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 Parents,
I want to extend a big thank you for your active participation during our recent conferences. Your involvement and support make a significant difference in our school community. As we approach the final stretch before spring break, it's inspiring to see how well our One School One Book reading initiative is progressing. Your encouragement and engagement with this program are truly appreciated. Together, we're fostering a love of reading and learning among our students. Thank you once again for all that you do.
Charlotte’s Web Reading Schedule:
March 10 - pages 42-51
March 11 - pages 52-65
March 12 - pages 66-76
March 13 - pages 77-85
March 17 - pages 86-104
March 18 - pages 105-117
March 19 - pages 118-129
March 20 - pages 130-137
March 24 - pages 138-143
March 25 - pages 144-154
March 26 - pages 155-171
March 27 - pages 172-184
Coming up:
3/12/25: Early release day
3/19/25: 5th grade Junior Achievement field trip
3/21/25: Book swap day
-Mr. Karel
Rockford family night
You're invited to kick off your summer with the West Michigan Whitecaps! A portion of each ticket bought will be donated directly back to the schools. The game is on Tuesday, May 20th at 6:05pm. Gates open at 4:50pm. Tickets cost $18 each or $24 with a hotdog and a soda. Tickets can be purchased at https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Rockfordfamily25
family skate night
Lace up your skates and hit the ice with your Valley View friends, as well as families from other Rockford elementary schools! When you check in, be sure to mention Valley View Elementary, and $2 from each admission will be donated to the Valley View Elementary PTO.
Not a fan of ice skating? No problem! Join for drop-in soccer on the indoor field. Soccer admissions is just $5, and $1 from each entry will support the Valley View PTO.
Come up for a fun night! Date: Friday, April 18th from 6pm-8pm. Address: Cedar Sportsplex, 4758 Cornfield Drive, Cedar Springs, MI. Admission cost is $10. Skate rental is $5.
DK/K Parent night
Parents of incoming DK or Kindergarten students for the 2025-2026 school year are welcome to attend a parent information night on Tuesday, March 18th from 6:00-7:00pm here at Valley View.
Note, this information night is for parents/guardians only and will serve as an opportunity for parents/guardians to meet the teachers and see the school. This event includes opportunities to learn more about the screening process and our Developmental Kindergarten and Kindergarten programming. Please make other arrangements for your child(ren) for the Parent/Guardian Information Night as there will be an opportunity in August for them to meet their teacher and visit their classroom prior to the first day of school.
Welcome to starbooks
Our amazingly creative librarian, Mrs. Wroe, is introducing our students to a world of new and exciting books by inviting them to a "book tasting cafe." Our library will be transformed into a "Starbooks" cafe where kids can explore new titles. Thank you Mrs. Wroe for keeping our readers engaged and for being just downright cool.
Seussical
Get your tickets now for Rockford High School's musical, Seussical! March 7, and 8 at 8pm, March 9 at 3pm, March 13, 14,15 at 7pm and March 16 at 3pm. Tickets are $20 and children 12 and under are $12. Purchase tickets HERE.
News from the PTO
PTO meetings will all be at 7:00pm in the library on the following Wednesday dates:
March 12th
April 16th
May 14th
Book vending machine dates:
Our book vending machine dates are set for the rest of the year! Students can bring in two gently used books each month to earn a gold book coin. Gold coins are used in the vending machine during book swaps. Students can choose one book from the machine to take home and keep. Dates for the exchange are March 21, April 25, and May 16.
Happy reading!!
spring concert!
Our Valley View Musicians have begun practicing for our The Nature of Music spring concert which will take place in the evening at the Rockford High School auditorium April 17! More information will be coming closer to the big day, but you will not want to miss this fun evening! Our Kindergarten and 1st grade will perform together, 2nd and 3rd, and 4th and 5th! We can’t wait to sing for you!
Jamie Saincome
Valley View Music Educator
PTO Spending Update
As we head toward spring, this is the biggest spending time of year for the PTO; thank you to everyone for an amazing Voyage Fundraiser last fall that makes all of these student/teacher enrichment activities possible!
Here is the brief overview of the expenses since the last update in November, as well as projected expenses for the remainder of the school year, but the detailed budget spreadsheet monthly report is always available on the PTO website including all income as well.
Benevolent Giving (Santa Shop financial assistance) - $293
Banking expenses(checkbooks) - $30
Art program (paper, paint, clay, fabrics) - $500
STEAM program (child safe paper/cardboard cutters, programmable robots) - $500
PE program (new gymnasium speaker) - $265
Library (shelf labels, display shelves, reading Bingo prizes) - $101
Book Vending Machine stock - $300
Field trip bussing (3rd/5th grade charter busses to Capital/Greenfield Village) - $4990
Bulletin boards - $31
Yearly PTO event liability insurance - $531
One-Book-One-School (books for all students/staff) - $2864
Zoo School for 4th Grade - $660 to decrease costs to students
Staff Meetings/Appreciation - $1568 (Christmas party meal, conference meals, in service afternoon snacks/drinks)
Teacher Classroom grants - $100
***Santa Shop - $7928 inventory cost, $236 decorations, $293 benevolent giving, $79 items purchased for Karel Kash prizes. (***Note that these expenses are covered by sales income from the Santa Shop.)
Our projected larger spring expenses not yet paid include:
$4000 - Family Fun night (venue rental, Balloon Guy, Face painters, inflatables, prizes)
$2000 - spring field trip bussing DK/K/1st/2nd/4th
$800 - Field Day waters/popsicles/hoppy balls and other game supplies
$800 - additional classroom teacher grants
$300 - teacher appreciation week in May
So again, thank you all for such a successful 2024 Fall Voyage Fundraiser to fund these great activities that make Valley View so amazing!!!
Happy Almost Spring!
Valley View PTO
Mr. Karel, most inspirational principal?
You betcha! Now we hope he gets recognized for it. Mr. Karel has been nominated for 2025 Most Inspirational Principal title through GR Kids! Vote for our beloved principal at GR KIDS. You can also catch his interview with 13 On Your Side HERE. We know Mr. Karel is the best, now it's time to let the rest of Grand Rapids know it too!
YEARBOOKS
Don't forget to order your yearbooks! Visit ybpay.lifetouch.com today! Valley View's code is 14568525.
SAP
Access support today!
Say “I have an 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). Additional resources can be found HERE.
GRASP
GRASP is a correspondence program for students in Kindergarten through 8th grades which helps students maintain reading and math skills while they are on summer break. The fees for the summer of 2025 are $26 for one subject or $48 for both subjects for each student. You can enroll your student for the book version (grades K-8) or the optional online version (grades 4-8) by completing the registration and payment online. 
Enrollment Now Open
6th Grade Orientation
5th graders and parents are invited to an optional middle school open house on Thursday, March 20th from 6:00-7:30pm at ERMS and NRMS.
family resources
Additional resources can be found on the special services website and newsletter. Read their latest newsletter Special Programs Newsletter.
SENIOR MONTHLY COMMODITIES by Kent County (outside on south side of NKC building)
Monday, March 10, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
- Open to Kent County Residents 60+ who meet income requirements.
- Please see an NKC case manager to complete an application for this program.
SENIOR PANTRY by Meals on Wheels (NKC Classroom, north entrance)
Thursday, March 20, 10:00am - 11:30am
- Open to Kent County Residents 60+ who meet income requirements.
- Photo ID & proof of income required for registration.
- Please call Meals on Wheels (616) 459-3111 for income qualifications.
KENT DISTRICT LIBRARY BOOKMOBILE (NKC north parking lot)
Monday, March 3, 10:00am - 11:30am
- KDL Bookmobile will be onsite offering KDL card signups, library materials for checkout
and Wi-Fi access with printing available. There will be an ADA chairlift.
RIDELINK NORTH COUNTY PANTRY BUS (NKC Lobby, north entrance)
Tuesday, March 4, 9:00am - 12:00pm (first Tuesday of each month)
- Must be 60+ and registered with RideLink: 844-649-8459.
- Must be a North Kent Connect client 60+. Call NKC to reserve your ride: 616-866-3478.
- Currently serving these housing sites: Rockford Towers, River Grove, Richter Place,
Mildred Houting, Harvest Way, and Sparta Townhouses.
DISABILITY ADVOCATES OF KENT COUNTY (located in our partner wing on the west side
(back) of NKC)
Wednesday, March 5, 12, 19, and 26, 8:00am - 3:00pm
- Jenny Markel, Information and Referral Specialist, will be on site to assist those with
disabilities who need help with food stamp benefits, cash assistance, and SSI/SSDI. Call Jenny (616) 323-2214 for an appointment.
YWCA (NKC Lobby, north entrance)
Thursday, March 6, 10:00am - 12:00pm
- Provides help with domestic and dating abuse, sexual assault, stalking, and child sexual abuse.
PINE REST STREET REACH (NKC Lobby, north entrance)
Thursday, March 13, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
- Provides services and connections with individuals experiencing homelessness.
RESUME WRITING by West Michigan Works!
Wednesday, March 19, 9:30am - 11:00am at the Greenville Service Center (114 S Greenville W Dr.)
Learn the content and proper format of a resume. Participants will be provided with templates and resources to begin writing modern resumes, tailored to their specific needs. Staff will offer tips and suggestions to help elevate your resume above the competition.
INTERVIEWING SKILLS by West Michigan Works!
Wednesday, March 26, 1:30pm - 3:00pm at the Greenville Service Center (114 S Greenville W Dr.)
This workshop provides interview techniques including preparation, follow-up and how to answer difficult questions. You will also get tips on appearance, non-verbal communication skills and more to help you ace your next interview.
JOB SEARCH TECHNIQUES by West Michigan Works!
Thursday, March 27, 11:00am - 12:30pm at the Greenville Service Center (114 S Greenville W Dr.)
Job searching in today's world should be an intentional practice that aligns with you and your goals.
This workshop explores modern strategies that build personalized job search plans based on individual job seeker's strengths and needs and also offers a toolkit of resources to assist you.
To register for this FREE workshop, call West MI Works at (616) 754-3611 or visit https://jobs.westmiworks.org/montcalm-county-events
MI MONEY HEALTH by Michigan State University
MSU Extension provides resources and education on money management, foreclosure prevention,
buying your own home, retirement planning and more to help you and your family be more financially healthy.
For more information, visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/mimoneyhealth/
FOOD PANTRY at St. Joseph Catholic Church (409 S Bridge Street, Belding)
- Thursdays, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
GROCERY GARAGE at City Impact (288 North Main St, Cedar Springs)
- Thursdays, 9:00am - 11:00am
- Saturdays following the 6:00pm church service, 7pm - 8pm
FOOD PANTRY at First Congregational Church (192 E Bridge St NE, Rockford)
- 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 4:00pm - 6:00pm
FOOD PANTRY and MEALS at Sparta United Methodist Church (54 E Division Street, Sparta)
- Pantry: Monday through Thursday, 10:00am - 1:00pm (Located in the church office, back entrance)
- Community Breakfast: Every 4th Saturday, 8:00am - 10:00am (Located in church lower dining room)
BABY PANTRY at St. Gianna's Baby and Toddler Boutique (1400 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids)
- Tuesdays, 12:00pm - 3:00pm; Thursdays, 10:00am - 1:00pm, 1 visit monthly
MEALS at St. John Paul II Catholic Church (3110 17 Mile Rd NE, Cedar Springs)
- Tuesdays, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Saturday, 3/1 at 2:00pm - The Vine Assembly of God Church (Drive thru: 112 Commerce, Grant) Tuesday, 3/4 at 5:00pm - Fremont United Methodist Church (Drive thru: 351 Butterfield Street, Fremont) Friday, 3/7 at 5:00pm - South Ensley Community Church (Drive thru: 13600 Cypress Ave, Sand Lake)
Wednesday, 3/12 at 10:00am - TrueNorth Community Services (Drive thru: 6308 South Warner Ave, Fremont)
Friday, 3/14 at 5:00pm - Sparta Early Childhood Center (Drive thru: 480 S State St, Sparta) Saturday, 3/15 at 9:00am - Vineyard North Church (Drive thru: 4700 East Beltline NE, Grand Rapids) Monday, 3/17 at 4:30pm - Cedar Springs Fire Station (Drive thru: 38 N Second St NE, Cedar Springs) Friday, 3/21 at 4:30pm - Belding High School (Drive thru: 850 Hall Street, Belding)
Tuesday, 3/25 at 5:00pm - Northland Church of Christ (Drive thru: 9891 S Mason Drive, Grant)
Wednesday, 3/26 at 10:00am - TrueNorth Community Services (Drive thru: 6308 South Warner Ave, Fremont) Saturday, 3/29 at 1:00pm - Zion Lutheran Church (Drive thru: 582 Lamoreaux Drive NW, Comstock Park) Saturday, 3/29 at 2:00pm - Alpine Elementary School (Drive thru: 4730 Baumhoff Ave. NW, Comstock Park)
If you have questions about a specific Mobile Pantry, please contact the host agency. You can find this information and other food resources online at www.feedwm.org/mobile-pantry-schedule/. This schedule is provided as a courtesy. It is not guaranteed to be error free, and may be updated or changed at any time, so use it at your own risk. For the most up-to-date information, visit www.feedwm.org/findfood.This site is updated in real time.
FEDERAL COMMODITIES (TEFAP) at Peace Lutheran Church by Kent County (1225 12 Mile, Sparta) |
Thursday, March 20, 1:30pm - 4:30pm |
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https://www.kentcountymi.gov/191/Distribution-Locations-Information or call (616) 632-7950. |
North Kent Connect is an equal opportunity provider
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