Matt Zokoe - Principal
mzokoe@rockfordschools.org
Address: 6849 Young Avenue, Rockford, MI 49341
Website: www.rockfordschools.org
Phone: (616) 863-6340
Family Action Items
Information on these items can be found in the newsletter:
- Enroll your DK/K student for next year.
- for next year's class placement.
- 5th Grade Families - Last chance to order your t-shirt and sweatshirt!
- Sign up to Volunteer - Field Day, Mileage Club, Watch DOGS, Lunchroom, or Recess! We'd love to see you here.
From The Desk of Mr. Zokoe
Lakes Families,
We are moving into the home stretch of the school year. The month of May brings so many exciting things to help finish out the 2025-26 year here at Lakes Elementary. From field trips to celebrations, field day to Lakes-a-palooza, end-of-year testing to end-of-year projects, May will be a busy month here at Lakes!
M-STEP continues next week for our 5th-grade students. I witnessed the hard work and effort our 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade students have shown during this testing window. Thank you for your support in providing positive encouragement to your student these past few weeks.
Our May character trait focus is Courage. Courage is the ability to do something even when it feels scary or difficult. Students show courage when they try new things, speak up for what’s right, or face challenges with determination. Courage helps student build confidence and resilience, teaching them that growth often comes from stepping outside their comfort zone.
I wanted to share that we have had the pleasure of the Juggling Man, Mr. Josh Proefrock, by sharing two messages about initiative and perseverance at our previous two assemblies. Thank you, Mr. Proefrock, for inspiring our students to take initiative and persevere each day. We will meet as DENS on Wednesday, May 27, for our DEN assembly. Please dress in your DEN colors!
Later this month, our staff will come together to help support student placement for the 2026-27 school year. Above is a parent input link to help in our process. Please complete the link by May 15 for all current kindergarten through fourth-grade students. Thank you for your continued partnership,
Matt Zokoe
DK/K Enrollment is open!
All students must be screened for DK and K. Spring Screening will take place next week. The next screening will be in late summer. Please complete your enrollment now to be included in next week's screening.
How to Volunteer
Step 1 : Get involved! Contact the PTO for volunteer opportunities, become a daily volunteer, sign up to be a Watch D.O.G., or check your teacher's newsletters for additional classroom opportunities.
Step 2 : Complete a RPS background check online. Background checks can take 2-3 weeks to process so please complete it early! Names are not cleared until teachers, PTO, or volunteer coordinators know that you are coming in. So DON'T hesitate to sign up for a volunteer opportunity, but DO make sure that you have completed the online form this school year! Forms must be resubmitted each school year.
Step 3 : This one is on us! We'll contact our security department to run your background check, and then you will receive an "All Clear" email!
Step 4 : Bring your driver's license on your volunteer day! Scan the back of your license, smile for a picture, and we'll direct you down to your classroom or volunteer space.
Thank you for supporting our Lakes community!
Off The Bat of Mrs. McClure
We are still in need of some volunteers - especially on Mondays!
After week 2, our students have completed over 1,815 miles! Den 4, 4th grade, and Mrs. DeBoer's class have all topped the charts when the numbers are pulled. Congratulations to the 42 students who have already completed over a 1/2 marathon!
Is your runner coming home with lots of excitement and joy? Our Mileage Club is partnered with the River Bank Run. Young runners are invited to attend the Amway Junior River Bank Run on May 6th.
Field Day Is Coming!
Field Day will take place on May 15th (rain date is the 19th). Please join us as a volunteer or help our students cool down by donating popsicles. Thank you for your support.
Thank you Mr. Kuriata for joining us - TWICE - this week!
Daily Volunteers
Sign up to Volunteer at Lakes!
We are seeking parent or family volunteers to support our learning community at Lakes daily. We are seeking support for both our lunchroom and recess spaces during the day. Parents will be aiding in activities that will allow our students to continue to grow in social situations here at school. Your participation is greatly appreciated!
Current Available Options:
- Lunchroom - 11:15 am - 12:50 pm
- Lunch Recess - 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
- Last Recess - 1:50 pm - 3:25 pm
Watch D.O.G.S
Watch D.O.G. Volunteer Sign Up
Watch D.O.G.S. is a nationwide program with two primary goals: First, to provide positive male role models for the students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important. And second, to provide extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security, reduce bullying, and promote good sportsmanship.
We offer two options to make it easier to get involved. When you sign up from the link in the Lakes newsletters, you will select if you are full day or afternoon only.
First is a whole day from 8:25 am - 3:45 pm . You will support the building from drop-off until the pick-up line is empty! This is how the program was designed and is the most preferred.
Second is a half-day option with a start at 11:00 am or 1:00 pm until 3:45 pm.
During M-Step and NWEA testing, we will offer PM options only due to morning testing blocks.
Notes for 5th Grade Parents/Guardians
Action Items From the Committee
- ReBounders : Reminder letter and Required Waiver. If your activity pass is unpaid, please send in payment for this field trip. Waivers are being checked for completion.
- T-Shirt Orders: One t-shirt is included for every 5th-grade student. There is an option to purchase a sweatshirt. Both the t-shirt and sweatshirt will be grey and the back will feature their high school graduation year and each student's signature. Place your order here by May 4th. IF you don't place your order your student will receive a default size.
- Photos: For our 5th-grade celebration this year, we will include a slideshow. Please email 2 photos of your child to Mrs. Wood for the slideshow that will be played at the celebration.
Guidelines:
Please attach the photos as JPEGs
Include one photo from the earlier years (kindergarten time frame)
Include one present-day photo
Photos should include only your child!
stephaniewood@guildmortgage.net
Dates To Know
5/12 : Field Trip to J.A. Biztown (Volunteers, please see your email from your student's teacher)
5/28 : Field Trip to ReBounderz with all other Future 6th ERMS students
6/3 : 5th Grade Celebration (additional details to follow)
Unclaimed Lost and Found items will be donated next Friday, April 17th. Please stop by or send your student to claim their items before it's gone!
Superintendent Sub For A Day
Once a month, Dr. Matthews will be trading his Superintendent’s office for the classroom and stepping in to substitute for a day. How it works: 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 and multiple entries gladly accepted! Teachers may nominate themselves or a colleague. One winner will be drawn monthly, January–May 2026
Rockford Eats (Ends 5/1)
The Rockford Education Foundation (REF) is excited to announce the Rockford Eats Gift Card Fundraiser, running from April 20 to May 1, 2026! This unique opportunity supports Rockford students and lets you savor the best of our local dining scene. With each $100 donation to REF you’ll receive a $50 gift certificate to one of our fantastic restaurant partners of your choice!
Your generosity fuels local education initiatives and helps sustain the restaurants that make our community special. Gift cards will be mailed by REF the week of May 11, 2026.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame!
Rockford Family Night is back this year on May 19th! For each ticket purchased through the link below, a portion will be donated back to the elementary schools!
Lakes PTO
Let’s Show Our Appreciation - Your Help Needed by May 6th
We kindly ask for your help in demonstrating how much we value our staff. Your generous donations for Staff Appreciation Week are an important part of making this event special. Please click HERE to sign up for a food donation, and deliver it to the school by Wednesday, May 6th, before 9:00 AM.
Our goal is to provide each food choice for 30 people. If you plan to donate a large tray or 30 or more individual bags of an item, please fill both donation slots. This helps us ensure that everyone is well-served and that we have enough food for all participants.
3rd Annual Tshirt Design Contest Submissions Due by May 6th
The 3rd Annual Tshirt Design Contest has launched! We have received nearly 40 designs… have you submitted yours yet?
We are looking for an amazing design that embodies Lakes school spirit and pride! The winning design will appear on the school spirit t-shirts for the whole school, given out as part of the Activity Pass.
There’s less than one week left to submit a design, which is due by May 6! Students will vote on the top submissions by grade and the grand prize winner will be announced the week of May 18th. Click HERE to download the rules and entry form or submit your design HERE.
Next PTO Public Meeting on Thursday, May 7th.
Our next PTO meeting will take place on Thursday, May 7th at Lakes Elementary, 7pm in Room 25. No prior experience or participation needed; everyone is welcome to attend! The agenda will be shared on our Facebook page early next week. Our primary agenda items will be reviewing and voting on the 2026-27 budget and discussing our Activity Pass fundraising plan for next school year. Hope to see you there.
Ready, Set, Bid! Lakes PTO Annual Silent Auction Launches May 10th.
It's that time of year! Lakes PTO is proud to announce its annual silent auction and online fundraiser. Join us online to bid on cool items and experiences from your favorite local businesses, organizations and even offerings from Lakes staff themselves. The auction link will be available HERE starting Sunday, May 10th and will be live through Sunday, May 17th.
Lakes-a-Palooza is Just Around the Corner on Thursday, May 21st!
Join us for another year of family fun! Join the PTO on Thursday, May 21st from 5:30-7:30PM right at Lakes. Food, games, prizes, music and more.
New for ‘26: Battle GR will be providing a range of fun tactical games including Laser Tag, Human Hungry Hippos, Inflatable Ax Throwing, Throw Bowling, Mini Golf and Corn Hole!
Free entry for our Lakes families, we hope to see you there!
Staff Favorite Things Resource
Are you planning to purchase a year-end gift for a teacher, staff member and/or bus driver but don’t know what to get? Check out the Staff Favorites Thing resource on our website under the Forms and Document section. It is full of helpful information that can help you pick out the perfect gift to share your gratitude. Click HERE to take a peek.
Note: This was a voluntary survey for all Lakes staff. If you do not see a specific person listed, please let us know. We’ll contact them to let them know to take a few minutes and complete it.
Reminder: Activity Pass Payments Accepted
Your student's Activity Pass is their ticket to field trips (entry and transportation), as well as other fun and enriching activities throughout the school year. As a reminder, please review the Activity Pass amounts by grade and submit payment for your student. Have questions or need details on the Activity Pass? Click here!
Kindergarten ($82) - 1st ($67) - 2nd ($77) - 3rd ($98) - 4th ($133) - 5th ($127)
Pay Now online via Paypal or Venmo, or drop a check at the front office.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, please contact Mr. Zokoe for a confidential discussion.
If you have a business that'd like to donate to the PTO scholarship fund to cover families experiencing financial hardship, please contact the PTO for more information.
Thank you to our business sponsors this year! Their generous contributions help our scholarship fund. A warm and hearty high five to the following businesses: 85West Dental, SixOneSix Dentistry for Children, Douglas Photography, Integrated Packaging Machinery, Rockford Self Storage and Swift Printing!
Join the PTO!
Join our team of parent volunteers as we enhance the learning and educational experience of students and staff at Lakes Elementary. Work alongside fellow parents, get to know Lakes teachers and staff while making a positive impact on our school. We have many volunteer roles available for the 2025-26 school year. CLICK HERE to fill out an interest form!
Helpful Links
Lakes Recycling Initiatives
NexTrex Plastic Recycling
The program has been revamped and our goal is now to collect 250lbs of plastic EACH quarter.
- Produce bags, grocery bags, ice bags, cereal box liners, bread bags, bubble wrap, dry cleaning bags - Plastics that can stretch.
- BIG NEWS! We have reached our goal and collected over 250lbs. We'll start collecting another 250lbs for our next goal!
Papergator Recycling
Papergator use can continue throughout the summer! The green dumpster is located in the side parking lot. Papergator can accept office/school papers, newspapers, junk mail, magazines, shredded paper, and cereal boxes (paperboard that can be torn), etc. Please note, wrapping paper (without sparkles) can be donated to Papergator for all your Holiday party cleanup!
Pop Can Tabs
Pop can tabs are collected in the office and sent to the Ronald McDonald House. Please bring to Mrs. Low in the office.
Upcoming Dates
- 5/6: Early Release at 1:30 pm
- 5/8: Slushy Sales by Empower U during lunches
- 5/10 - 5/17: Lakes PTO Silent Auction
- 5/13: Lakes Mini Relay For Life
- 5/15: Field Day
- 5/18 - 5/19: Hearing and Vision Screening Part 2
- 5/19: Field Day Rain Date + Popcorn Day
- 5/19: Rockford Family Night at the Whitecaps
- 5/21: Lakes-A-Palooza
- 5/22 and 5/25: No School - Memorial Day Weekend
- 6/4: Half Day
- 6/5: Half Day + Last Day of School
Important Links
After the Bell - Rockford Community Services Registrations
School Assistance Program Information
School Lunch Offerings or the Nutrislice App on your mobile phone
