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 North Rockford Families,
What an incredible start to the school year! The energy in our building has been contagious. From the excitement of new classes and teachers, to the friendships being formed and rekindled, to the pride our students are showing in their learning. Thank you for helping make the opening weeks of school such a success.
As we move deeper into the first trimester, I want to encourage all of our students to focus on building strong habits early. Simple things like staying organized, asking questions when you’re unsure, and setting aside time each evening to review notes or assignments can make a big difference. Consistency in these small routines creates confidence and leads to success.
I also encourage students to embrace challenges. Growth doesn’t come from always getting the right answer, but from persevering when the work feels tough. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn, and every step forward is progress worth celebrating.
Families, thank you for the support you provide at home. Together, we are building a community where students feel encouraged to take risks, push themselves, and discover their potential.
Let’s continue this great momentum and make the first trimester one of growth, resilience, and achievement. I am proud of our students and grateful for our staff and families who make North Rockford such a special place.
With appreciation,
Mr. Reickard
Principal
North Rockford Middle School
Parent teacher conference info
Parent-Teacher Conference details will be shared soon. Watch for more information in the coming weeks! We will once again be utilizing School Bookings to schedule conferences.
October 1st: 3:30-6:30 In Person
October 2nd: 3:30-5:00 Video Conferencing
October 2nd: 5:00-6:30 Phone Conferencing
Curriculum Video Information
Your child’s teacher will be sharing curriculum videos soon. Be sure to check them out to see what your student is learning this year!
Lost and found
Lost & Found is located in the main entryway. All items will be donated on September 19th.
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!
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 LINK.
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.
Family Access Accounts/Student Verification
Once again, RPS will use an electronic system for the verification of student information. Parents will be able to submit changes to demographic information using Family Access. Parents will receive an email outlining the steps to be taken to review and submit any changes to phone numbers, and other relevant information. We highly encourage all families to set up a FA account, as it is the district’s main source of communication with parents. Please visit our website at www.rockfordschools.org & click on the Family Access link (upper right-hand side) or please feel free to contact the main office for additional assistance.
Important dates
September 16th: Picture Retakes (7:15-9:45 am)
September 24th: Early Release @ 12:30pm
October 1st: Parent Teacher Conferences 3:30pm-6:30pm pm In Person
October 2nd: Parent Teacher Conferences 3:30pm-5:00pm Video Conferencing
October 2nd: Parent Teacher Conferences 5:00pm-6:30pm Phone Conferencing
October 15th: Early Release @ 12:30pm
October 20th: 8th Grade East Coast Trip Informational Meeting - 6:30pm
October 29th: Early Release @ 12:30pm
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
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!
After-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.
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 students first and last name.
"Strive for less than 5"
Athletics
NRMS Athletic WebpageSRO Scoop
With the return of early release days, Downtown Rockford sees an increase in pedestrian traffic and students visiting downtown. As students visit downtown stores and parks, it is important to remind them of appropriate behaviors. Please remind students of expectations in businesses and parks.
With fall weather making its debut, it's important to be cautious while driving. Mornings are dark, and visibility is decreased. Please take extra caution when driving through neighborhoods or residential areas. Watch for children waiting for buses or walking/riding to school. Pay close attention to buses and always stop when their stop arm is extended and red lights are flashing.
"Don't veer for deer!" Fall brings an increase in early morning and evening movement of deer, increasing the number of motor vehicle accidents. Slow down and stay alert! If you encounter a deer in the roadway, slow down but do not swerve. Swerving increases the chances of colliding with another vehicle or losing control of your car. Deer often travel in groups, so watch for additional movement.
I hope you have had a great start to the school year! If you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me. You can reach me at the school or my department.
Counseling Corner
Mrs. Koops-Fikse and Mrs. Ohlman 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 Olhman
NRMS Counseling Dog
Chillie
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!
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 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
