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 22 Family Open Skate-Soccer @ Cedar Rock Sportsplex
- March 25 Family Art Night 6-7:30pm
- March 26 Early Release 1:30 pm
- March 28 GRAND Battle of the Books
- April 1 Game Club 3:30-4:30pm
- April 3-11 Spring Break
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
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 21, April 2 - optional, April 18, May 2, May 16, May 30.
A link will be sent out through Family Access.
March is reading month
rockford varsity baskeTBALL read aloud
Here is a video of one of the girls' varsity players reading a book. Feel free to share with your students:
ART NIGHT AT CANNONSBURG ELEMENTARY!
Join us for Cannonsburg Elementary’s first-ever Family Art Night! 
We’re looking for 6 volunteers to help set up and manage art stations during this creative and fun-filled event.
Date: Tuesday, 3/25/2025
Reporting time for volunteers is 5:00–7:30 PM
If you’re available to help, comment below or send us a message. We appreciate your support in making this a fantastic night for our students and families! 
Battle of the books
The eight Cannonsburg Knights will move on to participate in the RPS Grand Battle of the Books on March 28.
CONGRATULATIONS and Good Luck!!!
Abigail Leaver, Everet Fransen, Andrew Straayer, CeCe Bailey, Evan Brunner, Alyssa Pratt, Cate Elyea and Jack Anderson
MARCH READING COOKIES
Cannonsburg Elementary is celebrating the end of March Reading Month with heart-shaped cookies!
We’d love your help in making this sweet celebration happen!
Please bake or buy a dozen nut-free heart-shaped cookies and drop them off at the front office on Monday, 3/31/2025, at 11:00 AM.
While heart-shaped cookies are what our teachers requested, any cookies will do! We truly appreciate your support in making this event special for our students and teachers. Thank you for spreading the love of reading—one cookie at a time!
Mileage club is back!
Spring is here and so is Mileage Club! Mileage club is held during afternoon recess with parent volunteers. See the dates below:
Wednesday, 4/16 Friday, 4/18
Tuesday, 4/22 Thursday, 4/24
Wednesday, 4/30 Friday, 5/2
Monday, 5/5 Friday, 5/9
Tuesday, 5/13 Thursday, 5/15
Wednesday, 5/21 Tuesday, 5/27
Friday, 5/30 Tuesday, 6/3-Cotter Club Celebration
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 open skate & drop-in soccer!
Cannonsburg Elementary
Join us for a Fun-Filled Morning of Ice Skating & Soccer! Lace up your skates or cleats and hit the ice or soccer field 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
Open Skate $10
Drop-In Soccer $5
(Free entry for kids under 5 with a paid adult)
CEDAR ROCK SPORTSPLEX
4758 Cornfield Drive
Cedar Springs, MI 49319
save the DATE!
Cannonsburg Carnival April 25th 5:30-7:30p.m.
The PTC is excited to announce that the Cannonsburg Carnival will have free entrance this year! Carnival will feature games, prizes, popcorn, and more! The Pizza Parliament, Patty Matters and Kona Ice Food Trucks will be selling dinner and snacks. We are seeking parent volunteers or Cannonsburg graduates to help run the games (this can count toward volunteer hours). Click this link to register to volunteer:
If you have any questions, please feel free to email ptcburg@gmail.com.
cannonsburg elemENTARY classroom environment parent input form
Occasionally, parents may wish to ask for a specific learning environment for their child due to particular circumstances. This Spring, your child’s current teacher will be working with their colleagues to select the best placement based on your child’s needs for the 2025-26 school year. Forms are due by May 7th at noon and late requests will not be considered.
Please know that many factors contribute to the creation of class lists, and not all requests can be honored, including teacher assignments. Please do not request a particular teacher.
Click here to complete:
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.
Golden apple winner
This week’s Golden Apple Award goes to Mrs. Roxana Osburn, which is fitting since March is social worker recognition month! Her support and energy for children and families is exemplary. Her desire to continuously learn allows for support and intentional intervention to be provided for all students, and especially those with divergent minds and children who need emotional support or have experienced trauma. Roxana works to provide students with all they need and leads partnerships within the community, like West Cannon Church providing Kids Hope mentors and food through Hand 2 Hand. And of course, we can’t forget how amazing it is to have her specialized training as Winston’s handler! Thanks for all you do! |
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.
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.
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
