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
Hello Roguewood Families,
WOW! What a couple of weeks we have experienced! There are so many exciting things happening in our building. It doesn't happen without the incredible people and work that make Roguewood such a special place.
We have some wonderful news to share! Kristin Ward welcomed a beautiful baby boy, Benjamin, into the world! We are so excited for Kristin and her family as they begin this precious new chapter.
On Monday, we welcomed Erica Soto, a local Latina actress and artist, who shared stories, music, movement, and culture with our students in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. School News Network even came to interview us about this wonderful experience! I have to share something that absolutely made my day.
Our students were INCREDIBLE during the assembly. Their attention, participation, and respectful behavior blew me away. It was obvious that teachers had taken the time to prepare students and communicate expectations. At one point, Erica turned to me and said: "What are you doing in this school? This is amazing! I have NEVER seen this before!" How about THAT?!
We have been working hard at teaching and modeling expected behavior in our building through our PBIS work. We have a dedicated team working on this. We are reflecting on behavior data and implementing changes regularly. We sat down yesterday to evaluate the fidelity of our implementation. We just started this last year and we rated ourselves less than 20% effective. This year in October, we are already above 85%. The time spent teaching expectations, practicing routines, and holding students accountable matters. And people are noticing! Students are feeling better too.
Our Early Release days have been successful as our grade level teams meet and dig deep into instructional standards. They do not just sit together and lesson plan. Teachers are meeting and digging deep into student work. They look at instructional standards, dig deep into pre-requisite skills, and make meaningful grouped lessons to move students forward in their learning. We have a dedicated time each day per grade level when these are delivered. Staff use the time to evaluate the effectiveness of these activities and lessons and plan for the next time. Our 5th grade teams looked at a math standard that was showing varied results on place value and they mixed all 94 5th graders up into small groups to deliver lessons tailored just for them. This was a large feet. An unintended consequence of this switch was a more connected community. We used to hear things like the English kids and the Spanish kids. Now they are just students in another class. We are building stronger learners and a stronger community.
A Few Reminders and Some Fun Ahead!
Parent-Teacher Conference sign-ups go out today! Thank you for preparing to welcome our families and celebrate student growth. November 2 and November 4.
Trunk or Treat is October 22! Please continue advertising this fun event to families. We would LOVE to see staff hosting trunks! We can even provide the candy. All you need to do is sign up and ask! Our students would be thrilled to see you participating.
Halloween Parade: We are finalizing the details, but the parade will begin at 2:50 p.m. I am especially excited that we are creating more opportunities for families to join us in our school celebrations this year!
Have a wonderful, well-deserved weekend!
Warmly,
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.
Students of the Month
Conferance 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.
Spanish speakers of the month
Picture retakes
October 21 from 8:30-10:30 am will be Roguewood's retake day. Please make sure to have your student arrive on time this day if they need their picture taken/retaken.
If you need to order pictures go to LifeTouch's website - Picture day code is EVT2GZSMF
Need Retakes? Make sure to email your child's teacher to let them know they need to have their picture retaken. If you have already purchased and received a picture package please send those in on Oct. 21 - this packet needs to be turned into the photographer.
yearbook Orders
Get your yearbook orders in now! Yearbooks will arrive in May.
Roguewood's Yearbook code is 14559827
Lost and Found
Our lost and found is overflowing! Parents, please take a moment this weekend, Friday-Monday, to stop out to Roguewood to check our lost and found. It will be outside under our main entrance all weekend long so that you can come take a look and claim lost items.
With our cold morning and warmer afternoons, we are finding lots of discarded sweatshirts!
Remember to label label label! We try our best to get items back to students that have names on them. Thanks for your help!
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.
HisPanic Heritage Month
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are fortunate to welcome Erica Soto, Artistic Director of Teatro Hispano de Michigan, to Roguewood. Erica brough Hispanic and Latino culture to life for our students through stories, music, movement and so much joy. A huge THANK YOU to our incredible Roguewood PTO for sponsoring a very special experience for our students.
Hispanic Heritage Month Assembly
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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:
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, appreciate 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.
Stock The Shelves for Our Schools.
Give Books. Support Local.
The Rockford Education Foundation has partnered with epilogue books to put books and educational resources into the hands of Rockford students. From now until October 16, 2026, give $50 to REF and get a $25 epilogue books gift card.
Gift cards make great gifts or purchase a new read for your family! It’s a simple way to support Rockford students and a local bookstore!
The $25 gift cards may be picked up at epilogue books.
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 everyone for completing your activity pass forms. If you have not yet done so, we kindly ask that you complete the online form by October 2nd.
We are once again offering a payment plan for families who may benefit from deferring a portion of the cost to a later date. Additionally, if your family has financial limitations, you can select to request a sponsor, defer payment at this time, and submit the form. If you are in need of sponsorship or other assistance, please reach out to Mrs. Bradly or Mrs. Eckert in the office.
Visit our website for details on the activity pass and to access the online form: https://roguewoodpto.weebly.com/activity-pass.html
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: https://www.cognitoforms.com/RoguewoodPTORPS/RoguewoodTShirts
Trunks, Treats, & Traditions
It's trunk or treat season, and we are so excited to bring this family favorite fall activity to Roguewood. Sign up to host a trunk as a family or group and let your creativity shine!
Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080545A4AC2BABFE3-66096853-rgwtrunk
Celebrating Halloween is fun, but celebrating our families makes it even better! As part of this cultural crossover event celebrating Dia De Los Muertos, an Ofrenda will be on display. We would love to welcome our Roguewood community to help us fill this alter with all sorts of memories! Feel free to bring pictures to adorn this community ofrenda in remembrance of family and friends who are no longer earthside (printed or copied pictures are best to avoid losing any precious original prints!).
Don't forget to enjoy the music, coloring, and raffles (both for students and parents). Plus - there is high potential for another bubble party!!!
Candy Donations:
Don't forget to come visit Roguewood's newest addition in the office! She's settling in next to Mrs. Eckert, but could use more snacks! Feed her bags of candy donations to keep her from becoming a hangry ram monster!
Candy donations help support staff / teacher trunks and provide extra supplies where needed.
Thank you for your support as we prepare for a ghoulish good time!
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
Little Free Library
Our little Free Library is back, and withstanding the weather after restoration efforts by Roguewood families!
Now, we need your help to stock those shelves!
If you have stacks of books looking for a new home, please drop them to the LFL box in front of the school.
PTO meeting
Mark your calendars for our next PTO members' meeting on Tuesday, November 10th at 7:00 PM
Popcorn Friday rescheduled
We didn't want to overload this Friday with too much fun! Since the Pumpkin Run is happening on Oct 9th, our popcorn day has been rescheduled to next week - Oct 16th.
Thank you to our volunteers that make both these events possible!
THANK YOU ROGUEWOOD for your flexibility and understanding.
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.
