You are not alone: Some of our kids are struggling.
They feel overwhelmed and isolated. Like they have nowhere to turn.
And no one should feel this way.
The truth is, too many young people do. And they suffer alone in silence.
That’s why It’s time to look out for one another, to listen.
It’s time to remind our children - “we’re here for you.”
Mental health reality:
More kids than ever are battling feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for kids 10 to 14 - a grim fact that’s grown more than 60% in the past decade.
Clearly, this can’t continue. We have to be there for one another.
The warning signs:
If you see a friend struggling, a classmate, or even yourself – don’t ignore it!
Please reach out if you or someone you know is:
-Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they used to love
-Feeling anxious, hopeless, or unusually sad
-Having sudden changes in mood or behavior
-Talking about disappearing or not wanting to be here
You are not alone: Every one of our schools has counselors, social workers, and people who truly care.
Your mental health matters. You matter.
If you’re struggling - reach out. Talk to a teacher, counselor, a parent, or any adult you trust.
And if you see someone in trouble - don’t stay silent. Talk to them, offer support. And tell someone!
Make a difference:
Rockford Public Schools invests nearly $30 million every year in social-emotional support. But no amount of money replaces everyday human contact.
Check in, say hi, or have a conversation telling someone they’re not alone.
So, let’s do something good. Because a little kindness can make all the difference.
Please reach out, we’re here to help:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call 988
- Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741
- Safe 2 Help Text Line – Text 72332
- RPS 205 School Counselors & Support Services available in every school
This year, we’re taking the next step in streamlining and simplifying the registration process for everyone by transitioning to 100% online registration. For more detailed information, please visit https://www.rps205.com/page/registration
Come join us tomorrow!
Congratulations to the 2025 REBA Champions at Brookview Elementary School (Girls) and Froberg Elementary School (Boys)! Special thanks to all of our volunteers that helped build another fun and exciting 4th and 5th grade basketball season!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: The Welcome Center & Early Childhood Screening & Placement will be open for regular business services including enrollments, change of address, & screenings for all Pre-K through 12th grade. Plus, families can submit their special program lottery application.
This week, local high schoolers got a hands-on look at skilled trades at the NW IL Building Trades Expo! Hosted at the Plumbers & Pipefitters facility, students explored top apprenticeship programs and careers in construction.
The 2025 Valkyries Synchronized Swimming Show starts next week!
Doors open 30 minutes before show time.
Tickets $8.00 each at the door.
Future Valkyries will perform on Tuesday, Saturday (all shows), and Sunday. That consists of 50 girls from RPS elementary and middle schools.
WHEN:
Tuesday, February 25th @ 6:00 pm (Sold Out)
Wednesday, February 26th @ 6:00 pm
Thursday, February 27th @ 6:00 pm (Senior Night)
Friday, February 28th @ 6:00 pm
Saturday, March 1st @ 10:00 am (Mini Show)
Saturday, March 1st @ 12:00 pm
Saturday, March 1st @ 5:00 pm
Sunday, March 2rd @ 12:00 pm
WHERE: Guilford High School Swimming Pool, 5620 Spring Creek Rd.
Have a great weekend! See you on Monday!
The Auburn Knights JV Basketball team had a historic season! With a 23-3 overall record and a perfect 18-0 in NIC-10 play, they secured their 3rd straight JV conference title! After back-to-back 17-1 finishes, going undefeated in 2024-25 makes this year extra special! Congrats!
🐷💋 Kiss A Pig! 💋🐷
Whitehead Elementary’s House Council put the power in students’ hands with a Kiss A Pig fundraiser! For one week, students dropped money into jars to vote for who they want to see smooch a pig from Ag in the Classroom. Principal Paula Randall had the most money in her jar and got up close and personal with a pig!
🥧🤣 Pie in the Face! 🤣🥧
Meanwhile, students have been working hard on My Path through iReady and writing about math daily to earn a Pie in the Face celebration! The grade levels with the most participation won a special assembly, where the top three students got to pie Mrs. Randall, Ms. Skaggs, and their teacher!
Way to go, Whitehead students, for making learning fun—and for making sure the staff gets a little messy!
The Illinois State Board of Education is honoring 500+ educators through its Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards. Marshall Middle School art teacher Jillian Myers earned the Award of Meritorious Service for her leadership, impact, & dedication to her school. Congrats!
Exciting Opportunity for current 5th Graders!
For the 2025-2026 school year, the STEAM Academy at West Middle School will welcome 6th-grade students! Apply today!
What is STEAM? STEAM = STEM + ARTS! This unique program integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math into everyday learning. Students thrive in a hands-on, inquiry-driven environment that encourages innovation, problem-solving, and a growth mindset.
How to Apply:
1. Submit the Interest Form by Friday, February 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM.
2. Parent/Legal Guardian must attend a Mandatory Informational Session at West Middle School
Option 1: Wednesday, February 19, 2025 | 5:00–6:00 PM
Option 2: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 | 5:00–6:00 PM
Information and Application link: https://www.rps205.com/o/wems/page/steam-academy-at-west Don't miss this unique opportunity!
Thanks to their amazing teachers, kindergarteners at Johnson & Brookview Elementary Schools are spreading love with Hearts Around the World! They've been collecting valentines from all 50 states & beyond. Johnson even received a special valentine from RPS graduate & Miami Dolphins player Rob Jones! Brookview students and staff were given stuffed toy lobsters all the way from Maine!
MOTIVATING THE NEXT GENERATION: State Rep. Maurice West, Ald. Gabrielle Torina, & Rockford Promise scholars inspired RESA middle schoolers with stories about the transformative power of education & the opportunities Rockford Promise creates by attending college tuition free!
All after school activities scheduled for today have been cancelled due to the weather. This includes all academic, athletic, & fine arts events, club meetings, and Y care.
TOMORROW: Join us for a Community Listening Session to share your thoughts on next year’s Student Code of Conduct!
February 13 from 5–7 PM @ East High School Library
Questions? Call the Student Services Department at 815-967-8401 or email student.services@rps205.com
Kennedy Middle School’s new Beta Club chapter, led by Mrs. Defrancesca & a group of dedicated 7th graders, kicked off with a Valentine’s card project for residents at a local nursing home. The district's FACE department visited to thank them for their dedication to service!
TOMORROW: Join us for a Community Listening Session to share your thoughts on next year’s Student Code of Conduct!
📍 February 5 | 5–7 PM | Auburn High School Library
Questions? Call the Student Services Department at 815-967-8401 or email student.services@rps205.com
RPS 205 families: Tomorrow is your last chance to share valuable feedback on updates we're considering for next year's elementary report cards. Please join us at Brookview Elementary School from 5-6 p.m.
Congratulations to Auburn's very own Mrs. Jessica Palos, who has been named the IHSA Sectional Softball Coach of the Year by the Illinois Softball Coaches Association. This is an outstanding accomplishment, and we want to celebrate Coach Palos and her successful season last year. The team won their first regional championship in Auburn High School history. More importantly, it's the tireless work that she puts into this program where awards like these are earned. We appreciate the work you do and on behalf of the Knights of Auburn, congratulations Coach!
