Cultivating biblically minded students who serve God to their greatest potential and impact the world for Christ | | |
Recently, Mr. Nyberg, Mr. Lindstedt, and I had the opportunity to attend a conference in Arlington, Texas, alongside more than 900 school leaders from across the country. We spent several days learning, listening, and engaging in meaningful conversations around AI, board governance, educational philosophy, and the unique opportunities and challenges facing Christian schools today. Just as valuable as the sessions themselves were the conversations in the hallways and over meals, connecting with friends and colleagues who serve in similar roles and learning from their experiences. Throughout the symposium, we continually asked ourselves, “What does this mean for Rockford Christian?” and “How can these ideas help us serve our students, faculty, families, and mission more effectively?”
I am deeply grateful for Rockford Christian’s commitment to professional growth. Over the last four years, we have made an intentional investment in developing our teachers, counselors, and leaders because we recognize that healthy, growing schools require leaders who are continually learning and growing themselves. Professional development is not simply about attending conferences or collecting new ideas; it is about creating space to step outside the demands of our daily responsibilities, gain perspective, be challenged, and return with renewed vision and purpose.
One of the greatest takeaways from our time at the symposium was a renewed appreciation for the responsibility and privilege of leadership. We were reminded that leading a school well requires humility, conviction, and curiosity to remain anchored to what we believe while being willing to learn, adapt, and ask better questions. We returned to Rockford Christian encouraged by what we are doing well, challenged to consider where we can grow, and energized by the possibilities ahead. Most importantly, we were reminded that our work is not simply about building a better school. It is about faithfully stewarding the mission God has entrusted to us and continually seeking wisdom for the work He has called us to do.
My hope is that RC will continue to be a community of leaders who remain humble enough to keep learning, courageous enough to keep growing, and faithful enough to keep pursuing God’s best for Rockford Christian.
Blessings,
Dr. Jahna Duda
| | |
Over the past year, the Rockford Christian community has engaged in a thoughtful strategic planning process alongside the Board of Directors, drawing on work sessions, interviews, and community feedback. The result was a five-year strategic plan and financial plan designed to provide a clear roadmap for continued growth and improvement. Our plan focuses on three key areas: Academics, Operations, and Board Governance, with each playing an important role in strengthening teaching and learning, building a thriving community, and ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of Rockford Christian.
The following update highlights specific initiatives for the 2026-27 school year:
| |
Built to Multiply: 1401 Challenge
| | |
On Friday, October 3rd, we officially dedicated our newly unified campus during our ribbon cutting ceremony. We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us to pray over these spaces and celebrate what God, through the generosity and dedication of this community, has made possible.
This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Rockford Christian, one that will impact generations of students to come. The work already completed across our campus has created spaces that expand our reach, strengthen our programs, and multiply our impact on the lives of current and future Royal Lions.
While we pause to celebrate all that has been accomplished, there is still work to be done. We are carrying this momentum forward as we work to complete the PARC gym, add auxiliary hoops, and continue upgrades to the Blue Gym sound system. Together, we have an opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before us, strengthen Rockford Christian for the generations ahead, and leave a lasting foundation for the Royal Lions who will follow.
As of the writing of this update, we have raised over $2.8 million and seek to raise nearly $2.2 million to reach our goal. To help us fulfill the commitments already made and bring the full vision for our campus to completion, we are relaunching the 1401 Challenge. We invite our community to join us in this important next chapter.
To learn more or partner with us, visit https://tinyurl.com/1401Challenge or contact Head of Advancement Laura Sanders Ahern at advancement@rockfordchristian.org.
Built for the future. Built on faith. Built to Multiply.
| |
Make a Difference Before Year-End
As the year comes to a close, we invite you to prayerfully consider how you might support Rockford Christian School and invest in the next generation through Christ-centered education. There are several ways to make a year-end gift, and choosing the right giving method may allow you to maximize the impact of your generosity.
If you have a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF), you can recommend a grant to Rockford Christian School before year-end. DAFs offer a convenient way to support charitable organizations and can be an especially simple option for those who already have charitable funds available. Be sure to check with your DAF provider for its year-end deadlines and processing times.
Donating appreciated securities may also be a tax-efficient way to support Rockford Christian School. Depending on your circumstances, giving appreciated stock that you have held for more than a year may allow you to support the school while potentially avoiding capital gains tax on the appreciation. If you are considering a stock gift, please allow sufficient time for the transfer to be completed before December 31, 2026. Your financial or tax advisor can help you determine whether this strategy is appropriate for you.
Whether you give through a DAF, appreciated stock, or another giving method, your generosity helps Rockford Christian School provide an excellent Christian education and equip students to grow in faith, knowledge, character, and purpose. As you make your year-end giving plans, thank you for considering a gift to our school. We are grateful for your partnership and for the opportunity to invest together in the lives of our students and the future God has placed before them.
Questions about making a year-end gift? Please contact Laura Sanders Ahern, Head of Advancement, at (779) 771-7934 or advancement@rockfordchristian.org. Laura can provide information about giving through a Donor-Advised Fund, appreciated stock, or other giving methods.
Please consult your financial or tax advisor regarding your individual circumstances. Year-end giving deadlines may vary depending on the type of gift and the financial institution processing it.
| | | | |
It was an incredible joy to celebrate Homecoming Week 2026 with the entire Rockford Christian family. From creative dress-up days and highly anticipated Powderpuff matchups to the crowning of our Homecoming King and Queen under the lights, the week was filled with energy, school spirit, and most importantly unity. Students of all ages came together to celebrate what it means to be part of the Rockford Christian community.
One of the week’s most meaningful highlights was seeing our community rally around local partner Marshmallow’s Hope. Their support reminded us that our impact extends far beyond the walls of our campus and calls us to serve, encourage, and love others.
A sincere thank you to our dedicated staff, families, and students who helped make this milestone Homecoming Week so memorable. Together, we continue to step faithfully into all that God has planned in the next chapter for Rockford Christian.
| |
Breaking Ground
for Our Littlest Lions
Our Early Childhood students are already settling into their new classrooms, and they are eagerly watching the next piece of their new learning environment take shape! With noses pressed to the windows, our youngest Royal Lions recently watched as earthmovers began work on their new playground.
Seeing this vision come to life is a powerful reminder of what God has made possible through the generosity and commitment of our Rockford Christian community. These new spaces are more than buildings and playgrounds; they create opportunities for our youngest students to learn, grow, play, and experience the love of Christ in a place they can call their own.
As we look toward the completion of additional projects, including the PARC gym, auxiliary basketball hoops, and Blue Gym sound system upgrades, we are grateful for a community that continues to invest in the future of Rockford Christian.
| |  |
Middle School:
Six Houses, One Family
On September 26, our middle school officially launched a new house system with an exciting sorting ceremony that brought the entire middle school community together. The energy in the main gym was contagious as students discovered which of six houses they would represent throughout the year.
This initiative has been more than a year and a half in the making, led by middle school teachers Mrs. Volk and Mrs. Cufr. Their vision is to create a culture where students can build deeper relationships, grow spiritually, serve others, and experience a stronger sense of belonging within the middle school community.
Seeing months of planning and anticipation come to life during the sorting ceremony was a special milestone and just the beginning of what the house system can become. Through competition, service, encouragement, and fellowship, these six houses will help our students grow together while strengthening the bonds that unite them.
| | |
Thank you to our 2026-27 Ultimate and Champion level sponsors!
Sponsorships are a great way to not only support RC but also promote and support our Royal Lion community. For more information, please contact our advancement office.
| |
1401 N. Bell School Rd.
Rockford, IL 61107
(815) 391-8000
| | | | |
