Blake Bowman - Principal
bbowman@rockfordschools.org
Michelle Smyth - Administrative Assistant
msmyth@rockfordschools.org
Tania Gordon - Administrative Assistant
tgordon@rockfordschools.org
Address: 8100 Courtland, Rockford, MI 49341
Phone: (616) 863-6342
September Character Trait: kindness
Definition: the quality of being friendly, generous or considerate
Challenge: let someone go in front of you in line
Reflection: you will never regret being kind
Early release days
Please mark your calendars with the 2026-2027 Wednesday Early Release days:
- September 16 & 30
- October 14 & 28
- November 11
- December 9
- February 3 & 24
- March 10 & 24
- April 21
- May 5
No school
Friday, September 4th - Monday, September 7th: Labor Day Weekend
Upcoming field trips
4th Grade - Thursday, September 17th: Nature Awaits at Hoffmaster State Park
Classroom parites
Our classroom parties are scheduled for:
- October 30 – Halloween
- December 17 – Holiday
- February 11 – Valentine’s Day
Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll send information to families about how you can sign up to participate in one of the three parties. We’ll be able to have a maximum of five parents/guardians per classroom for each party. If you are interested in planning one of the three parties sign up below.
To give as many families as possible the opportunity to participate, each family will be able to sign up for one party per child during the school year. This will help ensure that we can have a variety of parents and guardians represented at our celebrations.
We’re really excited to welcome families back into the building and bring this tradition back for our students, parents, and staff! Parent volunteers will help with planning, organizing, and running the parties, which will also help take some of the load off our classroom teachers.
More information and sign-up details will be coming your way in the next couple of weeks. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
art news
Greetings from the art room!
We're off to a good start this year. This week you child should have taken home a little permission slip for Artsonia. This slip will take you to Artsonia where you can see your child's artwork posted throughout the year! It's like an online art gallery!
Not only that but there is a gift shop where you can purchase items with your child's artwork on them! T-shirts, mugs, notebooks, jewelry, you name it! Just follow the instructions on the permission slip and you'll be all set. If you need help or have any questions feel free to email me: edemorestlee@rockfordschools.org
I'm so excited for you to see all the wonderful things your kiddos will create this year!
- Mrs. Demorest, Meadow Ridge Art Teacher
Hopper's happenings
Whew… my first week back was BUSY! Check out some of the fun things I was part of!
- I helped teach our schoolwide RAMS expectations
- I visited classrooms from Kindergarten through 5th grade to teach friends about autism, differences, inclusion & kindness
- I reminded everyone that just like me, some friends communicate, play, and interact differently and different is okay!
- I joined Kindergarten for the Months of the Year Macarena (apparently dancing is in my job description now!)
- I engaged in LOTS of greetings, classroom visits, calming support, & tail wags!
Week ONE complete. Paws tired. Treats earned. Heart full.
- Hopper
office Reminders
NEW Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures
Student Drop Off
- Student drop off starts at 8:25 am.
- Beginning in August of 2026, our drop off zone is to the south of the building. Turn right off the main drive into the building and you will circle around the south side of the building until you pull up by the front. Students will enter on the side of the building.
- For the safety of our kids, please do not drop students off outside of this area as we have staff in specific spots to help with car doors.
- Parents are discouraged from walking their students into the building.
Student Pick Up
- In August, each family will be provided with two placards to hang from your rear view mirror with an ID number for your family.
- Beginning at 3:30, please pull up to the drop off loop and head around until a staff member identifies your student and radios it inside the building.
- Please pull all the way down the front sidewalk to wait for your students and they will be released from the gym to come find your car beginning at 3:35.
- Parents should not park their car and wait for their students here.
Walkers
If your student is a walker in the morning, they will meet outside at near the bike rack and paper gator. After school students who walk home will meet their parent at the end of the side walk near the bike rack and paper gator.
Volunteer Consent Forms
As a reminder Volunteer Consent Forms expire each year in July. Please complete your application now! (This form must be on file to chaperone a field trip and/or volunteer at building events.)
RPS Security Communication
Please read the attached letter from the RPS Security Department.
Weather Alerts
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!
Extra Clothing
It is recommended that ALL students K-5 keep extra, weather appropriate, clothes in their locker (shirt, pants, underwear, socks, & shoes). Students may need to change due to bathroom accidents, spills in the cafeteria, or getting wet/dirty at recess. We no longer have a Care Closet at the building so having these clothes on hand is highly recommended.
Meadow ridge Elementary PTO Updates
PTO Newsletter
Meet the Team!
- President: Lacey Jonassen
- Vice President, Fundraisers: Erin Kimball
- Vice President, Non-Fundraisers: Whitnie Snodgrass
- Treasurer: Samantha Huitema
- Secretary: Erin Cizauskas
- Digital Secretary: Andrea Fricano
- Digital Media Manager: Julie Andrews
We are here for you!
Upcoming events
- Friday, August 28th: Popcorn Friday
- Friday, September 4th - Monday, September 7th: No School - Labor Day Weekend
- Thursday, September 10th: General PTO Meeting
- Friday, September 11th: Popcorn Friday
- Wednesday, September 16th: Early Release - 1:30pm Dismissal
- Thursday, September 17th: 4th Grade Field Trip to Hoffmaster State Park
- Thursday, September 17th & Friday, September 18th: Donuts with Grownups
School assistance program (SAP)
Access support today!
Say “I have an SAP with Rockford Public Schools” when you call 800.442.0809 and press “1.” Every RPS family member in your household is eligible. 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).
