1. education
2. school

Weekly RIMSD #41 Staff Newsletter
April 2, 2015
Superintendent’s Message
To prepare
high achieving
college and career
ready global
citizens.
Inside:
~ Need to Know
~ Making a Difference!
~ Teaching & Learning
~ Around the District
~ Community Corner
Calendar:
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•
•
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VOTE April 7
Rock Island High School
National Honor Society
Induction Ceremony
April 8, 6:00 p.m.
NIGHT OF 1000 DREAMS
April 10, Jumer’s
Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
Board of Education Meeting
April 14
We are into the final quarter of our school year!
Spring is an active time in our school district, full of special
events as the end of the year draws closer. If you have some
time, we encourage you to join in and get involved with
these events and support our students as they are recognized
for their achievements. One of our top student recognition
events, the Medal of Honor, is coming up in May. This event
is a proud time for our district to give our students something
special that will last them a lifetime. It goes beyond giving
students a simple medal. It means that they have learned
the keys to success as a student and as an individual, and
that people recognized their effort. Hopefully our students
and their peers recognize the elements that will make them
a success while they are here with us in the school district,
and will also make them a success in whatever they choose
to do after graduation. Never forget that you are a part of our
students’ success. It is very rewarding to know that the work
we do daily has a positive impact on our students.
As great as it is to see the weather warming up, I encourage
all of us not to lose focus as and continue to provide quality
instruction through this final quarter. Although there is
a sense of accomplishment when we think back to the
beginning of August and look at how far we have come with
our students, we must finish strong. Our students may feel
like they have done their job and are wanting to wind down
to the end of the year, however this is the last opportunity
to provide them with the skills necessary for the next setp of
their educational journey. We need to make the most of every
day until Monday, June 9 and Tuesday, June 10.
This quarter I look forward to visiting classrooms to witness
the high quality instruction occuring every day. I am thankful
to have the opportunity to serve the Rock Island and Milan
school community, and I am committed to this last leg of the
journey this year with you.
Send your building
information to
Communication Director
Holly Sparkman at holly.
sparkman@risd41.org for
inclusion into each Weekly
Edition of the Rock IslandMilan Lines.
need to
KNOW
at Jumer’s
Hotel and Casino
T
he 27th Annual Night of a Thousand Dreams, a
fundraiser for the Rock Island/Milan School District
presents, “A Taste of Rock Island-Milan” at Jumers Casino
& Hotel Friday, April 10, 2015, 6:00 pm. Come enjoy one
of the signature charitable events of the QCA! Admission
will include samplings of signature dishes from some
of the finest restaurants in Rock Island, Milan and the
surrounding area, complimented by fine wine and premium
beer. Attendees will also enjoy socializing, raffles, and
bidding in a first class silent and live auction. General
Admission is $25 and reserved seating is $30.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
To order tickets visit www.rockislandschools.org
Thoughts and Prayers...
Please keep these RIMSD #41 staff members and their families
in your thoughts and prayers:
Kevin Traylor, Rock Island High School Librarian,
lost his father Everett V. Traylor of Davenport on March 26,
2015 at Davenport Good Samaritan Center. Everett was 87.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, April 4,
2015 in the dining room at Heritage Court Apartments, 3401
Schuetzen Lane, Davenport. A donation from RIHS will be
made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Former Rock Island-Milan School District teacher
Ruby Thomas passed on Sunday, March 29. A family
visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 10:00 a.m. at
Harvest Time Family Center 636 Kirkwood Boulevard, with the
funeral at 11:00 a.m. Ms. Thomas was employed in the school
district from 1979 - 1982.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Dr. Ben Kirgan
(Rock Island High School) and his
wife Liz on the arrival of their new
addition: Eliza Kirgan!
Eliza arrived on March 21st at 1:11
p.m. and weighed 8 lbs. 10 oz. and
is 20.5” long!
Aunt Lori Anderson (Rock Island High
School) is happy about Eliza’s arrival
as well!
need to
KNOW
Better facilities
Better classrooms
Better funding
Better for RIMSD
I
f passed, the Rock Island County School
Facility Sales Tax will benefit Rock IslandMilan Schools in many ways by improving
facilities. The sales tax is for one cent on every dollar
spent on qualifying retail purchases that people spend in
Rock Island County.
APRIL 7
Here is why the Rock Island County School Facility Sales
Tax will be better for RIMSD:
• Focus on safety and security. Money can only
be used for building improvements, tech upgrades,
security enhancements. Not salaries or overhead
costs.
• Reasonable cost. If consumers purchase an item
for $100; $1 of that will go to the schools in Rock
Island County. On the average it will cost the
consumer about a cup of coffee a month.
• Money stays local. The tax dollars stay at the
county level and school boards make the decision on
how the money is to be used.
• Burden is off property taxes. The County School
Facility Sales Tax represents the first shift away from
relying on property taxes for local school district
funding in Illinois. The law went into effect in 2007
(based on a similar law in Iowa) allowing voters to
approve a sales tax to fund school facility needs.
How can the sales tax revenue funds be
used?
New facilities and additions, classroom renovations/
upgrade, land acquisition, ongoing maintenance, access and
security, parking lots, roof repairs, energy efficient projects.
The funds cannot be used for:
Salaries/overhead, textbooks, buses, operating costs,
furniture, moveable equipment.
Above: A current view of the Rock Island
High Cafeteria.
Below: Architects drawing of the Rock Island
High School cafeteria remodel.
making a
DIFFERENCE
Difference Maker of the Third Quarter!
The third quarter Rock Island-Milan Difference Maker of the
Quarter award went to Julie Hansen, a teacher at the Rock
Island Center for Math & Science. Mrs. Hansen was surprised
with the award at the March 30 In-Service at Rock Island High
School.
The nomination for Mrs. Hansen says it all: “Julie Hansen
works tirelessly to bring extra instruction to our students. She
tutors first graders at South Park Presbyterian Church every
Tuesday and also tutors as in instructor for Spring Forward
every Thursday after school. She is the teacher in charge of
organizing RICMS’ Intersession classes in October and March.
These classes bring many exciting enrichment opportunities to
our students and makes it a great experience for everyone!”
Principal Dr. Ruth Ann Tobey-Brown reiterated Julie’s value to
the school, “I am so thankful to have Julie Hansen at the Rock
Island Center for Math & Science, she does make a difference
in the lives of students all year round!”
Julie Hansen and Dr. Oberhaus at the
Inservice on Monday, March 30
Frances Willard Teacher Named Master Teacher
Frances Willard 1st grade teacher Michael Carton is one of several Quad City area teachers who
are being recognized as 2015 Master Teacher by the Dispatch Argus newspaper! Each year the
newspaper sponsors the awards to honor area educators for being a “master of their craft” and to
recognize teachers for their dedication to students in and outside of the classroom.
The 25th annual awards program will be held on Friday, May 1, at the iWireless Center in Moline.
A reception will be held at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the awards presentation
at 7:40 p.m. Tickets are $42 per person. Reservation forms can be picked up at the customer-service
counter at The Dispatch, 1720 5th Ave., Moline. Reservation deadline is Monday, April 27.
Reservations and checks can be sent to The Dispatch, Attn: Master Teacher, 1720 5th Ave., Moline, IL
61265.
Teaching & Learning
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (INDR)
Educator Webinars and Resources
Upcoming Webinars for Educators
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Division of Education’s next general Webinar
will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2015, from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. The topic will be the Kids for
Conservation® program. The April Kids for Conservation® Webinar on “Signs of Spring” will be held on
Tuesday, April 21, 2015, from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Login information will be posted athttp://dnr.state.
il.us/education/ on the morning of each Webinar.
2. Webinar Survey
Please help us to learn more about your interest in participating in IDNR Division of Education Webinars
by completing the five-question survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PZBVT9B. The survey will
remain open through April 15, 2015.
3. Video Podcasts
Illinois Fishes: Part Three, Illinois Fishes: Part Four, What Am I? Bird V and What Am I? Insect IV are
the newest video podcasts available from the IDNR Division of Education. You can access them and all
of our other educational video podcasts at http://dnr.state.il.us/education/podcasts.htm or through
YouTube and iTunes.
4. New ENTICE Educator Workshop Schedule
The 2015-2016 ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education)
workshops are designed with learning standards as their foundation and targeted grade levels are listed
in the descriptions. Professional Development Hours are available. Participants receive background
information about the Illinois-specific topic, hands-on experiences, lessons, supplemental resources and
teaching suggestions. https://www.enticeworkshops.com.
5. Kids for Conservation®: Photos, Observations and Stories/Poems/Artwork Needed
The IDNR Division of Education’s Kids for Conservation® program is requesting information monthly
from Illinois youth (younger than age 18). We will feature photos, stories/poems/artwork and a map with
locations highlighted about the monthly topic. All submissions must be the products of Illinois youth.
Visit http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/outreach/kidsconservation/Pages/default.aspx for details.
6. IDNR’s Resources Trunks and Packs Provide Teaching Tools for a Variety of Topics
Are you teaching about any of the following topics this spring: amphibians and reptiles; aquatics; birds;
fossils; Illinois; insects/spiders; invasive species; mammals; Native Americans; prairies; or trees? Our
Standards Web page (http://dnr.state.il.us/education/standards.htm) includes lessons based on the
trunks and the Next Generation Science Standards as well. The trunks and packs are available at lending
locations statewide. Visit http://dnr.state.il.us/education/CLASSRM/teach.htm for links to all of the
resources trunks and packs. These supplemental tools are great for use by teachers, nonformal educators,
youth group leaders and families. The Field Trip Pack is designed specifically to encourage nature
exploration by early childhood students.
Teaching & Learning
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (INDR)
Educator Webinars and Resources
7. Upcoming ENTICE Professional Development Schedule
Register now for upcoming ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation
Education) workshops from the IDNR. ENTICE workshops offer training on Illinois-specific topics and
supply you with the tools needed to implement the topic into your curriculum immediately. Participants
learn from resources professionals, take part in activities and spend time outdoors (where appropriate).
Professional Development Hours are available at all ENTICE workshops. Listed below are the
workshops scheduled through August 31, 2015. For workshop details and to register, visit https://www.
enticeworkshops.com.
Using Resources Trunks to Teach the NGSS, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, April 11, 2015 REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 8:00 A.M. ON THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015.
Illinois Biodiversity 101, Online, April 13-26, 2015 - REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 8:00 A.M. ON
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2015.
Illinois Wetland Ecosystem Organisms, The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, April 18, 2015 REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 8:00 A.M. ON THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2015.
Using Children’s Nonfiction in Prek-Second Grade Science, Illinois Natural History Survey,
Champaign, April 25, 2015- REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 8:00 A.M. ON THURSDAY, APRIL 16,
2015.
Using Children’s Nonfiction in Prek-Second Grade Science, Western Illinois University Moline
Campus, Moline, May 2, 2015 - REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 8:00 A.M. ON THURSDAY, APRIL 23,
2015.
Introducing Early Childhood Students to Nature, Heller Nature Center, Highland Park, May 9, 2015
Aquatic Ecosystems: Lake Michigan Ecology, The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago, May 16,
2015
Illinois Butterflies and Moths, Shawnee National Forest, Jonesboro, June 12, 2015
Illinois Amphibians and Reptiles, The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, June 13, 2015
Illinois Spiders, Mayslake Peabody Estate, Oak Brook, July 10, 2015
Introducing Early Childhood Students to the Nature of Summer, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe,
July 11, 2015
Prying into Prions: Investigating Chronic Wasting Disease, Online, July 13-26, 2015
Illinois Woodlands 101, Shawnee National Forest Office, Vienna, August 22, 2015
Monarch Mania!, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, August 29, 2015
8. Central Illinois Educators: Fishing and Aquatic Ecology Programs Now Available from
the IDNR
Educators, if you teach in any of the following counties, the IDNR can help you bring hands-on aquatic
education to your students. These programs work to develop positive attitudes towards natural resources,
conservation and fishing in young people. Lessons align with the state and national learning standards
and are adapted to all grade levels. For more information or to schedule a program, contact Van
Grissom at 217-720-3501 or van.grissom@illinois.gov.
Adams, Brown, Cass, Champaign, Christian, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, De Witt, Douglas, Edgar, Ford,
Hancock, Iroquois, Livingston, Logan, Macon, Mason, McLean, Menard, Morgan, Moultrie, Piatt,
Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, Shelby, Vermillion
around the
DISTRICT
Longfellow Cello
Painted with PRIDE
Longfellow Liberal Arts staff and students are
helping the Quad City Symphony Orchestra
celebrate their 100th anniversary by transforming
a cello into a work of art for the Symphony’s 100
cello campaign. On the back of the Longfellow
cello are the signatures of the entire Longfellow
population. The front is the Phoenix, or Firebird,
born from the ashes, and the feathers on the body
of the bird are made up of the fingerprints of
every child in the school. On the side of the cello
are photographs of QCSO artists performing at
Longfellow.
The cellos will be displayed will be on display at
sponsored locations and all 100 will be on display
during the 100th anniversary event on May that
features world-reknown cellist YoYoMa.
The Longfellow cello project was funded entirely
by friends of Longfellow School - teachers,
Augustana partners, Rock Island Moose
Lodge and a retired teacher all contributed
money to the project. Music teacher Mark
Swessinger coordinated the project. “This
was truly a group effort for a great cause and
a true tribute to the value placed on Music
Education by the Longfellow community.”
Top left and right: The front and
back of the painted cello.
Middle: A glimpse of the
signatures on the back of the
cello.
Bottom: A collage is on the
side of the cello from photos
of the QCSO performances at
Longfellow.
around the
DISTRICT
Spring Intersession
Classes Give Kids a
Break at RICMS
Students at the Rock Island Center for Math &
Science had a full schedule of fun for the first
week of Intersession break. The school has held
intersession classes in October and March each
year that were designed to give kids a chance to
try out some of their interests.
Top: Fun in the Kitchen with RI Hy-Vee Dietician
Chrissy Watters, making healthy green smoothies
on St. Patrick’s Day.
Middle: Punch and Picasso with Mr. Inman
Bottom: Neighborhood Clean-up with Mr.
Hansen from Keep Rock Island Beautiful, this
crew worked hard and cleaned up the area
around RICMS, including sections of 20th Street
and 24th Street.
Community Corner
Black Hawk Reading Council Presents…
!
!
with
Saturday, April 11th, 2015
9:30am
Rock Island High School’s Little Theater
1400 25th Avenue, Rock Island
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This event is FREE for Black Hawk Reading Council members!
If you’re not a BRC member, you’re welcome to attend for only $10
RSVP by visiting "##$%&''((()%*+,-./012-.)30/'%'4567898!by April 9th
Blood Drive at Longfellow Liberal Arts
Longfellow Liberal Arts will host their quarterly blood drive from 2:30-6:30 p.m.,
Thursday, April 30th at Longfellow School, 4198 7th Ave., Rock Island.
Walk-ins are welcome.
Please bring your donor card or photo I.D.This event provides much needed
blood to the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center. If you would like to call
to set up an appointment or need more information contact Moon Villalobos at
309-373-8195.
!!!!!!!!!!!!
!
Autism Society of the Quad Cities!
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SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2015
WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY-QUAD CITIES
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Beyond ESL 2015
Saturday, April 11
8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Black Hawk College, Quad-Cities Campus
6600 34th Avenue
Moline, IL 61265
Building 1, park in Lot 1 off 70th Street
$10 charge payable at door to offset conference expenses
($5 for students)
CPDUs available through WIU at no cost.
Refreshments provided.
Keynote speaker
Steven VanDeWalle
Behavior and Academic Interventionist
Thurgood Marshall Learning Center in Rock Island
Additional breakout sessions
Art and Multiculturalism, Empowering Potential,
Mindfulness, Common Core, Dual Language
Sponsored by
Black Hawk College
Western Illinois University
WIU’s Expanding Cultural Diversity Project
Illinois Association for Cultural Diversity
Royal Neighbors Chapter 20020
Register by e-mail to: andersonj@bhc.edu
Community Corner