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
Picture Day
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Upcoming field trips
4th Grade - Thursday, September 17th: Nature Awaits at Hoffmaster State Park
Classroom party Helpers
A Party Helper is an individual who has committed to volunteering their time to help make the classroom parties fun and run smoothly. They will actively assist with all activities that have been planned out. Whether that be running a game, passing out snacks, helping with a craft, set up, clean up etc...
Each classroom will allow 4 additional parents per party as Party Helpers. If you have multiple children, we please ask that you do not sign up for the same party for all. Whichever party you plan to attend you will be needed for the entirety of that party. Please only 1 additional adult per family per party. We want to give everyone a fair opportunity to come. Your Lead Room Parent for that party will get a hold of the Party Helpers beforehand to go over party details and what they will need their help with.
Mr. Bowman will send an email at 7pm on Monday, September 14th with the party helper sign up.
Our classroom parties are scheduled for:
- October 30 – Halloween
- December 17 – Holiday
- February 11 – Valentine’s Day
PE NEWS
Welcome back Rockford students and a special welcome to those who are new to us. This year is once again going to be filled with many activities and skills that will help develop and challenge the student’s minds and abilities. We want the student’s time spent with us each week to be a positive and enjoyable experience. Not only will we teach important skills, but will also incorporate exciting games using those skills. We also want you to know that we will do our very best to keep everyone safe.
For the months of September and October, the DK-1st graders will be developing their Soccer skills as well as playing games and activities to help progress their skills. They will also be working on loco-motor skills and playing various tag games. The 3rd-5th graders will be engaging in fitness testing as well as Soccer skills and real game experience. We are looking forward to a great year together!
Yours in Sport Fitness and Fun!
Mr. Kooiker
STEAM News
Welcome Back to STEAM!
We are so excited to kick off a new school year in the STEAM classroom! I can’t wait to see all of the creativity, curiosity, problem-solving, and collaboration that will happen this year. Our STEAM students have so many exciting challenges and projects ahead!
Help Us Stock Our STEAM Classroom
We are still collecting clean, gently used and recyclable materials to use for our STEAM challenges and projects throughout the year. Students can drop donated items off outside the STEAM classroom. Every little bit helps give our students more materials to design, build, test, and create!
Parents, We’d Love Your Help!
We are also welcoming parent volunteers in the STEAM classroom! Volunteers are a huge help as students work through hands-on challenges, build projects, and explore new ideas. If you are interested in volunteering, please check out the September STEAM volunteer sign-up below. There are several opportunities throughout the month!
Thank you for supporting our STEAM program and helping make these hands-on learning experiences possible. I’m looking forward to an amazing year of creating, collaborating, and problem-solving with our students!
Elyse Anderson, Dawn Bailey and Chris Pitsch - MDR STEAM Teachers
Hopper's happenings
Even though the week was short, I did so much in just 4 days! Check it out!
- I helped with our first RAMS Round Up where we talked about hallway voice levels, kindness, and being leaders with our words and actions!
- I had my magical "golden glitter" and some belly rubs to help a few friends work through some big feelings as snuggles are kind of my specialty.
- Lastly, I sat through LOTS of meetings… and apparently Mom and I have different definitions of “professional behavior.”
Another week of kindness, kiddos, and just the right amount of FUN!
office Reminders
M-STEP Testing Reports – Grades 4 and 5
Fourth and fifth grade students will be bringing home their 2025 M-STEP Parent Report today. This report provides families with information about how students performed on the state assessment and their progress toward Michigan’s grade-level learning standards.
The M-STEP is one way we can see what students know and are able to do in key subject areas. We encourage families to take some time to review the report together and celebrate your child’s growth and accomplishments. The results can also help students and families identify areas where continued growth and support may be helpful.
If you have questions about your child’s report, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher.
Additional M-STEP Resources
- This Parent Report Guide provides an overview of the information included in the M-STEP Parent Report.
- This M-STEP Parent Report Video walks families through the M-STEP testing process and explains how to understand the Parent Report.
BAC Drop-Off
Students attending BAC may be dropped off in the front loop until 8:20am. Buses have restricted access after that.
RTI Letter
Please read the Right to Intervention Introduction Letter
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 student here.
Walkers
If your student is a walker in the morning, they will meet outside at near the bike rack and Papergator. After school, students who walk home will meet their parent at the end of the side walk near the bike rack and Papergator.
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.)
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.
Hand2Hand
We’re a Hand2Hand School! Providing students with nutritious food to take home for the weekends and extended breaks.
Complete the permission form for the 2026-2027 school year.
Meadow ridge Elementary PTO Updates
Walk-A-Thon Registration!
Walk-a-thon is only a few weeks away, October 9th! Register your student (Identifier Code: 5f5b9e32d90d0) and family members can order a matching t-shirt! All MDR students receive a shirt, no order necessary.
Field Trip Dues
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!
Donuts with Grownups
Students, bring your grownup! Grownups, bring your coffee cup!
Due to the large nature of the MDR student body, Donuts with Grownups will be split into 2 days BY LAST NAME. If your schedule prevents you from attending your assigned day, you may attend the alternate day. We look forward to seeing everyone at this NEWLY SCHEDULED event!
- Thursday, September 17th: Last Names A-K
- Friday, September 18th: Last Names L-Z
When you arrive please enter through the main entrance of the building. If buses are here when you arrive we ask that you walk through the parking lot and cross to the sidewalk at the north end near the paper gator or behind the last bus. DO NOT CROSS BETWEEN BUSES!
Thank you to our 2025-2026 Walk-a-thon Platinum Sponsors!
Upcoming events
- Friday, September 11th: Popcorn Friday
- Monday, September 14th: Party Helper Sign Up (email) - 7pm
- 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
- Thursday, September 24th: Picture Day
- Wednesday, September 30th: Early Release - 1:30pm Dismissal
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).
RPS Security Communication
Dear Rockford Families,
Rockford Public Schools is deeply committed to the safety and security of our students, staff, and the community we serve. We view safety as a layered approach—built through community involvement, continued district critical incident training, staff and student engagement, family support, and the use of both physical and technological safeguards. At the heart of this work is strong relationship-building. By collaborating with students, families, staff, and law enforcement partners, we foster a climate of trust that allows every student to learn, grow, and thrive.
In response to new state law signed in January 2025, school districts were required to adopt standardized emergency responses and terminology. To meet this expectation, Rockford Public Schools is partnering with the Kent Intermediate School District and the I Love U Guys Foundation to align our protocols with best practices and provide education across our school community. The I Love U Guys Foundation has developed the Standard Response Protocol (SRP)—an all-hazards approach designed for urgent situations. The SRP includes developmentally appropriate lessons that classroom teachers will share with students from Preschool through 12th grade in the months ahead.
Students will learn about the following procedures this fall:
● September: Lockdown
● October: Secure and Hold
● November: Shelter and Evacuate
Families are encouraged to learn more about the Standard Response Protocol by visiting the I Love U Guys Foundation parent handout. Together, we can ensure our students are prepared, supported, and safe.
The safety of our students is our highest priority. By providing age-appropriate tools and clear procedures, we aim to give students confidence while fostering a strong sense of security in our schools. With your partnership, Rockford Public Schools will continue to build a culture of preparedness, care, and support so that every child can learn and thrive.
We would also like to direct you to the Rockford Public Schools Security Team page on the website for information on Michigan Secure Storage Law RPS Security. The secure storage law Public Act 17 of 2023 provides information on the requirements and penalties for storing and
securing firearms. There is also helpful information from Project ChildSafe on responsible ownership and having a conversation with your children about gun safety. Please take the time to review this information and have conversations with your children about the Standard Response Protocols and gun safety.
