Rockford Christian School

Like many of our youngest learners, I’m already looking forward to the start of a new school year with excitement. Our dedicated preschool teachers look forward to sharing their love for Christ with your child, exploring the world God created, and fostering rich learning experiences through play. Preschool teachers will reach out to families during the first week of August to introduce themselves and share important information about the upcoming school year.

Prayers for a safe and joyful rest of the summer — August will be here before we know it! If you have any questions after reviewing the information below, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Courtney VanderLugt
Preschool Director, Rockford Christian School

The Child Information Record and Health Appraisal found on the required forms page must be submitted before the start of the school year. A copy of your child’s government-issued birth certificate must be provided unless already on file due to prior enrollment.

Submit documents via mail to 6060 Belding Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341, attn: Kristin Buursma. Documents may also be emailed to Kristin Buursma in PDF format.

Office hours begin on Monday, August 10.

Preschool Back to School Information Night

Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 6:30–7:30 p.m.

This is a parents-only event. Thank you for making alternative childcare arrangements.

Visiting Days

Thursday, August 20, or Friday, August 21, 2026

Visiting Day aims to ease your child’s first-day jitters and start to establish classroom community. It is a chance for your child to meet their teachers, familiarize themselves with the classroom, and ask any questions they may have.

• Your scheduled date and time will be confirmed by your child’s teacher in August.
• Visits are limited to parents and your child; no siblings, please.

First Days of School

Monday, August 24, or Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Labor Day Break

Friday, September 4–Monday, September 7, 2026

Please prepare and label the following items:

• Backpack spacious enough to hold personal belongings and a large library book
• Lunch box for full-day students; hot lunch purchase details available in August
• Spill-proof water bottle
• Small blanket for rest time, full-day students only
• Extra set of clothing: shirt, pants, socks, and underwear, labeled and stored in a gallon-size Ziploc bag with your child’s name
• Appropriate clothing for indoor and outdoor learning
• Sturdy running shoes
• Winter gear, waterproof as much as possible
• Rainboots or waders
• One-piece Trail/Rain suit

What is the snack and meal plan?

Families are responsible for providing two snacks and lunch for their child daily. The school offers a hot lunch option at a cost, including milk. Half-day students only require one morning snack.

What are the potty training requirements?

Our preschool requires children to be fully potty trained and bathroom independent. Please read our Preschool Bathrooming Readiness Policy.

What does rest time look like?

Rest time is for children attending full-day preschool. After lunch, the children transition into a time of rest or quiet time. We provide rest mats. Your child may bring a small blanket and/or personal nap item. We will offer books, music, or a quiet and independent activity. We encourage you to communicate with your child’s teacher about their sleep needs.

How does outdoor time work?

Spending time in God’s creation is an important aspect of your child’s development and our nature-rich programming. We like to say there is no bad weather, just bad clothing! Please keep an eye on the weather with us, ensuring your child is prepared for the day.

How does drop-off and pick-up work for preschool?

Drop-Off, 8:35–8:45 a.m.

1. Park your car in the parking lot.
2. Drop your child’s backpack off at their classroom.
3. Walk your child to their designated class location outside the school.
4. Your child’s teacher will communicate the specific location with you.

Pick-Up, 11:15 a.m. for Half Day or 3:05–3:15 p.m. for Full Day

1. Park your car in the parking lot.
2. Walk to the main entrance.
3. Pick up your child from their classroom at the end of the school day.

How do teachers handle a child’s separation anxiety?

Children handle separation differently, and our staff is equipped to support them. Try a brief and positive goodbye routine to ease the transition, as lingering can prolong distress. Typically, children settle within minutes after parents leave. Minimize your own anxiety, as children may sense it and struggle more. Don’t hesitate to seek advice from your child’s teacher for additional strategies.

How can I get my child ready for preschool?

• Practice zipping coats and backpacks.
• Encourage independent use and unpacking of lunch items.
• Guide them in following one- to two-step directions.
• Help them master putting on and taking off shoes.
• Share and enjoy read-aloud stories together, promoting listening skills.
• Review the Bathrooming Readiness Policy for more ideas.

Do you have before or after-school care?

Kids Care is our before and after-school care program. If you wish to be added to the wait pool for the 2026–2027 school year, visit the website. Please contact Hannah Ruemmler if you have any questions.

What if I have more questions?

Please contact Courtney VanderLugt if you have any questions about your enrollment or readiness.

The health appraisal and birth certificate found on the required forms page must be submitted before the start of the school year. Your child will not be able to start school until these forms have been submitted.

Submit documents via mail to 6060 Belding Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341, attn: Kristin Buursma. Documents may also be emailed to Kristin Buursma in PDF format.

Office hours are from 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. beginning on Monday, August 10.

Kindergarten–Eighth Bell Times

K–8 Half Day Release Time: 11:30 a.m.

Calendars

K–8 Student Supplies

• Backpack able to hold a large library book or binder
• Personal water bottle
• Gym shoes
• Corded adjustable headphones with a 3.5mm headphone jack

Outdoor Education

• Hooded raincoat
• One-piece Trail/Rain Suit or Rain Bibs recommended for Kindergarten. RCS families can use the unique discount code ROCKFORD to save 25% on OAKI orders over $29.99.
• Rain boots
• Snow gear, including gloves, hats, boots, etc.
• Work gloves for middle school

K–4 Specific Supplies

• Art shirt

5–6 Specific Supplies

• Two 2-inch 3-ring binders
• Two pencil cases, slim size to go in each binder
• Two notebooks, wide-ruled and 3-hole punched
• NIV Bible, can use prior years

7–8 Specific Supplies

• Two 1-inch 3-ring binders
• Pencil case
• Five spiral notebooks, 3-hole punched
• Five pocket folders, 3-hole punched
• NIV Bible with concordance, can use prior years

Student arrival and dismissal procedures help everyone at Rockford Christian stay safe as they begin and end their day at school. Staff, parents, and students each have a part to play in maintaining a calm, controlled, and respectful environment during these important times of the day.

K–8 Student Arrival Procedure

• Student arrival begins at 8:15 a.m.
• Students who arrive before 8:15 a.m. must be registered for Kids Care.
• Parents/guardians may either park and walk their student into the building or use the drop-off line under the main overhang.
• Parents/guardians dropping off their students inside are asked to leave the building by 8:30 a.m. so classrooms may begin their school day.
• Parents/guardians who use the drop-off line must remain in their vehicles.
• No parking is allowed in the drop-off area. If you wish to get out of your vehicle, please park in the parking lot.
• Students who arrive after 8:35 a.m. must stop in the office before heading to class.

   

K–8 Student Dismissal Procedure

• Student dismissal begins at 3:20 p.m.
• Students who are unable to be picked up by 3:30 p.m. must be registered with Kids Care in advance.
• Teachers will walk their students to the west entrance at the end of the day.
• Parents/guardians may either park and wait for their student outside or use the pick-up line at the west entrance.
   

  K–8 Pick-Up Line Procedure

1. Tell the dismissal staff who you are picking up and pull forward to the furthest numbered sign.

2. Staff will direct students to their appropriate vehicle.

3. Wait in the line until cars are dismissed at the same time. Do not exit the line early.

4. Parents who use the pick-up line must remain in their vehicles.

5. No parking is allowed in the pick-up area. If you wish to get out of your vehicle to assist your child, please park in the parking lot.

“Family Time” is Rockford Christian’s weekly chapel for kindergarten through eighth grade. Here’s what you need to know:

• Family Time happens each Monday from 8:45–9:15 a.m. in the worship center.
• Classes take turns leading Family Time.
• There is a first-day-of-school Family Time at 10:45 a.m.
• There is a last-day-of-school Family Time at 8:45 a.m.
• Families are invited to attend. We hope to see you there!

The Rockford Christian PTO offers many meaningful ways for parents to get involved and help build the vibrant community we cherish at Rockford Christian. Keep an eye on your email for invitations to attend our monthly meetings or to join a committee supporting special events such as the Harvest Hustle, Winterfest, Staff Appreciation Week, and more.

Volunteering at Rockford Christian School is rewarding for you, helpful for us, and fun for your child. There are so many ways to get involved at RCS.

The Volunteering at Rockford Christian School guide details both whole-school and classroom opportunities for getting involved, along with guidelines and expectations for working with students.

Each volunteer must complete a Volunteer Clearance Form each school year.

Busing is available for families through Grand Rapids Christian Schools and/or Rockford Public Schools depending on home location. Busing requests are confirmed yearly through the spring verification process. Specific bus routes with pick-up and drop-off locations are determined and shared with families in August.

If you have questions or would still like to request busing, please contact Kristin Buursma.