We are happy to welcome Xanthia McVay, our new kindergarten teacher at Millikin Elementary. Mrs. McVay attended Monmouth College, where she earned a degree in elementary education. She previously taught 3rd grade at Harding Primary School in Monmouth, Illinois.
“I am excited to be back in the area that I grew up in to start my own family!” said Mrs. McVay. “My favorite part of teaching is when the students make connections and you can see that a new skill becomes second nature. In my classroom we are a family; we learn together, grow together, and have fun together. Throughout my time in the Geneseo School District, I hope to encourage many students to find a love for learning and grow each and every day!”
“I am excited to be back in the area that I grew up in to start my own family!” said Mrs. McVay. “My favorite part of teaching is when the students make connections and you can see that a new skill becomes second nature. In my classroom we are a family; we learn together, grow together, and have fun together. Throughout my time in the Geneseo School District, I hope to encourage many students to find a love for learning and grow each and every day!”
Attention Geneseo parents! This is a friendly reminder to register for the upcoming school year through your Skyward account by Monday, August 10.
Student schedules and homeroom teachers will be available on Skyward starting at 4 p.m. on August 5, but only if registration is complete. Please ensure all required registration and medical documents are submitted before the first day of school on August 12.
Thank you for helping us get off to a smooth start!
-> Access your Skyward account: https://skyward.iscorp.com/GeneseoCusd228ILStuSTS/
-> Visit our main registration page: https://www.geneseoschools.org/o/geneseo/page/register-for-the-2026-27-school-year
Student schedules and homeroom teachers will be available on Skyward starting at 4 p.m. on August 5, but only if registration is complete. Please ensure all required registration and medical documents are submitted before the first day of school on August 12.
Thank you for helping us get off to a smooth start!
-> Access your Skyward account: https://skyward.iscorp.com/GeneseoCusd228ILStuSTS/
-> Visit our main registration page: https://www.geneseoschools.org/o/geneseo/page/register-for-the-2026-27-school-year
We’re excited to introduce Jaylee Richter, our new 4th grade teacher at Northside Elementary. Ms. Richter graduated from Western Illinois University-Quad Cities with a degree in elementary education and a social studies endorsement. She completed her student teaching in the spring in the Moline-Coal Valley School District.
“I’m so excited to be joining the Geneseo school community!” said Ms. Richter. “From the very beginning, everyone has been so kind, supportive, and welcoming, and I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to teach here. One of my biggest goals as a teacher is to help students grow to love reading and love learning, because I truly believe that if they can succeed in both, they’ll be unstoppable. I also love bringing positivity, laughter, and encouragement into the classroom so we all have fun along the way! I'm looking forward to an amazing year!”
“I’m so excited to be joining the Geneseo school community!” said Ms. Richter. “From the very beginning, everyone has been so kind, supportive, and welcoming, and I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to teach here. One of my biggest goals as a teacher is to help students grow to love reading and love learning, because I truly believe that if they can succeed in both, they’ll be unstoppable. I also love bringing positivity, laughter, and encouragement into the classroom so we all have fun along the way! I'm looking forward to an amazing year!”
Please give a warm welcome to Jenna Munoz, Geneseo Middle School’s new 8th grade English teacher. Mrs. Munoz graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in bilingual education and a minor in Spanish, and she also has endorsements in language arts and science. She spent 10 years working in the Orion Community School District, including seven years as a 7th grade language arts teacher.
“I feel so blessed to be working in Geneseo,” she said. “As a proud Geneseo alumni and parent of district students, I am thrilled to give back to the community that shaped me and support the collaborative environment I’ve long admired. What I enjoy most about teaching is building genuine rapport with my students and fostering a supportive, engaging classroom where every child feels seen and valued. My goal is to work alongside Geneseo's incredible staff to inspire curiosity and help each student reach their full potential.”
“I feel so blessed to be working in Geneseo,” she said. “As a proud Geneseo alumni and parent of district students, I am thrilled to give back to the community that shaped me and support the collaborative environment I’ve long admired. What I enjoy most about teaching is building genuine rapport with my students and fostering a supportive, engaging classroom where every child feels seen and valued. My goal is to work alongside Geneseo's incredible staff to inspire curiosity and help each student reach their full potential.”
We are happy to welcome Nicole Finegan, who will be teaching 5th grade at Southwest Elementary. Mrs. Finegan graduated from St. Ambrose University with a degree in accounting, then earned a master’s in teaching from Western Illinois University. She taught 5th grade at Jordan Catholic School in Rock Island for two years, and spent one year teaching 4th grade and another teaching high school math. She has also coached 5th grade volleyball and 7th grade girls’ basketball, allowing her to build strong relationships with students both in and out of the classroom.
“I’m so excited to join the Geneseo School District and become part of a supportive district and community,” said Mrs. Finegan. “I look forward to building meaningful relationships with my students and creating a classroom where everyone feels safe, valued, and excited to learn each day. My hope is to help each child grow not only academically, but also in confidence, kindness, and curiosity. I am truly looking forward to getting to know the families, students, and staff and becoming part of the Geneseo community.”
“I’m so excited to join the Geneseo School District and become part of a supportive district and community,” said Mrs. Finegan. “I look forward to building meaningful relationships with my students and creating a classroom where everyone feels safe, valued, and excited to learn each day. My hope is to help each child grow not only academically, but also in confidence, kindness, and curiosity. I am truly looking forward to getting to know the families, students, and staff and becoming part of the Geneseo community.”
We are thrilled to introduce Robert Mason Jr, who will teach physical education at Geneseo High School. Mr. Mason recently graduated from Western Illinois University after student teaching at Rock Island Math Science Academy and Rock Island High School. He has spent three summers at the Two Rivers YMCA in Moline as a summer camp counselor, and has worked with 2nd-5th grade children at the YMCA.
“I am super excited to be a part of the Maple Leaf community!” said Mr. Mason. “Growing up, I used to play against Geneseo in many different sports. Coming to their athletic facilities, you could see how nice everything is and the pride and culture that has been established by this community. As a former athlete, I come with a high sense of physical health and wellness. My goal is to teach lifelong physical activity at Geneseo High School. Being able to work with kids and see their progression at any level is what I love most about teaching. I have a very inclusive teaching style where everyone feels valued and welcomed, no matter their skill level. I was also given the opportunity to help coach the boys' basketball team, which is another thing I'm looking forward to! Go Leafs!”
“I am super excited to be a part of the Maple Leaf community!” said Mr. Mason. “Growing up, I used to play against Geneseo in many different sports. Coming to their athletic facilities, you could see how nice everything is and the pride and culture that has been established by this community. As a former athlete, I come with a high sense of physical health and wellness. My goal is to teach lifelong physical activity at Geneseo High School. Being able to work with kids and see their progression at any level is what I love most about teaching. I have a very inclusive teaching style where everyone feels valued and welcomed, no matter their skill level. I was also given the opportunity to help coach the boys' basketball team, which is another thing I'm looking forward to! Go Leafs!”
Student-athletes in Geneseo preparing for the upcoming school sports seasons will have the opportunity to receive a free sports physical during a special community event hosted by Hammond-Henry Hospital & Clinics.
The free sports physical clinic will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4 at the Hammond-Henry Geneseo Clinic, located at 600 North College Avenue. No appointments are necessary, making it easy for eligible students to complete their required athletic clearance before the school year begins.
The event is available for students entering 7th, 8th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. Students entering 6th and 9th grades will need to complete the state-required school physical with their primary care provider, which includes sports participation approval.
Families with questions about the event can contact Hammond-Henry Hospital & Clinics at (309) 944-1275.
The free sports physical clinic will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4 at the Hammond-Henry Geneseo Clinic, located at 600 North College Avenue. No appointments are necessary, making it easy for eligible students to complete their required athletic clearance before the school year begins.
The event is available for students entering 7th, 8th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. Students entering 6th and 9th grades will need to complete the state-required school physical with their primary care provider, which includes sports participation approval.
Families with questions about the event can contact Hammond-Henry Hospital & Clinics at (309) 944-1275.
Please join us in welcoming Brittany Kuethe, our new 7th grade math teacher at Geneseo Middle School. Mrs. Kuethe received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Iowa, then earned a master’s in gifted education from Northeastern Illinois University. She previously worked for Schaumburg School District 54, first as a 5th and 6th grade teacher at Stevenson Elementary, and then as a Quantum Learning Coach. She also worked as a 3rd-5th grade Advanced Learning Facilitator in Oak Brook, and has tutored students K-12 in math and ELA.
“I have had the privilege of pausing my teaching career and staying home with my own children the past five years,” said Mrs. Kuethe. “I cannot wait to be back in the classroom again! I am excited to join the Geneseo School District because, as a parent, I have seen what amazing support and love the teachers and staff in this district give to their students. I am proud to join such a dedicated and passionate team! What I love about teaching is having the opportunity to support students with their growth as both mathematicians and individuals. My goal is to make learning accessible, engaging, and empowering. I hope to provide my students with the tools they need to help them get the most out of any learning situation they come across, whether it's in my classroom or beyond. I am thankful to be a part of the GMS community and excited for a fantastic school year!”
“I have had the privilege of pausing my teaching career and staying home with my own children the past five years,” said Mrs. Kuethe. “I cannot wait to be back in the classroom again! I am excited to join the Geneseo School District because, as a parent, I have seen what amazing support and love the teachers and staff in this district give to their students. I am proud to join such a dedicated and passionate team! What I love about teaching is having the opportunity to support students with their growth as both mathematicians and individuals. My goal is to make learning accessible, engaging, and empowering. I hope to provide my students with the tools they need to help them get the most out of any learning situation they come across, whether it's in my classroom or beyond. I am thankful to be a part of the GMS community and excited for a fantastic school year!”
We’re excited to introduce Sam Kedzior, who joins our district to teach Geometry and Algebra 1 at Geneseo High School. Mr. Kedzior graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University with a double major in Mathematics and Secondary Education, and this will be his first year teaching.
“I am excited because of the community and support I have received since being hired and look forward to being a role model at the high school,” he said. “I also played collegiate soccer, so I will be helping with the boys soccer program and look to make an impact there.”
“I am excited because of the community and support I have received since being hired and look forward to being a role model at the high school,” he said. “I also played collegiate soccer, so I will be helping with the boys soccer program and look to make an impact there.”
We are happy to welcome Grace Robinson, our new 9th grade English teacher at Geneseo High School. Mrs. Robinson graduated from Wheaton College with a degree in English literature before earning her Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) from the same university. She completed her student teaching last fall in St. Charles, Illinois, and worked as a long-term substitute teacher in Port Byron last spring.
“I am so excited for the opportunity to teach in such an amazing district,” said Mrs. Robinson. “While I am new to the community, my husband and his siblings grew up here and all graduated from GHS. I understand that this is a special place to live and work, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it. I look forward to meeting and making connections with the students that I will welcome into my classroom. I can’t wait to cultivate a classroom space where students feel empowered to ask questions and explore new ideas. This district is a great environment for students to learn and grow, and I know it will be the same for me as a new teacher!”
“I am so excited for the opportunity to teach in such an amazing district,” said Mrs. Robinson. “While I am new to the community, my husband and his siblings grew up here and all graduated from GHS. I understand that this is a special place to live and work, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it. I look forward to meeting and making connections with the students that I will welcome into my classroom. I can’t wait to cultivate a classroom space where students feel empowered to ask questions and explore new ideas. This district is a great environment for students to learn and grow, and I know it will be the same for me as a new teacher!”
We’re excited to introduce Maya Bieneman, who will be teaching 6th grade social studies at Geneseo Middle School. Ms. Bieneman graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's Broadfield Social Studies Education program with an emphasis in history. She was a student teacher and substitute teacher in the La Crosse school district for one year.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to come back and teach in Geneseo!” said Ms. Bieneman, who will also serve as a golf assistant coach. “Middle school was where my passion for social studies really took off, and I'm very excited to share that enthusiasm with students through meaningful and engaging learning experiences. I look forward to making connections with students and supporting them as they grow!”
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to come back and teach in Geneseo!” said Ms. Bieneman, who will also serve as a golf assistant coach. “Middle school was where my passion for social studies really took off, and I'm very excited to share that enthusiasm with students through meaningful and engaging learning experiences. I look forward to making connections with students and supporting them as they grow!”
Please join us in welcoming Melody Parkinson, our new 4th grade teacher at Southwest Elementary. Ms. Parkinson recently graduated from St. Ambrose University with a degree in elementary education and an endorsement in English Language Arts. Throughout her college years, she spent time in numerous elementary schools and participated in a reading clinic where she tutored a student.
“I am beyond excited to start my teaching journey at Southwest, where I’ve been already so welcomed by everyone I’ve come across,” said Ms. Parkinson. “What drew me most to Geneseo was how care is integrated as a part of what makes their district who they are. Learning, teaching, and growing are all important but caring is what makes students continue to want to show up and learn. Creating an environment in the classroom where students feel they are valued is my constant goal in every classroom I’ve stepped into, and to have that be a common goal of the school is what made me want to be a part of such a caring and supportive school district.”
She added, “My teaching style is very student centered. I love guiding students through learning by encouraging them to express their interests, ideas, and be able to make those real world connections to what we are learning about. This keeps the students engaged and excited to learn, while also allowing me to get to know more about my students and build relationships with each of them. I can’t wait to have a great first year of learning and growing, while building relationships with my students as we go!”
“I am beyond excited to start my teaching journey at Southwest, where I’ve been already so welcomed by everyone I’ve come across,” said Ms. Parkinson. “What drew me most to Geneseo was how care is integrated as a part of what makes their district who they are. Learning, teaching, and growing are all important but caring is what makes students continue to want to show up and learn. Creating an environment in the classroom where students feel they are valued is my constant goal in every classroom I’ve stepped into, and to have that be a common goal of the school is what made me want to be a part of such a caring and supportive school district.”
She added, “My teaching style is very student centered. I love guiding students through learning by encouraging them to express their interests, ideas, and be able to make those real world connections to what we are learning about. This keeps the students engaged and excited to learn, while also allowing me to get to know more about my students and build relationships with each of them. I can’t wait to have a great first year of learning and growing, while building relationships with my students as we go!”
It’s once again time to begin introducing our new full-time certified staff for the coming school year, and first up is Anna Rinker. Ms. Rinker, who will get married next month and become Mrs. Freeman, will teach 5th grade at Southwest Elementary. She attended Sauk Valley Community College and went on to earn her elementary education degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, then conducted her student teaching in multiple districts in Illinois and Wisconsin, including Erie Elementary School. She’s also worked with children as a Sunday school leader, vacation bible school leader, and childcare coordinator for a single mom/children support group in Morrison, Illinois.
“When I first visited this active and beautiful town, I looked over to my dad and told him that I couldn’t believe this hidden gem was only 40 minutes from my hometown in Morrison,” she said. “I could immediately feel the impact of community development, involvement, and pride and I, along with my soon to be husband who will also be on staff at Southwest Elementary, are so excited to move to and join the Geneseo community! Since I was young, I have always dreamed of being a teacher and found passion in serving others. I strive to hold the same qualities of the countless teachers that positively impacted my life in my classroom, in hopes my students can have this same opportunity. I am so excited to apply my knowledge working with families and students of all backgrounds to come alongside and support their goals and aspirations through the power of education.”
Please join us in welcoming the future Mrs. Freeman to Geneseo!
“When I first visited this active and beautiful town, I looked over to my dad and told him that I couldn’t believe this hidden gem was only 40 minutes from my hometown in Morrison,” she said. “I could immediately feel the impact of community development, involvement, and pride and I, along with my soon to be husband who will also be on staff at Southwest Elementary, are so excited to move to and join the Geneseo community! Since I was young, I have always dreamed of being a teacher and found passion in serving others. I strive to hold the same qualities of the countless teachers that positively impacted my life in my classroom, in hopes my students can have this same opportunity. I am so excited to apply my knowledge working with families and students of all backgrounds to come alongside and support their goals and aspirations through the power of education.”
Please join us in welcoming the future Mrs. Freeman to Geneseo!
Registration for the 2026-27 school year is officially open!
Families can now complete the entire online process and access updated handbooks, supply lists, medical requirements, and helpful navigational videos for both new and returning students.
Please ensure your student's registration is completed by Monday, August 10, ahead of our first day of school on Wednesday, August 12. Get started now:
https://www.geneseoschools.org/o/geneseo/page/register-for-the-2026-27-school-year
Families can now complete the entire online process and access updated handbooks, supply lists, medical requirements, and helpful navigational videos for both new and returning students.
Please ensure your student's registration is completed by Monday, August 10, ahead of our first day of school on Wednesday, August 12. Get started now:
https://www.geneseoschools.org/o/geneseo/page/register-for-the-2026-27-school-year
Looking for meaningful work that impacts the next generation? Geneseo CUSD 228 is now hiring for a variety of positions, including a Student Aide/Paraprofessional at Millikin Elementary, a Life Science teacher at Geneseo Middle School, and district-wide paraprofessionals and food service workers. Learn more about all of our employment opportunities and apply today: https://www.geneseoschools.org/page/employment
Geneseo Middle School is seeking a new 7th grade Life Science teacher for the 2026-27 school year! This position includes teaching five sections with two preparation periods each day. Various coaching and sponsor opportunities are also available for candidates interested in more actively involving themselves in our school community. Learn more and apply:
https://www.geneseoschools.org/page/employment
https://www.geneseoschools.org/page/employment
Congratulations to Makayla Edlefson and Nathan Dwyer on their cardboard art exhibits at the County 4-H Fair. Both received blue ribbons for their hard work, and Nathan received an additional State Fair Selection Ribbon for his tractor sculpture! Way to go GMS Artists!
The Board of Education meeting originally scheduled for June 11 has been postponed due to the forecast of severe weather in our area. The meeting has been rescheduled for next week.
New date/time: Thursday, June 18 at 5:30 p.m.
Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe tonight!
New date/time: Thursday, June 18 at 5:30 p.m.
Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe tonight!
Check out the exciting summer lineup at the Geneseo Public Library District with its "Plant A Seed, Read" program for kids ages 0 to 11 and 11-18! Take advantage of a summer packed with weekly story times, interactive crafts, and special highlights like "Music Time with Miss Tina" and a trackless train event. It is a fantastic, free way to keep your little ones engaged, learning, and reading all summer long. Head over to their website to view the full calendar of events and library hours: https://www.geneseo.lib.il.us/announcement/plant-a-seed-read
Track and Field Athletes from Geneseo Middle School medaled, PR'd, fought hard, and finished strong at IESA State this past weekend in Peoria, IL. Bradlee Larson was the 8th girls high jump state champ, with a number of her peers winning medals in a great showing for GMS!
https://results.shazamracing.com/meets/74233/teams/1670560
