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,
We are rocking and rolling in our 2026/27 school year. We're digging into our curriculum, and students are working through our fall NWEA testing. As always, we appreciate your support and encouragement at home.
Our PTO has officially kicked off our annual fundraiser, the Valley View Voyage! This is our school’s only fundraiser, and it directly supports student field trips, teacher grants, and student support programs. We are so grateful for our amazing community, which always comes through in a big way! And, of course, I’m already looking forward to seeing what crazy incentive I’ve volunteered for this year! Thank you for supporting our students and our school community!
Just a reminder, we are excited to see what parents plan for our classroom parties this year. Just a reminder that party dates are as follows: Halloween - Oct 30, Holiday - Dec 17, and Valentine's - Feb 11. Look for a note from your student's teacher for details and a chance to sign up. Please note, we'd like all parents to get a chance to participate, so please only sign up for one party.
Important dates to remember:
September 16 - Early release and fall picture day
September 18 - Popcorn day and book vending machine
September 22 - Restaurant night at the Score
Warmly,
Mr. Karel
EARLY RELEASE DAYS
Please mark your calendars with the 2026-2027 Wednesday Early Release days:
- September 16 & 30
- October 14 & 28
- November 11
- December 9
- February 3 & 24
- March 10 & 24
- April 21
- May 5
News from the PTO
The PTO still has plenty of volunteer opportunities for parents. Below are the links to some of the ways to get involved.
If you are unable to volunteer for the above there will be many more opportunities throughout the year such as Valley View Voyage, Trunk or Treat, Santa Shop, Mail Month, Conference Meals, and more. Please keep an eye out for those signups as we approach closer to the event.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the PTO at rockfordvalleyviewpto@gmail.com
Join the voyage
STEP ONE: REGISTER ON FUND HUB & SHARE YOUR STUDENT’S PAGE
STEP TWO: GATHER DONATIONS
STEP FOUR: HELP VALLEY VIEW REACH THEIR GOAL
School Identifier Code: 66b21eb5dd9f1
Our school-wide goal is $32,000!
WHEN we reach our goal, Mr. Karel will become covered in neon paint and glitter!!
STEP THREE: EARN INCENTIVES
Register on FundHub: Receive a vinyl water bottle sticker.
Raise $25: Receive a sticky hand and sticker.
Raise $50: Receive a Valley View bracelet, sticky hand and sticker.
Raise $100: Receive a pair of neon sunglasses, bracelet, sticky hand, and sticker.
Raise $250: Receive an engraved water bottle with your name, sunglasses, bracelet, sticky hand, and sticker.
Top 10 Earners: Will neon paint splatter Mr. Karel
Top Earner Overall: Will glitter bomb Mr. Karel after he is covered in paint.
Top Class: Will receive an end of the day dance party.
Share your student’s page by social media, email, or text—family and friends can donate online directly to their page. Prefer not to donate online? Cash or checks (to Valley View PTO) can be dropped at the front office in an envelope labeled with the student’s name and teacher.
All contents from above image can be found in the Join the Voyage article.
Book vending machine
Have you heard about Valley View's Book Vending Machine?
Students can earn ONE gold coin by donating TWO gently used books from home during our monthly book swaps. Gold coins are redeemed in our Book Vending Machine for a book of their choosing to keep and enjoy at home! Please be mindful when choosing books to donate and help us fill the vending machine with titles elementary school age kids will be excited to see!
Books we ACCEPT:
-Current Titles
-Graphic Novels
-Chapter Books
Books we CANNOT ACCEPT:
-Damaged Books
-Religious Books
-Large/Oversized Books
-Picture Books/Board Books
Thank you for helping to make the Book Vending Machine a fun and exciting event for the students! Book swaps take place on select Fridays from 1-3pm in the library. 9/18, 10/23, 11/20, 12/11, 1/22, 2/19, 3/19, 4/16, 5/14
If you have any questions regarding the Book Swaps/Book Vending Machine, please contact Lindsay at lindsaybush24@gmail.com.
All contents from above image can be found in the Book Vending Machine article.
All contents from above image can be found in the Library Update article.
Library update
I am so excited to welcome children back into the library, and the books have been flying off the shelves! Library books are due on the following days:
Monday: Mrs. Dome, Mrs. Bascom, Mrs. Carr, Mrs. Bowman, Mrs. Brenner, Mrs. Hanley
Tuesday: Mrs. Gregory, Mrs. Karsies, Mrs. Farnham, Mrs. Lanham, Mrs. Dunham, Mrs. Johns
Wednesday: Mr. McGrew
Thursday: Mrs. Schueneman, Mrs. Kruisenga, Mrs. Mitton, Mrs. Young, Mr. VanValkenburg, Mrs. O’Rourke
Please ensure any library books are returned on library day so more can be checked out. Kindergarten have fantastic new book bags to help keep their books safe. First and second graders will have brought home a bookmark with their name and library day on it. Please return that bookmark with their library book each week to help remind them of their library day and practice book care.
Many thanks,
Mrs. Wroe
KDL Reading challenge
Kent District Libraries has launched their Legendary Readers K-5 reading challenge.
START HERE. Pick up a paper log at any branch or print from home.
Cross off one GRIFFIN FEATHER for each day you complete a challenge requirement. After 100 days, turn in this sheet at any KDL branch for a cool prize and an entry into our grand prize drawing.
Happy reading!
picture day!
September 16th is our Fall Picture Day! To pre-order your student's pictures visit www.mylifetouch.com. Valley View's picture day code is: HW7R3GTVE.
Ultimate Frisbee
Rockford Ultimate Frisbee registration is still available for students in grades 3–8! No experience is needed, and most new players are learning the sport for the first time. Fall practices begin Sunday, September 13, from 1:00–3:00 PM at North Rockford Middle School, with Friday game nights from 5:30–7:30 PM at MacKay-Jaycees Park. The season runs through October 30.
Register here: Rockford 3rd–8th Fall Registration
