Parkside Newsletter

NOTEWORTHY ITEMS

• Conferences:   Conferences are 2/25 and 2/27.  If you haven't had a chance to sign up please reach out directly to your student's teacher.  
• Report Cards: These will be available in family access on Monday.  
• Get your 2024-25 Parkside Elementary Yearbook! 
  Click the link below to order: https://ybpay.lifetouch.comYearbook ID Code: 14563125
• Summer Care Registration: Registration for Summer Care 2025 will open on March 4th at 9:00 AM.  A Google Form will be sent through Family Access at that time. Please complete and submit the form as soon as possible. Please note that submitting the form does not guarantee a spot in the program. Registration will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. We will notify you by March 10th to confirm whether you have been successfully registered or placed on the waitlist.  Registration will be offered to in-district families first. Please ensure you create a Google account before the registration date, as it is required to complete the registration form.
• GRASP Enrollment:  GRASP is a summer program for K-8 students to maintain reading and math skills. Students get nine lessons to complete by August 8th, either weekly or at their own pace. Lessons can be mailed for scoring or, new this year, scored via a parent/guardian’s phone (details in May). An online version is available for grades 4-8.   Fees for summer 2025: $26 for one subject or $48 for both. Enroll online for the book version (K-8) or online version (4-8). grasp.grps.org
• Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day:  Is coming March 25.  We will be "Going Green" to show our awareness and support for children and adults with CP.  Please have your students wear green.  
  • Two facts about CP:
    • It’s the most common childhood disability (and a top for adults also). Over 1 million people in the US with 10k babies each year adding due to birth complications which are on the rise.
    • People with CP require 3x more energy to do the same task as able bodied peers. This is why fatigue is such an issue for friends with CP.
  • If you are interested in learning more please see links below.  
    • https://www.cerebralpalsyguide.
    • Just Say Hi
    • 2025 National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day | Bonfire  
• DK/K Enrollment:  Enrollment is now open for the 2025-2026 school year for DK/K.  Click link below to begin enrollment.  All potential DK/K students will be screened for placement recommendation (current DK students do not need to screen.) 
  Enrollment Procedures - Rockford Public Schools

reading helps us grow

Reading Month is kicking off!    

• This year’s highlights include One Book, One School, where all of Parkside will read Saving Winslow together.  In Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech, a young boy named Louie takes on the challenge of nurturing a fragile newborn donkey, despite everyone's doubts. Through perseverance and love, Louie proves that small acts of care can lead to big miracles, teaching the power of hope and connection.
• Each day students will answer questions about the reading for a chance to win prizes!  We have themed dress-up days, read-alouds, White Caps reading program, book exchanges, and plenty of fun reading surprises sprinkled throughout the month- please see calendar below.  Bookmarks, books, and calendars will be going home next week!  
• Encourage a love for reading with our Parkside School Book Exchange in March! Just like a Little Free Library, students can take a book to enjoy and leave a book for others to read. It’s a fun way to share stories, discover new favorites, and build a community of readers.  How it works:
  • Bring a gently used book from home. 
  • Choose a book from the exchange to take and read.
  • When finished, return it or pass it along to a friend! and REPEAT!
  • Please have our student bring as many books in for the exchange as you would like!  Our goal is to keep the students engaged and interested in reading. 
  • We would love some donations of gently-used books to get the exchange going!  

BOOK FAIR TIME

Parkside shoutouts

Thank you to the Phillips and Hamptons for loving on our staff with an amazing Self Care Station for Valentines Day.  

We love to see Hazel here helping out in the classroom.  Thank you!  

Thank you to Jamie Phillips for spearheading the door decorating for March is Reading Month!  

Our 1st and 4th grade parents went above and beyond this week, making the field trips a fantastic success! Your support, time, and enthusiasm are truly appreciated.  Thank you!

Character Trait of the month - Initiatve

Quote: “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain

Conversation Starter: At dinner or bedtime, ask your children: "What’s one thing you started today that you’re proud of? How did it feel to take that first step?" Encouraging these reflections helps kids see the power of beginning, even when something feels challenging.

Tip: Foster a “just start” mindset by helping your child break big tasks into small, manageable steps. Encourage them to take the first step, whether it’s reading one page of a book, writing one sentence of an assignment, or tidying up one part of their room. Acknowledging their progress reinforces that every small effort leads to growth and success!

Important Dates

• February 25, 27 Conferences
• February 26- Early Release (1:30)
• March - Reading Month (see calendar above)
• Wednesdays in March- Wear Your Words
• March 3 - Parkside Book Exchange Begins
• March 7- Student Council Dr. Seuss Dress Day
• March 10- Kids Have Rights Presentations
• March 12- Early Release (1:30)
• March 21- Student Council Wear Favorite Color Days
• March 25- Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day, Wear Green
• March 26- Early Release (1:30)  
• March 27- Kindergarten Spring Concert
• April 3-11- No School Spring Break                                                                                                
• See full list of PKS Events on the calendar link:  Parkside Calendar 

PTO Corner

We are looking for volunteers to provide a taco bar to feed our teachers during parent-teacher conferences on Thursday, February 27. We are planning to serve 20-25 people. Please label any dishes with your last name so they can be returned to you. Everything should be delivered by the end of the school day so teachers can eat as soon as students are released. THANK YOU!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080B4FAFA62BA2FE3-54505764-parkside

Our PTO Staff Appreciation Committee is asking for a few more volunteers to sign up for stocking the lounge. Help us stock the staff lounge!
https://m.signupgenius.com/?#!/showSignUp/10C0A4DAAAA23A1F5CE9-51246850-stock

Kids Fun Night

Hosted by the Rockford High School Interact club, Kids Fun Night will be held on February 28!  Join your friends at North Rockford Middle School from 6-9:30pm.  Cost is $35 for the first child, $30 for each additional child in the same household.  Price includes dinner and snacks.  This event includes food, games, crafts and swimming!  For more information, contact club advisor, Kelly McLellan at kellym.rkdrotary@gmail.com or 616-433-8110.

Seussical

Get your tickets now for Rockford High School's musical, Seussical!  March 6, 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.