RPS Families: You're invited to share your valuable feedback on updates we’re considering for our elementary report cards. The RPS Elementary Report Card Team is working on enhancing the following sections:
Academic Readiness & Engagement
Life Readiness
Performance Descriptors
Practices for Academic Success (new section!)
Before these updates are finalized for the 2025-2026 school year, we want to hear your thoughts. Join us at any of our Parent Report Card Feedback Sessions:
Jan. 13 @ Rolling Green School, 3:30–4:30 PM
Jan. 16 @ Westview School, 3:30–4:30 PM
Jan. 23 @ Constance Lane School, 3:00–4:00 PM
Jan. 29 @ Gregory School, 3:00–4:00 PM
We are excited to share that the 2025-2026 school year calendar was approved by the school board on Tuesday night. It includes several important updates that reflect our commitment to aligning with neighboring districts and enhancing the overall learning experience for our students.
Key Changes :
Earlier Start Date: The school year will begin earlier in August. This adjustment is possible because all RPS 205 schools are equipped with air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable learning environment during warmer months.
Fall Break: We will continue to offer a full week off for Fall Break, giving families and staff time to recharge.
First Semester Ends Before Winter Break: High School students will complete their first semester before Winter Break, allowing for a true break without pending exams or projects.
School Year Ends Before Memorial Day: The last day of school will occur before Memorial Day, providing families an earlier start to summer vacation.
The 2025-2026 calendar can be viewed here on the Calendar page on rps205.com: https://5il.co/33ras
Wishing you a day filled with joy and gratitude
See you on Monday, December 2!
FOR ALL RPS 205 FAMILIES: The VanVleet Family Foundation Annual Turkey Giveaway
Sunday, November 24 at 3 p.m.
Auburn High School Fieldhouse - Door FH11
Meal kits are given out on a first come first serve basis
Nicor Gas’ Energy Efficiency Program, in partnership with Operation Warm, gifted 532 new winter coats & other resources to students at Riverdahl Elementary School today! As colder & snowy weather will be here before we know it, Nicor Gas is committed to providing warmth & peace of mind to local families. Together with Operation Warm, Nicor Gas has handed out more than 3,000 new coats to students at qualifying schools across Northern Illinois. Operation Warm is a national non-profit that was founded in 1998. The organization & its partners have provided more than six million coats across America.
All RPS 205 schools and offices are closed today in observance of the holiday.
Principal Appreciation Day: This annual recognition was first approved by Illinois' Governor in 1990. We took pictures of our principals at our 41 schools & asked students to draw them for us. Here are some of their works of art. Thank you all RPS 205 Principals!
Have a great day!
RPS 205 will be holding a Boys & Girls Youth Wrestling Clinic for all K-8 grade students. This free event will take place at East High School (door FH3).
-Thursday, October 24: Grades K-2 from 5:15-6:45 p.m.
-Tuesday, October 29: Grades 3-5 & 6-8 from 5:15-6:45 p.m.
-Saturday, November 2: Grades K-2 from 9-10:20 a.m. and Grades 3-5 & 6-8 from 11:15-12:45 p.m.
To register: https://forms.gle/QxwrwyxC8F26pqHH8
Contact Gene Lee at 815-227-8451 or email leeg@rps205.com
Tomorrow is the last day to get your nominations in for RPS 205 PreK-5th grade teachers for the 2025 Golden Apple Award. You can submit at: goldenappleofrockford.com/golden-apple-teacher-awards/nominate/
To celebrate National School Lunch Week, RPS 205 is holding a contest to see who can make the most creative chicken sandwich. The students who create winning chicken sandwiches will win an iPad and their sandwiches will be featured on the menu in the Spring Semester! Please turn in your work of art to the kitchen team in your school's cafeteria between October 14-18. We can't wait to see the delicious combinations you draw up!
Both the school district & local law enforcement are aware of a generic Snapchat social media post that's making threats against schools. This posting has appeared in multiple states. Law enforcement is actively investigating to determine the origination of this source. Currently, it's deemed that the threat isn't credible, and it's not specifically targeting RPS 205 schools. Safety is our number one priority, and we take all threats seriously.
Help us celebrate educator’s good work through a Golden Apple award nomination. Click on the link below and tell us in a sentence or two about this outstanding PreK-5th grade educator! Nominate by October 10. https://goldenappleofrockford.com/golden-apple-teacher-awards/nominate/
All RPS 205 buildings are closed today in observance of the federal holiday.
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
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
Dear Kindergarten Parents,
We are thrilled to welcome your child to our school community! To help our youngest students acclimate to elementary school, we will be hosting a 3-day Kindergarten Boot Camp from August 13 to August 15. This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to build confidence for their first day of school, as it will not be their first time visiting the building.
Additional support staff will be on-site during the Boot Camp to assist our students. We will also be conducting some baseline assessments. This event provides a chance for parents to visit the school and classrooms. However, please note that parents will not be allowed into the building on the first day of school. This would be a great time to drop off supplies.
We are offering two sessions:
Morning Session: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Afternoon Session: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
We may shift to a single morning session depending on the number of students enrolled. Please take a moment to review the attached flyer and sign up for the session that best suits your schedule.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at katie.meersman@rps205.com.
We look forward to meeting you and your child and kicking off an exciting school year together!
See you soon,
Tommy Gibbons
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.
