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,
The past few weeks at Roguewood have been incredibly productive and rewarding. As we approach our Spring Break, I wanted to share some of the recent achievements and milestones that reflect the hard work of our students and staff.
Professional growth is a priority for us, and our teachers recently participated in district-wide Learning Labs to observe and share effective teaching practices. We were proud to host a Learning Lab in Mr. Schlaudt’s classroom, where educators from across the district observed his students in action. The visiting teachers were impressed by the engagement and learning taking place. Teachers were left in awe and inspired. As a leader, I am proud of how our staff constantly reflects on their work to improve the experience for every student.
To continue this growth, we are refining our systems to be more efficient and responsive. We are currently developing surveys to gather feedback from staff, students, and families. I have already reached out to several parents to review our survey questions, and we are adjusting them based on that input to ensure we are asking the right questions. You can expect to receive the final survey after we return from Spring Break.
We also had several opportunities to celebrate student success recently. Our Kindergarten and 1st Grade Spring Music Concert was a fantastic event, and our Spanish Immersion families joined us for the Kindergarten and 1st-grade bridge ceremonies. It is always a pleasure to see our community come together to support these milestones.
In addition to our academic and musical achievements, Roguewood has made significant strides in our environmental efforts. I want to recognize Gina Copeland and our students for their work in helping us become an official Michigan Green School; we received that award and recognition last week. Thanks to our collective recycling efforts, we also earned the bench we have been working toward. In addition to all of these efforts, Sra. Coles and her students have successfully established a garden that has now been certified as an official Butterfly Waystation. Way to go Roguewood!
This coming week will be a short one as we head into a week of rest. I hope you and your family have a relaxing break and a chance to recharge.
Sincerely,
Amie Santillán, Proud Principal
Yearbook orders due today
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.
Please fill in the Summer Support form if you would like additional support for the summer.
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!
3rd Grade Families: OUTDOOR LEARNING Program
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
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.
RGW - Official Michigan Green School
Mrs. Coles and Roguewood’s Garden Club have just been recognized by the Monarch Watch Organization as a Monarch Waystation. Monarch waystations provide critical resources for monarchs throughout their annual cycle of reproductions and migration and support other pollinators and wildlife.
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:
- 11:00 am-1:00 pm - Recess
- 1:00 pm-1:40 pm - Your Lunch
- 1:40 pm-3:30 pm - PM Recess and Dismissal
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 to be a lunchroom volunteer ■ 11:00am-12:50pm
- Lunch Recess - Sign up here to be a lunch recess volunteer ■ 11:00am-1:00pm
- Afternoon Recess - Sign up here to be an afternoon recess volunteer ■ 1:50pm-3:25pm
Unified Arts (Specials)
KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN
Kindergarten enrollment for the 2026/2027 school year is now open. Children who turn five years old on or before December 1st, 2026 are eligible to enroll in DK and Kindergarten. All enrollment information can be found on our website at Enrollment Procedures - Rockford Public Schools.
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.
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
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.
social media safety
Today’s digital world is constantly changing—and keeping up can feel overwhelming. Join a virtual event April 21, 2026 from 7-8PM to stay informed, empowered and one step ahead. This important session will give you the tools and knowledge you need to help protect your children. Join this informational virtual event hosted by Alisha Meneely, Government and Community Outreach Director for the Michigan Child Protection Registry. Social Media Safety
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
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
Limited Edition Merch for Spanish Immersion
Celebrating Spanish Immersion 20th Anniversary
Get yours while you can!
This design was inspired by papel picado, a Mexican folk art, and infused with our Rockford orange and ram.
It will only be available during this sale.
Store closes on March 31 at midnight, so act fast!
https://2026spanish.itemorder.com/shop/home/
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
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.
Link to Sign Up To Provide Warm Fuzzies
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
Summer Send Off! Call for sponsors
RGW PTO is looking for sponsors to help us celebrate the end of the school year! Plans are in motion to bring another fun filled event for students, staff, and friends to Roguewood!
We also are planning to partner with Mrs. Turner as she showcases the amazing artwork the students have created throughout the year.
With just a $100 minimum donation, we will gladly display a yard sign with your company logo or family name, acknowledge your support on our social media channels, and include a sponsorship shout out in the school newsletter.
Contact RoguewoodPTO@gmail.com if you are interested
Earth Day Challenge
Complete a task to celebrate Earth day for a chance to win a class pizza party!
Details coming soon - stay tuned!
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.
