Principal & Director: Melissa Cochrill, mcochrill@rockfordschools.org
Assistant Director: Missy Baines, mbaines@rockfordschools.org
Address: Parkside Early Childhood Center, 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
Jennifer Wackerle, jwackerle@rockfordschools.org
A Note from the Principal
Dear Parkside Families,
It’s hard to believe we are already several weeks into the school year! Our classrooms are busy with learning, friendships are growing, and our students are becoming more comfortable with their school routines each day. It has been wonderful to see the smiles, excitement, and curiosity throughout our building.
This newsletter is packed with information about upcoming events, important dates, and things happening at Parkside. Please take a few minutes to look through it so you don’t miss what’s coming up. Thank you for partnering with us and trusting us with your children each day. We are looking forward to a great year filled with learning, growth, and lots of fun!
Melissa Cochrill, Principal & Director of Preschool/Child Care
Important Dates
October 11, 2026
- Cookie Dough & Popcorn Fundraiser ENDS! (There's still time to order - scroll down for more information!)
October 14, 2026
- Early Release Day for DK students (1:15 pm dismissal)
October 19, 2026
- 6:30 PM PTO Meeting (Parkside Cafeteria)
October 28-29, 2026: Picture Days
- Picture Day for the following programs (a more detailed schedule will be shared by teachers at a later date):
- DK at Parkside
- ECSE at Parkside
- Full-Day Preschool at Parkside
- Half-Day Preschool at Admin Building (Community Ed 3's and 4's, GSRP, Montessori, Spanish Immersion)
October 30, 2026
- DK Halloween Parties (look for a Halloween Party schedule and opportunities for donations/volunteering coming directly from your DK teacher!)
Week of November 2-6, 2026
- DK Conferences: Monday, November 2 & Wednesday, November 4
- Full-Day Preschool Conferences: Wednesday, November 4 & Friday, November 6
- Half-Day Preschool Conferences: varied (please read your communications from your student's teacher on the timing of your conferences)
November 6
- No School for Full-Day & Half-Day Preschools (DK & ECSE in session)
Rockford Early Childhood Programs PTO
Join Us for Our Next PTO Meeting!
We’d love to see you at our next PTO Meeting on Monday, October 19 at 6:30 PM!
We’ll gather in the Parkside Early Childhood Center Cafeteria for an opportunity to connect, share ideas, and talk about what’s happening in our school community.
We hope you can join us!
What is the PTO?
Our Rockford Early Childhood Programs (RECP) Parent-Teacher Organization is made up of families who volunteer their time in ways that work best for them. Whether you’d like to help support classroom teachers, assist with or coordinate fundraisers, or simply spend some time having fun with the children, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference in our program!
Still want to get involved?
Click the button below to indicate your interests.
Picture DayS
Picture Days are coming! Lifetouch will be photographing students at Parkside ECC for the following programs on October 28-29, 2026.
- Developmental Kindergarten (DK) at Parkside
- Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) at Parkside
- Full-Day Preschool at Parkside
- Half-Day Preschool at Admin Building (GSRP, Community Ed 3's and 4's, Montessori, Spanish Immersion)
To Order Your Photos:
- Pre-order today on mylifetouch.com. Create an account or login with you Picture Day ID: EVT84G7GR
- Orders will be sent home with your student after Picture Day.
- Retake Day for ALL programs will take place on Tuesday, November 10.
- Enjoy 10% off your order using the code F2610OFF
Family-Teacher Conferences
The Week of November 2-6, 2026
Dear Rockford Early Childhood Program Families,
Registration for Fall Family-Teacher Conferences is now open! We warmly invite and encourage families to schedule a time to connect with their child’s teacher, celebrate their progress, and talk about their growth and learning.
Important Details:
- Conferences will be held in person in your student’s classroom.
- Registration closes Wednesday, October 28 at 4:00 PM to give our staff time to prepare for conferences.
- The Parkside Library will be hosting a Scholastic Book Fair - come shop after conferences!
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We look forward to connecting with you and sharing in your child’s growth and success!
Community Events
Stock The Shelves for Our Schools
Give Books. Support Local.
The Rockford Education Foundation has partnered with epilogue books to put books and educational resources into the hands of Rockford students. From now until October 16, 2026, give $50 to REF and get a $25 epilogue books gift card. Gift cards make great gifts or purchase a new read for your family!
It’s a simple way to support Rockford students and a local bookstore!
The $25 gift cards may be picked up at epilogue books.
Ram Out Pediatric Cancer - October 23
Friday, October 23, 2026 | 7 PM | Rockford High School
Anni’s Army Foundation and Rockford Football have teamed up to make a difference in the fight against pediatric cancer.
Join us on Friday, October 23rd for the third annual "Ram Out Pediatric Cancer" football game benefitting Anni's Army Foundation. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Oncology AYA Life Program at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.
Cookie Walk - October 23
The Costume Cookie Run is a spooktacular fall tradition designed specifically for young runners aged 12 and under. Set in the park behind Parkside Early Childhood Center and the Rockford Community Cabin, it is an evening of costumes, cookies and community. It features three timed races: the 100-yard dash, 1/4 mile, and obstacle course. Starts are staggered to give runners more spacing, and parents are welcome to run alongside their children for free.
Event Details & Registration:
The fun does not stop at the finish line! Every $30 registration includes a cozy long-sleeve shirt to remember the night. We will host three timed races with prizes to keep the energy high, and once the running is done, the whole family is invited to stay for milk and cookies. Want to volunteer? Contact Rebecca at Rebecca@teamorphans.com.
Event Logistics:
When: Friday, October 23, 2026
Packet Pickup: 5:00 - 5:50 PM
Race Start: 6:00 PM
Location: Downtown Rockford, in the park behind Parkside Early Childhood Center and the Rockford Community Cabin (156 Lewis St, Rockford, MI 49341).
fundraiser ENDS SOON!
Our Parkside ECC and Rockford Preschools cookie dough and popcorn fundraiser will end on Sunday, October 11th.This fundraiser is our only one for the 2026–2027 school year, and every dollar raised directly benefits our classrooms. We encourage you to share the information with friends and family.
How to Participate Online
- Go to: www.SupportMyFundraiser.org
- Enter Group ID: 127348
- Click the blue Join button under “Seller.”
- Register your student as a seller.
Once registered, you can:
- Post your fundraiser link on Facebook
- Send texts right from your mobile device
- Email the link to family and friends
Shipped-to-home orders will be shipped directly to customers’ home. Shipped-to-school orders will be available for pick up at the Administration Building on 10/27.
Direct contributions to the program are also welcome. Anyone may donate without purchasing items by using this link: Parkside ECC and Rockford Preschools Fundraiser - Rockford Community Services
If you're making a direct donation, please use the link above instead of the donation option on the Support My Fundraiser page. This ensures 100% of your gift goes directly to our programs.
We are so grateful for your support in helping us make this year’s fundraiser a success. Thank you for everything you do to support our early childhood programs—and good luck, have fun, and happy selling!
The Parkside ECC and Rockford Preschool Staff
Drop-Off & Pick-Up Procedures
Preschool Drop-off in AM
Please do not park or stop on Lewis Street, as the front curbs must remain open for our Early Childhood Special Education drop-offs.
Please use extra caution when crossing Lewis Street—drivers may have limited visibility. Hold your child’s hand and cross carefully.
DK/Preschool Pick-up in PM
Enter the Pick-Up loop from Norwood Street, not Sigsbee.
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. Please avoid large gaps between vehicles.
Hold your provided family sign where staff can clearly see it.
All students should enter the car on the side closest to the sidewalk.
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.
Office Reminders
Extra Clothing
We recommend that ALL students keep a full set of weather-appropriate extra clothes in their cubby (shirt, pants, underwear, socks, and shoes). Students may need to change due to bathroom accidents, cafeteria spills, or getting wet or dirty at recess.
PLEASE BE SURE TO LABEL EVERYTHING! We have over 200 students in our building, which makes for a lot of clothing and gear! We want everything to return to your home at the end of each week!
Weather Alerts
For up-to-date information regarding Rockford Public Schools delays and/or closings, events and safety alerts, send a text message of "Y" or "Yes" to our district’s short code number, 67587. Opt out any time by simply replying to one of our messages with "Stop." Be sure to tune in on icy or snowy mornings!
PLEASE NOTE: All Preschool Programs follow the Rockford Public Schools weather closures. If RPS announces a snow day, Preschool will be closed as well.
STUDENT ABSENCES
Who do I call if my student will be absent or late to school?
Absences MUST be called into the office 616-863-6360. Press 1 for the Attendance Line.
When you are reporting an absence on our voicemail, the State of Michigan requires us to know the following:
- Student's name
- Reason for absence - if it is an illness we need to know the symptoms of the illness (vomiting, coughing, fever, cold, diarrhea, lice, etc.).
Contact Information
Parkside Early Childhood Center Office/Attendance Line - 616-863-6360; press 1.
- Jamie Brown (Preschool Admin Assistant): jbrown@rockfordschools.org
- Julie Palmieri (DK/ECSE Admin Assistant): jpalmieri@rockfordschools.org
Additional Important Numbers
- Transportation Office: 616-863-6328
- BAC/Child Care Office: 616-863-6560
- Community Services: 616-863-6322
Family Resources
Everyone needs a little help sometimes—and we’re here to help! ♥
From food assistance and community resources to free counseling services, there are many resources available to support you and your family. Explore the resources below, or reach out to us anytime. We’re happy to help connect you with the right support and point you in the right direction.
- Hand2Hand Permission Slip
This program helps provide a student with food for the weekends and is intended for families who currently may be experiencing a financial burden. - School Assistance Program
This program provides mental health support, confidential counseling services, financial training, elder care, legal consultation, infant feeding support, real estate consultations, and more. - Kent County Resources Guide
This guide provides you a list of all of Kent County's resource centers and support facilities.
