Address: 3900 Kroes NE, Rockford, MI 49341
Website: www.rockfordschools.org
Phone: (616) 863-6374
Fax: (616) 866-7132
Amie Santillán- Principal
asantillan@rockfordschools.org
Justin Eckert - Principal Administrative Assistant
jeckert@rockfordschools.org
Jenny Bradley - Administrative Assistant
jbradley@rockfordschools.org
News from Sra. Santillán
What a wonderful week to be a RAM! We have had so many opportunities to celebrate our students, connect with families, and enjoy the incredible community that makes Roguewood such a special place.
Trunks, Treats, and Traditions — A HUGE Success!
Our Trunks, Treats, and Traditions event was a HUGE success! It was wonderful to see so many Roguewood families come together for an evening filled with fun, creativity, laughter, and community.
I would like to extend a HUGE thank-you to our amazing Roguewood PTO for organizing such a fantastic event. I would also like to thank our Roguewood staff for showing up and sharing in the fun. We are incredibly fortunate to have a PTO that works tirelessly to create meaningful experiences and lasting memories for our students and families.
Please take a moment to take a look at some of the photos from the night.
Tonight — Celebrating Our Trimester 1 Students of Excellence!
Tonight, under the Friday night lights, we will be recognizing our Trimester 1 Students of Excellence!
These students have demonstrated the qualities that make Roguewood such an incredible place to learn and grow. We are excited to celebrate their accomplishments in front of our Rockford community!
We have a large Roguewood banner and two flags ready to proudly represent our school as our students take the field. Our teachers have also been invited to walk alongside our students for this special recognition.
We couldn't be prouder of these RAMS! Congratulations to all of our Students of Excellence!
Next Friday — Halloween Parade!
We are excited for our 3rd annual Roguewood Halloween Parade next Friday!
Our students will parade in front of the school, and families are welcome to join us outside to watch and celebrate!
We look forward to seeing all the creative costumes and sharing this fun Roguewood tradition with our families.
Parent-Teacher Conferences — November 2 and 4
Parent-teacher conferences are right around the corner! We look forward to welcoming families and sharing the wonderful learning and growth happening in our classrooms.
Conferences are an important opportunity to celebrate your child's successes, discuss goals, and strengthen the partnership between home and school.
Thank you for taking the time to connect with our teachers. Your partnership makes a tremendous difference!
A Friday Thought
This week has been a beautiful reminder that school is about so much more than academics. From families gathering at Trunks, Treats, and Traditions to our students being celebrated under the Friday night lights, these are the moments that build community, create memories, and remind our children that they belong to something special.
At Roguewood, we believe that everyone belongs, everyone matters, and everyone is loved. We are grateful for the families, staff, and community members who help bring those words to life every day.
Thank you for being part of our Roguewood family!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Amie Santillán
Principal
Roguewood Elementary
Halloween / Day of the Dead Activities
We will be celebrating Halloween / Harvest Fest on Friday, October 30. Parents are invited to join us for our Halloween Parade at 2:50pm. Our students will be walking in front of the building from the cafeteria all the way to the bus loop. This will be much improved from the soccer field.
Costume Guidelines
- Students may wear all or part of their costumes to school on Friday, October 30.
- In order to keep our school safe and comfortable, no weapons, scary costumes, fake blood or frightening images. Masks may only be worn during the parade. Students may be asked to remove items that are scary or unsafe at the discretion of staff. Thank you for your understanding.
Day of the Dead Learning
At Roguewood, we are learning about the beautiful Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), celebrated on November 1 and 2. Many of us are familiar with this celebration from the Disney movie Coco! This special tradition, which has connections to All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, is a time for families to honor, remember, and celebrate loved ones who have passed away.
One of the most recognizable symbols of Día de los Muertos is the colorful skeleton, or calaca. Unlike the spooky skeletons we often see at Halloween, these skeletons are cheerful, playful, and full of life! They are often shown dancing, singing, and celebrating, reminding us that death is a natural part of life and that our loved ones live on through our memories.
Families also create beautiful ofrendas (altars) to honor loved ones who have died. These displays often include photographs, candles, colorful marigold flowers, favorite foods, and special keepsakes. For example, a family might place a grandmother's photograph on an ofrenda alongside her favorite dessert and flowers to celebrate the joy she brought to their lives.
Through learning about Día de los Muertos, our Roguewood students are discovering how different cultures celebrate family, love, remembrance, and the importance of honoring those who came before us. What a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the richness of Mexican culture within our school community!
We have a display in the front of our school to show students what it might look like. Staff will be bringing in photos of their loved ones and some of their favorite things throughout the next couple of weeks. You will be able to check it out when you come for conferences if you do not get a chance ot do so before.
Conference Sign ups
We are looking forward to conferences on November 2 and November 4. All conferences will be in-person. If you need a virtual conference or a phone conference please reach out to your child’s teacher.
In order to schedule a conference with your child(ren)’s teacher(s) please visit:
After filling out your information, you will be able to identify teachers by the grade they teach in the drop-down menu. When you choose a grade, you will be able to choose your child’s teacher and a time that works for you. You can go through this for each of your children.
You will then get an email confirmation with your time.
We look forward to meeting with you to celebrate the growth your child has made and share opportunities for growth.
Roguewood Helping Hands – Holiday Support
The holiday season is a time for giving, and our Roguewood community is here to help! Through our Helping Hands program, we hope to spread a little extra love and support to families who may need it this holiday season.
If your family could use some assistance, please complete the Holiday Help Form by Friday, November 6, 2026.
All identifying information will remain strictly confidential. Only anonymous requests will be shared with our PTO to help coordinate donations.
Donation Pickup: Wednesday, December 16, 2026. Families receiving donations will need to arrange for a family member to pick up their items.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the Roguewood office.
We are grateful to be part of a school community that takes care of one another! ❤️
yearbook Orders
Get your yearbook orders in now! Yearbooks will arrive in May.
Roguewood's Yearbook code is 14559827
Early Student Pickups
We want to make early pickups as smooth and efficient as possible for everyone! Here are a few helpful reminders about how our early pickup process works.
Let Us Know Ahead of Time
If you know you’ll be picking your student up early, please feel free to email both their teacher and the front office.
- For the teacher: This gives them a heads-up so they can have your student packed up and ready to go in their classroom.
- For the front office: This helps us keep track of who will be leaving early and who we should be expecting throughout the day.
When Will My Student Be Called Down?
If your student is in their classroom, we will wait until you arrive in the vestibule (just outside the front office doors) before calling them down.
If your student is at recess, specials, or lunch, we will begin locating them about 5 minutes before you plan on picking up.
Keep in mind that it may take a few extra minutes to find your student, get them back to their classroom to gather their belongings, and then have them head to the office.
Why Do We Do It This Way
We want students to spend as much time in their classrooms learning as possible, rather than sitting in the office waiting to be picked up. We also know that your time is valuable, so we do our best to make the pickup process as quick and smooth as possible while minimizing interruptions to the school day.
Book fair
Scholastic Book Fair – Introduction
IT’S TIME FOR THE SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR!
Dear Roguewood Families,
Get ready—the Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school! This is a great opportunity to build your child’s home library with new books they’ll dive into again and again!
Click Here or scan the QR code to visit the Roguewood Elementary Scholastic Book Fair Home Page.
Book Fair eWallet
Don't want to send cash to school? Set up an eWallet! Once a child’s eWallet is created, it carries over each year and stays in their Scholastic account, so they can use the same eWallet at future Fairs.
Bonus – you can invite friends and family to contribute to your student’s eWallet!
Parent Volunteers
Running a book fair takes the village! If you would like to volunteer to help Mrs. Libiran, click HERE or scan the QR code below!
Share the Fair
A giving program that supports students at our school who need help buying books. Your contributions help us ensure that no child leaves the fair emptyhanded!
Book Fair Information
Location: Roguewood Elementary Library
Regular Book Fair Hours:
Monday, November 2nd – Thursday, November 5th
8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Evening Book Fair Hours:
Monday, November 2nd & Wednesday, November 4th
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Non-Homestead Proposal
The proposal:
- Maintains the district’s ability to levy the maximum statutory rate of 18 mills on non-homestead property.
- Replaces the district’s expiring operating millages with a single operating millage.
- Would authorize 21 mills for operating purposes, not to exceed 18 mills in any year.
- Is expected to generate approximately $9.5 million annually, representing more than 8% of the district’s operating budget.
WHAT IS A NON-HOMESTEAD MILLAGE?
A non-homestead operating millage is a property tax levied on:
- Businesses
- Rental properties
- Commercial and industrial property
- Second homes
- Vacation homes
- Non-principal residences What Is on the Ballot
Homeowners do not pay this tax on their principal residence.
Have additional questions? Please visit: Non-Homestead Proposal 2026 - Our District - Rockford Public Schools
RAM OUT PEDIATRIC CANCER
Anni’s Army Foundation and Rockford Football have teamed up to make a difference in the fight against pediatric cancer.
Join us for the 3rd Annual Ram Out Pediatric Cancer Football Game on October 23 at 7:00 p.m.
Ram Out Pediatric Cancer shirts will be available for $10 (cash only) at Roguewood the week of October 19. Wear your shirt to the game and get in free! Shirts will be available to purchase at the game too.
Come out, wear your shirt, and help us show your support for kids and families affected by pediatric cancer.
For more information about Anni’s Army, visit www.annisarmy.org.
ROCKFORD STEAM NIGHT 2026
Mark your calendars!
Our annual Rockford STEAM Night is coming up!
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
5:30–8:00 PM
Rockford High School
STEAM Night is an evening filled with hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math experiences for Rockford elementary students and their families.Students will have the opportunity to explore, create, experiment, and try activities hosted by teachers, community partners, high school students, and other volunteers.This year will be our first STEAM Night at Rockford High School, and we are excited to bring our elementary students and families to a new location!If you or your National Honor Society student would like to volunteer at STEAM night you can sign up here:
add additional STEAM info
STEAM Night 2026 – Volunteers Needed!
Big Ideas Need YOU!
STEAM Night is coming up, and we are looking for volunteers to help make the evening a success!
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Time: 5:30–8:00 PM
Location: Rockford High School
This year, we are using ONE volunteer sign-up for both students and adults.
Student Volunteers:
Volunteer hours can count toward National Honor Society (NHS) or Junior National Honor Society (NJHS) service hours.
Parent & Adult Volunteers:
We need help running activities, welcoming families, assisting students, setting up, and cleaning up.
Whether you're a parent, high school student, middle school student, or community member, we'd love to have you join us!
Sign Up to Volunteer:
Thank you for helping us create an exciting night of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math for our Rockford students!
STEAM Night 2026 – Create Your Own Tie-Dye T-Shirt!
Get creative at STEAM Night! Pre-order your Rockford STEAM T-shirt and turn it into your own colorful tie-dye creation during the event!
How It Works:
Order Online: Purchase your T-shirt online by October 30, 2026.
Pick Up at STEAM Night: Pick up your pre-ordered T-shirt at the tie-dye tables.
Tie-Dye Your Shirt: Visit the tie-dye station to create your own unique shirt to take home!
Order Deadline: Friday, October 30, 2026
Order Your T-Shirt Here:
Don't miss out on this fun, hands-on STEAM Night activity!
staff favorites
Surprising a staff member is easy with this online file full of everything our Roguewood staff loves! Download it or save it for later when you're out shopping for holidays, a birthday, appreciation week or just a sweet treat to make their day!
Volunteer Opportunities
Do you want to volunteer at Roguewood? We would love to have you join us. We welcome you here. We always welcome support in both our lunchroom and recess spaces within the day. Volunteerss will be helping with activities that will allow our students to continue to grow in social situations here at school. Your participation is greatly appreciated as we look to launch these volunteer opportunities. Volunteerss must complete the online background form and check in at the office when volunteering at RPS.
Thank you, in advance, for your support! Sign up here: Lunch and Recess Volunteers
Lunchroom (11:00 am - 1:00 pm)
How to support in the lunchroom:
- Walk around and interact with students.
- Help open lunch materials.
- Review lunchroom procedures to help with the end of the lunchtime.
- Push the trash bin around to gather trash materials.
- Encourage students to walk to recess.
Lunch Recess (11:00 am - 1:00 pm) or Last Recess (1:50 pm - 3:25 pm)
How to support at recess:
- Play or organize a game.
- Encourage positive play.
- Help with chalk art.
- Walk around with a group of students.
- Organize a coloring table.
- Twirl Jump Ropes.
Volunteer Consent Forms
As a reminder Volunteer Consent Forms expire each year in July. Please complete your application now! (This form must be on file to chaperone a field trip and/or volunteer at building events.)
WATCH D.O.G.S.
Calling All Roguewood Dads & Father Figures!
Be a WATCH D.O.G. at Roguewood!
We are excited to welcome WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) to Roguewood Elementary!
WATCH D.O.G.S. is an opportunity for dads and father figures to spend time at Roguewood while serving as positive male role models for our students. Our WATCH D.O.G.S. volunteers help create a welcoming, safe, and connected school community. While they are in the building, they are an extra set of eyes, ears, and helping hands, supporting our focus on school safety and security while building positive relationships with students. During your time at Roguewood, you may:
- Join students at recess or lunch
- Assist with dismissal, or other school activities
- Encourage students and celebrate them for being great Roguewood RAMS
- Provide an additional positive adult presence throughout our school
Why WATCH D.O.G.S.?
Our students benefit from having caring adults who show up, take an interest in them, and model what it means to be Responsible, Accountable, Motivated, and Safe. You don't need any special experience—you simply need a willingness to show up, connect with kids, and be a positive presence at Roguewood.
Interested in being a WATCH D.O.G.?
We would love to have you! Use our Sign-Up Genius to choose a day that works for you. Watch D.O.G.S. Signup. You MUST fill out a Volunteer Form too.
Thank you for helping us make Roguewood a place where everyone belongs, everyone matters, and everyone is loved.
GO RAMS!
Mileage Club
It's that time again...MILEAGE CLUB! We are looking for volunteers to help set up cards, make sure students know where to run, scan cards, and clean up after. This will be happening during lunch recess this year. Lace up those shoes and come out to the soccer field!
Please sign in at the front office and get a volunteer sticker before heading out to the soccer field. In order to volunteer you MUST have your background check done as well.
Cannonsburg punch pass
Cannonsburg’s Punch Cards are back and offer discounted lift tickets so that K–12 students can enjoy winter activities to the fullest!
To purchase online, visit Cannonsburg’s website, click on "Tickets and Passes" and select punch cards. Fill out your information — INCLUDING your school sponsor and school name.
School Sponsor: Tania Flikkema (Roguewood Elementary)
For questions, please email Tania Flikkema at: tflikkema@rockfordschools.org
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: Lindsay Medendorp
- Vice-President: Lee Ann Brunetz
- Treasurer: Megan Stelzer
- Secretary: Christina DeYonker
- Outreach Coordinator: Rachael Considine
- Events Coordinator: Elizabeth Gear
Activity Pass
Thank you Roguewood for completing the activity pass forms. We have reached 92% completion this year! We appreciate all of your support!
Trunks, Treats, & Traditions
Thank you for joining us at our first trunk or treat event, celebrating a cultural crossover of holiday traditions!
We would love to see your pictures of the event! Feel free to share them on our social media pages or email us at RoguewoodPTO@gmail.com
Favorite Trunk - Harry Potter
Runner Up - Crazy Cat lady
Raffle Winners
Halloween Lego Set - JD (Copeland)
Dia De Los Muertos Lego Set - Calvin S.
Lunch with the Principal - Perrin M
50/50 Raffle - Sra. Martinez
Roguewood Tshirts
We had great feedback on the new Roguewood spiritwear shirts at fall fest! We do still have some available for purchase in adult and youth sizes S - XL for $10 each.
If you would like to purchase, please complete an order form here:
PTO meeting
Join us for our next meeting on Tuesday, November 10th at 7 PM in the Roguewood library. We will be having updates on our budget, recent events, and upcoming events.
Conference meals:
Conferences are just around the corner! Help us fuel teachers and staff during these long nights!
Sign up here to donate food or time: Sign up for Conference Meals
Popcorn Poppers
Help us make popcorn for the students over the course of the year! We are looking for 3 volunteers on popcorn Fridays to help make popcorn, fill bags, and deliver to classrooms.
*If no spots are available, please sign up to be a backup popper - leave your number and preferred days in the comment section. If you are interested in signing up for multiple days, please ensure your availability for all dates before claiming to allow others to participate as able*
Sign up here: Popcorn Poppers
Warm fuzzies
This tradition helps to support teachers and staff with special treats. Once a month, families donate snacks, drinks, or meals to keep our wonderful Roguewood crew fueled for the day! Whether you are stocking the fridge with drinks, sending pizza, or putting together a hot cocoa bar, the staff will thoroughly enjoy this special day. Sign up on your own or collaborate with others!
*please note, our staff lounge is a peanut and tree nut free zone*
Sign up here: Warm Fuzzies
REMINDERS
Feel free to pack an extra pair of socks, shorts, t-shirt, and sweatpants in your child's backpack. Don’t forget to put your child’s name on coats, rain boots, etc. Thank you!
Weather Alert
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." Be sure to tune in on icy or snowy mornings!
NO CELLPHONES OR SMART WATCHES
Students with a cellphone will be asked to turn the phone off and not use them during the school day. Please do not text or call your student on their device during the school day. This creates a distraction to the classroom. We will always help with communication through the office or an email to the teacher if needed.
Students with Apple watches or other wrist devices are asked not use the device to communicate during the school day.
Students who need to contact home because they are ill or wondering about the end of the day pick up should talk to their classroom teacher who will help them navigate next steps of support.
Devices at school are distracting to students during the learning day and we ask that unless your student needs the device to communicate after school that they stay home.
Thank you for your support.
Roguewood 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 school phone 616-863-6374 option 1 OR email both the teacher AND Jenny Bradley at jbradley@rockfordschools.org or Justin Eckert at jeckert@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
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)?
We kindly request that there are no early pickups after 2:45 pm. Our office staff starts getting busy with dismissal duties throughout the building.
Please be sure to let us know of any dismissal changes PRIOR to 2:00 pm
To contact us with changes, please call 616-863-6374 or email both the teacher AND Jenny Bradley at jbradley@rockfordschools.org or Justin Eckert at jeckert@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's page bi-weekly during the school year
You can also check out the Roguewood's Facebook page and Roguewood's PTC Facebook page
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
Important Contact Information:
- Office/Attendance Line: 616-863-6374
- Justin Eckert (office) jeckert@rockfordschools.org
- Jenny Bradley (office) jbradley@rockfordschools.org
- Principal Santillán, asantillan@rockfordschools.org
- Transportation Office: 616-863-6328
- BAC/Child Care Office: 616-863-6560
Standard Response Protocol
Rockford Public Schools has adopted the Standard Response Protocol, which provides building blocks of a crisis response to a variety of emergencies that can occur during the school day.
Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, Shelter
Click this button to learn more:
School Assistance Program (SAP)
Your SAP Benefits Include
- 3 sessions of free, confidential counseling per episode of care
- In-the-moment support available 24/7
- Free consultations
- Personal Advantage online wellness library
- LMCU+ online financial wellness
- All benefits available to every member of the household
For more information on how to schedule an appointment please visit our district website:
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.
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 to set up a private appointment to shop.
