Kyle Avink - Principal
kavink@rockfordschools.org
Address: 6350 Courtland Dr., Rockford, MI 49341
Phone: (616) 863-6346
CRESTWOOD CALENDAR
Do you like to plan ahead?! Check out the Crestwood building calendar for exciting upcoming events specific for our building!!
DISTRICT CALENDAR
The 2025-2026 district calendar can be viewed by clicking the button below:
EARLY RELEASE DAYS!
Wednesday, March 11th and 25th
Students will dismiss at 1:30 pm.
MARCH IS READING MONTH
Crestwood is excited to kick off March is Reading Month. We have many activities planned. The theme is the Olympics. Classes can earn bronze, silver, or gold medals based on the completion of various reading activities. Each classroom will have a grid of activities. Some activities include reading with ERMS therapy dog Ruffles, reading with flashlights, watching a movie based on a book.
Gold=Extra Recess for your class
Silver=Your class eats lunch with Mr. Avink
Bronze=Sit and Sip-Bring your favorite drink and read
Thank you for supporting your child's literacy! This will be such a fun month!
deadline will be here before you know it!
Click on the image below to order your 2025-26 yearbook!
Crestwood's code is: 14581726
DEVELOPMENTAL KINDERGARTEN & KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN
Click on the image below for more information!
VOLUNTEER IN STEAM
In February, students worked both individually and in groups to complete exciting makerspace projects in STEAM. Our upper elementary students spent three weeks designing, building, testing, and improving their creations. Third graders created carnival games, and fifth graders designed and built their own putt-putt golf courses. It was incredible to see their creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork in action! In March, we are looking forward to hands-on projects using our large car ramp, continuing to build our understanding of robotics, and exploring chain reactions. There is always something exciting happening in STEAM! We are always accepting clean donations for the STEAM classroom. Items we can use include:
- Broken-down cereal boxes
- Egg cartons (not plastic)
- Clean plastic containers (yogurt, sour cream, etc.)
- Cardboard tubes
- Shoe boxes
- Tissue boxes
If you would like to volunteer in STEAM, please sign up here:
We are always accepting clean and useful STEAM donations, including cardboard tubes, egg cartons, cereal boxes, small plastic containers (yogurt, sour cream, etc.), and shoe or tissue boxes.
If you haven’t already, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see all the exciting learning happening in our classrooms!
CRESTWOOD'S FAMILY FUN NIGHT!
Get ready for an evening of fun, connection, and high-energy activities!
Our AMAZING PTO has reserved Wednesday, March 25 from 4:00–7:00 PM for Crestwood's Spring Family Fun Night at the Three Mile Project Event Center. Admission for the whole family is covered by your child's Activity Pass and we will have private access to the entire facility.
This is a fantastic opportunity for families to spend quality time together while enjoying a ninja course, climbing walls, sports courts, games, activities and a movie room. There will be food available to purchase onsite at a reasonable cost.
A facility waiver must be completed for all participants. Please click "Facility Waiver Link" to fill it out in advance to save time at check-in.
We can’t wait to see you there for an evening full of energy, laughter, and family fun!
OUTDOOR LEARNING
This year at Edgerton Trails our inaugural class of 4th grade students completed year one of our two year outdoor learning program. Rockford Outdoor Learning is a 4th and 5th grade program. Students learn both in a traditional classroom and in the 26 acre nature center behind Edgerton Trails.
3rd grade students and their families are encouraged to attend an Outdoor Education informational meeting on March 26 at 5:00 at Edgerton Trails. This will provide an opportunity to learn more about the program and see the beautiful nature center space at EdgertonTrails.
If you are interested in applying for your current 3rd grade student please access the application at the link below (opens March 23).
Characteristics of an outdoor learning student
Inquisitive
Genuine interest and experiences with the outdoors
Can work both independently and collaboratively
Has an intrinsic motivation when it comes to learning, school work and responsibility
Positive attendance record
Positive behaviors
Timeline
April: Application Process Opens March 23-April 17
April: Student Interviews
May: Lottery
May: Acceptance Letters
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What grades are part of the outdoor learning program?
Students will enter the program as 4th graders and spend two years in outdoor education. Moving to middle school in 6th grade.
Q: What is Outdoor Education?
Outdoor education is a philosophy of embracing and experiencing the outdoors. Students participate in a variety of outdoor learning experiences while accessing the RPS curriculum.
Q: Where will the program be located?
At Edgerton Trails Elementary School inside the school and at the Outdoor Learning property behind the school.
Q: What is the application and selection process:
Students must be a current RPS student in the 3rd grade
Interested parents/guardians must fill out and complete an online application
Classroom teachers will complete a recommendation form.
Student interview
Students that meet the criteria will be entered into the lottery
Q: How many students will be admitted?
26 students will be selected through a lottery system to be in the inaugural 4th grade class starting in the 2026-27 school year.
Q: Do outdoor education students have the typical specials associated with elementary school in RPS?
This year 4th grade students attended Art, Music, Steam, and Library.
5th grade students will attend Art, Music, PE and Library.
Students participate in all Edgerton Trails activities that include but are not limited to: spelling bee, geography bee, student council, assemblies, fundraisers, March is Reading Month, etc.
Q: Is there a waitlist?
There will be a waitlist. If any of the 26 lottery students decline, the next student on the wait list will be invited to enter the program.
Q: What is the curriculum?
Students receive district aligned curriculum along with project based outdoor learning opportunities.
Q: How much time do students spend outside?
This depends on a variety of factors. However, students will spend 50-75% of the school year outside.
Q: Will there be RPS transportation available to Outdoor Education students?
Limited morning transportation at designated shuttle locations. Students using the morning shuttle will arrive approximately 10 minutes after the start of the school day.
No RPS transportation available at the end of the day. Parents will be asked to pick up their student(s).
Application Process is Open March 23-April 17
PTO CONFERENCE MEAL
PTO provided a meal for staff during parent teacher conferences this past week. The PTO Activity Pass allows us to treat them on conference evenings where they work late and it makes for one less decision on their end so they can focus on meeting with parents.
JOIN THE PTO
Join us at our next PTO Meeting on March 11th at 7:00 PM in the Media Center at Crestwood. We will be chatting about Spring Events, Staff Appreciation week and open positions for the 2025-2026 school year. The PTO is powered by parents like you. Your voice matters and helps shape our events and programs for students and staff.
We are currently looking for members to join the Staff Appreciation Committee and Event Planning Committee next school year. Contact PTO by emailing CrestwoodElementaryPTO@gmail.com.
Thank you to all room parents who planned seasonal celebrations for the year! We appreciate your dedications of time, thought and creativity into making them a memorable day for students and staff. On March 20th PTO will host the first Mileage Club Fun Run of 2026 and a Popcorn Friday!
UPDATES
MILEAGE CLUB
HOLIDAY MUSIC PROGRAM
The music program is scheduled for April 17th, 2026! More info to come.
2026 PTO MEETING DATES
PTO will be meeting two more times in 2026 to plan Spring family events, staff appreciation dates, Field Day and more. We'd love to have you join us on the following dates:
- March 11th, 2026 @ 7:00 PM
- May 13th, 2026 @ 7:00 PM
PTO BOARD UPDATE
We welcome new talents to our board and will be looking for the following positions to fill in the 2026-2027 school year. If you have a passion for giving your time and would like to join a wonderful team of driven parents, please contact us at crestwoodelementarypto@gmail.com. For more information, visit our webpage.
- President
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Events Committee - 2 people
- Staff Appreciation Committee - 2 people
POPCORN FRIDAYS
RPS OPEN SKATE
Ice skate with friends and support your elementary school!
Crestwood's Family Skate Day is THIS SATURDAY from 1PM to 3PM at Cedar Rock Sportsplex! Your admission includes ice skate rentals. See you on the ice!
LABEL OR INITIAL
We are already finding gloves, mittens, hats, and even coats left on the playground WITHOUT students' name or initials. There is a 100% return rate if the student's name/initials are in their winter gear. All remaining items get sent to the final destination...Our Lost and Found.
SUPERINTENDENT SUB FOR A DAY!
Each $10 donation to the Rockford Education Foundation nominates a teacher to win a day off while Dr. Matthews takes over the classroom. All donations support REF educational grants, celebrate our incredible educators, and give Dr. Matthews a front-row seat in the classroom.
- $10 = 1 entry to nominate a teacher - multiple entries gladly accepted!
- Teachers may nominate themselves or a colleague
- One winner will be drawn monthly, January–May 2026
CRESTWOOD REMINDERS
Who do I call if my student will be absent or late to school?
- If your student will be absent or tardy, please call the attendance line OR email both the teacher AND Laura Greene (lgreene@rockfordschools.org)
- If a student is ill, you must include the symptoms (or diagnosis) for our weekly health report to KCHD
What if my student is out sick?
Absences MUST be called into the office 616.863.6346 or emailed to the front office - lgreene@rockfordschools.org
Please leave a message on our general voicemail box if you are calling after hours. Whether you are reporting an absence on our voicemail, the State of Michigan requires us to know the following:
- Student's name and teacher
- Reason for absence - if it is an illness we need to know the symptoms of the illness - vomiting, coughing, fever, cold, diarrhea, lice - whatever the reason may be.
Who do I notify if I have a dismissal change for my student(s)?
- We kindly request that there are no early pickups after 2:45pm. Once the parent pick up line starts to form out front, the office staff is busy with dismissal duties throughout the building.
- Please be sure to let us know of any dismissal changes PRIOR to 2pm
- To contact us with changes, please call 616-863-6346 or email both the teacher AND Laura Greene (lgreene@rockfordschools.org) in the event the teacher doesn’t see the message prior to dismissal.
Where do I find parent communications?
- Our family newsletter and other updates are posted on the RPS website on the Crestwood page bi-weekly during the school year
- You can also check out the Crestwood Elementary & Crestwood PTO Facebook pages
- Please always feel free to call or email the office with any questions
How do I set up or change busing for my student(s)?
- Please contact Transportation directly at 616-863-6328
- We also appreciate your help to support our drivers and remind your students of proper bus behavior
Important Contact Information:
Crestwood Office/Attendance Line 616-863-6346
Allyssa Shanahan ashanahan@rockfordschools.org
Laura Greene lgreene@rockfordschools.org
Transportation Office 616-863-6328
BAC/Child Care Office 616-863-6560
Community Services 616-863-6322
STUDENT RESPONSE PROTOCOL
This year Rockford Public Schools is following the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) developed by the “I Love U Guys” Foundation. The SRP provides clear, common language for how we, as staff and students, respond to different situations, whether that’s a drill, a medical emergency, or a security concern. The terms Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter are simple and action-based, helping everyone know exactly what to do. By practicing these responses, we ensure that our students and staff are prepared and safe in any situation.
Please reach out if you have any questions about this protocol.
STAFF FAVORITES
Get to Know Our Amazing Staff
Our staff works hard daily to support and inspire students and we like to celebrate them. PTO has put together a fun list of all staff favorites from favorite treats to places to eat. This is a great document to save on your phone for special events such as a staff birthday, holidays or appreciation week.
REMINDERS
Feel free to pack an extra pair of socks, shorts, t-shirt, and sweatpants in your child's backpack during the spring months. Don’t forget to put your child’s name on coats, rain boots, etc. Thank you!
Weather Alert
For up-to-date information regarding Rockford Public Schools delays and/or closings, events and safety alerts, send a text message of “Y” or “Yes” to our district’s short code number, 67587. Opt out any time by simply replying to one of our messages with “Stop." Be sure to tune in on icy or snowy mornings!
NO CELLPHONES OR SMART WATCHES
- Students with a cellphone will be asked to turn the phone off and not use them during the school day. Please do not text or call your student on their device during the school day. This creates a distraction to the classroom. We will always help with communication through the office or an email to the teacher if needed.
- Students with Apple watches or other wrist devices are asked not use the device to communicate during the school day.
- Students who need to contact home because they are ill or wondering about the end of the day pick up should talk to their classroom teacher who will help them navigate next steps of support.
- Devices at school are distracting to students during the learning day and we ask that unless your student needs the device to communicate after school that they stay home.
- Thank you for your support.
ACCESS SUPPORT AT NO COST
The Rockford Education Foundation (REF) has proudly partnered with Rockford Public Schools to provide expert counseling, therapy, and resources through Pine Rest’s School Assistance Program (SAP).
Say “I have an SAP with Rockford Public Schools” when you call 800.442.0809 and press “1.” Every RPS student, staff and family member in your household is eligible for up to three free sessions. Additional SAP benefits include: free elder care consultation, legal and financial consultation, infant-feeding advice and real estate consultation. Anyone in the household can utilize these resources and it is 100% confidential. Access an online library with over 20,000 resources covering health, finances, legal topics and more. The code to login the library is RockfordPS.
Login Code: RockfordPS
