Al Reickard - Principal
Jesús Santillan- Assistant Principal
jsantillan@rockfordschools.org
Jennifer Domagalski-Athletic Director/Student Activities
jdomagalski@rockfordschools.org
Address: 397 E Division Rockford, MI 49341
Website: www.rockfordschools.org
Phone: (616) 863-6300
A Note from Mr. Reickard
Dear NRMS Families,
As we welcome the month of March and the start of Trimester 3, it’s hard to believe how quickly this school year is moving. Our students and staff have accomplished so much already, and there is a strong sense of pride across NRMS as we enter the final stretch of what has truly been an amazing year of growth and achievement.
One of our key instructional priorities this month is our Tier 2 “March Into Mastery Madness.” Over the next four weeks, our staff will be intensifying targeted supports for students who benefit from additional time and practice on essential skills. This work is grounded in data and focused on specific learning goals identified through our Tier 2 audits and ongoing assessments. In practical terms, it means students will receive more personalized instruction, timely feedback, and opportunities to demonstrate progress toward mastery. Our aim is simple but powerful: move the needle for as many students as possible before we enter the final phase of the school year.
Families can support this effort by encouraging consistent attendance, helping students stay organized, and celebrating growth along the way. When school and home work together around clear goals, students thrive.
Looking ahead, spring at NRMS is always an energizing time. We will soon enter state testing season, followed by a full calendar of student activities, celebrations, and end-of-year milestones that highlight both academic accomplishment and the vibrant life of our school community. Trimester 3 is our opportunity to finish strong.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of NRMS. We are excited for all that the coming months will bring and remain committed to ensuring every student finishes this year proud of their growth and ready for what comes next.
With appreciation,
Mr. Reickard
Principal, North Rockford Middle School
YearBook ordering link
Time is running out...Get your 25/26 yearbook now!!
SPRING BREAK WITH THE GR GRIFFINS SPECIAL OFFER
The Grand Rapids Griffins are offering discounted tickets for Spring Break games at Van Andel Arena. Ticket Link: SPRING BREAK WITH THE GR GRIFFINS SPECIAL OFFER | Grand Rapids Griffins
Upcoming Parent Advisory Council Meeting
Thursday, April 16th
9:00am-10:30am
Location: Administration Office
350 N. Main St.
REMINDER
STUDENT DROP-OFF/PICK-UP PROCESS
If you choose to drop your child off and/or pick your child up from NRMS, you are required to use the Lincoln Street Entrance. This is the entrance used to access the student drop-off zone and athletic parking lot.
DROP-OFF TIME (ATHLETIC PARKING LOT)
7:10 am to 7:35 am
- Doors will open at 7:10 am
- Breakfast is available starting at 7:10 am
- Student hallways open at 7:25 am
- School starts at 7:40 am
PICK-UP TIME (ATHLETIC PARKING LOT)
- School dismisses at 2:30 pm
- Students should be picked up prior to 3:00 pm unless they are in athletics, attending a club, or with a teacher.
Lost and found
Please Label Student Items
We’ve noticed an increase in unlabeled water bottles and lunch boxes being left behind. To help us return items quickly, please make sure your student’s water bottle and lunch box are clearly labeled with their name.
Unclaimed items are placed in the vestibule, so please encourage your student to check there if something is missing.
Thank you for helping us keep things organized!
Got a middle schooler looking for something fun to do downtown Rockford on early release days?
We’ve got the perfect plan! We are offering $15 DIY candles, snacks + drinks, and a cozy spot to hang with friends after school.
Kids can choose their candle color, toppings, and fragrance for a one-of-a-kind creation. Candles require 1 hour hardening in order to take home. Name and phone number required to ensure pickup completion.
Rockford Public Schools is teaming up with Hand2Hand again this year to help raise awareness for the support needed by hungry kids in our district. The top raising school will get a fresh-baked cookie day from Dr Matthews!
Hand2Hand website: h2hkids.org - (616) 209-2779 - 306 Chicago Dr. Jenison, MI 49428
Nearly 65,000 children in West Michigan are at risk of hunger. That's roughly 834 school buses filled with kids being dropped off at home each weekend, who are at real risk of having little to no food for 68 hours!
Hand2Hand exists to eliminate that 68-hour gap so every kid has an opportunity to thrive. They do this by mobilizing schools, churches, businesses, foundations, and individuals to provide a backpack of nutritious food over the weekend and extended school breaks. Beyond physical nutrition, this food provides hope for students who are experiencing hunger. RPS wants to do our part and join volunteers across West Michigan who drive the Hand2Hand grassroots movement to eliminate child hunger ... because a hungry child hurts.
• RPS has 163 Students getting H2H assistance.
• Each Friday, H2H delivers backpacks of food to each of these students discreetly to keep them from going hungry over the weekend.
• A backpack with 2 days' worth of food is approximately $4.00.
• RPS students utilize $23,000 a year of H2H resources.
• H2H helps over 10,200 students across 280 schools and 145 churches throughout West Michigan.
HOW TO DONATE: February 2nd – 13th
Bring your donations to your school office. For every four dollars collected, a backpack gets placed on your school wall. Bring in a dollar and share a backpack with four friends or bring in all four dollars for yourself! The entire district will compete to see who can collect the most backpacks by raising the most money to feed hungry children in our community. The school that raises the most money will get a Cookie Day from Dr. Matthews!
Important dates
March 9-March 20: SI Stamp Testing (6th-8th Grade)
March 11: Early Release 12:30
March 13: Report Cards
March 25: Early Release 12:30
April 2-12: Spring Break
April 16: PAC Meeting
April 16-May 15: M-Step Testing
April 17: 8th Grade East Coast Trip Meeting
April 21: PSAT
April 22: Early Release 12:30
May 22-May 25: No School Memorial Day
NRMS Athletic WebpageAfter-school sporting events
Please note that students are not permitted to remain at school after dismissal to wait for a sporting event to begin. Students must leave school grounds at the end of the school day and may return later with a parent/guardian to attend the event.
Medication Drop-Off
If you have medication that you would like to drop off, our healthcare assistant will be here to assist you. Please bring all medications in their original container. Paperwork will need to be signed in order for our staff to distribute medication. RPS Medication Authorization Sheet
ID Cards
Student ID cards are issued to all students and should be carried at all times during the school day and at school-sponsored events. The ID card is not only for identification purposes but is also used to check out library materials, for the school lunch program, and more!
Lockers and Backpacks
All students are assigned a private locker and expected to use it to hold all their personal belongings, including their backpacks and electronic devices. The elimination of backpacks creates more space in classrooms and will grow our students in organization and planning!
Cellphone/Watch Communications/AirPods/Ear Buds
Instructional time is for learning. With 1:1 computer access at school, cell phones no longer have a place in the classroom. Our students are only permitted to use their cell phones before and after school. During the school day, all cell phones and earbuds/AirPods are expected to be kept in their locker. Students are required to use wired headphones during the school day to connect to their laptops if sound is required. The purpose of this practice is to eliminate distractions in our classrooms and to help our students stay focused on their academics.
Please note: If a child has an IEP or special circumstance, accommodations may be made through the Counseling Office or IEP team.
Unless explicitly directed by a staff member, students are not permitted to use a phone (or similar device) during the instructional period. This policy extends to our hallways and common areas.
Parents/guardians who need to reach a student during an instructional period may call our main office at 616.863.6300 and we will ensure that the student receives the message. Thank you!
School Lunch Accounts and e-Funds
1. Can I view my child’s account?
- You have access to view your child’s Food Service account via Family Portal. This is available 24/7 throughout the school year. Through this portal you have access to view your child’s daily purchases, deposits, apply parental restrictions as well as send a payment without a fee.
2. How can I make a payment on my child’s account?
- Using Family Portal or E-Funds allows you to make a payment of your discretion without any processing fees.
- Payment may also be brought directly to our office, located in the High School, 4100 Kroes Street. Additionally, you can send money with your child to their respective school or through the mail. All checks should be made payable to Rockford Food Service. When sending payment through the mail, please mail to the attention of Kristin Novak at Rockford High School, 4100 Kroes Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341.
We encourage all families who may qualify for Free/Reduced Meals to complete the application online to receive any additional benefits that may be associated with their account, which may include benefits both in and out of school. This information is also helpful for our school funding.
For additional information, please use the RPS Food Service Website.
Transportation Information
- If you missed the deadline, have questions about registering a new student, or have transportation questions, please call the transportation office at 616-863-6328 or e-mail mpuett@rockfordschools.org.
- Only the transportation office staff will be able to fill out the bussing form after August 8th.
Dear Rockford Community:
We are pleased to introduce you to My Ride K-12, a mobile app where you can access your student’s secure data at the touch of a button. Access to real-time data helps your student to be at the right place at the right time.
My Ride K-12 capabilities include the following:
- Stop location, assigned route, and scheduled pick up time
- GPS geolocation push notifications, giving estimated time of bus arrival and information concerning bus status changes
- Real time communication and messaging
- Secure and confidential log in
- Android/iOS app and web version available
The app is available for up to four users per student. If you would like to opt out of this platform, please contact transportation to have My Ride K-12 disabled for your student.
To access My Ride K-12 for your student, you will need to complete the set up by following the directions included in the Parent User Guide. Users will need their student’s ID number and Last name to link to their student. Please follow the Parent User Guide for instructions on how to access and use the app and web version. Please allow your phone to send notifications from this app and remain logged in to receive district notifications.
We trust this will be a helpful tool for you! Should you have any questions or concerns or would like to limit or remove access for your student on My Ride K-12, please contact the transportation department at 616-863-6328.
Rockford Public Schools
Transportation Department
attendance at nrms
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 616-863-6300 stating the reason for the absence. Please spell your student's first and last name.
"Strive for less than 5"
SRO Scoop
Happy March!!! It is crazy to think that we are winding down into spring and warmer weather!
This is just a reminder that students being dropped off in the mornings before 7:40 must be dropped off using the Lincoln St entrance and the parent drop-off line, NOT the E Division St entrance. Thank you for your cooperation.
Please be mindful of buses dropping off and picking up students in the mornings and afternoons. If they are stopped with their red lights and stop sign out, traffic must stop in all directions unless there is an unpaved/physical barrier. Violations in this matter can result in a civil infraction citation of not less than $100.00 and not more than $500.00. The below graphic can be a helpful tool.
As always, if you have questions/concerns please don’t hesitate to reach out by email or contacting our department!
Counseling Corner
Mrs. Koops-Fikse and Mrs. Hughes are here to support your child! If your child is in need of academic, social, or emotional support, please have them come to our office. We are also available by contacting (616) 863-6313.
NRMS Counselors
Last Names A - L: Karla Koops-Fikse
Last Names M-Z: Angie Ohlman
NRMS Counseling Dog
Smudge
Smudge, our new therapy dog
YOU ARE WANTED!
We are looking for members of the NRMS community to be Career Speakers and share their experiences with our Middle School Students. This commitment would involve 30 minutes of your time and could have a huge impact on the direction of your student's life. Please sign up on the link provided and change a life!
Career Speaker 2026
Library Loop
CHROMEBOOK CARE:
We want to take a moment to remind you about Chromebook care. When we first issued devices to students years ago, we spent a lot of time reminding students of the ways to keep their Chromebook in good shape. Over time, we’ve gotten away from those reminders, but now that students are required to pay for damaged or lost devices, we want to remind you again:
- We recommend that students keep their device in a case when it’s not in your backpack. This provides extra protection in case of a drop.
- Please have your child always carry your device with two hands.
- Please remind your child not walk around the classroom or your home with your device open. Close the screen so you can carry it properly with two hands.
- Do not pop off keyboard keys as they will eventually not pop back on.
Do not touch another student’s device for any reason. You will be responsible for damage that results from an action you take, whether you meant to do the damage or not, so please be careful.
- Broken Screen $30
- Broken Keyboard (missing keys, etc.) $30
- Damaged chassis/lost device $200
- Charger $15
If you have any questions, please let us know. We appreciate your support!
Library FYI for families: If you receive a Thursday notification about a lost or overdue book and have any questions, please encourage your student to come to the library and ask library staff OR login to their Destiny account in HelloID and see which books on their account need to be returned. If your family needs to pay for a book that was damaged or cannot be returned, your student should bring cash or a check (written to Rockford Public Schools) to the library. Library staff will update the student's account and print a receipt.
School assistance program (SAP)
Helpful Links
