Amie Santillán- Principal
asantillan@rockfordschools.org
Justin Eckert - Principal Administrative Assistant
jeckert@rockfordschools.org
Jenny Bradley - Administrative Assistant
jbradley@rockfordschools.org
Address: 3900 Kroes NE, Rockford, MI 49341
Website: www.rockfordschools.org
Phone: (616) 863-6374
Fax: (616) 866-7132
News from Sra. Santillán
Students of the Month
Spanish Speakers of the Month
March is Reading Month
March is National Reading Month, and the staff at Roguewood have worked hard to ensure it's a month of fostering a love of books & reading for our school community! Our aim is to streamline communication on all of the events/activities we have planned throughout the month, so please see attached! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions - happy reading!
Attention all 5th Graders! NRMS Open house date:
Student and Parent Open House (Optional)
Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
There is an optional 6th Grade Open House for students and parents who would like to see North Rockford Middle School. During the open house we will have middle school students providing tours. If you have an older sibling that wants to provide the tour, we would love to see them back in the building. We will also host a summer orientation for students in August.
3rd Grade Families - OUTDOOR LEARNING Program
This year at Edgerton Trails our inaugural class of 4th grade students completed year one of our two year outdoor learning program. Rockford Outdoor Learning is a 4th and 5th grade program. Students learn both in a traditional classroom and in the 26 acre nature center behind Edgerton Trails.
3rd grade students and their families are encouraged to attend an Outdoor Education informational meeting on March 26 at 5:00 at Edgerton Trails. This will provide an opportunity to learn more about the program and see the beautiful nature center space at EdgertonTrails.
If you are interested in applying for your current 3rd grade student please access the application at the link below (opens March 23).
Characteristics of an outdoor learning student
Inquisitive
Genuine interest and experiences with the outdoors
Can work both independently and collaboratively
Has an intrinsic motivation when it comes to learning, school work and responsibility
Positive attendance record
Positive behaviors
Timeline
April: Application Process Opens March 23-April 17
April: Student Interviews
May: Lottery
May: Acceptance Letters
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What grades are part of the outdoor learning program?
Students will enter the program as 4th graders and spend two years in outdoor education. Moving to middle school in 6th grade.
Q: What is Outdoor Education?
Outdoor education is a philosophy of embracing and experiencing the outdoors. Students participate in a variety of outdoor learning experiences while accessing the RPS curriculum.
Q: Where will the program be located?
At Edgerton Trails Elementary School inside the school and at the Outdoor Learning property behind the school.
Q: What is the application and selection process:
Students must be a current RPS student in the 3rd grade
Interested parents/guardians must fill out and complete an online application
Classroom teachers will complete a recommendation form.
Student interview
Students that meet the criteria will be entered into the lottery
Q: How many students will be admitted?
26 students will be selected through a lottery system to be in the inaugural 4th grade class starting in the 2026-27 school year.
Q: Do outdoor education students have the typical specials associated with elementary school in RPS?
This year 4th grade students attended Art, Music, Steam, and Library.
5th grade students will attend Art, Music, PE and Library.
Students participate in all Edgerton Trails activities that include but are not limited to: spelling bee, geography bee, student council, assemblies, fundraisers, March is Reading Month, etc.
Q: Is there a waitlist?
There will be a waitlist. If any of the 26 lottery students decline, the next student on the wait list will be invited to enter the program.
Q: What is the curriculum?
Students receive district aligned curriculum along with project based outdoor learning opportunities.
Q: How much time do students spend outside?
This depends on a variety of factors. However, students will spend 50-75% of the school year outside.
Q: Will there be RPS transportation available to Outdoor Education students?
Limited morning transportation at designated shuttle locations. Students using the morning shuttle will arrive approximately 10 minutes after the start of the school day.
No RPS transportation available at the end of the day. Parents will be asked to pick up their student(s).
Application Process is Open March 23-April 17
26-27 Classroom Environment Form
Each spring, our staff works collaboratively to create balanced classrooms that provide an optimum learning environment for every student. This process considers academic, social-emotional, IEP, and behavioral needs.
Important Submission Guidelines:
Annual Requirement: Placement requests must be filled out every year. Previous requests do not carry over to the new school year.
Not a Teacher Request: This is not a form to request a specific teacher. With only two sections per grade (Spanish & English), we cannot guarantee specific teachers or peer groups.
Professional Judgment: Final placements are made using the best professional judgment of our teachers, social workers, and instructional coaches.
Deadline for Submission:
Monday, April 13, 2026 Please note: Late requests will NOT be considered.
If you feel your child has specific environmental needs or unusual circumstances we should be aware of, please complete the form.
Book Donations needed
Celebrate March is Reading Month at this FREE FAMILY EVENT while connecting with other Roguewood families!
Book Bingo 2026 is around the corner! In preparation for an amazing night of promoting reading, we are collecting donations of used children’s books. It is important that we have a variety of books for all of our students and families. We would love to pass along books that your family has maybe outgrown to another Roguewood family to enjoy!
We are especially looking for books targeting our upper-elementary students. We welcome your donations any time!
Volunteer Opportunities
At Roguewood, we believe our school is strongest when families and staff work together. We are excited to welcome families into the building and invite you to be a part of our school community. Whether you can lend a hand in the cafeteria or at recess, help with PTO sponsored events or in the classroom helping your teacher, your presence makes a meaningful difference for our students.
Please consider volunteering in the following areas:
Tuesdays & Thursdays
- Lunchroom - Sign up here ■ 11:00am-12:50pm
- Lunch Recess - Sign up here ■ 11:00am-1:00pm
- Afternoon Recess - Sign up here ■ 1:50pm-3:25pm
Yearbook orders due in mARCH 27
Get your orders in now!
Our yearbook sales website is now open. The basic yearbook is $15 and all orders are ONLINE ONLY. You can order your yearbook HERE. Roguewood's yearbook code is 14559826.
UPDATE - ALL ORDERS DUE BY MARCH 27. In order to make sure our yearbooks get back to us before school ends we needed to move up the due date.
Family Open Skate
Roguewood's time is 1PM to 3PM on February 28th at Cedar Rock Sportsplex. Purchase tickets at the door for $10 each which include two hours of open skating time and ice skate rentals. PTO receives $2 back in donations from each ticket sold during their school time slot.
Calling all Watch D.o.g.s.
Purpose of Watch D.O.G.S. is:
- To provide positive male role models for the students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important.
- To provide extra sets of eyes and ears to enhance school security and reduce bullying.
Mondays & Fridays
- 11:00am-1:00pm - Recess
- 1:00pm-1:40pm - Your Lunch
- 1:40pm-3:30pm - PM Recess and Dismissal
Unified Arts (Specials)
K-1 Spring Music Concert
KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN
Click on the image below for more information!
new family Spanish Immersion lottery
The Spanish Immersion lottery application window is now open.
New student lottery begins Monday, January 5, 2026 and ends on Friday, March 31, 2026 at 4:00 pm.
Interested RPS resident families must complete and email the following documents to jbradley@rockfordschools.org:
- Complete Spanish Immersion Lottery Application for Incoming Kindergarten students for the SI Lottery.
This is not your registration/enrollment for Kindergarten. - Birth certificate
- One proof of residency*
*Acceptable Residency Documents: Current utility bill within the last month, lease agreement (signed by landlord and tenant), City Assessor’s Tax Statement (current year)
All forms will be given a letter when you receive an email response. These letters will be used for the lottery.
- Each application is time stamped.
- We will not accept any applications after March 31, 2026 at 4:00 pm.
- You will receive a confirmation of receipt email within 48 hours of submission during business hours from January 5, 2026 – March 31, 2026.
- Confirmation email will also contain your Lottery Letter.
If the lottery application is not submitted by March 31, 2026, by 4:00 pm, late submissions will be added to the end of the waitlist after we have had the lottery.
save the date
Kindergarten Parent Information Night will be held on March 16th!
REF News/events
Dr. Matthews, Substitute Teacher
One of our staff members may be selected for a well-deserved day off with our own super substitute, Dr. Matthews! Once a month, Dr. Matthews will be trading his Superintendent’s office for the classroom and stepping in to substitute teach for a day.
How it works: Each $10 donation to the Rockford Education Foundation nominates a teacher to win a day off while Dr. Matthews takes over the classroom. All donations support REF educational grants, celebrate our incredible educators, and give Dr. Matthews a front-row seat in the classroom.
- $10 = 1 entry to nominate a teacher - multiple entries gladly accepted!
- Teachers may nominate themselves or a colleague
- One winner will be drawn monthly, January–May 2026
The Taste - Save the Date
The Rockford Education Foundation invites you to The Taste on March 5, 2026. This is REF's annual signature event, serving up amazing support for education through great food, drinks, and community partnership. The event will start at 6:00 pm and will be held at The Gilmore, 5179 West River Drive. The Taste hosts many local restaurants and businesses. Learn more, sign up to sponsor or purchase tickets online.
Whitecaps night
You're invited to support Rockford Public Schools and kick off your summer with the West Michigan Whitecaps!! Enjoy a fun night out and know that a portion of each ticket bought will be donated directly back to our schools. Game information: Tuesday May 19th at 6:05pm. Ticket prices are $20.50 per ticket or $26.50 with a hotdog and soda included. For more information or accessible seating needs, please contact Tyler Glave at TylerG@whitecapsbaseball.com. To purchase tickets please visit
grasp
Registration for the 2026 GRASP Program is now open. See the attached document for more details or contact Community Services 616-863-6322.
Summer care
Registration for Summer Care 2026 will begin on March 4th at 6 PM. How to Register:
- Create an account on our registration site: Rockford Public Schools Preschool & Child Care
- Visit the registration website on March 4th at 6:00 PM and follow the on-screen instructions to complete your application.
2025-2026 SI Boosters Board
Introducing our Rockford Spanish Immersion Board for the 2025-2026 school year.
President - Jessie Salo
Vice President - Kendra Brubaker
Treasurer - Matt Benander
Secondary Ed. Liason - Amy Sullivan
Roguewood PTO
To facilitate relations between educators and 
parents to accomplish the same goals of expanding the educational, charitable, literary, scientific and familial needs of both educator and parents.
President- Justin Rito
Vice President- Lee Ann Brunetz
Secretary- Christina DeYonker
Treasurer- Megan Stelzer
Events Coordinator- Liz Gear
Volunteer Coordinator- Rachael Considine
Spanish Immersion (SI) Boosters
What is the Spanish Immersion (SI) Booster Club?
The SI Booster Club is a group of parent volunteers who raise funds to support the RPS K-12 Spanish Immersion program. Staff submit requests and funds are disbursed throughout the year to support the Spanish Immersion program from kindergarten through high school.
What do we fund?
Spanish Immersion K-12 classrooms at Roguewood Elementary School, North Rockford Middle School, Rockford Freshman Center, and Rockford High School.
Rockford SI Boosters Email: rockfordsiboosters@gmail.com
Thank you for joining us at our recent members’ meeting. We hope to see you at the next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 14th!
Warm Fuzzies
Our Roguewood staff continues to do amazing things for the students. Every month, we try to have a special treat to keep their spirits up!
If you would like to give a little extra joy to the staff, please consider signing up to provide a warm fuzzy snack later this year. There are only a few spots left to fill! Do this as a family, group of families, or class/grade level collaboration. Ideas done in the past: stock the fridge, cocoa bar, candy/cookie bar, cheese tray - you can be as creative as you want or can be.
Popcorn Poppers
Popcorn Fridays are always exciting for the students! Thank you to our volunteers who have popped all those bags for them! We appreciate all those who have signed up to help - but we could always use a few back up poppers to call in in case of last minute cancellations. Please consider signing up as a back up here: Sign Up Here
Feel free to reach out to any board member with questions or concerns. You can contact us via email, Facebook, or through our website.
Email: RoguewoodPTO@gmail.com
Website: www.RoguewoodPTO.weebly.com
Facebook: Roguewood's PTO Facebook page
Thank you for joining us at Donuts at Daybreak. We appreciate your patience as we navigated a new format AND a snow day rescheduling. We had a ton of fun spending time with Roguewood families! An extra big THANK YOU to all of the wonderful volunteers who helped make this event a success!!!
SAVE THE DATE for an end of the year event! We are working on plans to bring another fun evening to Roguewood as we bid farewell to the school year. Summer sendoff is tentatively scheduled for May 29th; stay tuned for details as we get closer to the summer!
Assistance Program (SAP)
Say “I have an SAP with Rockford Public Schools” when you call 800.442.0809 and press “1.” Every RPS student, staff and family member in your household is eligible for up to three free sessions. Additional SAP benefits include: free elder care consultation, legal and financial consultation, infant-feeding advice and real estate consultation. Anyone in the household can utilize these resources and it is 100% confidential. Access an online library with over 20,000 resources covering health, finances, legal topics and more. The code to login the library is RockfordPS.
Login Code: RockfordPS
Food Assistance
If your family needs help accessing nutritious meals, there are several local food resources available. Community food pantries and meal programs provide free groceries to anyone in need. Here is a link to all the local resources available to you.
Hand2hand
All of the children within our community deserve to experience a sense of self-worth and have their fundamental needs fulfilled. Our goal, with the help of generous donations, is to provide these items at no cost to those in need.
Tapestry provides cost free clothing & other basic needs to children in the Rockford, Sparta, Cedar Springs, Greenville & surrounding school districts in northern Kent County. Tapestry Rockford is a Michigan nonprofit approved for IRC Sec.501(c)(3) tax exemption.
If your family would like to shop at Tapestry please give them a call at 616.326.1016 to set up a private appointment to shop.
