Welcome

Good afternoon,

This week marks the end of our second trimester. This is more important at the Freshman Center/Rockford High School level as classes often change each trimester. But for all of us, this reinforces that this school year is moving quickly.

I wanted to highlight a couple of things:

First, our mid-year assessment data of K-8 students continues to demonstrate that great things are happening in our classrooms. Our Fall ’25 to Winter ’26 achievement shows high achievement.

It is evident that our teachers are teaching and our students are learning! Well done!

Second, Lifetouch, the school photography provider, has been caught up in some rumors circulating on social media. We have reviewed these rumors and feel confident that they are false. Lifetouch has been a trusted partner and we expect them to continue to be for the district.

The CEO of Lifetouch has responded in this recent post: Public Statement from Ken Murphy, Lifetouch Group CEO, on recent rumors around student privacy. - Lifetouch

I share this because I wanted you to know that we are aware of these rumors and have spent time evaluating them. Student safety will always be a priority for us.

Finally, the high school theater production of Les Misérables is coming March 13 – 15 and March 20 – 22. Tickets are available here: Ludus - ROCKTIX

Our wrestling, bowling, basketball, gymnastics, hockey, boys’ swim and dive, dance, and cheer teams have had a tremendous winter season. We wish them all good luck as they head to postseason and to their end of season tournaments.

Believe it or not, our spring sports seasons will begin in just a few short weeks.

Steve

Dr. Steve Matthews, Superintendent

Rockford Public Schools