Brookside Elementary is excited to welcome Rich Rokicki as the newest member of our first-grade teaching team!
Rich is originally from Northwest Indiana and is a graduate of Ball State University in central Indiana. His career has taken him to a variety of places (including South Florida and the St. Louis area) before he eventually moved to Michigan to start his own business. Inspired by his love of learning and seeing students succeed, Rich returned to school to earn his teaching certificate. He most recently taught kindergarten at Greenville Public Schools and is excited to begin this new chapter with Big Rapids Public Schools.
Rich comes from a large, close-knit family that includes two younger siblings and many nephews. Outside of school, he enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors, whether it’s hiking new trails, kayaking on the river, or biking.
Something students might be surprised to learn about him? Rich is musically talented. He plays piano and is also learning to play guitar!
When asked what inspired him to join BRPS, Rich shared that he has always enjoyed seeing students succeed and wanted to be a part of that success. We are thrilled to have him bring his passion, energy, and creativity to Brookside Elementary’s first-grade classrooms.
Welcome to the Cardinal family, Mr. Rokicki!