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,
A very cool tradition at Valley View is Mail Month! During the month of February, we host a fun-filled school post office that operates right here in the building. Students can write letters to friends, teachers, and me, and experience the excitement of sending and receiving mail. Many classrooms use this as an opportunity to practice letter writing and addressing, and our students love getting mail.
Parents, we encourage you to join in the fun, too! You are welcome to write letters and drop them off in the mailbox located in the vestibule. Just be sure envelopes are clearly addressed with the student’s name, teacher, and room number. A classroom directory will be available in the vestibule to help.
We also have parent volunteers help students sort and deliver the mail, so please keep an eye on your email for a sign-up.
Warmly,
Mr. Karel
Image above reads: Class directory. Before dropping you letter off, please make sure it includes the recipient student's name, teacher's name, and classroom number. Address it correctly so it doesn't get lost in the shuffle. Our awesome postal workers will take it from there! Bowman room 6, Lanham room 5, Young room 4, Bishop room 10, Johns room 11, O'Rourke room 12, Dome room 20, Gregory room 21, Schueneman room 19, Carr room 27, Farnham room 26, Hanley room 25, Bascom room 14, Karsies room 13, Kruisenga room 15, Walker room 24, Brenner room 16, Dunham room 18, Westveer room 17.
Nominate your favorite teacher!
One of your 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 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
Link: Nominate a teacher
Yearbooks
Don't forget to order your yearbook. Sales will close at the end of the month. Our students always design the cover and boy, oh boy do we have some talented students! Check out how many covers are in the contest! The basic yearbook is $15 and all orders are ONLINE ONLY. You can order your yearbook HERE. Valley View's yearbook code is 14568526.
*Please note: we DO NOT order extras. If you want a yearbook, you must order through the website.
Upcoming events
- January 19 - MLK day (no school)
- January 20 - 4th grade field trip
- January 23 - PJ Day
Book vending
Our next three book vending machine dates are January 23, March 27, and April 17. Students can earn one gold coin by donating two gently used books from home during the swap dates. Use your gold coin in the book vending machine for a new book you can take home and keep or trade it back in at the next book swap!
SURVEY
The future of our schools impacts the strength of our entire community. Following the November election, we are seeking your honest perspective on district priorities, transparency, and facility needs to help shape our next steps.
Save the date
The Rockford Education Foundation invites you to The Taste on March 5, 2026. This is REF's annual signature event, serving up amazing support for education through great food, drinks, and community partnership. The Taste hosts many local restaurants and businesses. Learn more, sign up to sponsor or purchase tickets online. The sponsor deadline for marketing materials is January 10, 2026.
Mental Health
Join us for a cost-free evening dedicated to strengthening our community through mental health education, awareness, and connection. Visit with over 20 vendors and listen to two speaker presentations. Guest speakers are Mariah DeYoung, LMSW, CAADC, CCS and Chloe Metzger, LMSW. Wednesday, February 4th - 5:30 - 8:30pm at the Rockford High School Auditorium - 4100 Kroes Street, NE, Rockford, MI 49341
RPS Skate Night
Join us for the RPS Elementary School family open skate on Saturday, February 28th from 3-5pm at the Cedar Rock Sports Plex. Admission fee is $10 and if you sign in for Valley View, our PTO receives $2. We hope to see you there!
