Matt Zokoe - Principal
mzokoe@rockfordschools.org
Address: 6849 Young Avenue, Rockford, MI 49341
Website: www.rockfordschools.org
Phone: (616) 863-6340
From the Desk of Mr. Zokoe
Lakes Families,
We look forward to meeting with families for our Fall Conferences on Monday, November 2, and Wednesday, November 4. An email explaining how to access the progress reports will be sent on Friday, October 30, to all families through PowerSchool. If you are unable to access the PowerSchool Parent Portal for any reason, we will have hard copies of the progress reports at conference night. We look forward to our continued partnership as we close out our first trimester of learning.
Lakes students will have a DEN assembly on October 28. Student are encouraged to wear their DEN colors for these events. This year, the DEN colors include red, yellow, orange, blue, green, and purple. Students are encouraged to wear their DEN colors and represent their DENs on DEN days! This month, our character trait focus has been Respect. Respect is showing others that they are valued for who they are. Students demonstrate respect by listening, using polite words, and treating people the way they would want to be treated. When students learn respect, they build stronger friendships and create a positive environment at home, school, and in the community. We will recognize Students of the Month who are demonstrating Respect at our DEN assembly next week.
Our Halloween Parade takes place on Friday, October 30, from 10:30 am - 11:00 am on the soccer field. Parents and grandparents are welcome to line up on the soccer field and see all the great Halloween costumes. You are also invited to stay for the dance party on the field that follows the parade. We hope to see you there. Have a wonderful weekend!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Matthew Zokoe
Haven't booked yet?
Please book your conference as soon as possible!
Rams Club
Congratulations to our first RAMS Club members: Kinsley B, Hudson R, Cade P, Gianna S, Levi S, Hazel R, Claire S, Theodore B, Addy T, Charlotte N, Elliot H, Grace W, Easton H, Margo A, Kirby C, Paige K, and Eliott H.
Exemplary Art
Each month, six new pieces of student art are chosen by Ms. Poel to hang in the main entrance vestibule. Congratulations to Ayla C (K), Leighton D (1st), Marguerite F (2nd), Alex B (3rd), Dax S (4th), and Eva T (5th)! They were selected as this month's artists of the month. Their artwork will be featured in our building entrance.
From the Shelf of Mrs. VanStensel
Book Fair
Our Scholastic Book Fair is coming November 2-6! This is the event that excites kids about reading and earns funds for our school library! Be sure your child doesn’t suffer Book Fair FOMO—get them prepared to shop at Lakes Scholastic Book Fair Homepage. The link will allow you to set up an E-wallet so students can shop during their library class.
However, we also have family nights during conferences on Monday from 4:30-7:00 pm and Wednesday from 4:00-6:00 pm. Come explore and shop together!
Book Fair Volunteers Needed!
Help students shop or help organize the setup. Lots of hands are needed! Volunteer Sign Up
Storybook Pumpkin Challenge
Let’s celebrate our favorite books with a little Halloween magic! Grab a pumpkin, choose a favorite storybook character, and bring them to life! Get creative with paint, paper, fabric, and other craft materials to transform your pumpkin into a character from a beloved book.
THE CHALLENGE: Create a pumpkin that looks like your favorite storybook character!No carving, please! Paint and craft materials only.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? Everyone! This is open to individual students and classrooms.
WHEN? Bring your decorated pumpkin to school October 26–29. Your pumpkins will be displayed in the library throughout the week and will make a special appearance during our Halloween Parade on October 30!
WHERE? In the Library! Pumpkins will be on display throughout the week and featured along the parade route on Friday. Important: Please remember to pick up your pumpkin after the Halloween Parade!
WHY? Because books, creativity, and Halloween make the perfect combination! Let’s fill our school with some of our favorite storybook characters and celebrate our love of reading together!
Questions? Email Mrs. Van Stensel at tvanstensel@rockfordschools.org
5th Grade Battle of the Books
How Do I Join A Battle Team?
- Read 10 books on the battle list between October 1 and January 8
- Fill out the Google form provided by your teacher
- Join us for the school battle the week of January 11th, 2027
- The Grand Battle will take place Friday, January 29th, 2027 at Rockford High School
Ram Out, Pediatric Cancer
Thank you to those who purchased t-shirts from Anni's Army Foundation and joined the fight against pediatric cancer. Purchased t-shirts will earn you free entry into tonight's game.
Join the game crowd on October 23rd at 7 pm at the Carlson-Munger Stadium at Rockford High School. To donate, please visit: Anni's Army Foundation website
Lakes PTO Updates
From the PTO Board & Members: Thank You!
We are so grateful for your support of the Lakes PTO and our mission to positively impact the school experience for students, families, and staff. Thanks to your many generous donations, we were able to raise over $27,000 to support events, activities, and more for the 2026-27 school year. We are thrilled to help make these bonus educational opportunities possible for your child. A huge high five ✋ to you!
We are currently working with Mr. Zokoe to schedule the fundraiser wrap-up event, including awards and prizes, so please tell your students to stay tuned for that soon!
Lakes Online Spirit Store is Open! Order your Gear by Oct 31.
The Lakes Spirit Store is NOW OPEN at swiftprinting.com/lakes!
- Apparel, drinkware, stickers, accessories, and more!
- Custom-designed Lakes-specific gear
- Classic Rockford Rams favorites
Our online store is open for a limited time: October 1-31. All orders will be delivered before the holiday Visit swiftprinting.com/lakes to order today!
Family Pizza Night Here Again on Nov 2th & 4th for Conferences!
Dinner is served! Stop by the Lakes gymnasium for a delicious slice of pizza or grab a whole box to-go. Lakes PTO will be offering this meal service to our busy Lakes families during parent-teacher conferences (4:30PM - 7:30PM).
$15 whole pie * $2 per slice * $1 pop or water
Tableware and seating provided, or take it to-go. All proceeds benefit the Lakes PTO Activity Pass fund. We are looking for parent volunteers to assist with set-up, meal service, and tear-down if you’d like to get involved! Please consider signing up using our Pizza Signup Genius form.
The First PTO Popcorn Day was a-Poppin!
On Tuesday, we hosted our first Popcorn Day of the year. Thank you to our volunteers (Amy S, Erin R, Amanda W, Ashley S, Jessica K, Katherine L, Sarah T, and Courtney R) for helping us deliver delicious treats with a smile to every classroom. They popped almost 600 bags for students, as well as assembled 25 special Pirate’s Booty popcorn bags for our friends with braces.
New Volunteer Opportunity. If you were unable to snag a volunteer spot, have no fear. We now have a new Popcorn Day volunteer opportunity on the morning of Tuesday, November 24. Help our students celebrate their $20K fundraiser achievement by providing popcorn to eat while watching their Thanksgiving movie! We have eight spots available; sign up using our Popcorn Signup Genius Form.
Next PTO Meeting is November 12th, 7:00 PM at Lakes (Room 25)
No prior participation needed to attend. We welcome all parents, families, and staff to learn more about the PTO and the different ways to get involved at our kick-off meeting. The agenda will be shared on our Facebook page the week of the meeting. Please note: We understand that time is scarce. We are committed to meetings that last 90 minutes or less this year.
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 throughout the school year.
We currently have one Board position open for 26-27. The VP, Community Events oversees all Community Events-oriented teams, working in partnership with each volunteer team to successfully execute PTO events. There are no specific qualifications required; we invite and encourage anyone who is enthusiastic about taking a more active role in the PTO to email us to learn more!
Helpful Links
Check out our new Lakes PTO Website!
Rockford Booster Bucks
GIrls On The Run
Is coming to Lakes soon! Registration opens on December 1st. Please make sure to add it to your calendars. Girls On The Run is a girl-centered program that supports the whole girl: socially, emotionally, and physically. Using an evidence-based curriculum, trained and caring coaches help girls to build confidence, develop vital life skills, and find joy in movement!
Please visit Girls On The Run West Michigan for more details!
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!
Watch D.O.G.S.
The Dads of Great Students WATCH D.O.G.S.® program is one of the nation’s largest and most respected school-based, family, and community engagement organizations designed and developed by educators, experts, and parent & guardian volunteers over more than two decades.
The program provides positive male role models for the students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important. Meanwhile, we provide extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security, reduce bullying, and provide a greater sense of campus safety, allowing students and teachers to focus on learning and instruction. Please remember that you are here to help and be a positive role model to all students. You may have the opportunity to work in your student's classroom, but you might be called to support other areas of the building.
Two options for this year:
1. All Day will be: 8:20 am - 3:45 pm
2. PM will be: 11:00 am - 3:45 pm
To sign-up to become a WATCH D.O.G. please follow this link: Watch D.O.G.S. Sign Up Genius
Daily Volunteers
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 within 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 as we look to launch these volunteer opportunities. Parents must complete the online background form and check in at the office when volunteering at RPS. Thank you, in advance, for your support!
Other Volunteer Opportunities:
- Help with the front sign - Please contact Mrs. Low in the office
- Book Fair shopping support - please see the sign up in Mrs. VanStensel's library section
- Cares Closet Cleanup! Our clothing closet needs organization after so many wonderful donations to the PTO last year.
Lunchroom (11:15 am - 12:50 pm)
How to support in the lunchroom:
Walk around and interact with students.
Help open lunch materials.
Review lunchroom procedures to help with the end of the lunchtime.
Push the trash bin around to gather trash materials.
Play a game with the 5th-grade students at their table.
Encourage students to walk to recess.
Lunch Recess (11:00 am - 1:00 pm) or Last Recess (1:50 pm - 3:25 pm)
How to support at recess:
Play or organize a game.
Encourage positive play.
Help with chalk art.
Walk around with a group of students.
Organize a coloring table.
Supervise the Hammock Garden.
Twirl Jump Ropes.
Daily Volunteer Sign-Up Genius
Lakes Recycling Initiatives
NexTrex Plastic Recycling
The program has been revamped and our goal is now to collect 250 lbs of plastic EACH quarter.
- Produce bags, grocery bags, ice bags, cereal box liners, bread bags, bubble wrap, dry cleaning bags - Plastics that can stretch.
- We reached 250lbs for our first quarter goal! Our second quarter has now started - send in those bags!
Papergator Recycling
The green dumpster is located in the side parking lot. The 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.
Costume Cookie Run
Lakes Needs
Lakes is in need of additional paraprofessional substitutes. Our para team is the best around and a fun team to work with. You must mostly enjoy outdoor adventures, have lots of patience, and be ready to have fun! Para subs work the same time frame and days as students so a great job to match your student's schedule. If you are interested in more information, please reach out to Mrs. Low in the main office. KLow@RockfordSchools.org
Upcoming Dates
- 10/28: Early Release at 1:30 pm
- 10/30: Halloween Parade, Pumpkin Fun Run
- 10/31: PTO Spirit Sale ends
- 11/2 and 11/4: Parent-Teacher Conferences, Book Fair Family Nights
- 11/11: Early Release
- 11/12: PTO Meeting at 7pm
- 11/23: Turkey Trot Fun Run
- 11/25-11/27: Thanksgiving Break
Important Links
School Assistance Program Information
School Lunch Offerings or the Nutrislice App on your mobile phone
