Jeremy Karel - Principal
jkarel@rockfordschools.org
Address: 405 Summit Ave, Rockford, MI 49341
Website: www.rockfordschools.org
(616) 863-6366
a note from mr. Karel
Dear Families,
The stretch from the start of the school year to Thanksgiving is our longest one without a break, and we want to thank you for all the ways you support learning at home. Your efforts truly show — our students come to school each day ready to engage and grow! As we head into the final few weeks before Thanksgiving, here are a few important reminders:
- Yearbooks: Yearbooks are now on sale — be sure to order yours!
- STEAM Night: Join us for STEAM Night Tuesday 11/17! It’s a fun, hands-on evening for the whole family.
- Early release: we have an early release (1:30pm dismissal) on November 11.
We also know the holiday season can bring extra challenges — both financial and emotional. If your family could use some extra support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You’ll also find a section in this newsletter with information about community resources available to help.
Warmly,
Mr. Karel
thank you!
A huge THANK YOU to our amazing Valley View parents and PTO for providing our staff with delicious meals during conference week!
Your thoughtfulness, generosity, and support mean so much to us. Conference days are long, and having a wonderful meal waiting for us was such a special treat! Thank you for taking the time to show our staff how much you care.
We are so lucky to be part of such an incredible school community!
With gratitude,
The Valley View Staff
Lost and found
Remaining items in the lost and found will be donated on Monday, 11/9. If you think you're missing something, even if you think you're not, please come check the lost and found before it all goes!
STEAM DONATION REQUESTS
Retired technology donations needed! We are collecting old, non-functional electronics for students to disassemble at our "reverse engineering" STEAM night station. Please send items in by November 13th.
Yearbooks
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 14568527.
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
Free and Reduced Lunch Application
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).
Reminders
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!
Illness Notification
Absences MUST be called into the office 616.863.6366 or emailed to the front office.
Please leave a message on our voicemail 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.
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!
Thanksgiving Break
School will be closed November 25th, 26th, and 27th.
