RPS205

REMINDER: Early Childhood wraps up today with its normal schedule. The last day for K–11 students is tomorrow, but it's a shortened day. For more information on times at your school, check out the 205 VIBE: rps205.com/article/2813047

Field Day is taking place at elementary schools across RPS 205! Marshall Elementary students had a blast with sleds, water, inflatable horses, a live petting zoo & much more! Big thanks to our awesome teachers & volunteers for making it a day full of smiles!

REMINDER: High school graduation ceremonies are next week. Admission is free, but guests must have a ticket in order to enter the BMO. Tickets can be picked up at the high school's main office. All other info about this district event can be found at rps205.com/page/graduation

Congratulations to Jefferson High School senior Adylene Montoya for winning the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Illinois’ 17th District! Her piece, “Big Kid,” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, representing Rockford and student artists nationwide.

The Illinois Seal of Biliteracy recognizes students who demonstrate high proficiency in English & another language. This year, a record 60 students earned the Seal and 43 earned the Commendation. Congrats to these students for their academic achievement and cultural connection!

Congratulations to Guilford High School's Nutrition Services staff member, Daisy Powell, for receiving AFSCME’s Never Quit Service Award! Her compassion, & dedication goes far beyond serving meals. afscme.org/blog/an-illino…

Marshall Elementary celebrated School-wide Inquiry Week by sparking curiosity, creativity, and collaboration across classrooms! Students explored topics they were passionate about, worked with peers across grade levels, and engaged in hands-on learning experiences.

Sophomores in the Production Academy’s Engineering Pathway & Haskell STEAM students raced handmade cardboard canoes at Levings Lake! They designed, engineered, & built their boats using only cardboard & duct tape, then competed to see which was the fastest & stayed afloat.

Students across RPS 205 were honored for their creativity in celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary! Mayor Tom McNamara & County Board Chairman Joe Chiarelli visited schools Thursday to recognize Essay & Visual Art Contest winners with certificates and $100 gift cards.

REMINDER FOR ALL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: Celebrate culture & connection at RPS 205! Join the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council on tomorrow from 12–3 PM at Jefferson High School’s Main Gym for a powerful event showcasing history & unity across our diverse school communities.

RESA MS hosted its 3rd Annual Junior Promise Program Celebration in partnership with Rockford Promise! Students in grades 6–8 were honored for earning a 3.0 GPA or higher while hearing from Rockford Promise scholars & reps from Rockford University about future opportunities.

Congratulations to Eisenhower Middle School reading teacher Ginger Murphy on earning the prestigious READ 180 Educator Award from HMH! The national award honors educators who help struggling readers grow, build confidence, and develop a love of literacy.

Students from Carlson, Marshall Middle, & Auburn excelled in the Illinois Future Problem Solving Competition! Their achievements highlight their dedication to critical thinking & problem-solving. Cheer them on as they head to the international stage to tackle global issues!

Show off your talent at the Juneteenth Celebration Talent Show! Auditions are open May 11–18 for school-appropriate acts. Only 7–10 acts will be selected to perform live at the Sinnissippi Band Shell on June 19. Selected performers notified by June 1. Scan the QR code to sign up.

Our Student Ambassadors are leading the way! Last week, through student-led tours with RPS 205 administration, middle schoolers at Flinn, West, Eisenhower, Lincoln, RESA, and Marshall, built leadership, confidence, and community. This program is shaping tomorrow’s leaders today!

Congratulations to Marshall Middle School's Scholastic Bowl team for taking 4th place at the IESA State Tournament! There were over 400 teams in the state. They lost on the last question to a team that was champion last year. Great job representing RPS 205. Photos: Maurice Redd

Innovation & creativity were on display at Haskell's Fifth Grade Maker Expo! Students worked in teams to research, plan, & build carnival-style capstone projects using the engineering design process. They shared lessons learned, challenges faced, & real-world connections.

Seniors' Last Day: Today, Guilford seniors celebrated their upcoming graduation with Cap, Gown & a side of Sprinkles! Students enjoyed a donut party, paraded through GHS halls, then visited nearby elementary & middle schools to inspire younger students in their caps & gowns. 🎓🍩

As Teacher Appreciation Week comes to a close, we’re shining a light on our amazing special programs teachers! Thank you to all of our educators for the impact you make every day. Today’s 205 VIBE celebrates the teachers who help every student succeed! rps205.com/article/2857311

🎓 The Quad hosted its inaugural Grad Walk, celebrating graduating seniors as they took one final walk through the halls. Students were cheered on by staff, peers, and supporters while reflecting on their hard work and bright futures ahead. Congratulations Class of 2026!