can get entirely off the roadway without impeding the flow of traffic, hazard lights can be used. Students will not be allowed to cross the street if the bus makes a hazard light stop as traffic is expected to continue to flow.

Driving a school bus takes a special personality. Patience, un-derstanding, compassion, critical thinking skills, and the ability to make split decisions are just a few of the qualities that make the best drivers. If you or someone you know is child-centered and interested in a career as a school bus driver, I would en-courage you to call me. Your chariot awaits!

Jacquie FaseRPS Director of Transportation616-863-6328

As winter weather approaches the drivers mentally prepare for the challenge ahead. It is important that the students understand their responsibility in the roll of safety on the school bus.

• Arrive at the bus stop 5–10 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.• Wait at least 12 feet from the edge of the street. (Respect private property)• Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the door opens.• Get on the bus in an orderly manner.• School rules apply at the bus stop and on the bus.• Do not distract the driver.• Stay in your seat facing forward at all times.• Be prepared to exit. Gather your belongings.• Use the handrail to prevent slipping or falling.• Always cross in front of the bus, but only when signaled to do so.• LOOK both ways before crossing the street.• Stay out of the DANGER ZONE! (Anywhere within 10 feet of the bus)

8 ROCKFORD

SCHOOL CLOSING INFORMATION

SCHOOL CLOSINGS/DELAYS

The decision to close or delay school can be a tricky one. As a Michigan resident, you know how fickle our weather is. Just as weather systems can appear without warning, there are times when weather systems predicted to appear do not. Please keep in mind that a forecast is a prediction. Even skilled meteorologists will agree that not all watches, warn-ings, and advisories materialize as predicted.

School personnel carefully monitor weather forecasts and road conditions. The Rockford Public Schools district spans approximately 97 square miles. Therefore, weather and road conditions can be significantly different within our school district. Ultimately, the decision to close or delay school is made by the Superintendent of Schools, with every effort to make a decision by 5:30 a.m.

In summary, weather in and of itself is unpredictable, and district staff do their best to make reasonable and practical decisions with the safety of students as their top priority. In addition, please keep in mind that weather conditions can rapidly improve or decline from the time a decision is made in the early hours of the morning to the time school is sched-uled to start. If at any time you feel it is unsafe to send your child(ren) to school due to the weather or road conditions, you are encouraged to exercise your right to keep them home with an excused absence.

EARLY DISMISSALS

Once students are in school, it is only in extreme cases the district would dismiss early due to weather, mainly due to the fact that many of our younger students could potentially go home to an empty house. However, in the rare case of an early dismissal, this will be posted on TV and the district web-site, and parents will be notified via the district’s automated School Messenger system and/or the school phone tree.

Occasionally when road conditions deteriorate during the day, a decision is made to dismiss students up to one-half hour early to allow buses additional travel time so students arrive home at their regularly scheduled time. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your school principal or the Superintendent’s Office at 616.863.6557.

Morning closings and delays are posted on the district website and local TV/radio stations, with several stations offering notification options such as text or email alerts.

Welcome To The 2016/2017School Year.

ROCKFORD 9

Details can be found at www.rockfordschools.org/ref

Save the DateSaturday, November 5, 2016

NCA AccreditedBlue Ribbon Exemplary Schools

The Rockford Public Schools and the Rockford Education Foundation

will once again be honoring outstanding community members

and past graduates during the biannual Hall of Fame.

The Tribute to Excellence Induction Dinner will be held on November 5, 2016 at

Thousand Oaks Golf Club.

Tickets will go on sale this summer.

Applications and details can be found at www.rockfordschools.org or www.rockfordschools.org/ref

Rock

ford

Pub

lic S

choo

ls

10 ROCKFORD

THANK YOU ROCKFORD ROTARY

Rockford Public Schools would like to recognize the Rockford Rotary for their generous contributions to

Rockford students.

During the Summer Reading and Math programs for elementary students, the Rotary provided multiple scholar-

ships so that more students could attend the programs.

Thanks to the Rockford Rotary for their continued support, and for truly making a difference in the lives of students

in the community.

For more information about any of our programs call the Child Care Office at 863.6560 or visit our website at www.rockfordschools.org

ROCKFORD 11

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Children need healthy meals to learn. Rockford Public Schools offers healthy meals every school day. Breakfast costs $1.80; lunch costs $2.50/El-ementary, $2.75/Secondary. Your children may qualify for free meals or for reduced price meals. Reduced price is $ .30 for breakfast where ap-plicable and $ .40 for lunch. This packet includes an application for free or reduced price meal ben-efits, and a set of detailed instructions. Below are some common questions and answers to help you with the application process.

1. WHO CAN GET FREE OR REDUCED PRICE MEALS? • All children in households receiving benefits from Food Assistance Program (FAP), Food Distri-bution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)] or Family Independence Program (FIP), are eligible for free meals.• Foster children that are under the legal responsi-bility of a foster care agency or court are eligible for free meals. • Children participating in their school’s Head Start program are eligible for free meals.• Children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant are eligible for free meals.• Children may receive free or reduced price meals if your household’s income is within the limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines. Your children may qualify for free or reduced price meals if your household income falls at or below the limits on this chart.

2. HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILDREN QUALIFY AS HOMELESS, MIGRANT, OR RUNAWAY? Do the members of your house-hold lack a permanent address? Are you staying together in a shelter, hotel, or other temporary housing arrangement? Does your family relocate on a seasonal basis? Are any children living with you who have chosen to leave their prior family or household? If you believe children in your house-hold meet these descriptions and haven’t been told your children will get free meals, please call or e-mail Jim Ellis, jellis@rockfordschools.org. 3. DO I NEED TO FILL OUT AN APPLICA-TION FOR EACH CHILD? No. Use one Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application for all students in your household. We cannot ap-

prove an application that is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information. Return the completed application to: Vicki Stevenson, 4100 Kroes St., Rockford, MI 49341, 616.863.6037.

4. SHOULD I FILL OUT AN APPLICATION IF I RECEIVED A LETTER THIS SCHOOL YEAR SAYING MY CHILDREN ARE ALREADY AP-PROVED FOR FREE MEALS? No, but please read the letter you got carefully and follow the in-structions. If any children in your household were missing from your eligibility notification, contact Vicki Stevenson, 4100 Kroes St. Rockford, MI 49341, 616.863.6037, vstevenson@rockford-schools.org immediately.

5. CAN I APPLY ONLINE? Yes! You are en-couraged to complete an online application instead of a paper application if you are able. The online application has the same requirements and will ask you for the same information as the paper application. Visit www.rockfordschools.org OR directly to LunchApp.com to begin or to learn more about the online application process. Con-tact Vicki Stevenson, 4100 Kroes St. Rockford, MI 49341, 616.863.6037, vstevenson@rockford-schools.org if you have any questions about the online application.

6. MY CHILD’S APPLICATION WAS AP-PROVED LAST YEAR. DO I NEED TO FILL OUT A NEW ONE? Yes. Your child’s applica-tion is only good for that school year and for the first few days of this school year, through October 11, 2016. You must send in a new application unless the school told you that your child is eligible for the new school year. If you do not send in a new application that is approved by the school or you have not been notified that your child is eligible for free meals, your child will be charged the full price for meals. 7. I GET WIC. CAN MY CHILDREN GET FREE MEALS? Children in households participat-ing in WIC may be eligible for free or reduced price meals. Please send in an application.

8. WILL THE INFORMATION I GIVE BE CHECKED? Yes. We may also ask you to send written proof of the household income you report. 9. IF I DON’T QUALIFY NOW, MAY I AP-PLY LATER? Yes, you may apply at any time dur-ing the school year. For example, children with a parent or guardian who becomes unemployed may become eligible for free and reduced price meals if the household income drops below the income limit.

10. WHAT IF I DISAGREE WITH THE SCHOOL’S DECISION ABOUT MY APPLI-CATION? You should talk to school officials. You also may ask for a hearing by calling or writing to: John Henry, 4100 Kroes St. Rockford, MI 49341, 616.863.6037, jhenry@rockfordschools.org.

11. MAY I APPLY IF SOMEONE IN MY HOUSEHOLD IS NOT A U.S. CITIZEN? Yes. You, your children, or other household members do not have to be U.S. citizens to apply for free or reduced price meals.

12. WHAT IF MY INCOME IS NOT ALWAYS THE SAME? List the amount that you normally re-ceive. For example, if you normally make $1000 each month, but you missed some work last month and only made $900, put down that you made $1000 per month. If you normally get overtime, include it, but do not include it if you only work overtime sometimes. If you have lost a job or had your hours or wages reduced, use your current income.

13. WHAT IF SOME HOUSEHOLD MEM-BERS HAVE NO INCOME TO REPORT? Household members may not receive some types of income we ask you to report on the application, or may not receive income at all. Whenever this happens, please write a 0 in the field. However, if any income fields are left empty or blank, those will also be counted as zeroes. Please be careful when leaving income fields blank, as we will as-sume you meant to do so.

14. WE ARE IN THE MILITARY. DO WE RE-PORT OUR INCOME DIFFERENTLY? Your basic pay and cash bonuses must be reported as income. If you get any cash value allowances for off-base housing, food, or clothing, it must also be included as income. However, if your housing is part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative, do not include your housing allowance as income. Any additional combat pay resulting from deploy-ment is also excluded from income.

15. WHAT IF THERE ISN’T ENOUGH SPACE ON THE APPLICATION FOR MY FAMILY? List any additional household members on a separate piece of paper, and attach it to your ap-plication. Contact Vicki Stevenson, 4100 Kroes St. Rockford, MI 49341, 616.863.6037, vste-venson@rockfordschools.org to receive a second application.

16. MY FAMILY NEEDS MORE HELP. ARE THERE OTHER PROGRAMS WE MIGHT APPLY FOR? To find out how to apply for Food Assistance Program (FAP) or other assistance ben-efits, contact your local assistance office or call 1-855-275-6424.

If you have other questions or need help, call 616.863.6037 prompt 2, extension 7061. Sincerely,

Vicki StevensonFood Service OfficeRockford Public Schools

FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE MEALS: Information for Parents and Guardians

FEDERAL ELIGIBILITY INCOME CHART FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2016-2017HOUSEHOLD SIZE YEARLY MONTHLY WEEKLY1 $21,978 $1,832 $4232 $29,637 $2,470 $5703 $37,296 $3,108 $7184 $44,955 $3,747 $8655 $52,614 $4,385 $1,0126 $60,273 $5,023 $1,1607 $67,951 $5,663 $1,3078 $75,647 $6,304 $1,455EACHADDITIONAL PERSON: $7,696 $642 $148

12 ROCKFORD

AUGUST29 First Student Day

SEPTEMBER2 No School5 No School - LABOR DAY27 Late Start, 10:35 (Gr DK-5)27 Late Start, 9:40 (Gr 6-12)

OCTOBER11 & 13 Parent/Teacher Conferences* (Gr 6-8)12 & 13 Parent/Teacher Conferences* (Gr 9-12)14 Early Dismissal, 11:55 (Gr DK-5)14 Early Dismissal, 10:55 (Gr 6-12)

NOVEMBER8 & 10 Parent/Teacher Conferences* (Gr DK-5)11 Early Dismissal, 11:55 (Gr DK-5)11 Early Dismissal, 10:55 (Gr 6-12)17 & 18 Secondary Exams, in session (Gr 9-12)23-25 Thanksgiving Break (no school)

DECEMBERDecember 17–January 2 Christmas Break

JANUARY3 School Resumes18 & 19 Parent/Teacher Conferences* (Gr 9-12)25 Late Start, 10:35 (Gr DK-5)25 Late Start, 9:40 (Gr 6-12)

FEBRUARY20 Mid-Winter Break (no school)28 Parent/Teacher Conferences* (Gr DK-5) 28 Parent/Teacher Conferences* (Gr 6-8)

MARCH1 & 2 Secondary Exams, in session (Gr 9-12)2 Parent/Teacher Conferences* (Gr DK-5)2 Parent/Teacher Conferences* (Gr 6-8)31 No School

APRIL3-7 Spring Break (no school)10 Late Start, 10:35 (Gr DK-5)10 Late Start, 9:40 (Gr 6-12)26 & 27 Parent/Teacher Conferences* (Gr 9-12)

MAY26 Snow Make-Up or No School29 Memorial Day (no school)

JUNE7 – 9 Secondary Exams, in session (Gr 9-12)7 – 9 Early Dismissal, 12:00 (Gr DK-5)7 – 9 Early Dismissal, 11:00 (Gr 6-12)9 Tentative Last Day of School

2016-2017

SCHOOL CALENDAR

ROCKFORD 13

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

21 22 23 24 25 26 27Makeup Orientations: ERM/NRM/RFC/RHS

Rockford Board of Education 7:30pm Admin Office

Open Houses: Bel-mont, Cannonsburg, Lakes, Parkside, Valley View, Meadow Ridge

14 15 16 17 18 19 20Senior Orientation 6th Gr Orientation-

ERM/NRM

Junior & Freshman Orientation

7th/8th Gr Orienta-tion-ERM/NRM

Sophomore Orienta-tion

ADULT EDUCATION

HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETIONWANT TO EARN A

ROCKFORD HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR PREPARE FOR THE GED?

Let us help you! Our dedicated teaching staff tailors instruc-tional methods and curriculum options for each individual

student. Students are given a clear plan and the help needed to achieve their goals.

Teachers are highly qualified in their teaching major and are aware of the unique needs of the adult education stu-

dent. One on one time is given in each class.

Small class size, competent teachers, individualized learn-ing plans, accelerated classes, online and on-site classes,

a safe environment, a flexible class schedule including day and evening classes, and a convenient location near US 131 and the E. Beltline are reasons students choose our

FREE program.

NOW ENROLLING FOR THE 2016/2017 SCHOOL YEAR - DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS EXCITING, FREE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP

IN YOUR LIFE AND CAREER!

Please contact: Jennifer ThompsonRockford Adult Education Advisor/Teacher

616.863.6325, ext. 5251jthompson@rockfordschools.org

AUGUST 2016

The Rockford School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, height, weight and marital status in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Dr. Doug VanderJagt, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, Rockford Public Schools, 350 N. Main, Rockford, Michigan 49341, Telephone 616.863.6554.

28 29 30 31 1 2 3First Day of School

Hall of Fame27th Annual

RHS Athletic

Banquet

�e 27th Annual Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet will be held on

Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at the Boulder Creek Golf Course.

6:00 pm Social; 6:30 pm Dinner

Tickets are $25 per person and will be on sale at the Rockford Athletic O�ce (4100 Kroes Road) through

�ursday, September 29. �e o�ce is open daily from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.

�is year’s inductees are:

Brian Busen, Andy Martin, Joel Visser, and Doug Ward.

�e inductees also will be introduced just prior to the homecoming football contest with West Ottawa on Friday, October 7.

For further information, or if you have any questions, please contact Director of Athletics Tim Erickson at 616.863.6040.

Meadow Ridge DK/Kindergarten Open House

14 ROCKFORD

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

SEPTEMBER 2016

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

No School

ERM Curriculum Night

NRM Open House

Rockford Board of Education 7:30pm Admin Office

RFC/RHS PAC 9am

Cannonsburg PTC 6:30 pm

Lakes PTO

Valley View PTO

Meadow Ridge PTO

-

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

25 26 27 28 29 30 1

Rockford Board of Education 7:30pm Admin Office

Labor Day-No School

ASBESTOS/AHERA NOTIFICATION ADVISORYRockford Public Schools is required under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) of 1987 to notify parents and employees of the availability of a management plan and inform them of the activities conducted under the management plan.

The required three-year inspection was conducted in February of 2013. This inspection indicated all asbestos in district build-ings is in a safe, non-friable condition. All of the asbestos is properly protected and there is no exposure present. Rockford Public Schools follows the regulations set forth in EPA 40 CFR Part 763 – Asbestos-Containing Materials in Buildings and com-plies with the inspection process set forth in EPA 40 CFR Part 763, Parts 1, 2, 3 and OSHA 29 CFR Parts 1910 and 1926.

The asbestos management plan is available for inspection dur-ing normal business hours by contacting the Director of Facili-ties and Operations at 616.863.6330, ext. 5504

RHS FALL PLAYRHS Theatre Department Presents

November 3–5 at 7:00 pm and November 6 at 3:00 pm

Adults $8, Students $5

“Uproarious, funny play-within-a-play. The plot revolves around the on-and-off stage antics of a

mediocre acting company as they desperately try to stage their show, ‘Nothing On.’”

NOISES OFF

Late Start DaySecondary-9:40am, Elem 10:40am

ROCKFORD 15

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

OCTOBER 2016

Meet the Candidates Night 7pm NRM

Athletic HOF Banquet Homecoming Game Homecoming Dance

Rockford Board of Education 7:30pm Admin Office

FC/RHS PAC 9am

6-8 PT Conferences

ERM PAC Meeting 9am

9-12 PT Conferences 6-12 PT Conferences

Lakes PTO

Valley View PTO

½ Day of School Mom to Mom Sale-NRMS

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

The mission of the Rockford Public Schools District is to provide the teaching and learning environments which will ensure, with the support of the students, parents and community, that all students, upon graduation, will have the academic and social skills and strategies to be successful, lifelong learners.

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30 31

Rockford Board of Education 7:30pm Admin Office

Immediately following the graduation ceremony on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at the Deltaplex, RHS seniors who have REGISTERED will attend the BEST AFTER GRAD PARTY EVER!

Seniors will be transported to a secret location and will enjoy celebrating this wonderful milestone in their lives! Seniors will enjoy food, free prizes (i.e. televisions, college-related items, gift cards, etc.) music, unbelievable entertain-ment, and so much more! After the party, seniors will be transported back to Rockford High School. Don’t let your senior miss out on this long standing tradition that will be one of the best highlights of their high school experience!

CLASS OF 2017 AFTERGRAD PARTYTO RESERVE A SPOT, seniors can register at

orientation on August 16th, or REGISTRATION FORMS can be found in the RHS Main Office,

September Family Access Message, Facebook – rockfordaftergrad2017, or

email rockfordaftergrad2017@gmail.com.

Register early to receive the reduced rate!Early Registration – $75After Feb 1, 2017 – $100

ROCKFORD 16

ROCKFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2016–2017

CEL

EBRA

TIN

G

YEA

RS!

Surviving and Thriving During the Teenage YearsJanuary 11 - 6:30-8:00 pm

Students today experience more pressure than ever due to increased academic demands, co-curricular activities, the potential negative influence of social media, and relationships with peers and adults in their lives. Learn from our Rockford Public Schools students and staff as they present on how to self-advocate, cope with the stressors of school and life, and develop meaningful and authentic relationships along the way. Participants will leave with strategies and skills to promote resiliency and support to navigate the teenage years.

Youth Safety and Violence PreventionOctober 5 - 6:30-8:00 pm

Students and families will learn firsthand from local law enforcement, school officials, and community partners as they share their expertise and provide strategies to support your student’s safety. The presentation will help students and families understand dangers of social media, current trends and fads in prescription and street drug use and abuse, sexual harassment and assault, and will continue to support our district and community's mission of mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

Pursue Your Passion!March 20 - 6:30-8:00 pm

Rockford Public Schools welcomes Mike Smith, national motivational speaker, avid skateboarder, and Executive Director of the non-profit organization, Skate for Change. Mike’s presentation will inspire participants to pursue their passions and live out their dreams. Learn why your life isn’t ordinary and why you matter!

5