Wellness Screener
RFC students will participate in a brief survey related to social-emotional and mental health next week (October 19-23). Please read the parent letter and review the survey questions. If you have any questions, please reach out to your student's counselor. This brief survey is a valuable tool in identifying students who may need support; however, students are not required to participate. If you would like to formally opt your student out of the survey, please complete the form linked in the parent letter. Thank you!
RFC Counselors
Jen Lutz (jlutz@rockfordschools.org) for students last name A-K
Riley Legge (rlegge@rockfordschools.org) for students last name L-Z
Trimester One Exams
RFC and RHS final exams for trimester one will occur November 12 and 13, 2026. Please review the attached exam schedule. Lunch is served on both dates. No parent phone call is required for students who have completed all exams during the scheduled periods and leave after the 5th period exam on Friday, November 13, but they will require transportation to do this as busses will arrive at the normal time, between 2:30-3:00 p.m.
Early Exam Option
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
RFC will offer an optional early exam session on Wednesday, November 11. There are two groups of students who may benefit from this option:
1. Students with rigorous exams in periods 1, 2, and 3 may wish to take one exam in advance, thereby limiting Thursday to only two exams.
2. Students with a planned absence on Friday (ex: band students) should complete 4th and/or 5th period exams early.
Parents, please check with your student about their unique situation prior to signing him/her up for an early exam session as students will know best which exams are planned for each class. After talking with your student, please
Daily Schedule M/W/F
1st Period: 7:40-8:51 a.m.
2nd Period: 8:57-10:08 a.m.
3rd Period + Lunch: 10:14-11:56 a.m.
4th Period: 12:02-1:13 p.m.
5th Period: 1:19-2:30 p.m.
Flex Schedule T/Th
1st Period: 7:40-8:44 a.m.
2nd Period: 8:50-9:54 a.m.
3rd Period + Lunch: 10:00-11:34 a.m.
Flex Time: 11:40 a.m.-12:10 p.m.
4th Period: 12:16-1:20 p.m.
5th Period: 1:26-2:30 p.m.
Early Release Schedule
10/14, 10/28, 11/11, 12/9, 2/3, 2/24, 3/24, 4/21, 5/5
1st Period: 7:40-8:28 a.m.
2nd Period: 8:34-9:21 a.m.
3rd Period: 9:27-10:14 a.m.
4th Period + Lunch: 10:20-11:37 a.m.
5th Period: 11:43 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Counseling Newsletter
RFC Counseling October Newsletter
In an effort to continue building a strong, supportive school community, RFC will be sending out a monthly school counseling newsletter that brings you important updates, helpful resources, and insights to empower our students’ academic and emotional growth.
Wellness Screener: During the week of October 19, all 9th grade students will complete a wellness assessment. For any students who express an elevated level of anxiety, depression, or concerns for their safety will meet with a mental health professional at school such as a counselor, social worker, or mental health liaison.
Career Exploration: Students currently enrolled in World Studies will have the opportunity to meet with RFC counselors to do some initial career exploration at the end of October. All other students will do this during 2nd trimester, followed by some preliminary 4 year planning. This is a great time to start talking about what your students strengths, skills and passions are!
1st Trimester Exams: Your freshman’s first trimester final exams will be November 12 and 13. Students should begin preparing at least a week prior, breaking up studying into small chunks each night. Please encourage your students to prioritize sleep and eat a good breakfast the morning of exams (and everyday!).
What are your school counselors reading?
The Gift of Failure- As parents, it’s so difficult to see our kids struggling, but what if that is actually the best thing for their growth?
Want to connect with your teen? Try asking one of these questions the next time you’re in the car, at the dinner table or on a walk!
- What has been the best part about starting high school? What has been the hardest?
- Is there an adult at school that you can go to if you’re struggling during the school day? (i.e. teacher, coach, administrator, counselor)
- Are you interested in getting involved in something outside of school this year? Clubs and sports are up and rolling. If these don’t interest you, what about volunteering or a part time job?
RFC Counselors
Jen Lutz (Last names A-K)
Riley Legge (Last names L-Z)
lockers and locks
All students are assigned a locker with combination lock to ensure that they have a safe place to leave belongings and also, that no one else could leave an elicit item in another student's locker. Several students are leaving their locker ajar this year, meaning their locker is not secure.
Students taking PE are issued a lock. Sadly, many students do not use the provided lock, and instead, leave their belongings out in the locker room. Our students assume the best from others, which is wonderful, but items taken from a locker room are very difficult to recover.
Please encourage your student to secure belongings in hallway lockers and PE/athletic locker rooms. Thank you so much!
Parent Advisory Council
Rockford Freshman Center and Rockford High School welcome parents to attend and participate in Parent Advisory Council. PAC meetings are held several times each year and provide an opportunity for parents/guardians to receive updates about high school activities. Meetings are held virtually in Google Meet and are recorded for those who cannot attend on scheduled date(s) and/or time. Please plan to join us our next meeting on January 12 at 9:00 a.m. The link for the Google Meet will be provided in advance. Thanks!
Reporting Attendance
Consistent daily attendance is so important in high school. Consider the following way to help your student:
- Schedule vacations/trips during planned school breaks.
- Secure after-school appointments when possible.
- Encourage a solid bedtime routine. Limiting/prohibiting use of electronics at bedtime is helpful.
RFC and RHS require a parent/guardian phone call for absence reporting. Please do not send your student with a note. This process helps staff verify the authenticity of the report. Please call 616-863-6352 to report an absence, late arrival or early departure.
High school students in grades 9-12 may sign themselves in and out once a parent has called. Parents/guardians are not required to enter the building to sign the student out. This is also different than the process used in RPS middle schools.
Dates to Save
October 14 Early Dismissal for Students
October 28 Early Dismissal for Students
November 11 Early Dismissal for Students
November 12 and 13 Final Exams Trimester One
November 16 Start of Trimester Two
November 25-27 No School
December 9 Early Dismissal for Students
December 21- January 1 No School
