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 Families,
Whether you are traveling or staying home this Thanksgiving, I hope you are able to enjoy some time with family and friends. We wish you safe travels and warm wishes.
Our first week back in December is packed full of fun. Our elves will have transformed our library into a magical Santa's workshop, and our holiday concert is on Thursday, December 4th. Details for both events are below. As always, should you have any questions, please give us a call.
Warmly,
Mr. Karel
Holiday concert time!
Our Valley View Holiday Concert is quickly approaching on December 4th, 2025, at the Rockford High School Auditorium! Kindergarten and first grade will sing together, second and third grades, and fourth and fifth grades! Your musician has been practicing, and we can’t wait to sing for you! Please plan to attend and ring in the holiday season with some amazing singing by our Valley View students! Your musician can wear their holiday best, Santa hats and reindeer antlers are welcome!
K/1 arrival 5:50pm in the band room, concert 6:00pm
2/3 arrival 6:35pm in the orchestra room, concert at 6:45pm
4/5 arrival 7:20pm in the band room, concert at 7:30pm
If you have family unable to attend the concert the live stream link to the auditorium is: https://www.youtube.com/@RHS_Auditorium
Toy drive
Valley View's Student Council will be leading a toy drive this year. Our school leaders were presented with many opportunities to give back, and they felt very strongly about giving to the community in which we all live. Tree of Hope is sponsored by North Kent Connect, and they are currently servicing 1,600 children. If you are able to, please consider sending a new, unwrapped toy to school between November 24th and December 12th. North Kent Connect and Valley View's Student Council thanks you!
Yearbooks for sale
Our yearbook sales website is now open. The basic yearbook is $15 and all orders are ONLINE ONLY. You can order your yearbook HERE. Valley View's yearbook code is 14568526.
Haven't purchased your school pictures yet?
As a token of appreciation, Lifetouch is offering discounts on school photography!
- 50% off a purchase of $50+ with code 50THANKS
- 40% off a purchase of $40+ with code 40THANKS
- 30% off a purchase of $30+ with code 30THANKS
santa shop
We are excited to announce that Valley View Elementary will once again be hosting our annual Santa Shop this holiday season! This year, we are partnering with Natalie’s Elf Shelf Holiday Store to transform our school library into a festive and magical holiday shopping experience.
Santa Shop Details
Shopping Dates: December 1st – 5th
Where: Valley View Elementary Library
When: Students will visit the shop during their regularly scheduled library times (see schedule attached).
Please check your child's folder this week for Santa Shop information, including a Gift Guide Envelope for their shopping funds. The envelope includes a budgeting section to help your child plan how they'd like to divide their money among different gifts. Our goal is to teach students simple money-management skills while giving them the joy of picking out something special for the people they care about. *Cash or checks made out to Valley View PTO. Please note that if paying by check, we will not be able to give change back.
We want to make sure every child has the opportunity to participate. For this reason, we will once again offer Elf Bucks, funded by the PTO, for students who would benefit from financial assistance. If your child may need support, please let us or your child’s teacher know before their scheduled shopping time. We will make sure they can enjoy the experience alongside their classmates.
Volunteers Needed:
To make this event a success, we need your help! Volunteers are needed for the following:
Shopping Assistants: Volunteer to help students shop during the week of the Santa Shop (December 1st-5th). Volunteers will also help students wrap and address their gifts during this time. We will both have morning shifts and afternoon shifts available. Event Break Down: The shop will be open the morning of December 5th for any students who still need to shop. At 10:30am that day, we will begin breaking down the event and need some extra hands.
If you’d like to volunteer for one (or more!) of these opportunities, please visit our Sign Up Genius via the link below to reserve your spot:
Thank you for helping us make this event a success! We look forward to sharing the magic of the holiday season with your child!
- Valley View PTO
Community resources
Food Resources
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.
Education Benefits
We strongly encourage all parents/guardians to return their Education Benefits Form. Completing this form takes less than five minutes and can help students receive important resources. Filling out the Education Benefits Form may help provide:
- Health & Wellness Services
- Before and After School Academic & Enrichment Programs
- Guidance & College Counselors
- Fee Waivers for College Applications & Admissions Tests
- Resources for Classrooms, Teachers & Children
SAP
Say “I have a School Assistance Program (SAP) with Rockford Public Schools” when you call 800.442.0809 and press “1.” Every RPS family member in your household is eligible. The Rockford Education Foundation (REF) has proudly partnered with Rockford Public Schools to provide expert counseling, therapy, and resources through Pine Rest’s School Assistance Program (SAP).
Please note
Winter weather
As the weather cools down, please remember to pack an extra set of clothes for your child — including socks, underwear, a t-shirt, and sweatpants — to keep in their backpack during the fall and winter months. Also, don’t forget to label your child’s coats, boots, and other belongings with their name. Thank you!
Alerts
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!
Upcoming events
- November 26-28: No school Thanksgiving break.
- December 4: Valley View concert
- December 1-5: Secret Santa Shop!
- December 10: Early release day 1:30pm dismissal
- December 18: Holiday parties
- December 19: Last day before winter break
- December 22-Jan 2: No school winter break
What is Girls on the Run?
Girls on the Run is a nationwide program for 3rd–5th grade girls that builds confidence, friendships, and healthy habits—with a little running mixed in! Through upbeat, interactive lessons and physical activity, girls learn to be their best selves. The season wraps up with a joyful, celebratory 5K on May 16th. It’s a fun, uplifting after-school experience your girl won’t want to miss!
Season Details
Dates: Feb 23-May 16 (Might start one week later due to conferences.)
Practices: Tuesdays & Thursdays after school until 5:00
Curriculum: New! “Hello, Bold Heart!” focuses on “giving her the confidence to share her thoughts, feelings, and ideas.”
Registration
Opens: Dec 1
Closes: Dec 11 (reopens Dec 15 for any remaining spots)
Process: Lottery system; team assignments shared after registration closes. We do our best to make sure every girl gets a spot!
Cost: $130 for the season (financial assistance is available)
Registration link:
https://www.pinwheel.us/register/index/2026KentOttawaprogram
Coaching
We’d love more coaches—and no running experience is required!
Become a coach: https://www.girlsontherun.org/get-involved/coach/
