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“I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits.”  -Martin Luther King, Jr

Rockford Public Schools observed Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a day off for students this year.  Staff met for professional development.  Prioritizing this day in our 2024/2025 calendar happened to promote belonging, support connection and Social Emotional Learning, and to reflect on the inherent dignity and value of all students, staff, and community members.

Belonging has long been important in Rockford Public Schools.  Every Student, Every Space, Every Day is a focus for staff.  Our core beliefs include taking collective responsibility for every student. 

Educators understand that in order to learn, students must feel safe, seen, and heard.  Covid brought to light the importance of connection and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in our schools. Dr. King used the body, mind, and spirit lens, in his quote above.  Educators today call this the whole child. Just as a child who is hungry will struggle to learn, a child who is disenfranchised or excluded will likewise struggle to learn.

On January 20, 2025, students and staff were challenged to reflect on Dr. King’s message and legacy. Beyond the Rock, Rockford High School’s broadcasting class, created two productions.  For the students of Rockford, they took a look at Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy and its impact on the students of Rockford. Students, teachers, and community leaders were interviewed.  For the staff, they interviewed students and asked what staff have done to make them feel they belong.  Students identified building relationships, getting to know them personally, fostering respect, and including all students. One of the student messages about having MLK Day off was that it is an opportunity to educate ourselves about Dr. King and apply his message. Building staff individual reflection and group discussions occurred.

In the decades I have been in education, this is the first time I have worked for a system that observed MLK Day, with a student day off.  It feels like a move in the right direction, acknowledging the dignity and worth of every student, staff, and community member.

"You don't have to see the whole staircase to take the first step."   -Martin Luther King, Jr.