Points of PrideA primary reason for the success of Rockford Public Schools is that we have high expectations for everyone and everything that we do. There is an unwritten school policy that states: “When you are a part of Rockford Public Schools, you cannot pick and choose what to take pride in – you must take pride in everything you do.” The students have made our community proud with every aspect of their educational programs. Listed below are some of the areas/programs that have been recognized for excellence:
- Every RPS building has earned a letter grade of a straight “A” through the Michigan Department of Education’s Accountability Program – Ed YES! (Every RPS building has earned this recognition for the past five consecutive years – one of only two school districts in West Michigan)
- Every school has earned the prestigious Blue Ribbon School Exemplary State Board of Education Award (RPS is the only large school district in Michigan to have earned this recognition)
- State and nationally recognized fine arts program
- Highly successful athletic program
- Over 28 state championships
- 34 varsity programs with participation by over 50% of the student body
- Rigorous and relevant curriculum
- 100% of staff are highly qualified
- Millions of dollars of scholarship money awarded each year to students
- Very high parental involvement
- 100% attendance at elementary parent teacher conferences
- 90%+ attendance at secondary parent teacher conferences
- High percentage of involvement with PTA’s, booster clubs, etc.
- Michigan High School TV Station of the Year
- 37 students in the class of 2009 scored a 30 or higher on the ACT
- Odyssey of the Mind – RPS sent five teams to Iowa in June 2009 to compete in the OM World Championship. Michigan sent a total of 15 teams, with RPS representing one-third of those teams. Our schools did very well, with North RMS finishing a close second to a middle school from Singapore.
- Numerous National Merit Finalists every year
- Community services/volunteerism/donations – incredible generosity (The Giving Ram)
- Rockford Education Foundation has donated over $600,000 to teachers and students for the purchase of creative classroom activities
- Board recognized by MASB with Standard of Excellence and Honor Board Status awards for all members being certified
- State-of-the-art technology
- First-class facilities
- NCA District Accreditation
- Michigan AAA Student Safety of Year Award, 2007-08
- American Council for Teachers of Critical Language Program Host – (Chinese Teachers: 2008-09 & 2009-10)
- US Department of State Fulbright Exchange Teacher Host (Mexico Teacher: 2008-09)
- US Department of Education FLAP Grant Recipient (2007-08)
- RtI early intervention program K-2 in all elementary schools
- State of Michigan Green School Certification (Valley View and Roguewood elementaries)