Jeremy Karel - Principal
jkarel@rockfordschools.org
Address: 405 Summit Ave, Rockford, MI 49341
Website: www.rockfordschools.org
Phone: (616) 863-6366
a note from mr. Karel
Dear Valley View Families,
I hope this finds you well and rested from Spring Break. We are excited to be back in school and ready to finish this year strong.
Congratulations to students in Mr. Westveer and Mrs. Brenner’s fifth-grade classes for a fun and informative wax museum! Each student researched an influential individual, created a presentation, and prepared a speech for their “living wax figure.” Costumes made the experience even more memorable!
April upcoming events:
April 21-23: 3-5th grade M Step testing
April 24: Popcorn Friday and Slushee sales
Warmly,
Mr. Karel
Earth Day Week of activities
The first Earth Day was observed on April 22, 1970, when 20 million people across America celebrated by filling their local streets, parks and auditoriums to demand a healthy, sustainable environment. They were concerned about their cities laden with smog, polluted rivers, rampant pollution, and other environmental hazards. Since then, Earth Day has been celebrated around the world, by people who have hopes of preserving the environment.
You might think protecting the Earth is a monumental task, one that can only be performed by superheroes. But believe it or not, there are many things we can all do to make a difference. Even small changes can have a big impact. Here is what our superhero students plan to do here at Valley View next week; we hope you will participate with us.
Monday: Recycling Day
Lesson on what we are already doing here at school and how students can participate
Tuesday: Energy Day
We will challenge our energy use by turning off the lights and unplugging our devices
Wednesday (Earth Day event): Paper Gator Day
Let's fill our Paper Gator! Bring your recycling from home too. What can go in bins?
- School/Office Paper
- Newspaper
- Junk Mail
- Hard & Soft Cover Books
- Magazines
- Shredded Paper
- Paperboard (Cereal Type Boxes)
- Cardboard (12″ x 12″ or smaller)
- Wrapping Paper (no foil or sparkles)
Thursday: “less waste” home lunch challenge.
Bring your own snack or lunch in reusable containers from home.
Friday: Nature Day
We'll have some lessons in our outdoor classroom; we'll go for walks; we'll visit Camp Valley View.
Family Fun Night
Join us for Valley View Elementary’s Annual Family Fun Night! Let’s celebrate another fantastic school year with a night packed full of fun for the whole family. This free event is open to all Valley View students and their families.
Enjoy all that 3 Mile Project has to offer, plus:
- Carnival and inflatable games
- The Balloon Guy
- Face Painting
- Ninja Warrior Course (ages 6+)
Thursday, April 30th
5:30-8:00 PM
3 Mile Project
3050 Walkent Drive, NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49544
*All information from this image can be found in the text titled Family Fun Night.
sucker sale
Valley View knows that some people around the world need help with things we use every day—like clean drinking water. We want to make a difference! That’s why Student Council is helping support Charity Water, an organization that builds wells and brings clean water to places like Nigeria.
All through April, we’ll be selling yummy gourmet suckers for $1.00 each. Every dollar we raise will help bring clean water to communities in need.
To learn more about Charity Water, click here: Charity Water Website. Thanks for supporting our Student Council!
$1 SLUSHeE SALE
April 24: Our slushee sale is being hosted by the Kent County ISD Empower U program. This very special program provides specialized instruction and opportunities specific to employment and independent living skills necessary for neurodivergent young adults to live a purposeful and productive life. Their goals are to teach and increase independence at home, work, and in the community. They teach life skills such as cooking, grocery shopping, laundry, and more. Empower U utilizes the community for things such as the library, restaurants, any other low and no cost resources. They teach safe mobility in the community such as crossing the street, a parking lot, and more. Thank you for supporting such an important program to our community. Our students just love this sale!!
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
VALLEY VIEW FIELD DAY FUN
SAVE THE DATE: FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2026
SURVIVAL TIPS
· Students should wear appropriate clothing. Layering is a good idea, not only for cool/hot weather comfort but also for protection from the sun and insects. We suggest shorts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and P.E. SAFE SHOES (no sandals please!) Crocs are fine in sport mode.
· As we have had in the past, we will have water themed stations. Students will get wet but not drenched from head to toe. With the placement of the stations, students should have plenty of time to dry off outside. Please send an extra set of clothes for students to change into for additional comfort.
· We are not allowed to apply bug spray or sunscreen at school, so we recommend that BOTH are applied prior to coming to school on this day if you wish to have your kiddo have some extra protection from the elements. These products cannot be sent to school with students.
· Hats and sunglasses can be worn for additional sun protection.
· ALL STUDENTS NEED TO BRING A LABLED WATER BOTTLE. Water only please! Sweet drinks attract bees, and we must keep ALL students safe.
We are looking for some awesome parent volunteers to join in the fun to manage stations, assist with student needs as traveling volunteers, and making sure the field day activities are rocking and rolling!!!
