Teya Cotter - Principal
tcotter@rockfordschools.org
Address: 4894 Sturgis St., Rockford, MI 49341
Website: www.rockfordschools.org
Phone: (616) 863-6344
Fax: (616) 863-6357
Important Dates
- March 12 Early Release 1:30 pm
- March 12 Cannonsburg Battle of the Books
- March 18 Dk/Kindergarten Parent/Guardian Information Night 6-7pm
- March 25 Family Art Night 6-7pm
- March 26 Early Release 1:30 pm
- March 28 GRAND Battle of the Books
Early Release Days
- March 12
- March 26
- April 23
- May 7
Students will eat lunch at school and dismissal will be at 1:30 pm on those days. Please plan ahead for transportation changes.
Cannonsburg Calendar
March is reading month
Newsletter Dates
All future newsletters will be featured on the new Rockford website. There will be a new biweekly schedule for elementary schools. All newsletters will be posted by 4pm on the following days:
March 7, March 21, April 2 - optional, April 18, May 2, May 16, May 30.
A link will be sent out through Family Access to help families navigate the new schedule.
Battle of the books
We have added Knights for the 2025 Battle of the Books. Our new Knights now qualify to participate in the Cannonsburg Battle of the Books on March 12. The top eight scoring Knights at our school battle will then be the Cannonsburg team and move on to participate in the RPS Grand Battle of the Books on March 28.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Abigail Leaver, Everet Fransen, Andrew Straayer, CeCe Bailey, Alyssa Pratt and Jack Anderson
seussical
Get your tickets now for Rockford High School's musical, Seussical! March 7,8 at pm, 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.
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 DAy!
Cannonsburg Elementary
Join us for a Fun- Filled Morning of Ice Skating! Lace up your skates and hit the ice with your Cannonsburg friends as well as families from other Rockford elementary schools! When you check in, be sure to mention Cannonsburg Elementary, and $2 from each admission will be donated to the Cannonsburg PTC.
Come out for a morning of fun, friends, and community spirit – all while giving back to your school!
Saturday, March 22nd, 2025
10:00 am-12:00 pm
Admission $10
(Free entry for kids under 5 with a paid adult)
CEDAR ROCK SPORTSPLEX
4758 Cornfield Drive
Cedar Springs, MI 49319
school assistance program
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.
egle earth day poster contest
EGLE invites students in kindergarten through 5th grade to enter the annual Michigan Earth Day Poster Contest! Prizes are awarded for 1st and 2nd place winners in each grade. Use the online submission form to submit posters by the extended deadline, March 31.
Initiative award winners
Doing something, without being asked, because it needs to be done.
Golden apple winner
This week's Golden Apple Award is Second Grade Teacher, Jill Gumbs. She is an asset to our students, school, and district. She is a strong advocate for each of the students in her classroom, working closely with families to provide support, resources, and implement strategies that help each child succeed. She is a partner within our community, working with Tapestry to get all Cannonsburg cubs the clothing they need. As a RPS Academic Excellence Team rep, she spends time learning about research-based best practices to enhance learning for all. This Summer she will be supporting all students as Director of Targeted Summer Learning. Thanks to Mrs. Gumbs for all she does!
cold and flu season guide
As many of you are already aware, there has been an increase of illness in our community. To help prevent the spread of illness, including influenza, we would like to partner with you. Please remind your children to wash their hands frequently and cover their mouths when coughing. The question frequently comes up of when to keep a child home from school. Listed below are guidelines for the Rockford Public Schools.
A child should stay home from school and their physician should be consulted if he/she has any of the following symptoms:
- A temperature of 100.4 or greater
- Green or yellow discharge from nose or eyes
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Cough or sore throat lasting longer than two days
- Rashes or eruptions
- Breathing difficulties
- Any other medical concern
Students should remain at home until symptom or fever free for 24 hours without the use of medication. If student has been seen by a physician, and they have been deemed not contagious, a physician’s note must be provided to the school indicating such in order for the student to return to class. As always, the best way to reduce your and your students’ risk of infection is to practice good hand-hygiene.
NOROVIRUS
Recently we have seen our numbers of Norovirus, often called the stomach flu, increase. Common symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping, fever, body aches, and weakness.
If your child has these symptoms they should stay home from school until 48 hours have passed since their symptoms have stopped per the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. More information can be found at the Kent County Health Department website. It is recommended that you consult with your child’s physician if you have any concerns.
Thank you for your cooperation. Your district nurses,
Kelly Theaker, BSN, RN
Phone: (616) 863-6031 ext 7030
ktheaker@rockfordschools.org
Jennifer Collins, BSN, RN
Phone: (616) 863-6140 ext 1015
jcollins@rockfordschools.org
ENROLLMENT OPENS 2/13/2025
Enrollment for the 2025/2026 school year is now open. Children who turn five years old on or before December 1, 2025, are eligible to enroll for the 2025/2026 school year.
parent/guardian infoRMATION night - March 18th 6:00-7:00 pm
Art Room
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.
Cannonsburg Elementary PTC Updates
SPRING ASSEMBLY
BLANDFORD NATURE CENTER
WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
in APRIL
SAVE THE DATE!
PTC Meetings
The PTC would like to offer a virtual option for the meeting. In the past there has been trouble with connectivity issues at the school. Please keep that in mind when trying to connect at home. If we are unable to connect, the minutes will be available later this week so everyone can be kept up to date!
During the meetings, please hold all questions until the end. We will try to save time to answer all questions, if we run out of time you can post your questions in the chat function, and we will provide answers in minutes.
Volunteering
For those interested in VOLUNTEERING at Cannonsburg Elementary School, remember to fill out the volunteer contact form and background check. This must be completed every year. Thank you for your support!
Meeting Dates for 2024-25 School Year
Join us during our quarterly meetings to stay up to date on events!
Art Room: 7pm - 8pm
- April 15, 2025
Meet the Team!
- President: Liz Wardell
- Vice President: Audrey Sarantos
- Treasurer: Nicole Oeltjen
- Secretary: Wendy Hahn
- Trustee: Kara Leaver
We are here for you!
PTCBurg@gmail.com
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 |
|
https://www.kentcountymi.gov/191/Distribution-Locations-Information or call (616) 632-7950. |
North Kent Connect is an equal opportunity provider
reminders
Office Reminders
Student Absences
Absences MUST be called into the office 616.863.6344 or emailed to the front office - sweisman@rockfordschools.org
Please leave a message on our general voicemail box if you are calling after hours. Whether you are reporting an absence on our voicemail or speaking with Shelley or Nicole we need to know the following things:
- Student's name
- Reason for Absence - if it is an illness we need to know the symptoms of the illness - vomiting, coughing, fever, cold, diarrhea, lice - whatever the reason may be
Pick-Up Reminders
- Please put orange signs in the passenger dashboard
- Kindergarten parents park & line-up on the sidewalk near parking lot. Older siblings will walk down and cross with the Kindergarten students
- Call the office by 2:30 or email Nicole at ncurtis@rockfordschools.org if you have changes in your after school arrangements.
Label Everything
To avoid your student’s clothing from going into the lost and found PLEASE LABEL EVERYTHING!!! Label all hoodies, coats, water bottles, lunch boxes, etc. You can label the items with initials, just last name, full name, etc. Labeling items will ensure they will back it back home!
Health Room Information
Call the office for all illness related absences. Your students needs to be fever free (without medication) and stomach Illness (vomiting) free for 24 hours before returning to school.
If your student is in need of medication during the school day, please refer to the attached link below. Nursing services has all the required documentation. A physician signature and parent signature are required for all distributed medications.
Medications Taken at School
All medication, including over the counter medication, must have a signed doctor's note in the office before office staff can give medication to your child.
If your child:
- Has an EpiPen we need a FARE - Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan filled out by the doctor.
- Has asthma we need an Asthma Action plan filled out by the doctor.
- Has seizures we need a seizure care plan filled out by the doctor.
Food service
Lunch IS FREE this year. Although lunches are free for the 24-25 school year, many services to students and funding, in general, derive from Free and Reduced Lunch applications. Please click on "Apply for Benefits" and complete it by the end of September.
If your child brings a cold lunch and would like to purchase milk, it will cost $.55.
All lunch information can be found by clicking HERE. Our Food Service page has the menu for the month, how to add money to your student's lunch account, and the application for Free and Reduced lunch.
Daily Student Schedule
The Power of US
