Happy June and happy last week of school! ☀️ Here are a few important dates to keep in mind this month.
We are excited to announce Mr. Brendan Sears as the new Director of Information Technology beginning the 2026–2027 school year!
Mr. Sears holds a Master of Science in Leadership and Executive Coaching and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications. Since joining Rock Island-Milan School District 41 in 2015 as a substitute, he has served in a variety of roles, most recently as a Technology Support Specialist at Rock Island High School since 2021.
Throughout his career, he has demonstrated outstanding leadership and innovation, including developing the ChromeDepot program, securing grant funding for classroom technology, implementing digital attendance systems, and creating opportunities for students through a technology worker program.
We look forward to Mr. Sears' continued leadership and dedication as he helps advance technology across the district. Congratulations, Mr. Sears!
Mr. Sears holds a Master of Science in Leadership and Executive Coaching and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications. Since joining Rock Island-Milan School District 41 in 2015 as a substitute, he has served in a variety of roles, most recently as a Technology Support Specialist at Rock Island High School since 2021.
Throughout his career, he has demonstrated outstanding leadership and innovation, including developing the ChromeDepot program, securing grant funding for classroom technology, implementing digital attendance systems, and creating opportunities for students through a technology worker program.
We look forward to Mr. Sears' continued leadership and dedication as he helps advance technology across the district. Congratulations, Mr. Sears!
Help us congratulate Ms. Krista Lonian as she steps into her role as principal at the Rock Island Center for Math & Science for the 2026–2027 school year!
Ms. Lonian taught in the Rock Island–Milan School District from 2003 to 2005 and again from 2018 to 2022. She has served as Assistant Principal at the Rock Island Center for Math & Science for the past three years and spent one year as a Student Assistance Manager (SAM).
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Western Illinois University and two Master of Education degrees from American College of Education in Elementary Education and Literacy.
We look forward to Ms. Lonian's leadership and dedication as she supports scholars, staff, and families in her new role. Congratulations, Ms. Lonian!
Ms. Lonian taught in the Rock Island–Milan School District from 2003 to 2005 and again from 2018 to 2022. She has served as Assistant Principal at the Rock Island Center for Math & Science for the past three years and spent one year as a Student Assistance Manager (SAM).
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Western Illinois University and two Master of Education degrees from American College of Education in Elementary Education and Literacy.
We look forward to Ms. Lonian's leadership and dedication as she supports scholars, staff, and families in her new role. Congratulations, Ms. Lonian!
Reminder: All RIMSD41 facilities will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.
Rock Island-Milan School District #41 is proud to announce that the Communications Department has received national recognition from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) through its 2026 Publication and Digital Media Awards program.
The following projects and initiatives were recognized:
📹RIMSD41 Strategic Plan Testimonials Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vqsEXkVRuw
🎙Mi-Rock Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DaIIg7ad18
📸Rocky Advanced Welding Photo: https://aptg.co/xRGjf0
🗞2024-2025 School Year Recap and Summer News: https://aptg.co/RnR4x0
Visit the NSPRA page to learn more: https://www.nspra.org/Awards/Award-Winners/Publications-and-Digital-Media-Excellence-Winners-2026
Please join us in congratulating 13 outstanding RIMSD41 staff members who have been recognized with the Rock Island County Regional Office of Education's Excellence in Education Awards! 🎉
These awards honor exceptional representatives of education who make a lasting impact on scholars, schools, and the community through their dedication, service, and commitment to excellence.
🏆 Outstanding Educator Award
• Kathrine Montford
• Jennifer Frecker-Tacker
• Kimberly Chenoweth
• Karolyn Harris
🏆 Outstanding School Support Award
• Correna Weas
• Teri Roberge
• Dena Spaulding
• Sonji Schmidt
• Wendy Verdugo
• Gail Jefferson
• Kari Gable
• Rosaland Lee
🏆 Substitute Educator Award
• Carla Underwood
Congratulations and thank you for all you do to support our scholars and schools!
These awards honor exceptional representatives of education who make a lasting impact on scholars, schools, and the community through their dedication, service, and commitment to excellence.
🏆 Outstanding Educator Award
• Kathrine Montford
• Jennifer Frecker-Tacker
• Kimberly Chenoweth
• Karolyn Harris
🏆 Outstanding School Support Award
• Correna Weas
• Teri Roberge
• Dena Spaulding
• Sonji Schmidt
• Wendy Verdugo
• Gail Jefferson
• Kari Gable
• Rosaland Lee
🏆 Substitute Educator Award
• Carla Underwood
Congratulations and thank you for all you do to support our scholars and schools!
Congratulations to Rocky's Elijah Ramos-Ruiz and Edison's Atlas Morgan on being recognized by the Rock Island County Regional Office of Education with the Back on Track Award for having the most improved attendance this school year!
Presented annually to only four scholars in Rock Island County, this prestigious award recognizes perseverance, dedication, and a commitment to showing up each day ready to learn. Both Elijah and Atlas demonstrated tremendous growth this year, proving that consistent attendance can make a lasting impact on academic success.
To celebrate his achievement, Elijah was also surprised with a custom-built bicycle generously donated by Healthy Habits Bicycle Shop in Bettendorf. A special thank you to Dan Adams, manager of Healthy Habits Bicycle Shop, whose generosity and craftsmanship made this meaningful gift possible.
We are incredibly proud of Elijah and Atlas for their hard work, determination, and growth throughout the school year. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to fellow scholars and a reminder that every day counts. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
Please help us extend a warm welcome to Dr. Beth Summers as the new Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, beginning in the 2026-2027 school year!
Dr. Summers joins the district with more than 13 years of administrative experience, having served as an AVID Director, Elementary School Principal, and High School Principal. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, organizational leadership, and supporting scholar success.
She holds a Doctorate of Education in Educational Administration, an Education Specialist credential in Educational Administration, a Master of Science in Educational Administration, and a Master of Public Administration in Public Management & Leadership. Dr. Summers also holds a Chief School Business Officer (CSBO) Certification, bringing valuable expertise in strategic planning, resource management, and fiscal leadership.
We look forward to the knowledge, experience, and leadership Dr. Summers will bring to our learning community!
Happy last day of school, Rock Island-Milan!
Wishing everyone a fun, safe, and relaxing summer! ☀️
Wishing everyone a fun, safe, and relaxing summer! ☀️
Join us for our final Facilities Management Plan meeting of the 2025-2026 school year this evening, June 1, from 5–7 PM at Rock Island High School. The meeting will include a guided tour of RIHS, a discussion of observations and next steps, project updates, and a review of funding options for future facility improvements. If you are unable to attend, we invite you to join us virtually. Please visit https://www.rimsd41.org/page/facilities-management-plan for the meeting link and additional information about the Facility Management Plan.
Congratulations to the Rock Island High School Class of 2026! 🎓
This morning, 409 scholars officially became graduates during the 153rd Annual Commencement Ceremony at the Vibrant Arena at The MARK.
Today, you crossed the stage and stepped into a new chapter filled with opportunity, purpose, and possibility. We are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished and can't wait to see the impact you will make in the years ahead.
This morning, 409 scholars officially became graduates during the 153rd Annual Commencement Ceremony at the Vibrant Arena at The MARK.
Today, you crossed the stage and stepped into a new chapter filled with opportunity, purpose, and possibility. We are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished and can't wait to see the impact you will make in the years ahead.
Congratulations to Olivia Seidlitz on earning the honor of Valedictorian for the Rock Island High School Class of 2026!
Olivia’s alma maters are Eugene Field Elementary School and Washington Jr. High School.
This fall, Olivia will attend Loras College, where she plans to study Political Science while continuing her track and cross country career.
Olivia’s alma maters are Eugene Field Elementary School and Washington Jr. High School.
This fall, Olivia will attend Loras College, where she plans to study Political Science while continuing her track and cross country career.
Congratulations to Averi Vroman on earning the honor of Salutatorian for the Rock Island High School Class of 2026!
Averi is a proud alumna of Eugene Field Elementary School and Washington Jr. High School.
This fall, Averi will attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison to study genetics.
Averi is a proud alumna of Eugene Field Elementary School and Washington Jr. High School.
This fall, Averi will attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison to study genetics.
RIHS Class of 2026 Top Ten Spotlight ✨
Congratulations to Angelo Mojica on graduating in the top ten of the class! Angelo’s alma maters are Rock Island Center for Math and Science and Washington Jr. High School.
This fall, Angelo will attend Black Hawk College, where he plans to study Biology.
Congratulations to Angelo Mojica on graduating in the top ten of the class! Angelo’s alma maters are Rock Island Center for Math and Science and Washington Jr. High School.
This fall, Angelo will attend Black Hawk College, where he plans to study Biology.
RIHS Class of 2026 Top Ten Spotlight ✨
Congratulations to John Htoo on graduating in the top ten of the class! John’s alma maters are Earl Hanson Elementary School and Edison Jr. High School.
This fall, John will attend the University of Illinois Chicago, where he plans to study Business.
Congratulations to John Htoo on graduating in the top ten of the class! John’s alma maters are Earl Hanson Elementary School and Edison Jr. High School.
This fall, John will attend the University of Illinois Chicago, where he plans to study Business.
RIHS Class of 2026 Top Ten Spotlight ✨
Congratulations to Millie Gidaszewski on graduating in the top ten of the class! Millie’s alma maters are Eugene Field Elementary School and Washington Jr. High School.
This fall, Millie will attend the University of Pittsburgh, where she plans to study Economics and Chemistry.
Congratulations to Millie Gidaszewski on graduating in the top ten of the class! Millie’s alma maters are Eugene Field Elementary School and Washington Jr. High School.
This fall, Millie will attend the University of Pittsburgh, where she plans to study Economics and Chemistry.
RIHS Class of 2026 Top Ten Spotlight ✨
Congratulations to Gabe Mahn on graduating in the top ten of the class! Gabe’s alma maters are Earl Hanson Elementary School and Edison Jr. High School.
This fall, Gabe will attend Rhodes College, where he plans to study Environmental Science.
Congratulations to Gabe Mahn on graduating in the top ten of the class! Gabe’s alma maters are Earl Hanson Elementary School and Edison Jr. High School.
This fall, Gabe will attend Rhodes College, where he plans to study Environmental Science.
RIHS Class of 2026 Top Ten Spotlight ✨
Congratulations to Nahimana Martin on graduating in the top ten of the class! Nahimana’s alma maters are Denkmann Elementary School and Washington Jr. High School.
This fall, Nahimana will attend Black Hawk College, where she plans to pursue an Associate in Science degree and study Nursing.
The Rock Island-Milan School District is offering free breakfast and lunch to all children under the age of 18, as well as individuals over 18 with disabilities who participate in school-based programs. Please see the flyer for additional details!
If you're unable to attend the class of 2026 graduation ceremony in person this Saturday, we invite you to celebrate with us online.
Join us via live stream at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/live/VcsiDeW12ZA
