Rockford program expands 40-day behavior supports for about 60–80 students, district leaders say

Rockford Public Schools on the Committee of the Whole meeting showcased the Brothers for Change "BAGS" behavior initiative, a wraparound program the district says is supporting roughly 60–80 scholars through a structured 40-day cohort of four 8‑day phases.

"We spend those first eight days relationship building," said Dr. Antoine Reed, the district's chief of culture and student engagement, describing the program's phased approach: relationship-building, accountability, classroom reintegration and family engagement. Staff members said the program pairs daily check-ins and home visits with referral connections to outside agencies.

Program staff told the board that early outcomes include improved classroom conduct and increased student willingness to take on classroom roles. "When scholars see people that reflect them ... they kind of step up," said a program presenter, describing efforts to build trust through relatable adult mentors.

Board members asked how the program reaches families and whether teachers see improved behavior. Presenters said they contact parents directly, conduct home visits and coordinate with school staff; they also described a middle‑school celebration that drew more than 150 parents at one site. "We call and we check in on them," a presenter said. "By the time they finish with that program, they really know we care about you a lot."

Administrators said they are working to expand cohorts to earlier grades (fourth through eighth) and to create more touchpoints so gains persist after graduation from a cohort. Board members offered praise and said they would volunteer support and promote the program at school events.

The presentation was part of the stakeholders committee; no formal action was taken. Board discussion focused on replication, teacher feedback and data collection to monitor whether family engagement and classroom participation improve districtwide.