RFC Newsletter Nov 10, 2025

START of trimester 2

As Trimester 2 begins, freshmen will have a different set of courses. This will likely mean a change to their lunch schedule, possibly shuttling to RHS 10-12, and getting to know a new set of teachers. This newsletter will include relevant information for that transition.

It's also a wonderful time for freshmen to put positive routines and habits into practice so that trimester 2 is even better than trimester 1. As a building, we aim for improved overall attendance, behavior and student achievement. Each individual student can and should also set goals in these areas - creating an awareness of how one can get better with each attempt!

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.

EARLY RELEASE SCHEDULE

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.

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.

Intervention 11:40 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.

4th Period 12:16-1:20 p.m.

5th Period 1:26-2:30 p.m.

PROGRESS REPORTS

Parents/guardians are encouraged to set up automated progress reports through Skyward Family Access. The image above is a screenshot from Family Access.

Login to Family Access
Click "My Account" which appears next to your name.
Beneath your phone number and address, there are options to receive attendance notifications and progress reports.
Check the box next to "Receive Progress Report Emails for my student(s)
Select the frequency you'd like (daily, weekly, monthly)

Display of the screen in Family Access

SHUTTLES

Each hour, students travel between RFC and RHS 10-12. If your 9th grade student has a class at RHS 10-12 for the first time this trimester, please continue reading.

Three minutes prior to the end of class, traveling students are dismissed from class. Students will head to their locker to exchange materials and then exit RFC at the main entrance, where a shuttle bus waits. Students board that bus, which travels to the main entrance of RHS 10-12.

Students who travel to RHS 10-12 for 3rd hour will eat lunch at RFC either before or after that class (shuttles are provided). Students who travel to RHS 10-12 for the end of the day will depart from that building, and should bring their backpack, coat and school materials to that class.

If you student has any questions about traveling between RFC and RHS 10-12, please have them stop by the office or ask a teacher. We are happy to help!

LUNCHES

With the exception of Early Dismissal days, high school lunch is held around 3rd period class. In trimester two, we condense to two lunches, so students with A lunch will take lunch between 2nd and 3rd periods and students with C lunch will take lunch between 3rd and 4th periods.

The lunch schedule is posted in Schoology once finalized (Thursday 11/13 or Friday 11/14). Students are not able to switch lunches as the whole 3rd hour class must have the same lunch period.

The Rockford Freshman Center is hosting its 10th Annual Holiday Drive to support RFC families in need. We’re collecting $5–10 Meijer gift cards (physical or e-gift cards) to help make the season brighter for our students. If you are able to donate, physical cards can be dropped off at the RFC counseling office. E-gift cards can be sent to bconnor@rockfordschools.org. Please make gift cards out to RFC. Thank you for your support!

Reporting Attendance

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 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.

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 first meeting on December 2 at 9:00 a.m. The link for the Google Meet will be provided in advance. Thanks!

Notes from Oct Meeting