Jefferson High School’s Advanced Theatre invites you to the 7th Annual Children’s Readers Theatre! Join us on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 5:30pm in the JHS auditorium (4145 Samuelson Rd.). Admission is FREE! Enjoy Adventures of Frog and Toad brought to life like a bedtime story on stage.

Five RPS 205 artists representing three schools, were chosen in the inaugural Holiday Card contest at Noah's Ark Animal Shelter.
-Ivanna Penaloza from Jefferson HS was selected as the 1st place winner! Her card design will be printed on their holiday card that is sent to 5,000 homes and will hang at Noah's Ark for years to come.
-2nd place Abria Lambert , 7th grade, from West C.A.P.A. Middle school will have her design shared as their Happy Holidays post on their social media on December 25th.
Runners up will have their pieces featured on Noah's Ark Social Media:
-Josephine Tortorici, 8th grade, West C.A.P.A. Middle school, will have their design shared as part of their first day of winter post.
-Anny Ramirez Aguilar, 8th grade, RESA Middle school, will have their design featured as part of the holiday adoption special.
-Yanelly Cecilia Almanza,7th grade, RESA Middle school, will have their design used on New Year's Day.
Congratulations to these talented artists!
-Ivanna Penaloza from Jefferson HS was selected as the 1st place winner! Her card design will be printed on their holiday card that is sent to 5,000 homes and will hang at Noah's Ark for years to come.
-2nd place Abria Lambert , 7th grade, from West C.A.P.A. Middle school will have her design shared as their Happy Holidays post on their social media on December 25th.
Runners up will have their pieces featured on Noah's Ark Social Media:
-Josephine Tortorici, 8th grade, West C.A.P.A. Middle school, will have their design shared as part of their first day of winter post.
-Anny Ramirez Aguilar, 8th grade, RESA Middle school, will have their design featured as part of the holiday adoption special.
-Yanelly Cecilia Almanza,7th grade, RESA Middle school, will have their design used on New Year's Day.
Congratulations to these talented artists!






Jefferson came to support, volunteering at Stroll on State!
Unfortunately Mother Nature had plans and caused our volunteer event to be cancelled.
Thank you to Mr. Mitkusevitch and Freshman Janea P. And Sophomore Kane P. for braving the weather to come support our community!

See you on Monday, December 1st!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Graduation season will be here before you know it. We will celebrate the class of 2026 at the BMO Center in May. Check out the details for these special ceremonies: https://www.rps205.com/page/graduation

J-Hawk Families, here is a friendly reminder that SENIOR picture days are tomorrow, Tuesday, November 18th and Wednesday, November 19th in the auditorium. Seniors will go down by their English, Spanish Language Arts, and ESL classes. Here is the link to the schedule:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NgTjUbI03j5CuiDYJN94g1ZOTMvbAm4QHHzwlW1tH0I/
These will be headshot pictures of the students in their outfit and a photo in a cap and gown (Jostens will provide the cap and gown).
If your student will not be here the day you are going, please have them attend during their lunch on the opposite day.
If students do not get their picture taken they will not be in the yearbook. (If a student took their picture with the underclassmen, we CAN use that picture if they aren't able to make it)
Thank you!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NgTjUbI03j5CuiDYJN94g1ZOTMvbAm4QHHzwlW1tH0I/
These will be headshot pictures of the students in their outfit and a photo in a cap and gown (Jostens will provide the cap and gown).
If your student will not be here the day you are going, please have them attend during their lunch on the opposite day.
If students do not get their picture taken they will not be in the yearbook. (If a student took their picture with the underclassmen, we CAN use that picture if they aren't able to make it)
Thank you!
The Rockford Promise Scholarship application is open now through February 5th. High school students can apply for the chance to attend college tuition free. Don’t miss this life-changing opportunity! Apply today at https://rockfordpromise.org/apply-scholarship-application/

RPS 205 hosted its inaugural College Fair at The Quad for all juniors and undecided seniors! More than 20 colleges and universities were on hand to share opportunities available after high school. Students from all of the RPS high schools explored exciting paths for their future!










INFORMATIONAL MEETING REMINDER: RPS offers a scholarship program for juniors & seniors who are interested in pursuing a career in the education field. Earn a college degree @ a 75% tuition reduction rate & a FREE Master's degree from Rockford University! Join us tomorrow @ 5:30!

Dear J-Hawk Families,
We’re excited to introduce our new head softball coach, Walter Stanton!
Students and families are invited to an Introduction & Information Meeting on Wednesday, November 13 from 3:45–4:15 PM at Jefferson High School (4145 Samuelson Rd).
Coach Stanton will share information about his background, offseason schedule, and plans for the upcoming season. This is a great opportunity to meet him and learn more about J-Hawk Softball!
We look forward to seeing you there.
Go J-Hawks! ❤️💛
Best,
Zach Larson
Assistant Principal of Athletics & Facilities
Jefferson High School
zachary.larson@rps205.com
We’re excited to introduce our new head softball coach, Walter Stanton!
Students and families are invited to an Introduction & Information Meeting on Wednesday, November 13 from 3:45–4:15 PM at Jefferson High School (4145 Samuelson Rd).
Coach Stanton will share information about his background, offseason schedule, and plans for the upcoming season. This is a great opportunity to meet him and learn more about J-Hawk Softball!
We look forward to seeing you there.
Go J-Hawks! ❤️💛
Best,
Zach Larson
Assistant Principal of Athletics & Facilities
Jefferson High School
zachary.larson@rps205.com
Jefferson Theatre Troupe proudly presents their fall play - SHE KILLS MONSTERS.
She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. When Agnes finds Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, however, she finds herself catapulted into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was her sister’s refuge. This dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture, offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all
Performances will be in the Jefferson Auditorium on November 7th at 7pm, November 8th at 7pm, and November 9th at 1pm. Tickets are $10 for general admission and sold at the door.
She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. When Agnes finds Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, however, she finds herself catapulted into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was her sister’s refuge. This dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture, offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all
Performances will be in the Jefferson Auditorium on November 7th at 7pm, November 8th at 7pm, and November 9th at 1pm. Tickets are $10 for general admission and sold at the door.

Athletic Opportunities This Week 🟥🟨
Students interested in joining the J-Hawk Baseball program this year are invited to open fields on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30–4:30 PM on the varsity baseball diamond. Bring any gear you have — gloves, bats, and cleats.
Also, a reminder that Girls Basketball tryouts are tonight! Don’t miss your chance to be part of the 2025–26 J-Hawk lineup.
#FlyWithUs #VuelaConNosotros
Students interested in joining the J-Hawk Baseball program this year are invited to open fields on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30–4:30 PM on the varsity baseball diamond. Bring any gear you have — gloves, bats, and cleats.
Also, a reminder that Girls Basketball tryouts are tonight! Don’t miss your chance to be part of the 2025–26 J-Hawk lineup.
#FlyWithUs #VuelaConNosotros
A shout out to Jefferson High School Spanish class students for making the Nicholas Conservatory building beautiful for Dia de los Muertos! They put together the ofrenda, hung butterflies, created posters, & planted hundreds of marigolds for everyone to enjoy. Thank you!




RPS PROUD: It was a big night last week for both GHS Girls Volleyball and the JHS Boys Varsity Football. The Lady Vikings won their first NIC-10 conference since 1996! Tonight they take on DeKalb in regional playoffs at 7 at GHS. The J-Hawks return to the playoffs for the first time since 1993! They play Brother Rice this Friday at 7 in Chicago. Congrats and good luck to you both!


It’s time to register for Winter Sports and Activities at Jefferson High School! Students must be registered and cleared before attending any tryouts or practices.
Register here:
👉 https://manage.snap.app/register/jeffersonhs/dashboard/home
Below are the start and tryout dates for all winter programs:
October 27 – Boys Bowling, Competitive Cheer Tryouts (Main Gym with Coach Strick), Competitive Dance Tryouts (Coach Rebecca Miramontes), and Speech (students can still join until Nov. 22).
November 3 – Girls Basketball Tryouts — 3:30 PM in the Main Gym.
November 10 – Boys Basketball Tryouts — 3:30 PM in the Main Gym; Boys Wrestling and Girls Wrestling begin.
November 11 – Chess begins (practices Mon–Wed in Room 235).
November 17 – Girls Bowling begins.
November 24 – Boys Swimming & Diving begins (meet at Door X by 7:50 AM).
December 1 – eSports begins (in-person practices Wednesdays in Room 235).
Questions?
Contact Mr. Zachary Larson, Athletic Director – zachary.larson@rps205.com
Please ensure your student’s registration and sports physical are complete before participation.
Let’s make this winter a great one, J-Hawks! 🟥🟨
Jefferson Athletics Department
#FlyWithUs #VuelaConNosotros
Register here:
👉 https://manage.snap.app/register/jeffersonhs/dashboard/home
Below are the start and tryout dates for all winter programs:
October 27 – Boys Bowling, Competitive Cheer Tryouts (Main Gym with Coach Strick), Competitive Dance Tryouts (Coach Rebecca Miramontes), and Speech (students can still join until Nov. 22).
November 3 – Girls Basketball Tryouts — 3:30 PM in the Main Gym.
November 10 – Boys Basketball Tryouts — 3:30 PM in the Main Gym; Boys Wrestling and Girls Wrestling begin.
November 11 – Chess begins (practices Mon–Wed in Room 235).
November 17 – Girls Bowling begins.
November 24 – Boys Swimming & Diving begins (meet at Door X by 7:50 AM).
December 1 – eSports begins (in-person practices Wednesdays in Room 235).
Questions?
Contact Mr. Zachary Larson, Athletic Director – zachary.larson@rps205.com
Please ensure your student’s registration and sports physical are complete before participation.
Let’s make this winter a great one, J-Hawks! 🟥🟨
Jefferson Athletics Department
#FlyWithUs #VuelaConNosotros
It's Principal Appreciation Day! This state-endorsed recognition was first approved by the Governor of Illinois in 1990. Thank you to our amazing principals, assistant principals & deans for your leadership and dedication to RPS 205 students and staff!










History has been made — the Jefferson J-Hawks are playoff eligible!
Celebrate this unforgettable season with official Playoff T-shirts and Hoodies.
🟥 T-Shirts: $15
🟨 Hoodies: $25
Orders are due by Monday to guarantee your size.
A limited number of extras will be available, but pre-ordering is the only way to secure yours!
Celebrate this unforgettable season with official Playoff T-shirts and Hoodies.
🟥 T-Shirts: $15
🟨 Hoodies: $25
Orders are due by Monday to guarantee your size.
A limited number of extras will be available, but pre-ordering is the only way to secure yours!

RPS offers a scholarship program for juniors & seniors who are interested in pursuing a career in the education field. Earn a college degree at a 75% tuition reduction rate & a FREE Master's degree from Rockford University! To learn more, join us at the informational meeting.

🏈 HOMECOMING NIGHT AT SWANSON STADIUM! 🟥🟨
It’s Homecoming Friday under the lights! Jefferson Football hosts Freeport tonight at Swanson Stadium (Guilford HS Campus).
🎟 Gates open: 6:00 PM
🎉 Homecoming celebration: 6:20 PM
🏈 Varsity kickoff: 7:00 PM (No JV game tonight)
📋 Important Entry Info:
All students must present a physical school ID for entry.
Only Jefferson and Freeport students will be admitted.
Middle school students may attend with a guardian (ID required).
RPS 205 students with unexcused absences, discipline referrals, or social exclusion restrictions may not enter, with or without an adult present. Please make sure to report any absences to the office.
Let’s represent Jefferson with pride and pack the stands in red and gold!
See you tonight, J-Hawks!
#FlyWithUs #VuelaConNosotros
It’s Homecoming Friday under the lights! Jefferson Football hosts Freeport tonight at Swanson Stadium (Guilford HS Campus).
🎟 Gates open: 6:00 PM
🎉 Homecoming celebration: 6:20 PM
🏈 Varsity kickoff: 7:00 PM (No JV game tonight)
📋 Important Entry Info:
All students must present a physical school ID for entry.
Only Jefferson and Freeport students will be admitted.
Middle school students may attend with a guardian (ID required).
RPS 205 students with unexcused absences, discipline referrals, or social exclusion restrictions may not enter, with or without an adult present. Please make sure to report any absences to the office.
Let’s represent Jefferson with pride and pack the stands in red and gold!
See you tonight, J-Hawks!
#FlyWithUs #VuelaConNosotros
RPS hosted the 14th annual Academy Expo. 2,000 freshmen connected with over 100 local businesses to explore future careers. With support from 500+ volunteers, students gained real-world insight to help guide their academy selections for the rest of their high school journey.










