Crestwood Newsletter
Dr. Kyle Avink - Principal
kavink@rockfordschools.org
Address: 6350 Courtland Dr., Rockford, MI 49341
Phone: (616) 863-6346
CRESTWOOD CALENDAR
Do you like to plan ahead?! Check out the Crestwood building calendar for exciting upcoming events specific for our building!
DISTRICT CALENDAR
The 2025-2026 district calendar can be viewed by clicking the button below:
EARLY RELEASE DAYS!
Wednesday, April 22nd
Wednesday, May 6th
Students will dismiss at 1:30 pm.
STUDENT CHARACTERISTIC FORMS
As we begin planning for the upcoming school year our teachers will spend some intentional time placing students for next year. In addition, we invite families to share any insights from your perspective of your child as a learner. This optional form provides an opportunity to highlight your child’s strengths, learning preferences, and any considerations that may support their success in the classroom as we consider placements.
There are many layers when it comes to placement, and although we cannot guarantee specific teacher requests, all input is thoughtfully considered as part of our student placement process. Our goal is to create balanced classrooms that support the academic and social growth of every student.
If you would like to provide input, please complete the form here no later than Friday, May 1st:
SPRING CONCERT - TONIGHT (APRIL 17TH)
Click on the Spring Concert button below for all of tonight's information! Can't make it, click on the live link to watch from home.
STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK
ANNUAL STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK DETAILS
School Staff Appreciation Week is May 4th to May 8th. We are rolling out the red carpets with classroom themes and special treats for staff! The Staff Appreciation Committee has planned a movie star themed week full of surprises for all staff in the lounge daily. This includes a coffee food truck, popcorn bar, lunch from Pita Way, special awards and a breakfast.
Join us in participating! Here is how you can help:
1. Donate to support daily themed days PTO will be hosting for staff by April 24th.
2. Have your child participate in one or all of the daily themed classroom days (image above) for the entire school. Download the below items to help support the themed days.
3. Nominate a staff member - as many as you wish - for a Staff Spotlight Award by Friday, May 1st. Awards and trophies will be delivered on Wednesday, May 6th to staff. From teaching staff to support staff, we want to see the entire school be nominated for the hard work they do! Select from a variety of nomination categories or create your own.
Thank you in advance for your donations to make this week extra special! - Crestwood PTO
PTO UPDATES
PTO BOARD UPDATE
We welcome new talents to our board and will be looking for the following positions to fill in the 2026-2027 school year. If you have a passion for giving your time and would like to join a wonderful team of driven parents, please contact us at crestwoodelementarypto@gmail.com. For more information, visit our webpage.
The PTO is powered by parents like you. Your voice matters and helps shape our events and programs for students and staff.
We are currently looking for members to join the PTO board as the vice president and secretary. Our committees are looking for members to join on the Staff Appreciation Committee and Event Planning Committee for next school year. Contact PTO by emailing CrestwoodElementaryPTO@gmail.com. Interest in a board or committee seat should be sent no later than April 30th.
- President
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Events Committee - 2 people
- Staff Appreciation Committee - 2 people
POPCORN FRIDAYS
ROCKFORD EATS FUNDRAISER
Rockford Eats: Supporting our schools and community
The Rockford Education Foundation (REF) is excited to announce the Rockford Eats Gift Card Fundraiser, running from April 20 to May 1, 2026! This unique opportunity supports Rockford students and lets you savor the best of our local dining scene. With each $100 donation to REF you’ll receive a $50 gift certificate to one of our fantastic restaurant partners of your choice!
Your generosity fuels local education initiatives and helps sustain the restaurants that make our community special. Gift cards will be mailed by REF the week of May 11, 2026.
STEAM GIVEAWAY!
Spring is bringing lots of creativity and innovation to STEAM! In April, students will continue exploring with Ozobots and LEGO, while also beginning our end-of-the-year Makerspace projects. These hands-on activities encourage problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration as students design and build their own creations.To help support our Makerspace, we are collecting a variety of clean, reusable materials. We would greatly appreciate donations of cereal boxes, cardboard tubes, shoe boxes, and small plastic containers (such as yogurt or sour cream containers).We also love having volunteers join us in STEAM! If you are interested in helping, please sign up below. Thank you for your support in making STEAM such an engaging experience for our students!
DEVELOPMENTAL KINDERGARTEN & KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN
Click on the image below for more information!
SUPERINTENDENT SUB FOR A DAY!
Each $10 donation to the Rockford Education Foundation nominates a teacher to win a day off while Dr. Matthews takes over the classroom. All donations support REF educational grants, celebrate our incredible educators, and give Dr. Matthews a front-row seat in the classroom.
- $10 = 1 entry to nominate a teacher - multiple entries gladly accepted!
- Teachers may nominate themselves or a colleague
- One winner will be drawn monthly, January–May 2026
OUTDOOR LEARNING
This year at Edgerton Trails our inaugural class of 4th grade students completed year one of our two-year Outdoor Learning program. Rockford Outdoor Learning is a 4th and 5th grade program. Students learn both in a traditional classroom and in the 26-acre nature center behind Edgerton Trails.
3rd grade students and their families are encouraged to attend an Outdoor Education informational meeting on March 26 at 5:00 at Edgerton Trails. This will provide an opportunity to learn more about the program and see the beautiful nature center space at Edgerton Trails.
If you are interested in applying for your current 3rd grade student please access the application at the link below (opens March 23).
Characteristics of an outdoor learning student:
Inquisitive
Genuine interest and experiences with the outdoors
Can work both independently and collaboratively
Has an intrinsic motivation when it comes to learning, school work and responsibility
Positive attendance record
Positive behaviors
Timeline:
April: Application Process Opens March 23-April 17
April: Student Interviews
May: Lottery
May: Acceptance Letters
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What grades are part of the outdoor learning program?
Students will enter the program as 4th graders and spend two years in outdoor education, and then move to middle school in 6th grade.
Q: What is Outdoor Education?
Outdoor education is a philosophy of embracing and experiencing the outdoors. Students participate in a variety of outdoor learning experiences while accessing the RPS curriculum.
Q: Where will the program be located?
At Edgerton Trails Elementary School inside the school and at the Outdoor Learning property behind the school.
Q: What is the application and selection process?
Students must be a current RPS student in the 3rd grade
Interested parents/guardians must fill out and complete an online application
Classroom teachers will complete a recommendation form
Student interview
Students that meet the criteria will be entered into the lottery
Q: How many students will be admitted?
26 students will be selected through a lottery system to be in the inaugural 4th grade class starting in the 2026-27 school year.
Q: Do Outdoor Learning students have the typical specials associated with elementary school in RPS?
This year 4th grade students attended Art, Music, Steam, and Library.
5th grade students will attend Art, Music, PE and Library.
Students participate in all Edgerton Trails activities that include but are not limited to: spelling bee, geography bee, student council, assemblies, fundraisers, March is Reading Month, etc.
Q: Is there a waitlist?
There will be a waitlist. If any of the 26 lottery students decline, the next student on the waitlist will be invited to enter the program.
Q: What is the curriculum?
Students receive district-aligned curriculum along with project-based outdoor learning opportunities.
Q: How much time do students spend outside?
This depends on a variety of factors. However, students will spend 50-75% of the school year outside.
Q: Will there be RPS transportation available to Outdoor Education students?
Limited morning transportation at designated shuttle locations. Students using the morning shuttle will arrive approximately 10 minutes after the start of the school day.
No RPS transportation available at the end of the day. Parents will be asked to pick up their student(s).
Application Process is Open March 23-April 17
CRESTWOOD REMINDERS
Who do I call if my student will be absent or late to school?
- If your student will be absent or tardy, please call the attendance line OR email both the teacher AND Laura Greene (lgreene@rockfordschools.org)
- If a student is ill, you must include the symptoms (or diagnosis) for our weekly health report to KCHD
What if my student is out sick?
Absences MUST be called into the office 616.863.6346 or emailed to the front office - lgreene@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, the State of Michigan requires us to know the following:
- Student's name and teacher
- 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.
Who do I notify if I have a dismissal change for my student(s)?
- We kindly request that there are no early pickups after 2:45pm. Once the parent pick up line starts to form out front, the office staff is busy with dismissal duties throughout the building.
- Please be sure to let us know of any dismissal changes PRIOR to 2pm
- To contact us with changes, please call 616-863-6346 or email both the teacher AND Laura Greene (lgreene@rockfordschools.org) in the event the teacher doesn’t see the message prior to dismissal.
Where do I find parent communications?
- Our family newsletter and other updates are posted on the RPS website on the Crestwood page bi-weekly during the school year
- You can also check out the Crestwood Elementary & Crestwood PTO Facebook pages
- Please always feel free to call or email the office with any questions
How do I set up or change busing for my student(s)?
- Please contact Transportation directly at 616-863-6328
- We also appreciate your help to support our drivers and remind your students of proper bus behavior
Important Contact Information:
Crestwood Office/Attendance Line 616-863-6346
Allyssa Shanahan ashanahan@rockfordschools.org
Laura Greene lgreene@rockfordschools.org
Transportation Office 616-863-6328
BAC/Child Care Office 616-863-6560
Community Services 616-863-6322
STUDENT RESPONSE PROTOCOL
This year Rockford Public Schools is following the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) developed by the “I Love U Guys” Foundation. The SRP provides clear, common language for how we, as staff and students, respond to different situations, whether that’s a drill, a medical emergency, or a security concern. The terms Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter are simple and action-based, helping everyone know exactly what to do. By practicing these responses, we ensure that our students and staff are prepared and safe in any situation.
Please reach out if you have any questions about this protocol.
STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
STAFF FAVORITES
Get to Know Our Amazing Staff
Our staff works hard daily to support and inspire students and we like to celebrate them. PTO has put together a fun list of all staff favorites from favorite treats to places to eat. This is a great document to save on your phone for special events such as a staff birthday, holidays or appreciation week.
REMINDERS
Feel free to pack an extra pair of socks, shorts, t-shirt, and sweatpants in your child's backpack during the spring months. Don’t forget to put your child’s name on coats, rain boots, etc. Thank you!
Weather Alert
For up-to-date information regarding Rockford Public Schools delays and/or closings, events and safety alerts, send a text message of “Y” or “Yes” to our district’s short code number, 67587. Opt out any time by simply replying to one of our messages with “Stop." Be sure to tune in on icy or snowy mornings!
NO CELLPHONES OR SMART WATCHES
- Students with a cellphone will be asked to turn the phone off and not use them during the school day. Please do not text or call your student on their device during the school day. This creates a distraction to the classroom. We will always help with communication through the office or an email to the teacher if needed.
- Students with Apple watches or other wrist devices are asked not use the device to communicate during the school day.
- Students who need to contact home because they are ill or wondering about the end of the day pick up should talk to their classroom teacher who will help them navigate next steps of support.
- Devices at school are distracting to students during the learning day and we ask that unless your student needs the device to communicate after school that they stay home.
- Thank you for your support.
ACCESS SUPPORT AT NO COST
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).
Say “I have an SAP with Rockford Public Schools” when you call 800.442.0809 and press “1.” Every RPS student, staff and family member in your household is eligible for up to three free sessions. Additional SAP benefits include: free elder care consultation, legal and financial consultation, infant-feeding advice and real estate consultation. Anyone in the household can utilize these resources and it is 100% confidential. Access an online library with over 20,000 resources covering health, finances, legal topics and more. The code to login the library is RockfordPS.
Login Code: RockfordPS
FUN AT CRESTWOOD!
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Crestwood Newsletter, December 19 
