When a student is struggling to attend school, there's often more to the story. Good attendance isn't just a school issue; it's a community effort. Families, schools & community partners all play a role in helping students overcome barriers & stay connected to learning. When a student is struggling to attend, the question isn't simply, “Why aren't you here?” It's also, “What is getting in the way, and how can we help?”

It was time to play at Hillman Elementary! Principal RJ Kuligowski, with the help of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce, held a ribbon cutting celebrating the school’s brand-new playground. Students from each grade helped make the event extra special!

Hello Hillman Families,
Family Skateland is September 24th from 6-8:00 pm. 🛼
See you there! 🩵

Spirit Wear orders are due September 25th!
Order forms can be requested through your student's teacher or in the main office.
Get your gear today! 😎

Hillman Families,

We are so excited to officially open our New Playground! In honor of this, we are celebrating a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony in partnership with the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, September 21st. Our amazing teachers and staff have selected a Student Representative for each grade to be part of the ribbon-cutting. Our Student Representatives are:

Kindergarten: Milo Thomspon
1st Grade: Winter Byas
2nd Grade: Arsani Cortez
3rd Grade: Grace Yezzi
4th Grade: Damian Perez Morales
5th Grade: Lakihiree Matthews

We are very grateful to Rockford Public Schools, the Rockford Park District, and our Rockford Community for the continued support in investing in our students.

Sincerest regards,
RJ Kuligowski (Mr. K)

Good Morning Hillman Families,
Just a friendly reminder doors open at 7:05 am and car riders should use Door A. Any students coming in tardy after 7:35 am should be signed in by a guardian or parent through Door B (Main Office). If you need to make any transportation changes the main office needs to know by 1:00 pm. Early dismissal stops at 1:30 pm, anyone coming in after this time will be directed to wait for dismissal through Door A. Thank you for your understanding!

Sometimes the smallest moments of connection give students a reason to keep showing up & can make a BIG difference.
Attendance is about more than being in a seat. It's about connection, belonging & knowing that your presence matters.
Every student deserves to know they are missed when they're gone and valued when they're here.

Apple for the Teacher Day! Golden Apple Foundation will deliver apples & nomination forms to teachers, kicking off nominations for the 2026-27 Golden Apple Award. Nominate a PreK-5 teacher by October 15! https://goldenappleofrockford.com/golden-apple-teacher-awards/nominate/

It’s happening today! Join us at East HS Cafeteria for A Conversation with Dr. Huff. Hear his vision for RPS 205 & share your ideas for the future of our district.

5-5:30 p.m. | Meet & Greet
5:30-7 p.m. | Presentation & Q&A

Enter Door FH8. Spanish & ASL translators available.

Thank you for supporting Hillman Elementary!

Quick reminder!

Absences Add Up

Did you know? Missing just two days of school each month can add up to chronic absence over the course of a school year.

Every absence, excused or unexcused, means time away from learning, relationships and the routines that help students succeed.

The good news? It’s never too late to build stronger attendance habits. If getting to school regularly is becoming difficult, reach out to your school. We’re here to help!

All RPS 205 schools & buildings are closed today in observance of the federal holiday.

Show your school pride in style!
Our new Spirit Wear Collection is here and it's perfect for students, parents, teachers, and supporters!
Hurry, limited time only! Orders will be delivered to your student and sent home with your student.
Orders due 9/25

September is Attendance Awareness Month! Every day at school gives students opportunities to learn, build friendships, connect with caring adults & discover what they're capable of. Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing why attendance matters because every student brings something important to our schools.

Join us Wed., Sept. 16, at East High School's Cafeteria for A Conversation with Dr. Huff. Hear his vision for our district.

5-5:30 p.m. | Meet & Greet
5:30-7 p.m. | Presentation & Q&A

Enter Door FH8 on the west side of the building.

Spanish & ASL translators available

rps205.com/page/a-conversation-with-dr-huff

Hello Hillman Families,
If weather permits our annual Water Day will be this Thursday Sep. 3rd. 💦
Please have your student bring a towel and a change of clothes for after the water activities.
Students without a change of clothes WILL NOT be able to participate.
If we have a rainy day there will be no make up day. ☔
Thank you for your understanding.

Together we support our students & school community!
Please join us today for our first PTO meeting at 5:30pm in the school cafeteria! 🩵

Hello Hillman Families,
Tomorrow is our second movie night for 3-5 th grade at 7:00pm. 🎥
Snacks will be available for purchase. Cash only! 🍫
Don't forget to bring your lawn chairs and blankets. See you there! 🍿

Hello Hillman Families,
Just a friendly reminder our second movie night will be this Friday 8/28 at 7:00 pm for grades 3-5th. 🍿
See you there! 🎥