1. education
2. school

Weekly RIMSD #41 Staff Newsletter
April 15, 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:
•
•
•
•
•
Board of Education Meeting
April 14
RIHS Jazz Night
April 20, 6:30 p.m.
RIHS Academic
Achievement Awards Night
May 13
Medal of Honor Banquet
May 14, 6:00 p.m.
Holiday Inn
Retirement Tea
June 3, RIHS Library
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.
Providing a safe and nurturing environment is a core
function of our District. Bullying, harassment and inappropriate
activities were highlighted by citizens and parents during the third
quarter. The expansion of social media continues to raise challenges
with how children interact with one another. Many communications
that occur away from school manifest themselves in the schools.
There are also inappropriate communications and actions that occur
at school. Bullying is an area that has grabbed media and lawmakers
attention. New laws, rules and regulations have been put in place
in the past eighteen (18) months. Additional legislation has been
introduced in the current legislative session. We remain vigilant in
our work to meet these challenges and requirements to keep children
safe at school.
These recent incidents and the need to assure compliance
with changing mandates have caused us to pause and reflect on
existing procedures and to listen to parents and students. Student
focus groups have been held, a short survey will be administered to
students in 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th grade. Listening and learning
sessions for parents are scheduled for each school. This input will be
compiled and used to inform refinement to our existing procedures.
We are analyzing the discipline code and handbooks to assure
compliance with all laws and regulations along with having them
be aligned throughout the District. Recommended revisions will be
presented and approved by the Board of Education in June. Upon
Board of Education approval, the discipline code book will be printed
and available at registration.
Through your ongoing efforts, we strive to provide a
safe and nurturing learning environment for every child. Many
procedures and programs are in place to educate students on positive
interactions and how to react if inappropriate behavior occurs.
Some of the programs empower students to be involved as change
agents. Two years ago Rock Island High School implemented the
Student Ambassador program to empower students and take the
lead in positive ways. The Leader in Me has been implemented in six
elementary buildings, and when you walk into one of those buildings,
you can feel the 7 habits at work. For many years, our elementary
schools have had comprehensive character education programs that
teach responsibility, respect and civility through PBIS. Our schools
also encourage students to talk about the issue of bullying and to
promote a culture of acceptance and understanding through special
activities or mantras - “Be a buddy, not a bully.” By relying on these
mainstays as well as creating new policies and working together, we
can combat bullying and protect our students.
In our minds, there is no room for hateful words and actions in our
school buildings - only words of encouragement and empowerment.
Thank you teachers, staff and students who have made
bullying prevention a priority in our district!
need to
KNOW
Rock Isla
Superinten
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Holly K.
CommunicatSparkman
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r
el J. Oberh
School D
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Excellenc
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DATE
Please remember that all materials/
flyers need to be approved before
distribution!
Materials and flyers from outside organizations must be
approved before they can be distributed in the buildings.
This includes materials from the City of Rock Island/Park
Board/Martin Luther King Center and RIMSD Sports
Feeder programs.
1
Every Da
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Administra
tion Center
2101 6th Ave
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Rock Island,
309-793-5 IL 61201
900 x 281
309
www.rock -793-5905 fax
islandscho
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If someone drops off materials without an approval form, do not accept the materials.
Please direct organizations to contact Holly Sparkman, 309-793-5900 x281 for approvals.
RIMSD Employee Directory
The Rock Island-Milan School District Employee Directory is now online and can be accessed
through the RIMSD Staff web site at www.rockislandschools.org/riec
The directory is located under the “District Links” tab. The page is password protected. The
password can be obtained from each building secretary and principal.
Directory updates can be given to Kim Colson, 309-793-5900 x210.
School Registration Dates
Registration for the 2015-2016 school year has been set for July
22, 23 and 24.
Elementary/JR. High: July 23, 11:00a-7:00p
July 24, 9:00a-12:00p
High School:
July 22, 11:00a-7:00p
July 23, 11:00a-7:00p
July 24, 8:00a-1:00p
The Rock Island Center for Math & Science will register their
students on May 13, 2:30p-6:00p.
In order to provide good customer relations, please understand that
registration is an on-going process. If parents/guardians are unable
to register students during the allotted time listed above, maintain
professional courtesy and register the students(s) during normal
work hours. Parents/guardians should not be denied registration.
need to
KNOW
MEDAL OF HONOR
The Rock Island-Milan School District is hosting the annual “Medal of Honor” Banquet on
Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in downtown Rock Island.
The purpose of the banquet is to honor outstanding students in our school district who have proven
themselves to be all-around good students, good citizens, and caring individuals who bring with
them a positive force that helps to influence the school to be a better place to learn and grow. We
believe that your attendance will make this an extra special event for our students.
Tickets are $20.00 per person, and reservations are due by May 8, 2015. We are encouraging an
early RSVP as seating is limited. Your tickets will be returned to you by school mail.
MEDAL OF HONOR
need to
KNOW
National Merit Commended Scholars 2015
The Board of Education recognized two Rock Island High School seniors, Nikolas
Jacobs and Sean Pohl, for being named as Commended students in the 2015
National Merit Scholar program. Students qualify in the National Merit program by
taking their PSAT no later than their third year in high school. Roughly 1.5 million
students take their
PSAT and about
50,000 of the top
scorers qualify
for recognition
in the National
Merit Scholarship
Program. Twothirds of the
50,000 top
scorers are then
given a Letter of
Commendation.
“This is a very
special honor, and
being recognized
as a National Merit
Scholar Program
is one of the
most significant
academic honors a student can receive during their high school career,” said Tim
Wernentin, Rock Island High School Principal. “We are proud to have a consistent
representation of National Merit Scholars at Rock Island High School every year.”
2014: Andrew Calder, National Merit Semi-Finalist; Hannah Rogers and Jinesh
Shah, National Merit Commended Scholars
2013: Kelley Bishop and Sydnie McNeal, National Merit Commended Scholars
2012: Abigail Calder, National Merit Semi-Finalist
2011: Kirsten Dillender, National Merit Commended Scholar
2010: Allison Brown and Deborah Newcomb, National Merit Commended Scholars
2009: Carl Davis, National Merit Semi-Finalist; Elizabeth Greenwood and Jenna
Nevins, National Merit Commended Scholars
2008: Hannah Woodstock, National Merit Commended Scholar
2007: Alexandra Fields, Samantha Garrison, Joseph Newcomb and Anita Ahuja,
National Merit Semi-finalists
Dr. Oberhaus,
Nik Jacobs,
Sean Pohl, Linda
Dothard and
Principal Tim
Wernentin.
making a
DIFFERENCE
SHOUTS received April 9 - 14
To: Pete Carlin, Michael Tollenaer, & Megan Bartlett
From: A fan!
During spring “break”, over 100 Rock Island High School band students and adult chaperones studied
music, architecture, theater, and history in New York City. Pete Carlin, Michael Tollenaer, & Megan Bartlett
put countless hours into planning and guiding this trip. Parents and students regularly sing praises in
reference to their teaching, however, the band directors are also seen as parent figures and the band as an
extended family. This award-winning marching band is no stranger to success and rigorous schedules. A
“Bucket List” of memories from the NYC educational itinerary included:
-Broadway Instrumental Workshop conducted by
“Wicked” staff
-Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in NYC
- Private Guided Tour of the Rockefeller Center,
including Radio City Music Hall & Top of Rock
-Wicked and Les Miserables in Broadway Theater
Productions
- Tour of 9/11Memorial & Museum/Architectural
Tour of Upper and Lower Manhattan
-St John The Divine, world’s largest cathedral, still
under construction
-Private Guided Tour of Lincoln Center: Julliard
School of Music/NYC Ballet/The Met/New York
Philharmonic Orchestra
- Students held banners and sang “Rocktown” in
the TODAY SHOW audience
- New York Harbor Cruise to the Statue of Liberty
and Ellis Island
The level of excellence this trip exhibits is
“business as usual” for The Pride of Rock Island
Marching Band. Students continually received complements on their behavior and musical talents
throughout the trip. Rock Island teachers and students were great ambassadors for the Rock Island Schools
and community during their visit to the Big Apple!
To: Brian Stortz, Rock Island High School
From: A fan!
The Night of 1000 Dreams was on Friday and this year’s event was extra special with the addition of a
putting green and some nice golf packages. I don’t know what it takes to put on an event of that magnitude
but Brian should be congratulated for his efforts. The event is very nice at Jumer’s as well. Thank you for
putting on a nice event for the district and community.
To: Mary Kmoch, Thurgood Marshall Learning Center
From: A fan!
Mary Kmoch’s Thurgood Marshall Kitchen Express deserves extra kuddos for tickling the lips, tongues, and
throats with culinary tastes at the Development Club Fundraiser Night of 1000 Dreams last Friday night.
Mary and her students did an outstanding job preparing for the culinary display. Mary is devoted to the
students and Thurgood Marshall. She helps the students to become the best they can be. Here’s to Mary
Kmoch and her Kitchen Express. She inspires students to dream, believe, and achieve.
Teaching & Learning
T & L Tip: GRAMMAR
REMINDER: Grammar Gallery is a district purchased resource for any
educator to use. Each month, Grammar Gallery features specific lessons and resources
to build grammar skills with students. Check out the April features: http://www.
grammargallery.org/monthlylessons.html
To login to Grammar Gallery, follow these steps:
1. Home Page: www.mygrammargallery.org
2. Username: rockisland
3. Password: kr63w89
“All Grammar Gallery materials are copyrighted and users must conform with the terms and
conditions outlined in the Grammar Gallery License Agreement. DO NOT share this login
outside of RIMSD.
Students are authorized to access the Grammar Gallery site under a teacher’s guidance while
on district property. Students are not permitted to use the program at home or at any other
non-district property. The student URL, username, and password are listed below. Students
are not to share this login with anyone outside of RIMSD.”
Student Gallery: www.mygrammergallery.org/student.html
Student Username: rockislandst
Password: 852g6q3
Thinking About National Board Certification?
The Illinois State Board of Education is pleased to announce the opening of the 2015 Spring
Window for the Illinois $1,900 NBPTS Candidate Fee Subsidy. Funding has been made
available for 500 candidates.
National Board Certification offers a way for accomplished teachers to be assessed and
recognized, and a way for parents to know their child’s teacher has met high and rigorous
standards. The single most important action the nation can take to improve schools is to
strengthen teaching. NBPTS develops high and rigorous standards for accomplished teachers
and 100,000 teachers across the country and 6,025 teachers in Illinois have demonstrated that
they meet those standards by achieving National Board Certification.
National Board Certified Teachers are among the nation’s most effective teachers who have
demonstrated that they meet the highest teaching standards. The NBPTS certification process
takes from one to three years to complete.
Information and application: http://nbrc.illinoisstate.edu/application.shtml
Teaching & Learning
Climate Education Week Apr 18-25
Earth Day Network’s inaugural Climate Education Week is scheduled
for April 18-25, and the network has developed an online toolkit
for K-12 educators that provides climate science lessons, activities
and videos that meet Common Core and Next Generation Science
Standards. It also includes project ideas for Earth Day. The Climate
Education Week Toolkit is a free, easy-to-use, ready-to-go resource
with everything you need. The Toolkit includes a week’s worth of
lesson plans, activities, and contests for K-12 students that meet Next
Generation Science Standards and Common Core. Each day covers a
different theme related to climate change with two highlighted activities
handpicked by Earth Day Network for your use.
For more information, visit www.climateeducationweek.org.
Professional Development Opportunity
Autism: New Research and Interventions
Which proven interventions can help your students with autism? What is the latest
research on the underlying neurology and causes of autism? Take 30 minutes to attend
this free Autism Awareness Month webinar to learn about the new research and how
neuroscience-based interventions can enhance language, attention, and social skills in
children on the autism spectrum.
REGISTER FOR THE FREE WEBINAR: http://bit.ly/1IOpTe2
Presenter: Martha S. Burns, Ph.D., expert on how children learn and author of over
100 journal articles
Monday, April 27, 2015
11am PT/2pm ET
30 minutes
Can’t attend? Register anyway and we’ll email you a link to the recorded webinar after
the live session date. Certificates of Attendance are also available.
around the
DISTRICT
Small Gymnasium Makeover
A group of Rock Island citizens and Rock Island High School alumni took on the gargantuan task
of painting the Small Gymnasium at Rock Island High School. They have been at it since early
March, cleaning, sanding and painting. For progress on the project, go to Facebook and search
for “Project RI PRIDE.” The paint for the project was donated by Scott Painting and Decorating.
around the
DISTRICT
Edison Student Win Engineering
Award
Two Edison teams attended the Quad City Engineering
Council Mousetrap Car Competition on Saturday, April 11.
There were three parts to the competition: mousetrap car
performance, presentation, and engineering journal.
Out of 16 teams at the competition, Edison Jr. High
student Dayton Ellis won 2 of the 5 awards. Ellis earned the
Innovative Design Award and the Engineering Award.
Edison Jr. High Teacher Dr. Susan Meredith was very proud
of Dayton and his hard work!
Dayton Ellis and his
two-wheel mousetrap
car.
RIHS Welders Up to Challenge in
Local Competition
On April 10th, 6 Rock Island High School students in the welding
program competed in the MTI Technical College welding competition.
There were 52 students from 8 schools at the competition.
Rock Island High School students Jack Graff, Logan Caviola, Cory Bell,
Pablo Betran, Shamus Murphy and Darin Sierra participated in the
competition that consisted of reading blueprints, measuring and cutting
metal pieces with Oxy-Acetylene torches. The final step consisted of
welding the pieces using techniques such as MIG and Stick welding
applications. RIHS student Jack Graff took home a medal for 6th place.
“All of the students did a great job, and I think for the first time
appearance, we showed that we have some very good welders here at
Rocky and going forward we should only get better,” said Rock Island
High School Welding Instructor Wade Weber.
Jack Graff
Community Corner
PART TIME EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NEEDED FOR EDUCATION
FOUNDATION
The Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation is looking for a part-time Executive Director to
work approximately 20 hours a week. Qualifications and experiences being sought include:
strong management and organizational skills within a non-profit setting; fundraising; grant
writing; ability to work with individuals, business and community contributors; effective oral
and written communications; public relations and communications; understanding of budget
& finances; and ability to keep flexible work schedule outside traditional workday.
History of work or involvement in the Rock Island-Milan community will be significant
factor. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Please send cover letter and resume to the Rock IslandMilan Education Foundation at:
2101-6th Avenue - Rock Island, IL or email to: brock.aunan@RISD41.org
The Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
LONGFELLOW BLOOD DRIVE THURSDAY APRIL 30
Longfellow Liberal Arts will host their quarterly Blood Drive from 2:30 - 6:30 p.m. on
Thursday, April 30 at the school. WALK INS ARE WELCOME! Please bring your donor
card or photo I.D. This event will provide much needed blood to the Mississippi Valley
Regional Blood Center. If you would like to call and set up an appointment contact Mr. Moon
Villalobos at 309-373-8195.
Spring Music & Drama Events!
April 20 - JAZZ NIGHT! The RIHS, EJHS & WJHS jazz bands will be performing at 6:30 p.m. in the RIHS Cafeteria!
May 5 - 6th Grade Band Concert (RIHS Auditorium 6:30 p.m.) Free Admission.
May 7, 8 & 9 - Spring Musical “Music Man,” RIHS Auditorium, 7:00 p.m. Tickets $7 for Adults; $5 for Students
May 11 - Spring Band Concert (RIHS Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.) Free Admission.
May 12 - WJHS Spring Concert (WJHS 7:00 p.m.)
May 21 - Spring Choir Pops Concert (RIHS Auditorium 7:00 p.m.). Tickets $4 for Adults; $2 for Seniors and
Students.
All ages and belts welcome! 1st, 2nd and 3rd place will be awarded in all divisions.
All colored belts that place 1st in their division for forms are eligible to participate
in the Colored Belt Grand Championship Forms competition. All Black Belts who
place 1st in their division for forms are eligible to participate in the Black Belt
Grand Championship Forms competition!
For more information, forms and registration visit
www.staplestkd.com
or call Grand Master Barrion Staples, 563-529-6395
Black Hawk Reading Council Presents…
Common Sense Strategies for Meeting
Common Core Standards
with
Dr. Maria Walther
Maria Walther, who earned a doctorate in elementary education from Northern Illinois
University, has taught first grade since 1986. Along with teaching young learners, Maria inspires
other professionals by sharing her knowledge through customized professional development
experiences. The ideas she shares reflect her continued commitment to teaching, researching,
writing, and collaborating with her colleagues.
Maria was honored as Illinois Reading Educator of the Year and earned the ICARE for
Reading Award for fostering the love of reading in children. She has co-authored five professional
books and the Next Step Guided Reading Assessment with Scholastic. Learn more about her
books at mariawalther.com and follow her on Twitter @mariapwalther.
Saturday, April 25 th , 2015
9:30am
Moline Public Library
3210 41 st Street, Moline
Register at
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6NJX69G
by April 22nd
NOTE: You must be a member of the Black Hawk Reading Council.
You’re invited
to celebrate…
DONNA STRABLEY’S
RETIREMENT
with us!
WHEN:
May 30th, 2015 at 5:30pm
WHERE:
Jake O’s (formerly O’Melia’s)
BUFFET DINNER:
$19.00 per person + Cash Bar
ADDRESS:
2900 Blackhawk Rd, Rock Island, IL
RSVP BY MAY 22ND TO:
Mrs. Mara Goodvin @ Frances Willard
2503 Ninth St.. Rock Island, IL 61201