Jackson Charter School

We officially have our theme for next year! 👏 We're not ready to release all the details, but here's a little teaser for you. IYKYK. 😉

The 2026/2027 school year will be here before we know it! 🤯 Our classrooms are filling up fast, but there's still some limited availability. Don't miss out on the opportunity to register your student! Just follow the link below and submit our online interest form. 👇 https://jacksoncharterschool.org/interest-form/

The classrooms are empty and the hallways are quiet. It's not the same without our scholars filling the building with laughter and learning. These next ten weeks, we're hard at work getting ready for the 2026/2027 school year! We're making changes, both big and small, to enhance the learning experience for our scholars and the operations for our team. We can't wait to share all the changes with you as we approach the new school year! Stay tuned!

Join us for the FatherHood United Family Field Day — an afternoon filled with fun, family, food, music, games, prizes, and community connections. Date: Saturday, June 20 Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Bring the entire family and enjoy: • Family-friendly games and activities • Live music by DJ Polo • Arts & Crafts activities • Community resources • Food and refreshments • Giveaways and prizes • The Rockford Dad Challenge One of the featured attractions is the Rockford Dad Challenge, where dads and father figures compete in fun events that test agility, memory, rhythm, and teamwork for amazing prizes and community bragging rights. This event is designed to celebrate fathers, strengthen families, and bring our community together. Register and learn more at: https://fieldday.fatherhoodunited.org We hope to see you there!

A few photos from our first day of summer programming @ The Boys and Girls Club Stenstrom! This is made possible in part through our partnership with the Golden Apple Foundation of Chicago. 🤩

The pictures are in from our first ever Art Spark Gala! We are beyond grateful for the amazing artists and performers that helped make this event possible. Iesha Sturdivant, Francois Bangwe, Nathan Taylor, Jenny Mathews, Drew, Eurek, and Rebecca Francis. Thank you to the Rockford Art Museum for hosting, and to all the volunteers that put everything together. We can't wait to bring you this event again next year!

Today we get to celebrate our last official day of school with our scholars! 😎 We're wishing everyone an amazing summer vacation and we can't wait to see all your smiling faces this fall!

Today we honor and remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and our freedoms. 🇺🇸🫡

Reminder that there will be no school no Monday, May 25th, in observance of Memorial Day. 🇺🇸 We hope all our staff, scholars, and Jackson Families have a wonderful 3 day weekend!

Ms. Cokes nominated our Lunch Crew as the Jackson Staff of the Week! 🤩 Here's what she wrote in her nomination... "I nominate the lunch crew for all that they do for our building. I love the interactions and different relationships they have built with our scholars. The amazing food they prepare. Making a way with children who are picky and going above and beyond to make sure each scholar is satisfied. Also, all that they do for me and other staff. Thank you Thank you!"

Reminder that today we celebrate our 5th Graders with our Moving to Middle event! 🥳 We're so excited to be sending our amazing 5th graders off to new adventures in middle school. Be sure to join us at West Middle School this evening. 👏 Doors open at 5:30 PM!

Dr. Wrenn is here to give everyone an end-of-year update! We have some exciting news to share, so check out the video for all the details!

Summer Programming sign ups have officially opened! 😎 Follow the link below to the Google Doc for registration. ⬇️ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlU1EGRh7De2SKItGA8M--YQtcLv_XbbkpBiDxKO4cvjoBAw/viewform If you have any questions, please contact our front desk at 815-316-0093

Congratulations to Ms. Cokes for receiving the Jackson Charter Staff of the Week award! 🏆 Ms. Lasher submitted her nomination and this is what she had to say... "I would like to nominate Ms. Cokes for all of her hard work at Jackson. She is always willing to help and jump in when needed. She is consistent with the kids, and they know who she is, what her expectations are, and that she expects their best. She holds them accountable and maintains high standards because she knows each of them is capable of meeting them."

Art isn't just beautiful, it inspires. 🎨 This is just one of the examples of work inside our halls that's designed to inspire our scholars and staff.

Our next Kindergarten Open House is happening THIS SATURDAY (5/9) at Jackson Charter School. 🤩 Come meet our amazing Kindergarten team and see the classrooms. You'll get to learn about our performing arts programs, our social emotional learning, and all the other things that make Jackson Charter School amazing. We can't wait to see you there! Call 815-316-0092 to RSVP. ☎️

Ms. Lasher is our Staff of the Week! She was nominated by Ms. Brenum and here's what she had to say. "She has been so supportive of me and jumped right in to help me when needed. She still helps with student support even though she is teaching P.E full time as well. Thank you Ms Lasher :)"

ICYMI, the latest episode of our story series is out on YouTube! We dive deep into the tactics used inside the classroom to enact our MTSS strategies. Dr. Wrenn introduces the video in this clip, but you can catch the full episode here. 👇 https://jacksoncharterschool.org/turnaround-story/

Tomorrow is the day! Our Art Spark Gala is here! This is your LAST CHANCE to buy your tickets. Our Art Spark Gala will feature a live performance from Iesha Sturdivant, four local visual artists showcasing their work, DJ, food, drinks, and admission to the Rockford Art Museum. If you're someone that values our local arts culture and want to see it continue into the future, then you need to be at this event! You can get your tickets at the link below!👇 https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/art-spark-gala

We want to give a very special shout out and thank you to our Petite Sponsor for our upcoming Art Spark Gala event! Thank you Midland State Bank for supporting the future artists of Rockford. Your sponsorship helps make our performing arts programming possible!

We are so excited to announce that Rebecca Francis will be joining us for our inaugural Art Spark Gala as our guest speaker! Rebecca Francis, M.P.A. is a change management consultant, speaker, educator, and the Founder and CEO of Ignite Change Solutions, a firm dedicated to strengthening leadership, advancing organizational development, and driving community impact. With over a decade of experience across business, education, and community organizations, Rebecca is known for translating complex challenges into practical, people-centered solutions. She is the creator of the FLAMEWORK, a strategic model that guides organizations through intentional transformation by aligning leadership, operations, and culture. In addition to her consulting work, Rebecca teaches entrepreneurship, as well as Critical Thinking and Persuasion at the collegiate level, where she partners students with real organizations to solve real-world challenges. She is also a creator in the arts, Executive Producer, and Vice President of the Soar Awards, a platform that celebrates the arts, leadership, and excellence. A lifelong advocate for youth and access, Rebecca has served as a board member of the Rockford Area Arts Council and has trained and supported local arts initiatives, while also engaging as a parent participant. Her broader work includes leadership and advisory roles across efforts focused on youth development, mental health, and community safety. Rebecca has been recognized for her leadership and impact, including honors such as 40 Under 40 and Advocate of the Year. Rebecca is known for not just checking the box, but moving the needle. It's not too late to purchase your tickets! 👇 https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/art-spark-gala

Come see Drew Eurek and more at our Art Spark Gala event THIS SATURDAY (May 2nd)! Your attendance and support helps make our arts programming at Jackson Charter School possible. Drew wants to show all the corrections on his work as a reminder that everything is a process while also creating depth. His work also attempts to capture what one can only see in their peripheral vision. Get your tickets now! https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/art-spark-gala

It's National Bus Drivers Appreciation Day! 🥳 We surprised our amazing bus drivers with a thank you package, which included a cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes. You could say we have Nothing Bundt Love for our bus drivers. 😆

With our Art Spark Gala right around the corner, we wanted to showcase some of the art and artists our scholars are making and learning about. Frida Kahlo is a celebrated Mexican painter known for her self-portraits and works inspired by Mexican nature and artifacts.

Support Jackson Charter School's performing arts programs as well as local artist, Francois Bangwe, at our upcoming Art Spark Gala event! Francoisebangwewa is a Congolese artist, painter, designer , and educator whose work bridges creative excellence with social media transformation, Born in may 2003 in Democratic Republic of Congo, Francois discovered his passion for drawing at age of twelve and developed his skills independently through disciplined practice and observation. Purchase your tickets today. Event is THIS SATURDAY (May 2nd) at Rockford Art Museum. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/art-spark-gala

You've seen her work in the murals around Rockford! Jenny Mathews is one of our guest artists for our upcoming Art Spark Gala! She is Rockford’s 2022 Artist of the year, the City of Freeport’s 2019 Resident Artist, Angelic Organic’s Resident artist for 2020, an active member of the Rockford Art Attack Movement and a resident artist at Mainfraim. Come support Rockford's current and future culture creators! Purchase your tickets for our Art Spark Gala, held on May 2nd at the Rockford Art Museum. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/art-spark-gala

Ms. Hunter is sitting down with one of our scholars to provide them with the individual support they need to succeed. It's what we provide to each and every scholar that's here, the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed both inside and outside of the building.

Our Art Spark Gala is about supporting current and future artists. Nathan Taylor is one of our guest visual artists that will be showcasing his work. For each piece sold, 50% of the proceeds go to supporting Jackson Charter School's performing arts programming. This means your art purchase doesn't just support Mr. Taylor, it supports the next generation of local artists. Be sure to grab your tickets while you still can! Event is Saturday, May 2nd, at the Rockford Art Museum. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/art-spark-gala

Our Art Club is brightening up our building with their work! 🤩 Art Club isn't just about creating. It's about learning the stories of those that shaped and inspired art culture. These pieces are inspired by Etel Adnan, a Lebanese-American poet, essayist, novelist, and visual artist.

Our Art Spark Gala is coming up fast! Join us and Iesha Sturdivant as she performs live alongside our Jackson Charter School Choir! Iesha Sturdivant is a singer-songwriter and multidimensional artist whose work blends music, mindfulness, and healing. Her early career includes writing, recording, and touring with national and international artists, along with an appearance on American Idol! There's still time to get your tickets. 👇 https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/art-spark-gala

We had the honor of hosting our first ever Education Professionals Mixer event at The Union Lounge in downtown Rockford. We're grateful to all those that came and the feedback we received was OUTSTANDING! Educators are craving community and collaboration like we experienced that night and are asking for more. To meet that demand, we're planning on holding these quarterly to help keep our educators connected and inspired. Stay tuned for the announcement of our next event.

Our reading mentors joined us yesterday to help our scholars flex those reading muscles! This program is part of our partnership with The United Way of Rock River Valley. Not only does it help our scholars develop reading skills, it provides them with a trusted adult that they get to see every week. It's just one of the many unique opportunities we get to provide our students through our community partnerships!

Today is the LAST DAY for early-bird tickets for our upcoming Art Spark Gala event! Join us at the Rockford Art Museum to enjoy an evening of celebrating Rockford's art culture and the new generation of artists we're nurturing at Jackson Charter School. The event will feature... 🎤 Live performance from musical talent Iesha Sturdivant, joined by the Jackson Charter School Choir. 🎨 Art show from some of Rockford's top regional talent, including Jenny Mathews, Francois Bangwe, Nathan J Taylor, and more. 🖼️ Admission to the Rockford Art Museum to enjoy their exhibit "HELD IN PLACE" & the 85th Annual Young Artists Show. 🎶 DJ, food, drinks, and more Buy your tickets here! https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/art-spark-gala

Come see us at the Rockford Region Week of the Young Child event! The National Association of Education for Young Children (NAEYC) designates one week in April to celebrate early learning, young children, their teachers, families and communities. The WOYC Rockford Region will host our Annual Family Fun Fair on April 18th, 2026 at Harlem High School, 1 Huskie Circle, Machesney Park, from 9:00am-12:00pm.

We are nearly 19 days away from our Art Spark Gala! We hope that you join us for our inaugural fundraising event. Our vocal artist, choir, dance team, and local visual artists are eager to connect with our guests for the evening! We will be sharing more details on our visual and performing artists for the evening. In the meantime, grab your early bird tickets as there are only TWO days left to purchase tickets at the early bird rate! https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/art-spark-gala

Come join us for our May open house! Meet our Kindergarten team, see our classrooms, and discover why Jackson is an amazing place for your young scholar to learn, grow, and play! RSVP by calling our front office @ 815-316-0093

Today is the day!! 🤩 We're inviting all educational professionals to join us for our mixer event at The Union Lounge in downtown Rockford. Event runs from 5-7. There'll be music, fun, a cash bar, and a couple short presentations on mental health as an educational professional. We hope to see you there! The Union Rockford 112 N 2nd St, Rockford TODAY (April 10th) : 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Big thank you to one of our Community Partners, David Scurlock! He used virtual and augmented reality technology as a tool to introduce our students to topics and activities ranging from STEAM, sports, physical and mental developmental activities. Through the activities the students practice team work, collaboration, problem solving skills.

Episode 3 of this year's Story Telling Season is officially live! 🎬 We dive into some of the tactics used by our teachers to employ MTSS (Multi Tiered Systems of Support) in our classrooms. This is what it looks like to meet every scholar at the level of their individual needs. 🤩 You can catch this episode, and the rest of the season at the link below! https://jacksoncharterschool.org/turnaround-story/

If you're a professional in education, we want you at our mixer event! 📢 It's happening TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY (April 17th). The fun goes from 5 - 7 PM and we're hosting it at The Union in downtown Rockford. Socialize with people that GET YOU and the obstacles we overcome as educators. We'll also have a few short presentations on how to protect your mental health as an educational professional. Follow the link below for the Facebook Event where you can RSVP! https://www.facebook.com/events/1957455818129236

We're looking for local artists to partner with for our upcoming Art Spark Gala on May 2nd! Your support will help us raise future artists with our performing arts programming. This gala event is not only about raising future artists, it's about supporting our local arts and culture as well. If you're a local artists, reach out to our Executive Director, Dr. Ebony Wrenn, at ewrenn@jacksoncharterschool.org to learn more.

We are SO PROUD of our Dance and Choir teams for their performance at the IceHogs game! 🥳 Our performing arts programs are one of the highlights of our scholars' days and these kinds of unique opportunities will be a lifelong memory for them. ❤️

It's spring break! We hope all our scholars and staff have a wonderful week enjoying the sunshine and spring weather! ☀️🍃 We'll see you all on Monday, April 6th! 😁

Join us for a FREE evening of connection as we bring teachers & education professionals together. This is meant to be a casual event where teachers and other education professionals can meet one another and strengthen our community. We will have a DJ and The Union will be serving up cocktails and more at their cash bar. We'll also be discussing how we can foster better mental health for all professionals within the education system. RSVP Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeD_bIxhRv8T6G8O4RwmWWT03TlIL8tNxqZLvR5ShkFc7evWg/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawQuOdRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2dXpqRThvZDNkUVpOUXZKc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHv2nQP-tMKMFDiuaoPjrfSH2euL-gqTCNCxOHH0xXFuGUCPVhdgbT_mra7I1_aem_bpjA2TnXRgeXHXqLb7eJiQ We can't wait to see you there!

Ms. Reid has nominated Ms. Eboni McIntosh for Staff of the Week in recognition of her incredible flexibility and support. 👏 She consistently steps in wherever needed, helping Ms. Reid navigate even the busiest and most challenging days. Her willingness to assist in any capacity does not go unnoticed and makes a meaningful difference in the work we do. I truly appreciate having her as an assistant and value all that she contributes to our kindergarten classroom.

Mr. Russey works with his scholars in a small group. Small group learning is part of our tier 2 interventions. Multi Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is the foundation for our educational framework here at Jackson. It's a structured approach to ensuring that each student is being met at their individual needs.

Join us for a FREE evening of connection as we bring teachers & education professionals together. This is meant to be a casual event where teachers and other education professionals can meet one another and strengthen our community. We will have a DJ and The Union will be serving up cocktails and more at their cash bar. We'll also be discussing how we can foster better mental health for all professionals within the education system. We can't wait to see you there!

🎉 Excitement is in the air! Get ready to be part of something extraordinary at Jackson Charter School's inaugural fundraising event. Join us for a night of live entertainment, art featuring local artists, DJ, food, and so much more. It's an event like no other, and we want you to be there! 🎉 Every registration to this event will bring us closer to achieving our mission. Together, we can create a brighter, more compassionate world for all. Thank you for supporting our mission. Your support is invaluable. Dr. Wrenn

We all have our favorite spots to enjoy a good book. 📖😍

Ms. Hightower nominated Mrs. Reid for teacher of the week this week! "Thank you for your dedication, hard work, showing up for our young scholars every day, loving on them and teaching them. Although it’s not an easy job you do it with love and such patience. Thank you, we see you:)"