Superintendent's Message 2022-23
March 10, 2023
Enjoy Spring Break!
Wow, it’s hard to believe the end of the school year is creeping up. We made it through the third quarter which means Spring Intercession is here! I hope everyone had a successful quarter; if not, you can try again when we return from break.
As always, do exactly what the break is intended for…give yourself a break. Relax, recharge, and spend time with loved ones.
While the end of the school year is near we’re not done yet. It’s not time to slow down but build on the momentum we have had this school year.
Enjoy your break and when we return we have a great day of personal development at the staff inservice and begin the work to finish the year strong!
March 3, 2023
Celebrating Outstanding Educators
Over the past 3 years, Rock Island-Milan School District #41 has worked to ensure that our educators would receive special recognition for the incredible impact that they have had on our entire student population. Last year, we were finally able to celebrate them in person at the Educator of the Year Gala.
Drum roll, please. The nominations are in and the winners for the 2023 Educator of the Year are...
- Denkmann Elementary School - Kristin Banks
- Earl Hanson Elementary School - Beth Ann "Beth" Raygor
- Eugene Field Elementary School- Tyler Allison
- Frances Willard Elementary School - Carissa Boyd
- Longfellow Liberal Arts - David "Dave" Terronez
- Ridgewood Elementary School - Mara Goodvin
- Rock Island Academy - Amanda Schaubroeck
- Rock Island Center for Math & Science -Elisha Horn
- Thomas Jefferson Elementary School - Dean VanVooren
- Edison Jr. High School -Amanda Weber
- Washington Jr. High School -Jazmin Taylor
- Rock Island High School- Michelle Greenwood
- Thurgood Marshall Learning Center- Janice Gbenyo
- Horace Mann- Jennifer "Jenny" Purvis
Each principal nominated one educator that they feel exemplifies Educator of the Year. To be considered for an Educator of the Year, a person must exhibit the following criteria:
- The educator must have taught for at least five years.
- The educator must have evidenced exemplary skills in instructing children/young adults.
- The educator must strongly believe that all children/young adults can and will learn.
- The educator has continually shown evidence of self-motivation in seeking and engaging in professional growth activities for the purpose of improving and/or enhancing his or her educational offerings to children/young adults.
- The educator makes teaching and learning rigorous and exciting for children/young adults.
I have loved reading each educator's nomination letter and hearing about the impact they have not only on their school but their community. I am looking forward to celebrating with them, their families, and their coworkers! The Educator of the Year Gala will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023, at the Stern Center. This year we are opening up the event to everyone in the district who would like to attend, so stay tuned for more details.
If you see these honorees around be sure to give them a BIG congratulations!
2022 Educator of the Year Recipients at last year's gala
February 24, 2023
Celebrating Diversity
As Black History Month is wrapping up next week, I wanted to highlight some of the things being done in the district to celebrate.
Staff from the Administration Center put together a display that featured African American inventors. If you have a chance to see it, please do. It's very informative. I didn't know that many of my favorites (ice cream, ice cream scooper, potato chips, the cookie cutter, and the guitar) were created or improved by African Americans. It's a great opportunity to keep on learning. On Monday, Feb. 27, Rock Island High School's African American Heritage Club will put on its second annual Black History Month program. Last year was an incredible program and I expect nothing less from this year's program.
While February is a designated time to celebrate black history I'm proud of the work our district does year-round to provide an inclusive and equitable environment. From our CQ work to our equity statement, I appreciate all of you who try to always be conscious of this. I encourage you to read or read again the district's equity statement. It ties in with what our core values are.
Thank you to everyone who has celebrated this month and who continues to celebrate diverse backgrounds and cultures.
February 17, 2023
Time to Celebrate!
This week has been a week of student celebrations, from athletics to academics!
First off, we have SEVEN wrestlers competing at the state tournament. That's a school record. The tournament started yesterday and we have two that are advancing. Good luck to brothers Steven and Andrew Marquez who will compete tonight in the Semifinals and congratulations to all of our state wrestlers. Making it to State is an accomplishment in itself.
Both of our junior high schools are sending students to the State MathCounts Tournament in March! Edison's team placed overall at the MathCounts Chapter Competition and also had the number one individual score! Washington jr high school placed 3rd overall as a team and had one student finish second which qualified him for the state tournament.
The Girl's basketball will play against Galesburg tonight for the Regional Championship and on Saturday our boys swimming and diving team is competing at the IHSA Sectionals. Also, our very own Lucas Rettig was named the Western Big Six MVP for swimming!
We are so proud of our all students. I love to see our students representing the district in so many ways. I encourage you all if you can to come out to these events and show our students some support. I know it means a lot to them.
February 10, 2023
Grand Opening
This week started off on a high note as we celebrated the grand opening of the Rock Island High School renovation and expansion project. It was a great day for RIMSD, Rock Island High School, and the City of Rock Island. I was grateful to be surrounded by students, staff, alum, and community members at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The Rock Island High School expansion serves not only as a much-needed resource for students but also as a continued bridge between our school and our Rock Island community. We are dedicated to improving the city of Rock Island and opening our doors to welcome the entire community.
This project is an example of when we work on behalf of our students, the whole community benefits. Thank you to all who made this amazing high school expansion possible.
Lastly, today wraps up National School Counseling Week. If you haven't yet, please take the time to say thank you to our amazing counselors. Thank you RIMSD counselors, the work you do with and for our students is life-changing! If you're successful in your own career as an adult, you've been impacted by a great counselor.
Have a great weekend.
February 3, 2023
Let us not forget, February is Black History Month!
During the month of February, we celebrate Black History Month. I know many of our classes and schools will celebrate with writing activities, workshops, storytelling, art projects, performances, etc.
I know there are also several Black History Month activities going on in the community as well. I hope you take time to attend some and if you're a teacher I hope you take the time to talk about the significance of February. While it's a time to remember the past it's also just as important to reflect on the current and optimistically anticipates the future.
While we teach about historically famous figures, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. or Harriet Tubman let's also celebrate and teach about the African Americans who are making a difference today.
I leave you with some incredible artwork done by Rock Island Center for Math & Science students that are hanging on hallway walls.
#ThisHouseRocks
January 27, 2023
Continue Making Safety a Priority
January 20, 2023
Exciting things are coming!
I hope your week has been a good one. I know it's been a while since I've updated you on the construction projects going on in our district but I have some exciting news to share! 
In the next couple of weeks, the project at the high school will be complete! We can't wait to share with all of you the finished product. The project includes a major entrance renovation and addition that will have a secure entryway and will house the main, athletic, and nurses' office in that location. There will also be a commons area for students and a brand-new cafeteria.
The Food Production / Warehouse / Administration Center new building should be complete in May 2023. We're looking forward to that project as well which will include 15,000 square feet for warehouse space and 5,000 square feet for a production kitchen.
These projects will impact the whole community. These are spaces I'm sure the community will want to use for events, meetings, etc. so we hope the community loves what we have done and are really proud to have these additions in their community.
Stay tuned!
January 13, 2023
Celebrating MLK
As you all know, we have a three-day weekend. We have Monday off to observe the holiday. While it's nice having an extra day off, I hope we all spend the day how it's intended to be spent, celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemorates "the values of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service that so radiantly defined Dr. King's character and empowered his leadership" as well as the "universal, unconditional love, forgiveness and nonviolence that empowered his revolutionary spirit."
I ask that we all take a moment to reflect on Dr. King’s message and what this day truly means to us as individuals and as a community. Take an opportunity to attend, one of the many programs taking place throughout Rock Island and the Quad Cities or celebrate with your family and friends.
Lastly, I ask that you get involved in an act of service, and devote a small amount of time to doing something for someone else. These are the actions that help us all get to understand each other just a little bit better than before.
Have a great weekend.
January 6, 2023
Welcome Back!
Welcome back to the new year! The Teaching & Learning Conference was a great kick-off to the 3rd quarter. As always, Dr. Ruggeberg and her T&L team did an amazing job putting together an excellent day of learning. The training seasons covered a variety of topics and were taught by professionals right here in our district. I hope you all walked away feeling inspired and ready to take on the rest of the school year.As I mentioned at the Inservice, I want US to tell our own story, not have outsiders lead the narrative. To do so we need to follow the four P’s, Public Pride and Private Problem Solving. When you’re not inside our buildings you represent RIMSD#41. Represent it with PRIDE. If there’s an issue let’s fix it, and communicate with the appropriate people inside our district to get it resolved. It’s up to you how we tell our story.
Lastly, I talked about making 2023 a transformational year. If you can change the unfortunates, successes, and life opportunities in one student you are transformational. All it takes is making an impact on one student. Let’s find ways to change education and make it meaningful for our students. 
Let’s have a great 3rd quarter. One Team. One Goal. One RIMSD.
December 21, 2022
Good Bye 2022, Hello 2023
As we close out 2022, let’s reflect on all the success we have had this year. Whether you look at the entire year, from January through December, or you peek back from the start of the school year until now, we’ve made some incredible strides and will have more in the future. All of this is possible because of YOU, the great individuals that touch the lives of our students each and every day. I’m looking forward to what we can accomplish together in 2023.
Use this short break as a time to rest, relax, and rejuvenate so that we can finish the year out strong. For those of you traveling over the holidays, safe travels, and to all, spend some quality time with family. I wish the RIMSD41 family a peaceful and joyous holiday season.
December 16, 2022
Sounds of the Season
As we enter the holiday season, I am grateful for our teachers, staff, students, and families we serve every day.
In addition to all the end-of-the-semester work you're doing, our staff has been working hard to put on annual Winter Programs and Concerts. I hope you took the opportunity to attend some of our fabulous music events that occurred throughout the District. I went to several. The students performed wonderfully. Thank you to the dedicated music staff and all staff members for the tireless preparation for these performances. It's important to attend events like this and show our students that we support them.
I know this time of year is hectic, but the break is near. Let’s finish off the 2022 school year strong!
Rock Island High School Orchestra
December 9, 2022
Checking In
In the last few weeks, our district has been faced with hardship, we have lost two wonderful teachers and human beings.
Please keep, their families, students, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
If you or one of your students is struggling or needs extra support please know the district can provide EAP support and you have FULL support from the Administration Center.
I also ask that we continue to check in on each other. Reach out to colleagues and offer a listening ear. This time of the year is hectic and can be stressful, You are putting in extra effort to complete the last units and lessons, finish assessments, and prepare grade reports for students on top of everything else going on in our daily lives. It's easy to get burned out.
Let's take care of each other as well as ourselves.
December 2, 2022
Critical & Courageous Conversations
This week I’ve been in Washington D.C attending the annual NASBE (National Alliance of Black School Educators) Conference. There have been several sessions around the topic of equity and it has made me stop and reflect on what our district is doing to make sure we are doing everything we can to provide equitable opportunities for everyone.I am proud of the work our CQ team is doing. This week has been a perfect example of that. Mr. Paul Forbes, our equity consultant made another visit to Rock Island. The CQ team hosted a Critical & Courageous Conversations session on Wednesday at Nest Café. Staff was invited to come and attend. There was a great turnout from what I’m told. The purpose of these sessions is to engage our staff in critical and courageous conversations and widen our equity lens. Nest Café owner Laura Mahn spoke about food insecurity.
Then on Thursday, Mr. Forbes worked with our high school students. Students in the high school’s Education Internship classes and students who have an interest in possibly teaching someday were invited to watch the Defining Us documentary that all of you were able to watch at the beginning of the year inservice. Students had time to reflect and have an open discussion with Mr. Forbes and among themselves. It also helped students think about what kind of teacher do they want to be. It was a great experience for our students.
While I know there is more work to be done, our district is on the right path. Our CQ team will be holding more sessions throughout the year so I encourage EVERYONE, not just educators, to attend and join the conversation.
Just like our motto this year, "One team. One goal. One RIMSD" we are stronger together.
November 18, 2022
Grateful for you
As this is the last RI-Milan Lines before we head into Thanksgiving break, it only seems fitting to thank each of you for your hard work and persistence in providing all students with a quality education in the Rock Island- Milan School District! RIMSD41 has many things to be thankful for as an organization. The high quality of our educational offerings, community events, sporting, and co-curricular activities are a few to name.
But as superintendent, the single most important thing I am thankful for is the highly dedicated and compassionate educational professionals, who walk the halls and the classrooms of our great schools. It does not matter what job title you have in the district, we are all educators in our own way.
Nowadays, school districts do more than just provide education to our students. On top of teaching, we’re expected to feed them, provide technology, support their social-emotional needs, and the list goes on.
I know all of this can be exhausting, but I’m proud of the work we do and the support we provide to our students and families. While it’s a thankless job, I want you to know your work does not go unnoticed. THANK YOU!
I wish you and your families a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
November 10, 2022
Honoring Veterans
Tomorrow is a ‘No School’ day for RIMSD#41 and while I hope you take time to relax, I hope you take time to reflect on why we don’t have school. Please take a moment to honor and celebrate Veterans Day.Veterans Day is a day of reflection and honor. While one day a year is not enough to thank veterans for the price they have paid and still continue to pay, it is important to take a few moments with your students to recognize veterans, whether it is in a classroom or school assembly. We care for and about the people in our community and holidays such as Veterans Day gives us a great opportunity to reach out and thank those who have served our country. Be sure to thank your fellow colleagues too, I know that are Veterans working in our district. Thank you for your service!
Thank you to all of you who served in the armed forces or continue to serve in the guard or reserves.
Enjoy a picture of a very young Reggie Lawrence.
November 4, 2022
Giving Back to Our Community
One of the things I am most proud of about our district is our efforts to give back to the community. There were plenty of examples of this highlighted this week.
Augustana College President Talentino presented a or $2,844 check to the Rocky Resource Room. Funds were raised during her post-inauguration street party and she personally chose the Resource Room as the recipient of those donations after seeing the community need we meet. The Resource Room serves all students and their families in our district.
This is the second year the high school is hosting its Giving Tree, where students and their families who might need some extra assistance with gifts this holiday season can sign up to receive help. The Giving Tree committee is looking for people to sponsor a student or family in some way. If you would like to help sign up here.
Lastly, there is one more week left of the Student Hunger Drive, I encourage all of you if you haven't already please consider donating. The Student Hunger Drive helps feed families right here in our community. Several of our schools have come up with some creative ways to collect donations. Rocky made the news yesterday for its "Hot Shakes Challenge." Staff members tasted hot sauce while reading Shakespeare. To watch, audience members had to make a donation to the Student Hunger Drive.
It's important for us to teach our students the importance of giving back. Students will gain a sense of purpose by serving those around them, which often can manifest in other areas of their life. And for the students who are receiving the "giving back," it can inspire them to give back to others later in life.
I'm proud of the work we do and the kind and caring future leaders we are molding.
Rocky Resource Coordinator Kathy Lelonek, RIHS Principal Jeff Whitaker, and
Augustana College President Andrea Talentino
October 28, 2022
Keep Up the Great Work
As October wraps up I would like to take the opportunity to thank, appreciate, and high-five. etc. to our outstanding Principals in RIMSD41. October is National Principals Month and our leaders deserve recognition for the great work that takes place every day in leading our schools. Continue the critical work of meeting our district’s purpose, mission, and vision. If you haven’t thanked a principal yet, please take time to do so.
With each coming week, as we move closer and closer to the end of 2022, it is important that along with the daily grind of working hard to improve academically, socially, and emotionally, we also enjoy the accomplishments of our district.
This week, the Illinois State Treasurer stopped by Thomas Jefferson to applaud one of our employees, Austan Brunk, and the outstanding work he’s doing. The Lady Rocks Volleyball team is your REGIONAL CHAMPS for the second year in a row! The Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country teams will compete in sectionals this weekend. Also, Rock Island High School is only one out of two Quad City schools that offers a German Exchange program! It’s a great program that is exposing our staff and students to another culture. There’s so much we can learn from each other.
I would like to end by saying success does not come overnight, you have to put the work in to see the results you want to see, so keep grinding RIMSD41, we’re stronger and can achieve more when we work together!
One team. One goal. One RIMSD.
October 21, 2022
And the United Way Winners are...
Welcome back! I hope you all had a great first week back from the fall intersession.
I want to remind everyone that today is the last day to take the District’s Satisfaction Survey. If you have not taken the staff section of the survey I ask that you do so. This is a great way for the district to get feedback from parents, students, and staff. The staff survey can be found on our website and in the Rock Island-Milan Lines.
I want to remind everyone that today is the last day to take the District’s Satisfaction Survey. If you have not taken the staff section of the survey I ask that you do so. This is a great way for the district to get feedback from parents, students, and staff. The staff survey can be found on our website and in the Rock Island-Milan Lines.Yesterday, I along with members of my cabinet had the pleasure of treating the Ridgewood staff to Cool Beanz. Since the school had the most staff contributions to the United Way Giving Campaign for 2021-2022, the staff got to order drinks and food from the coffee coach as a prize.
I was also pleased to tell Mr. Dilulio that his school is the winner again for the 2022-2023 United Way Giving Campaign! This year Our United Way campaign total is $7,412.45. Ridgewood had 25% of its staff participate. I hope next year we can have even more staff participation and maybe we’ll see if another school can throw Ridgewood off its throne. 
Have a great weekend, and enjoy the nice weather!
One team. One goal. One RIMSD.
September 30, 2022
Have a Great Fall Break!
As we reach the end of the 1st quarter, I wanted to take a minute to acknowledge the hard work put forth by our students and staff these first 9 weeks of school. It’s because of all of you that we had a successful start to the school year.
I had the pleasure of attending the Illinois Association of School Administrators Annual Conference this week and heard a lot of inspiring stories. The Keynote speaker was Damon West and one of the things he talked about were things to live by:
- Work on yourself every day
- Understand what you do and don’t control (think, say, feel, do)
- Do not become a prisoner in your own mind
- Do not let your past define your future
I share this with you because as you take time off the next couple of weeks, I hope you find time to relax but also take time to reflect.
Have a great break! Let’s come back to the 2nd quarter stronger than ever!
One team. One goal. One RIMSD.
September 23, 2022
Building Relationships with Our Families
This morning I had the pleasure of participating in Rock Island Academy’s Annual Million Father March. It’s a great event every year and it’s amazing to see all the men in our community show up for our students! It was a great way to end the week.
Next week is parent-teacher conferences. A time to share with our parents their child’s academic growth as well as an opportunity to learn from parents or guardians so you can be better informed about students’ strengths, needs, behaviors, and learning styles.
While this is a set time we schedule every year to meet with our parents it should not be the ONLY time we are communicating with parents. Building relationships with parents is just as important. We should have consistent communication with our parents. It doesn’t always have to be about the bad stuff either. If you had a student who was a really big helper or went out of their way to do something nice for a classmate it’s nice to send a little message to parents to let them know their child did something great.
We’re almost to fall break, we can do it!
One team. One goal. One RIMSD.
September 16, 2022
We Want to Hear From You!
September 9, 2022
27TH Annual State of Schools Address
On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of giving my State of the Schools Address at the joint Rock Island Rotary Club/Rock Island Kiwanis Club meeting at the QC Botanical Center.
I started off by recapping last school year. Last school year has been the hardest year so far during the pandemic. There was a lot of anticipation of returning to normal last year since our students were back at school full-time. We found out it would not be so easy. Students had to relearn old routines, everything from acceptable behavior to attending regularly, and homework. It was a year of adjustment for sure, but we kept going.
Despite challenges, there are a lot of things to celebrate.
• MOST DIVERSE SCHOOL DISTRICT - According to Niche.com RIMSD#41 is one of the most diverse school districts in the state. They pull their data from the US Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics.
• ROCKSTAR STAFF - Last year our district CQ team led staff through a series of sessions about anti-bias, inclusivity, and equity with a nationwide leader in the field, Paul Forbes. We held our first Educator of the Year Teacher Gala in person last April where we recognized teachers for the great work they are doing in and out of the classroom. Our Family Engagement Team was in full force last year Ready to Rock; Summer Enrichment Focus with Community Partners and working with Kiwanis on the annual school supply drive. The Partners in Education (P.I.E.) created a grassroots-level system to get parents involved in schools.
• ACADEMICS - Our 2020-21 Graduation rate went up from the previous year to 79%. From our district Strategic Plan report, we anticipate that to increase to over 80%. There were 420 students who crossed the stage at the Class of 2022 Commencement Ceremony at the Tax Slayer Center. Those 420 individuals earned $3.4 million in college scholarships and funding, devoted 1,750 volunteer hours in the community, led sports teams to victory, and/or found their calling with a career in a trade. The AVID program is benefiting many students at the elementary, junior high, and high school levels. It is a college readiness system that prepares students in kindergarten through 12th grade for college eligibility and success.
• ROCKSTAR STAFF - Last year our district CQ team led staff through a series of sessions about anti-bias, inclusivity, and equity with a nationwide leader in the field, Paul Forbes. We held our first Educator of the Year Teacher Gala in person last April where we recognized teachers for the great work they are doing in and out of the classroom. Our Family Engagement Team was in full force last year Ready to Rock; Summer Enrichment Focus with Community Partners and working with Kiwanis on the annual school supply drive. The Partners in Education (P.I.E.) created a grassroots-level system to get parents involved in schools.
• ACADEMICS - Our 2020-21 Graduation rate went up from the previous year to 79%. From our district Strategic Plan report, we anticipate that to increase to over 80%. There were 420 students who crossed the stage at the Class of 2022 Commencement Ceremony at the Tax Slayer Center. Those 420 individuals earned $3.4 million in college scholarships and funding, devoted 1,750 volunteer hours in the community, led sports teams to victory, and/or found their calling with a career in a trade. The AVID program is benefiting many students at the elementary, junior high, and high school levels. It is a college readiness system that prepares students in kindergarten through 12th grade for college eligibility and success.
We also broke ground and celebrated ribbon cuttings for construction projects going on in the district.
• Renovations/construction-Washington Junior High School completed construction of its $2.1 million renovation project. Rock Island High School renovations and expansion are underway with a $9.8 million construction budget for work that will include a cafeteria renovation, commons addition, secure entry addition, food service equipment, and site work. The proposed construction will add 38,000 square feet. Administration Center - The $7.6 million project will include 15,000 square feet for administration offices, 15,000 square feet for warehouse space, and 5,000 square feet for a production kitchen.
• Safety focus-All school renovations include restructured entrances to limit access to buildings. All persons will have to go through the main office before gaining access to school. We have also installed security cameras and updated intercom systems. In addition, there will be a new key fob system to manage those who have access to the building. We have also added a new position - District Safety Manager - who will focus solely on safety structures and practices across the entire district.
• Safety focus-All school renovations include restructured entrances to limit access to buildings. All persons will have to go through the main office before gaining access to school. We have also installed security cameras and updated intercom systems. In addition, there will be a new key fob system to manage those who have access to the building. We have also added a new position - District Safety Manager - who will focus solely on safety structures and practices across the entire district.
These are just some of the many highlights from last year. Looking at this school year, the school district's focus this year will be on MTSS-Multi-Tiered System of Support implementation. A system-wide shift in meeting the needs of students whether it’s academic, behavioral, medical, or emotional. It’s about reaching the whole child. Students come here to learn but we know that’s not the whole story and our district is making it a priority to support Tier One instruction and embedding the Multi-tiered system of supports will help each student get the support they need to grow academically.
I’m excited for this school year and I know it’s going to be a GREAT year!
One team. One goal. One RIMSD.
September 2, 2022
Help Make a Difference for RIMSD#41 Students and Families
It’s that time of year again, the United Way Campaign is here! Many RIMSD#41 employees give to the annual campaign each year through a one-time pledge or through payroll deduction.
As one of United Way’s proud Board of Directors, I can say United Way focuses on supporting our community in the areas of education, health, and income. It supports agencies that provide programming to help children and families overcome hardship times and build strategies for ongoing success. Many of our schools have benefitted from United Way.
You can choose where your donation is designated and you can also choose for your donation to go to a specific United Way agency - such as Spring Forward Learning, Martin Luther King Jr. Center, Churches, etc. Programs that make a difference for our students and families.
Something new this year, United Way will be sending out its form via email to employees instead of handing out hard copies. So be on the lookout for that email if you would like to give. Hard copies of the form will be available if you prefer a hard copy. RIMSD#41 is the TOP school district in the Quad Cities for giving to the United Way! Let’s keep that up! For an incentive, the employee who has the top giving percentage will receive a coffee coach from a local business for their school!
Remember, no gift is too small. THANK YOU in advance for your consideration and giving!!
#ThisHouseRocks
#OneTeamOneGoalOneRIMSD
Through the United Way, 1,000 snack packs were put together by John Deere employees and
given to Rock Island Academy students to take home!
August 26, 2022
See Something, Say Something
I’m sure this week was a tough one for all of you after an incident that took place over the weekend.
While there are some positives to social media there are also a lot of negatives. We live in a world where everything is put on social media.
I want to applaud community members and staff members who alerted the administration after seeing a social media post over the weekend. If you see something we want you to say something. Even if you’re unsure what the context of the post is or if it doesn’t seem right say something. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Teachers I also ask that you speak to your students about the importance of what they post on social media. Something that might seem harmless, or funny to them could end up changing their life forever. Once it’s out there, it’s out there.
Stay alert. If you see something, say something. Let’s keep our students and staff safe.
August 19, 2022
Yesterday I attended the first of four community partnerships luncheons put on by our Family and Community Engagement team. In attendance were several key community members – mayors, aldermen, local colleges, as well as other organizations. This event is a great example of how we can connect community partners with our schools.
We are very fortunate to live in the Quad Cities where we have several great organizations that we can utilize to help benefit our students. Whether it's the Rock Island Rotary and Kiwanis, the Figge Museum, Rock Island Botanical Center, Augustana, and Black Hawk College, or working with large organizations like the United Way, these organizations and partners are here to support us.
It’s important for school districts to have these relationships and utilize services that are available to our students. Community partnerships equal successful relationships for all.
One Team, One Goal, One RIMSD
District Instructional Coaches from left to right: Dionne Lohman, Chris Beierlein, Bettina McWilliams, Tami Kelly.
August 12, 2022
We’ve made it through our full first week of school! This is an exciting time as students get back into the routines of attending school. These first few weeks are also a critical time to begin developing relationships and high expectations for each student and reinforce our mission To prepare all children for individual success by providing a safe and inclusive quality education within a multicultural community.
We are in year three of the district’s Strategic Plan – RIM 2025. For our new staff members, I ask that if you haven’t already please take a look at our plan. We are going to continue to ROCK education by implementing the district’s priorities.
In our 2020-2025 Strategic Plan there are three priorities identified:
· Respectful Relationships – Engage all stakeholders through building respectful relationships.
· Equity & Opportunity for Success – Improve academic outcomes and close achievement gaps through ensuring equity and opportunity for all students.
· Enhance and Improve Operations – Implement practices and procedures to foster a climate of safety and trust.
Remember we are One Team, One Goal, One RIMSD, together we can have a successful school year!
As always, thank you for everything you do for our students! I look forward to visiting classrooms to witness the wonderful instruction and learning occurring throughout the Rock Island-Milan School District!
August 5, 2022
WHAT A WEEK!
I hope everyone enjoyed the In-Service on Tuesday at Augustana College! A BIG thank you to our team who helped make the program a success as well as two special people in our lives - Paul Forbes and RIHS Graduate Ty Lewis! It was a great morning of inspiration and reflection, and I hope everyone took a piece of the DefiningUS documentary with you to reflect on and engage with others.
We kicked off the First Day of School with the red carpet rollout at Rock Island Academy on Wednesday, August 3! This has been a great tradition for the last couple of years, and I can tell that staff, students AND parents really enjoy being greeted and celebrated before walking into school. We do have a lot to celebrate - we are back in buildings, full-time, without COVID restrictions to dictate our day. Yes, COVID is still out there, but we persevered through the hard times and will continue to be mindful and practice social distancing and good hygiene and quarantine when required.
This year we have a new theme: One Team, One Goal, One RIMSD. Today’s teams are different from the teams of the past: We are more diverse, dispersed, digital, and dynamic. But while teams always face constant hurdles, success still hinges on a core set of fundamentals for group collaboration. That is where our RIM 2025 Mission and Vision come into play - and that is what our focus is about. We are ONE TEAM, ONE GOAL, ONE RIMSD to prepare all children for individual success by providing a safe, inclusive, quality education within a multi-cultural community.
Thank you for all you do for our students and families!
July 29, 2022
This week we had our New Teacher Orientation at Eugene Field Elementary! It is wonderful to see so many new, eager faces! HR Talent Acquisition Manager Patricia Walls and Lead Mentors Cindy Arkebauer and Amanda Krahl scheduled two days of school district and department overviews along with a large binder of information materials.
We are looking forward to a big week next week! Our annual Opening Day Inservice is on Tuesday, August 2 at Centennial Hall on the beautiful Augustana College campus! We will acknowledge our new staff and also congratulate our RIMEF P.R.I.M.E. Grant awardees. EVERYONE IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to come dressed up in your school spirit swag, ready to show your building spirit!
As I stated in my Welcome Letter earlier this week - our theme this year is “One Team, One Goal, One RIMSD.” Through our working together as a team, we will all succeed!
Our wonderful new teachers at Teacher Orientation!
July 22, 2022
I hope all of you are having a great summer break!
We are gearing up for the 2022-23 school year and just held in-person registration at the Fieldhouse earlier this week on Wednesday and Thursday. This is our second time using one location to assist families to get their child registered and overall it went smoothly! Special SHOUT to all the staff who helped make it happen!
We are also happy to have the return of our Ready to Rock the School Year event this Sunday, July 24 from 2 - 4 p.m. at Schwiebert Riverfront Park in downtown Rock Island! Our Family Engagement Team has been working hard all summer to make sure it is an event that everyone will enjoy!
Finally, I'm looking forward to seeing you at our Opening Day Inservice on Tuesday, August 2! We have a very special program planned, in addition to a recognition of all new staff members and the Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation annual P.R.I.M.E. Grant Awards.
I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, August 2!
RIMSD Administrators met on Tuesday, July 19 to do some team building as well as
receive updates for the new school year!
receive updates for the new school year!
Pictured: Sarah Leonard (Earl Hanson), Reshanda Johnson (Edison), John Hawley (RICMS), Superintendent Dr. Reginald Lawrence, Jessica Israel (Frances Willard) and Athletic Director Mike Emendorfer (RIHS).