Adam Burkholder - Principal
aburkholder@rockfordschools.org
Derek Dillon - Assistant Principal
Jennifer Domagalski-Athletic Director/Student Activities
jdomagalski@rockfordschools.org
Dear ERMS Families:
As the year finds its rhythm, I’m proud of how our students and staff have embraced learning, growth, and the “RAMS Way.” The energy in our classrooms is contagious, students are thinking deeply, taking ownership, and finding creative ways to solve problems.We know that a strong school community starts with strong partnerships between home and school. Thank you for your ongoing support, encouragement, and trust. Together, we’re helping every student find their best path forward.— Adam Burkholder, Principal1. Learning and Growth at the CenterTeachers and students are fully engaged in meaningful, rigorous work. Through our Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), staff collaborate around student learning data, share effective strategies, and continuously adjust instruction. Growth—both academic and personal is the goal for every student.2. RAM Time: Focused Support and ChallengeRAM Time provides targeted support and enrichment during the school day. Students are learning to make intentional choices—whether catching up on work, getting help, or extending their learning through enrichment. This time reflects our belief that every student deserves what they need to grow.3. Living the RAMS WayAt East, being a RAM means living our values:
- Respectful – Treat others, yourself, and our space with care.
- Accountable – Follow through on commitments and own your actions.
- Motivated – Bring effort, curiosity, and persistence to everything you do.
- Solutions-Oriented – When challenges arise, focus on finding ways forward.
We’re seeing great examples of students stepping up to lead, problem-solve, and support one another.4. Staying ConnectedPartnership and communication make a huge difference. Please stay in the loop by:
- Checking Schoology and Family Access weekly for assignments and grades
- Reaching out to teachers or our main office anytime you have questions
Adam Burkholder
Principal
East Rockford Middle School
After-School Laser Tag Fun!
We're excited to announce After-School Laser Tag is happening this November!Quick Details
- When: Tuesdays in November (Weather permitting). Starting up again in the Spring
- Time: Activity ends around 3:45 PM.
- Cost: FREE for all students!
- Who: Any student who wants to join!
What Your Child Will DoStudents will meet Mr. Dillon, who will walk with the group into the nearby woods where our laser tag course is being developed.This is a great chance for your child to:
- Get active outside. (There is a lot of running)
- Meet new friends.
- Practice teamwork and communication skills.
Important Pickup Information
- Students will head back to the school around 3:45 PM.
- Please plan to pick up your child by the main office shortly after 3:45 PM.
Course Development UpdateWe are still working to finalize our outdoor laser tag course and need to raise $1,100 to complete it.If you have any questions about the activity, please contact Mr. Dillon.
Counseling Corner
From the counseling office:
The end of the 1st Trimester is Friday, November 14th. Report Cards will be posted at the latest by November 21st.
***STUDENT 2nd TRI SCHEDULES will be available on Family Access for Rockford Middle School Students on Wednesday, November 12th.***
Schedule changes will ONLY be made for students who are missing a class in their schedule or who were scheduled for a class that the student has already taken.
Schedule changes will NOT be made for switching electives or requesting a teacher.
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Our students want to hear about your career!
Looking for parents to help share a little about their careers with students during our Career Speakers series. If you are interested in spending roughly 30 minutes talking with middle school students about what you do for a living, what education it took to be trained for your career, and what employment path you took to get to where you are today, we would love to have you!
Please use the sign-up link below to show your interest and availability. Someone in the counseling office will reach out to connect with you for more details.
attendance at ERMS
Policy for picking up your student DURING the school day:
Please have your student come to the main office to pick up their pass when they arrive at school in the morning. A note stating the time they need to leave is helpful in case they forget the time they are leaving. This policy is to discourage calling into classrooms and interrupting teacher instruction. When you arrive to pick up your student please wait in the vestibule for them and sign them out on our sign out sheet.
If your student is sick or unable to attend school for the whole day please leave a message on our attendance line 616-863-6140 stating the reason for the absence. Please spell your students first and last name.
"Strive for less than 5"
