Board hears middle‑school progress and district learning strategy; students praised for leadership

The Rockford Area Schools board heard presentations highlighting student voice, targeted interventions and district professional development as the administration described progress across grade levels.

Paul Wazeka, principal of Rockford Middle School, introduced student council members Claire Ruffin and Xander Valiant, who described morning announcements and a mystery‑staff feature intended to connect students with adults in the building. "Being one of the voices of Rockford Middle School is something that I take very seriously and also very much enjoy," Claire said.

Wazeka detailed instructional design work, an engagement continuum for classroom practice, PLC strategies and interventions such as 2‑by‑10 relationship building and access programs that help students exit more intensive supports. He reported that 20.34% of middle‑school students increased their FAST assessment score by 10 or more points from fall to winter and highlighted areas for additional attention in math.

Miss Madsen from the Department of Learning & Innovation explained district‑wide implementation of the BILT model (purpose/process/product), asynchronous professional development options, CKLA rollout in elementary grades and ongoing curriculum review for math with phased implementation at middle and elementary levels. She said staff rated a recent PD day highly and that asynchronous PD gives teachers flexibility to document professional learning.

Board members praised the work and underscored the importance of student connectedness. The presentations emphasized data‑driven interventions, ongoing curriculum alignment and active coaching to improve instructional practice across K‑12.