Winter and spring 2026
As we begin 2026, freshmen have become confident with the daily responsibilities of high school. Each is on a course to become ready for life beyond high school, and each day is a chance to become more prepared for the next steps in education, career and life.
Each person grows and learns at a unique pace, but all can benefit from determining a "next step". Consider which "next step" is right for your 9th grade student, discuss it and work together to help him/her achieve it. Here are a few examples:
- Independent morning wake-up
- Independent morning routine
- Packing own lunch and/or preparing a meal each week at home
- Timely completion and submission of every assignment
- Tracking appointments, commitments, assignments and tests in a calendar
- Research a prospective career and arrange a related job shadow
- Get a job
- Manage a financial account with a debit card
Mental Health Education Night
Please join us for a cost-free evening dedicated to strengthening our community through mental health education, awareness and connection. Sponsored by Rockford Education Foundation, Rockford Public Schools welcomes over twenty vendors and two guest presenters on important topics. Mental Health Education Night is planned for Wednesday, February 4 from 5:30-8:30 at Rockford High School's Auditorium. Presentations include:
Mariah DeYoung LMSW, CAADC, CCS from Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. Her topic is Guiding Youth Through the Complex World of Substances. Chloe Metzger LMSW from Therapy Today Counseling & Consulting on the topic From Panic to Power: Understanding Anxiety Through the Lens of Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy.
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.
PARENT tEACHER cONFERENCES
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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!
COUnseling updates
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.
Career Exploration: All freshmen took part in a career exploration session during flex time in the first trimester. This session gave them a brief introduction to possible career paths after high school. Ask your 9th grader which career they found most interesting, what the entry-level salary is for that job in Michigan, and what type of education or degree it requires. Want to dive deeper? Have your student log in to their Xello account through Hello ID to show you their results!
Registration: 9th graders will be selecting their 10th-grade classes in just a couple of months! Between now and the end of February, all freshmen will create a rough draft of a four-year high school plan. These plans can change often throughout high school, but they help guide students as they choose appropriate courses for 10th grade. Wondering what most 10th graders take? Required courses include: AP Seminar (English), Geometry (some students will take Algebra 2 or Pre-Calculus if ahead), American Studies, and Biology. Most students will also take a 2nd PE class and some form of art (performing, applied or visual).
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 classes in your current schedule do you look forward to the most and why do you enjoy them?
Thinking about the adults you know (family friends, relatives, teachers)-whose job seems the most interesting and what do they actually do?
PSAT Information
Rockford Freshman Center students participate in state testing on April 22, 2026. Michigan utilizes the PSAT 8/9 and this information provides the state with information about student achievement across schools but also provides invaluable information to each school regarding strengths and areas for growth. PSAT is a trusted standardized test authored by College Board. In Michigan, students take the PSAT in grades 8, 9 and 10. In 11th grade, students take the SAT and multiple additional assessments.
April 22 is a scheduled Early Dismissal for students. Most students will complete the PSAT 8/9 between 10:30-11:00 a.m. Students are welcome to leave campus when their test room is dismissed if they have a ride home. Students who require a bus home will remain at RFC until the busses arrive at normal early dismissal time between 12:30 and 1:00 p.m.
Many freshmen may already have an account with College Board. Parents and guardians are encouraged to engage with their student at home to:
- Ensure your student has a College Board account.
- Review your students PSAT score from 8th grade (if applicable)
- Consider options for strengthening your score through free online tools and resources (available through College Board website.
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 March 3 at 9:00 a.m. The link for the Google Meet will be provided in advance. Thanks!
Dates to Save
January 15: Parent Teacher Conferences *please note - teachers at 10-12 conference on Jan 13
January 19: No School for Students - Martin Luther King Day
February 4 - Early Dismissal for Students
February 13-16 - Mid Winter Break
February 25 and 26 - Final Exams (alternative schedule both dates)
March 3 - Parent Advisory Council Meeting
