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
Dear Roguewood Families,
It’s been a busy and exciting week at Roguewood Elementary! On Thursday, we held a school-wide celebration to recognize students for earning so many Ram Tickets through their hard work, positive choices, and great character. We are so proud of our students for all they are doing!
This week we also began our NWEA Reading assessments. Students have been working hard, and we will finish up testing next week. Thank you for supporting your child in doing their best.
A reminder that Monday is a day off for students. Certified staff will be spending the day learning and collaborating so we can continue to better serve our kids.
Be on the lookout for some exciting upcoming events coming our way:
- Friday, January 23 - Crazy Hair Day
- Friday, January 30 - 5th grade District Competition for Battle of the Books
- Tuesday, February 3 - 100s day - Dress like you are 100 years old.
- This is scheduled for the 3rd unless we have a snow day before then.
- Thursday, February 5
- Donuts at Daybreak - Last names that start with A-K
- Friday, February 6
- Donuts at Daybreak - Last names that start with L-Z.
As you can see, we are working hard, celebrating big, and growing our minds and hearts.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Your proud principal,
Amie Santillán
Community Survey Open until Jan. 18
The future of our schools impacts the strength of our entire community. Following the November election, we are seeking your honest perspective on district priorities, transparency, and facility needs to help shape our next steps.
Rockford Community Bond Perception and Engagement Survey
20th Anniversary for Rockford Spanish Immersion
This school year marks the 20th anniversary of Rockford's Spanish Immersion program. Wow!
To honor this milestone, the Spanish Immersion Boosters are hosting a writing contest for all current Spanish Immersion students, kindergarten through high school. Winners will receive cash prizes and be published in our 20th Anniversary Commemorative Book. A celebration with an awards ceremony to honor our authors will be the culminating event - you won't want to miss it!
Writing Contest Entry:
Writing prompts and submission information are listed on the attached flyer. Entries are due by February 1, 2026. Cash prizes for winners! To submit an entry, click this link: Spanish Immersion Writing Contest.
Sponsorships Available:
Support the Spanish Immersion Boosters. Families and businesses can join in the 20th anniversary celebration through sponsorships, starting at $10. Nivel Platino (Platinum) includes your business logo or family photo in the commemorative book for just $250!
Our goal is for every current Spanish Immersion family to receive a free commemorative book, but we need your help to make it all happen!
To sponsor, click here. More details on the attached flyer.
If you have questions about writing contest entry or sponsorship opportunities, email SIBoostersContest@gmail.com.
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!
Roguewood is Hiring
Looking for a job where you're basically a celebrity? Well look no further. Roguewood is looking to fill a parapro position at recess on Monday - Friday from 11-2.
We are also looking for more sub parapros for recess, Spanish Immersion, and possibly in the classroom. Perks of the job include fresh air, hanging out with some awesome kids who are genuinely excited to see you, and learning random facts that you will absolutely share later.
Please reach out to Justin Eckert at jeckert@rockfordschools.com to learn how to apply.
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.
Donuts at daybreak
New this year - Donuts at Daybreak will be a 2 day event!
Join us and enjoy a special snack with your student before school. Donuts, bananas, and a variety of drinks will be served. Students are welcome to bring two adult guests to share a pre - school day treat between 7:45-8:20.
Students with last names beginning in A-K are invited to attend Thursday Feb 5th; students with last names L-Z are invited to join Friday Feb 6th.
Consider helping us to make this event run smoothly! We are looking for volunteers to set up and help serve. Sign up here >https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/5080545A4AC2BABFE3-56900872-helpers
Spanish Immersion-New Families Kindergarten 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.
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
Mental Health Education Night
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 Taste hosts many local restaurants and businesses. Learn more, sign up to sponsor or purchase tickets online.
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.
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, at recess, helping 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
Calling all Watch D.o.g.s.
Purpose of Watch D.O.G.S.
- 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 - Personal Lunch
- 1:40pm - 3:30pm - PM Recess and Dismissal
Unified Arts (Specials)
Battle of the Books Team update
I am so proud to share with you that of our 99 fifth grade students, we had 22 courageous, brave souls try out for the team that will be representing Roguewood Elementary at the Grand Battle of the Books at RHS on Friday, January 30 . What an incredible turnout!
Check out the flyer to learn more - Battle of the Books Newsletter
pto AND sPANISH iMMERSION bOOSTERS nEWS/UPDATES
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.
2025-26 PTO Board
Introducing Roguewood's PTO Board for the 2025-2026 school year.
President- Justin Rito
Vice President- Lee Ann Brunetz
Secretary- Christina DeYonker
Treasurer- Megan Stelzer
Events Coordinator- Liz Gear
Volunteer Coordinator- Rachael Considine
Join us for our next PTO meeting, Tuesday, Febuary 10 at 7:00 PM in the library.
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 spirtis 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.
sign up here: signupgenius.com/go/5080545A4AC2BABFE3-58430285-warm
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: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080545A4AC2BABFE3-popcorn1#/
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
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
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
Booster Bucks
Did you know that you can support Roguewood by shopping local? Booster bucks work just like Rockford cash - AND the chamber of commerce will give back 5% to the selected organization.T he certificate can be purchased online and used at multiple locations in Rockford! These make fabulous holiday gifts for family, friends, and teachers! Purchase your booster bucks at https://www.rockfordschools.org/booster-bucks/
Cannonsburg Punch Cards
Cannonsburg’s punch cards offer DISCOUNTED LIFT tickets so that students in kindergarten through 12th grade can enjoy winter to the fullest. Punch cards also offer discounts on rentals and private lessons!
HOW TO PURCHASE A PUNCH CARD Punch cards can be purchased during office hours at Cannonsburg Ski Area. You can also purchase punch cards anytime online! Punch Card Handout
To purchase a punch card online, please follow the steps below.
Go to our website link: www.cannonsburg.com/cart Click on the C-flake icon for the type of punch card you would like to purchase. Fill out information, INCLUDING sponsor and school name.
School Sponsor: Tania Flikema (Roguewood Elementary) Punch cards also offer discounts on rentals and private lessons. Parents can even purchase a punch card for themselves when buying one for their child!
If you have any other questions, please email info@cannonsburg.com
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.
