Edgerton Trails Newsletter
news from the edge
Shannon Ouellette, Principal
souellette@rockfordschools.org
9605 Edgerton Ave, Rockford, MI 49341
Phone: 616-326-1030
November 6, 2026
A note from Mrs. O.
How did we get to the first week of November already? I always remind the students to be grateful and to remember to say please and thank you, so I am taking that lesson to this newsletter. In a busy time it is important to remember all the wonderful things that happen at this school each day that I am grateful for.
- Mileage Club: Thank you to Katie Oliver and all the parent volunteers who helped track miles during recess this fall. This is such a positive experience and outlet for so many of our kids.
- PTO: Thank you to this group of hard-working volunteers that create memory making events for our students. Trunk or Treat and Field Trips to name a few.
- Our Staff Appreciation Committee: Adopt the lounge has been such a fun gift to our staff. Also, conferences meals are so appreciated during the busy week of conferences.
- Lunch and Recess Volunteers: How fun for our students to have parents in our building each day.
- Room Parents: Our Halloween parties were amazing. Thank you for the energy and time you put into planning and organizing for the parties.
- Parent Volunteers for School Store: Thank you to Jen Smith and Rachel Newman for volunteering each month to run the school store.
- Mrs. Mellish: Book Fair week is a crazy and busy week and she seems to keep smiling through all the craziness.
- Mrs. Perry and Mrs. Schad for all they do to keep this school running and for the kind way they interact with all the students.
important Dates
November 11: Early Release Day
November 11: PTO Meeting at 6:00 PM. All are WELCOME!
November 17: STEAM Night 5:30-8:00 at Rockford High School FREE
November 20: Popcorn Day
November 25, 26, 27: No School/Thanksgiving Holiday
December 8, 9, 10: Holiday Workshop
December 9: Early Release Day
December 17: Holiday Classroom Parties
December 14-18: School Spirit Week
December 21-31: Winter Recess-No School
January 1-3: Winter Recess-No School
January 4: School Resumes
Thank you to the 10 Mile PITA Way
A BIG thank you to Pita Way on 10 Mile for their donation of our Staff Conference Meal. We had a great meal catered on Wednesday for our teachers. FYI: Kids ages 2-12 eat free with an entree. The store owner is very happy to be part of the Rockford Community.
Girls on the run
Edgerton's Girls on the Run program is seeking 2-3 more volunteer coaches for the Spring '27 season! We currently have volunteers for one team and would like to increase to two teams in order to accommodate the high interest in the program.
Come join the fun!-Girls on the Run is a program for 3rd-5th graders and will run Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:45-5:15 from March 2-May 13, with the Celebration 5k on May 15 at GVSU.
Coaches can volunteer for Tuesday and/or Thursday practices (one or two days a week)-Registration for girls will be first come, first served this year, starting Dec. 1 with a limit of 15 girls per team (we are aiming for two teams this year). Coaches' children are guaranteed a spot on the team through a special early registration period and receive a discount on registration (in addition to free entry to the 5k) as a thank you for volunteering! -To find out more (or register to coach!) go to Coach | GOTR West Michigan, and reach out to our GOTR Site Liaison, Sarah Powell, at spowell1@rockfordschools.org
TOYS FOR TOTS
For the third year in a row, Edgerton Trails will be collecting toys for Toys for Tots. Our Student Council will count, collect and organize our toys and we will bring them to WZZM in early December. Toys for Tots is a great organization and as a principal, I love the lesson of giving back.
dismissal changes/reminders
Changes in dismissal plans should be communicated to the teacher and the office no later than 2:00 pm.
Cut off time for early pick-ups is 2:45 pm. This allows for us to focus on our LET and DK students who start to dismiss at 3:10 pm.
Please include Jennifer Perry: jperry1@rockfordschools.org and/or Melissa Schad: mschad@rockfordschools.org in any emails you send to your student's teacher regarding any dismissal changes. Many times, there is a sub in the classroom who doesn't have access to the teacher's email, or the teacher simply didn't have time to check email throughout the day. Adding the office staff onto the email will help ensure your students change in dismissal plans is a success.
The earlier you call/email for a dismissal change, the better.
Thank you for your help with this as we work to keep our dismissal efficient and safe for all students.
Veterans Day Honor Wall at Edgerton Trails
Edgerton Trails Elementary is proud to honor our military with a special tribute to both veterans and active military. If you would like to contribute to our Wall of Heroes, please fill out a "My Hero" page, add a photograph or drawing, and have your student bring it to the front office or to their teacher during the month of November. Thank you to our troops, Happy Veterans Day!
The "My Hero" page can be found below, or a blank copy can be picked up in the front office.
Our School Community-RAMS MODEL
This year we are continuing with our RAMS model. The RAMS model recognizes students for being
R: Respectful
A: Accountable
M: Motivated
S: Safe
When staff notice these behaviors, we pass out Ram tickets and these are used as a raffle (in DK, K and 1st) and as currency for shopping in the school store for our 2nd-5th graders.
In November we will be focusing on Accountability. Accountability in our RAMS model means: being ready to learn, trying your best, participating and owning your choices. For November, students will have an opportunity to earn a green Ram ticket worth 10.
We continue to use the language of respectful, accountable, motivated and safe with all students when redirection is needed and noticing and celebrating when we see positive choices.
Stay Connected and in the know
How to stay informed on all things Edgerton Trails and RPS. Access our Edgerton Trails Website, the PTO website and the RPS website. All help you keep connected and in the know.
Edgerton Trails PTO Facebook Page: Search for our page and like us on Facebook!
Recess rams and volunteering at Edgerton
Recess Rams Sign Up Link Use code: ET2026
We need your help!
Our students need volunteers during lunch and recess. Your involvement makes a significant difference, as research shows children thrive when parents and adults are more engaged.
If you are able to lend a hand, we invite you to sign up for any available time slot(s). Every bit of help counts and goes a long way toward creating a positive experience for our students.
We appreciate your time, effort, and willingness in helping enrich the experience for our children at Edgerton Trails. Should you have any questions about the volunteer process, please feel free to contact me at your convenience. Thank you!
NOTE: ALL volunteers will have to pass the Rockford Public Schools background check for the 2026-2027 school year and are required to complete the Volunteer Consent Form.
STEAM NIGHT
