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,
Thank you so much for joining us for conferences! We value the family–school connection deeply, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to be here so we can celebrate all of the wonderful things our students are accomplishing. Your partnership makes a meaningful difference.
A few reminders about upcoming events:
STEAM Night is this Tuesday
Thanksgiving Break is quickly approaching. There will be no school November 26–28 (Wednesday–Friday)
Our Holiday Music Program will be held on Wednesday, December 3rd
2nd - 5th grades
As the snow will be flying soon, please remember to send students with appropriate outdoor gear (coats, hats, gloves, snow pants, and boots). We’ll also be sending home any extra clothes and additional shoes currently kept in lockers to make room for winter boots. Please be sure to clearly label all gear, including snow pants and accessories. Black snow pants are very common, and adding student names (and even teacher names) helps us return misplaced items quickly.
As we head into this busy and exciting season, it’s good to watch our kids and be reminded of the joy and beauty around us. In this month of November, let's be mindful of all of the good things around us. Gratefulness is good for the soul. Our children do it so well.
“Children see magic because they look for it.” —Christopher Moore
Your proud principal!
Amie Santillán
Character Trait of the Month: Gratitude
Roguewood R.A.M.S. Give Thanks and Shine Bright
R-Respectful • A-Accountable • M-Motivated • S-Safe
Roguewood students have once again shown what it means to live the R.A.M.S. values. By surpassing October’s ticket goal through acts of respect, our students continue to make Roguewood a place of kindness, responsibility, and motivation.
This Thanksgiving, the focus turns to Gratitude - a simple yet powerful practice that can transform lives. A Harvard study found that gratitude not only boosts happiness but also improves health. Those who regularly express thankfulness experience better emotional well-being, improved sleep, lower risks of depression, and even stronger heart health. Harvard
Sharing gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated. Try going around the dinner table and naming one thing to be thankful for. This small tradition can strengthen family bonds and lift everyone’s spirits.
As Oprah Winfrey reminds us, “Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.”
This Thanksgiving, let’s celebrate the R.A.M.S. way - by being Respectful, Accountable, Motivated, and Safe, while spreading gratitude throughout our school and community.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Students of the Month for REspect
Spanish Speakers of the Month
RECYCLING CHALLENGE UPDATE:
Roguewood families really stepped it up in the last 2 weeks of October as we jumped from 32 pounds to 190 pounds collected!
We are still short 110 pounds to reach our goal of sliming the teacher - but since everyone rallied hard - Mrs. Copeland is EXTENDING THE COLLECTION DEADLINE.
AND - Mrs. Shortsle has decided to up the ante!
If we can collect another 110 pounds by November 14th, Roguewood students will get to SLIME BOTH TEACHERS!!!
Please keep sending in bags, wraps, and bubble mailers with your students!
We have crossed 400 pounds total collected! Remember to keep saving and bringing in those bags through March - if we can collect 1000 pounds of plastic, we will earn a new bench for the school!
REQUEST: Mrs. Copeland is looking for a parent who is willing and able to transport all this plastic to Meijer to be recycled! If you are able to help, please contact Mrs. Copeland for details.
THANK YOU ROGUEWOOD!! Together we are able to do so many amazing things
LABEL EVERYTHING - SEND IN EXTRA CLOTHES
To avoid your student’s clothing from going into the lost and found PLEASE LABEL EVERYTHING!!! Label all coats, boots, mittens, hats, etc. Labeling items will ensure they will back it back home!
ALL students should have a change of clothes in their lockers. Our Care Closet only has a few outfits for students to borrow and bring back. We tend to run out as the year goes on.
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 ■ 11:20am - 12:50pm
- Lunch Recess - Sign up here ■ 11:50am - 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
Extra Clothes For our Care Closet
We are in need of pants and shorts with elastic waistbands for our care closet - for both girls and boys - all sizes needed. We are also in need of new underwear in size 4/5 for boys.
Playground needs
Hello Roguewood! We are seeking donations for our playground to help maintain our supplies! The plaground equipment is used often, and hard, and it shows wear quickly. We also are looking for some new fun options to help keep them engaged safely this winter.
Please consider purchasing something from our wish list! https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RLMUEVQ74OT1?ref_=wl_share
-Your Recess Para Pros.
Unified Arts (Specials)
STEAM NIGHT VOLUNTEERS
Our annual STEAM Night is coming up, and we need your help to make it another amazing event! This fun-filled evening celebrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through hands-on activities for families across Rockford.
We’re looking for volunteers to host activity tables—no experience needed! Each parent volunteer shift is just one hour, so you’ll still have plenty of time to enjoy the event with your family.
Parent Volunteer Sign-Up: Click here to sign up for a parent shift
We’re also inviting middle & high school students who are looking for volunteer hours! Student shifts are 1.5–3 hours, depending on how many hours they need.
Student Volunteer Sign-Up: Click here to sign up for a student shift
Thank you for supporting this incredible community event and helping make STEAM Night a success!
pto AND sPANISH iMMERSION bOOSTERS nEWS/UPDATES
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
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.
Thank you Roguewood for helping with the staff conference meals! Conferences make for very long days for our fabulous teachers, and they always appreciate the extra fuel to get them through these nights!
Join us for our next PTO meeting, Tuesday, December 9th at 7:00 PM in the cafeteria
Popcorn Fridays!
Payment can be made with the activity pass form. If you have already submitted your form but would like to add on a popcorn pass, please contact us at RoguewoodPTO@gmail.com so we can assist you. Want to help make popcorn days a success? Sign up here to be a popper! Popcorn Popper Sign Up
Warm Fuzzies
Warm fuzzies are up and running for the 2025-2026 year! This is an opportunity for families to shower Roguewood teachers and staff. This is not funded by the PTO, but rather a gift from families who choose to participate. Ideas that have been done in the past include charcuterie tray, hot cocoa bar, stock the fridge, catered lunch, etc. Sign up here: Warm Fuzzy Sign Up
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
2025-2026 SI Boosters Board
Introducing our Rockford Spanish Immersion Board for the 2025-2026 school year.
President - Jessie Salo
Vice President - Kendra Brubaker
Secretary - Nicole Villegas
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
2025 Poinsettia Sale!
RPS K-12 Spanish Immersion Program | SI Boosters 
Indigenous to Mexico and Central America, poinsettias grow on mid-elevation, Pacific-facing slopes, and in further inland areas. They were cultivated by the Aztecs for use in traditional medicine and later became associated with the Christmas holiday and are popular seasonal decorations.
Follow this link to order https://tinyurl.com/y9xj2ew4
NOTE: No "TIP" required. Zeffy is a free fundraising platform where you may tip any amount including $0.
Order yours today in time for the holidays!
Thursday 11/20 - last day to submit your order & payment via Zeffy.com
Friday 12/5 - order pickup @ Roguewood Gym, 3:30 - 6:00 PM
IMPORTANT - Orders must be picked up on Friday 12/5, 3:30 - 6:00 PM.
Unclaimed orders will not be available after the pickup time.
Reminders
office Reminders
Who do I call if my student will be absent or late to school?
- If your student will be absent or tardy, please call the front office and leave a message/talk to the front office staff OR email both the teacher AND Jenny Bradley (jbradley@rockfordschools.org)
- If a student is ill, you must include the symptoms (or diagnosis) for our weekly health report to KCHD
What if my student is out sick?
Absences MUST be called into the office 616.863.6374 or emailed to the front office - jbradley@rockfordschools.org
Please leave a message on our general voicemail box if you are calling after hours. Whether you are reporting an absence on our voicemail, the State of Michigan requires us to know the following:
- Student's name and teacher
- Reason for absence - if it is an illness we need to know the symptoms of the illness - vomiting, coughing, fever, cold, diarrhea, lice - whatever the reason may be.
Who do I notify if I have a dismissal change for my student(s)?
- Please be sure to let us know of any dismissal changes PRIOR to 3:00pm
- To contact us with changes, please call 616-863-6374 or email both the teacher AND Jenny Bradley (jbradley@rockfordschools.org) in the event the teacher doesn’t see the message prior to dismissal.
Where do I find parent communications?
- Our family newsletter and other updates are posted on the RPS website on the Roguewood page bi-weekly during the school year
- You can also check out the Roguewood Elementary's PTO Facebook pages
- Please always feel free to call or email the office with any questions
How do I set up or change busing for my student(s)?
- Please contact Transportation directly at 616-863-6328
- We also appreciate your help to support our drivers and remind your students of proper bus behavior
How do I know if school is closed?
- 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”.
Check out any of the Local News stations.
Important Contact Information:
- Roguewood Office/Attendance Line 616-863-6374
- Justin Eckert jeckert@rockfordschools.org
- Jenny Bradley jbradley@ockfordschools.org
- Transportation Office 616-863-6328
- BAC/Child Care Office 616-863-6560
- Community Services 616-863-6322
Do You Need to Drop Something Off?
If you have an item that needs to get to a student, simply drop it off on our bookcase in our vestibule and provide the student’s name and classroom on a Post-It note. We will make sure it gets where it needs to go.
NO CELLPHONES OR SMART WATCHES
- Students with a cellphone may not use them during the school day, and they should be stored in the child’s backpack at all times.
- Please do not text or call your student on their device during the school day. Communication should go through the office.
- Students with smartwatches should have their device set to school mode, which disables distracting smartwatch features—like calls, messages, and games—while keeping essential safety tools active.
- Students should not be wearing earbuds or other noise-canceling headphones unless it is a documented accommodation.
Thank you for your help with this!
Community News or Events
WELCOME TO THE 2025/26 PUNCH CARD PROGRAM!
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.
If you have any other questions, please email info@cannonsburg.com
Hand2hand
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
At Tapestry Rockford, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and succeed. We are driven by the belief that even the smallest act of kindness can create a ripple of positive change. With a passionate commitment to making the world a better place, we have established a platform where individuals from all walks of life can come together to make a difference. 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.
