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Rockford Public Schools will launch an International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Conklin Elementary School. We sit down with IB Principal Mrs. Sarah Brenner to find out five things families should know about the globally recognized program. Learn more about the IB program here. https://rps205.com/ib --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rps205-communications/message

Education Outlook: Superintendent Ehren Jarrett was a guest on the Community Priority Series with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce in November. Dr. Jarrett shared insight about the district’s work in preparing students for the workforce and how the business community can support our students and schools. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rps205-communications/message

Susan Fumo, Rockford Promise board vice president, tells us who should be thinking about the Rockford Promise scholarship program, when students should apply, how promise programs support communities, and what’s next for expanding the program – LIVE on the 205 VIBE! Learn more: https://www.rps205.com/community/rockford-promise Visit Rockford Promise Website: Rockford Promise – Changing lives. Transforming the region. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rps205-communications/message

Dr. Antoine Reed grew up in Chicago and experienced inequities that he didn’t realize existed until he saw other students’ opportunities. Hear about his motivation, his approach to education and learning, and why he thinks Rockford is innovative. “In education right now, equity has become a new catch phrase from the top down. We’re living that phrase. … So that’s what made Rockford a unique place.” --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rps205-communications/message

RPS 205 Superintendent Ehren Jarrett outlines five things to know for the start of the 2022-23 school year. Tune in for updates on COVID-19, transportation and bus routes, staffing, plans for air conditioning, plus the reason behind late start Thursdays. It’s all live on the 205 VIBE! More info: Health guidelines: rps205.com/parents/health School start times: rps205.com/parents/school-times Federal COVID Relief: rps205.com/about-rps-205/federal-covid-relief Transportation: rps205.com/parents/transportation Careers in RPS 205: rps205.com/careers --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rps205-communications/message

We get to know Dawn Williamson, who started in April as the Director of Athletics, Activities and Program Development. Hear how she became passionate about sports and why she is excited to serve Rockford Public Schools students and the Rockford community. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rps205-communications/message

We discuss a child’s first five years and the importance of high-quality early childhood education with Kimberly Nelson, RPS 205 Executive Director of Early Childhood. We take a look at a day in the life of an early childhood student and how teachers facilitate learning through play. We chat about what it means to be kindergarten ready. Learn more about our Early Childhood programs here.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rps205-communications/message

We sit down with three Rockford Public Schools alumni enrolled in the Education Pathway program at Rockford University. Ryan Callahan, Jessica Pequena-Mendoza and Tony Ramirez are RPS 205 graduates who are now student teaching. Ryan, Jessica and Tony share insight on the importance of connecting with students and developing relationships to increase student engagement, being culturally sensitive to create a welcoming environment, and the impact the pandemic has had on teaching and learning. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rps205-communications/message

Superintendent Ehren Jarrett addressed the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Nov. 18 at the annual Education Outlook Luncheon. Dr. Jarrett connected his remarks to the biggest challenges facing our community, according to local leaders: education, safety and taxes. The event concluded with an education and workforce panel, featuring Dr. Jarrett, Rockford University President Dr. Eric Fulcomer, CEANCI System Director Margie Hartfiel, and Executive Director of Project First Rate Paul Nolley. www.rps205.com/205VIBE --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rps205-communications/message

Dr. Tiffany Brunson, RPS 205 Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, shares her passion for equity work and outlines the challenges district leaders are working to overcome. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rps205-communications/message

We sit down for a formal goodbye with McIntosh Elementary School Principal Alfonso Gagliano as he retires after 50 years at RPS 205. Learn how his passion for education began and how his life experiences played into his successful career. Hear his retirement plans and his hopes for future students. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rps205-communications/message

Three RPS 205 art teachers discuss teaching during the pandemic, plus finding art – and teaching others to love art – in Rockford and Rockford Public Schools. This podcast features art teachers Jason Judd from Auburn High School, Veronica Soria-Martinez from West Middle School, and Iga Puchalska from Cherry Valley Elementary and Maria Montessori. Listen LIVE on the 205 VIBE! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rps205-communications/message

We chat with Scott Clark, fourth grade remote teacher at Johnson Elementary School, about his challenges and successes this school year. We hear how he builds relationships with families and keeps students engaged to create lifelong memories and make an impact beyond the classroom. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rps205-communications/message

Hear candid conversation about remote teaching in RPS 205: “There is messiness to it. And it is hard. It’s hard to see what my kids are working on. But if you look at all of those negatives, and you don’t focus on what you can do, and what you’re going to do and what you’d like to do, and what the kids are able to do, then you’re going to be stuck in the messy.” --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rps205-communications/message

Assistant Deputy Chief Mike Dalke of the Rockford Police Department and RPS 205 Director of Career & Technical Education Reid Jutras join us on the podcast to talk about how providing real-world experiences both in and out of the classroom are important. Hear perspective from Assistant Deputy Chief Dalke about his criminal justice class he’s teaching in RPS 205, and how his practical experience translates to students in the classroom. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rps205-communications/message

President/CEO Einar Forsman has a candid conversation with RPS 205 Superintendent Dr. Ehren Jarrett. The conversation will focus on changes in the school system due to COVID-19, the District’s scorecard, and the future of education. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rps205-communications/message

We sit down with Heather Psaltis, Executive Director of Schools & Special Programs at Rockford Public Schools, to learn more about what makes our Special Programs unique in RPS 205. Click here to learn more!  Special Programs at RPS 205 include. Maria Montessori at Marsh, STEAM Academy at Haskell, Two-Way Language Immersion at Barbour, The Gifted Academy and The Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA). --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rps205-communications/message

Learn About College & Career Academies in RPS 205 and what they are and why they are a unique approach to education in high school in an ever changing world.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rps205-communications/message

We talk with Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara and Superintendent Ehren Jarrett about the challenges and successes of the school district and the city during the COVID-19 pandemic. Make sure to check out the other great blog post and videos on www.rps205.com/205VIBE --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rps205-communications/message

We sit down with Rockford Police Officer Curtis Sockwell, a member of the Rockford School Liaison Unit. Officer Sockwell spends most of his time at Auburn High School as a School Resource Officer. He talks about what it’s like working at Auburn and how he makes a difference connecting with RPS 205 students. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rps205-communications/message