Director: Melissa Cochrill mcochrill@rockfordschools.org
Principal: Mindy McGinn mmcginn@rockfordschools.org
Address: 156 Lewis Street Rockford, MI 49341
Phone: (616) 863-6360 Fax: (616) 866-2327
Administrative Assistants:
Julie Palmieri jpalmieri@rockfordschools.org
Jamie Brown jbrown@rockfordschools.org
DROPOFF & Pickup Reminders
Dropoff in AM
As outlined in our Drop Off / Pickup Procedures, all drivers should park in the Lewis Street parking lot (look for the reserved parking signs!) and walk students into school. This helps keep the front curbs open for our Early Childhood Special Education dropoffs.
As mornings grow darker, please use caution when crossing Lewis Street—drivers may not see you. Hold your child’s hand as you cross.
Pickup in PM
Hold your Family Sign high until you get a thumbs-up from our door greeters, Meera and Mariano.
Pull forward all the way to the cone in the pick-up circle (or as far as the next car) to keep traffic moving smoothly.
Be patient with our students. Their little legs take time to cover distances in this big building! They may also be coming from different places (playground, bathroom, cafeteria, etc.), so it might take a few extra moments for them to reach you. We truly appreciate your patience and understanding.
Student Verification (DK & ECSE)
Please complete by October 31, 2025
The steps for completing the verification process for your child are as follows:
- Click on and login to Family Access via the Parent Portal.
- Click on the "Go to Information Verification for your son/daughter."
- Please complete the steps in order, as listed on the right-hand side of your screen (Please note: Fields in grey can only be edited at the school building with proper documentation). Please select the appropriate drop-down items for each screen. Each step requires you to select "I have completed this step" at the bottom of the screen to finalize your information.
- When completing the School Participation step, click on the link called "School Participation," click "yes" on the pop-up window to complete this step. Enter the proper information and click "Save" in the upper right-hand corner.
- Once all steps have been completed, the final step allows you to submit the information (THIS IS KEY TO FINALIZING VERIFICATION). Once finalized, you will receive an email verification of enrollment. If you do not receive an email, please go back into FAMILY ACCESS to review any missing steps/information.
Note: We highly encourage all families to set up a FA account as it is the district’s main source of communication to 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 of student’s school for additional assistance.
Thank you for your help in completing this by October 31, 2025.
Upcoming Events
- October 29: Early Release Day 1:30 Dismissal (DK)
- November 3-7: Scholastic Book Fair (@ PKS ECC Library)
- November 3 and 6: DK Family-Teacher Conferences
- November 5-6: ECSE Family-Teacher Conferences
- November 10-14: Preschool Family-Teacher Conferences
- November 6: Fall Family Fun Night (@PKS ECC)
- November 11: Election Day
- November 11: Picture Day Make-Ups (@ PKS ECC)
- November 11: STEAM Night at East Rockford Middle School
- November 12: Early Release Day 1:30 Dismissal (DK)
- November 26-28: No School Thanksgiving break
- December 10: Early Release Day 1:30 Dismissal (DK)
- December 22-Jan 2: No School Winter Break
Stuffed Animals Needed
Our PM door greeter, Meera, is an officer for the Future Healthcare Leaders club at Rockford High School. She is looking for clean used stuffed animals to use for practicing medical procedures. We will have a collection box in the Parkside ECC Main Office.
Thank you for your help!
Family-Teacher Conferences
November 2025
Rockford Early Childhood Programs will be holding Family-Teacher Conferences in early November.
Conferences for DK will take place in the evening on Monday, November 3 and Thursday, November 6.
Conferences for ECSE will take place during the daytime on Wednesday, November 5 and in the evening on Thursday, November 6.
Conferences for Preschool (for programs taking place at Parkside, the Admin Building, and the CDL) will take place the week of November 10. Your teacher will communicate the exact times conferences will be held.
Thank you for your continued partnership! We look forward to discussing your child’s growth and progress.
Book Fair
Our Book Fair at Parkside Early Childhood Center will take place November 3-7!
Book Fair Hours - coming soon!
Fall Family Fun Night
pictures from lifetouch
Picture Day here at Parkside Early Childhood Center was a SUCCESS!
If you did not pre-order photos, no worries! Look for an email from Lifetouch with a picture proof and a link to purchase by early November.
When you go to order your pictures, enjoy 10% off your order with the code: F2510OFF
If your student missed Picture Day, we will be holding a make-up date on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. More details to follow.
To the right: Principal McGinn getting her photo taken by Lifetouch! -->
Interested in creating and joining the PTO?
Starting a Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) for the Parkside Early Childhood Center and the Rockford Early Childhood Programs is an exciting new step, and we want you to be a part of it!
The primary goal of a PTO is to create a strong, supportive partnership between our families and staff that enrich the educational experience for every child. This collaborative effort will directly benefit programming by organizing community-building events, providing volunteer support that directly enhances the classroom environment, and acquiring supplementary materials and programs.
A successful PTO means more engaging activities and a stronger sense of community for everyone—our children, teachers, and families. We understand that time is valuable and that means various levels of commitment are possible: you can be an active Board Member or Committee Chair, volunteer for a single event, or simply offer support by sharing your expertise and time when you're able.
Please let us know your level of interest and availability. We look to get the first small-group planning meeting off the ground before the holiday break.
STEAM Update
Mark your calendars! Our annual STEAM Night is coming up on Tuesday, November 11th from 5:30–7:30 PM at East Rockford Middle School.
Please note the important updates: the date has changed from November 4th to November 11th (due to voting day), and the location has moved from the Freshman Center to East Rockford Middle School. More details can be found on this flyer.
In addition, our STEAM program is still collecting recyclable materials to support student projects. We are currently accepting cardboard tubes, plastic containers, cereal boxes, plastic water bottles, and corks. A flyer with more details is down below.
Thank you for supporting our students as they explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math!
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).
Hand 2 Hand
Hand2Hand's mission is to deliver nutritious food to students over the weekends and on extended school breaks by mobilizing churches, schools, individuals, and businesses to join together, providing hope and opportunity to thrive.
To enroll your loved one, please scan the QR code below or click this link.
A free weekend food opportunity for kids! They will receive 3 breakfast items, 4 snack items, and 3-4 lunch/dinner items, often with a recipe card. The food bags are delivered by the Hand2Hand team so that the students can bring them home on Fridays.
If you have any questions, please email the Hand2Hand organization: permissionslip@h2hkids.org.
