Our students and staff had amazing discussions surrounding LEAFS skills and how to keep our building orderly and safe. LEAFS is an acronym reminding us all to show outstanding "learning engagement, effort, accountability, focus, and self-regulation" every day! I'm very proud of the tremendous leadership of all our students!
Beginning August 20, the front entrance of the Geneseo Foundation Activity Center (GFAC) will be closed for the installation of new doors. The project is expected to take 2-3 weeks and visitors will need to enter through the building's south door until it is completed.
It's been a busy week so far at GMS! Nearly 600 students back to school with their teachers and our staff after a busy opening night. Our GMS athletic teams are already ramping up: softball is 4-0, golfers have their first meet at Saukie in Rock Island tonight, football and cross country started practice Monday, and volleyball tryouts started on Tuesday afternoon. We wish the best to our parents, staff members, and especially our students in the classes of 2030, 2031, and 2032!!!
It was a fantastic 1st day of 25-26 at Geneseo Middle School. Check out some opening day pics from around the building, including our All-School Kickoff Assembly. "We Are... GMS!"
GMS Volleyball: Tryouts for 7th and 8th grade girls interested in playing volleyball will be held August 13-15. Anyone trying out should bring athletic shoes, a shirt with their last name on the back (PE clothes can be worn), and take a physical in advance. Learn more: https://www.geneseoschools.org/page/coming-up-athletics-and-extracurriculars
GMS Speech Team: Do you like to talk, act, or tell stories? Whether you’re a seasoned performer or trying something new, the Speech Team is the perfect place to build confidence, improve your speaking and performance skills, and make new friends. Learn more: https://www.geneseoschools.org/page/coming-up-athletics-and-extracurriculars
Geneseo High School welcomed our freshman today to orientation!
GMS is already hitting the ground running for 2025-26. Softball has played 2 games, Golf is wrapping up their first week of practice, Beginner Band had their premier concert, and students are exploring the bright halls during Locker Setup days (today and Friday 2-6pm). Let's Go!
We are excited to introduce Cody Robertson, the new U.S. History teacher at Geneseo Middle School.
Mr. Robertson attended Black Hawk College and the University of Illinois Springfield, earning his bachelor’s degree in history and middle grades education. He comes from a medical background, having spent eight years working in emergency rooms and on an ambulance as an EMT before switching to education.
“While working in past jobs, I’ve always had some sort of side work that involved teaching, whether that was guitar lessons, CPR, or equipment training,” said Mr. Robertson. “I always looked forward to the days I was able to present, discuss and instruct, and I’m beyond excited to say that I’m now a full-time teacher. I was exposed to many inspirational teachers throughout my time as a student in district 228, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to pay that forward. My teaching style leans more towards a discussion-based approach, which I believe increases dialogue and interaction between students also lends to deeper learning overall.”
Mr. Robertson attended Black Hawk College and the University of Illinois Springfield, earning his bachelor’s degree in history and middle grades education. He comes from a medical background, having spent eight years working in emergency rooms and on an ambulance as an EMT before switching to education.
“While working in past jobs, I’ve always had some sort of side work that involved teaching, whether that was guitar lessons, CPR, or equipment training,” said Mr. Robertson. “I always looked forward to the days I was able to present, discuss and instruct, and I’m beyond excited to say that I’m now a full-time teacher. I was exposed to many inspirational teachers throughout my time as a student in district 228, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to pay that forward. My teaching style leans more towards a discussion-based approach, which I believe increases dialogue and interaction between students also lends to deeper learning overall.”
We’re thrilled to welcome Monica Furlong, a special education coordinator who will work in GHS, GMS and Northside Elementary.
Dr. Furlong attended Lincoln College, Illinois State University, Roosevelt University and Aurora University, and she has 20 years of experience in education, serving in roles as a special education teacher, assistant director of special education, director of special education, and building principal.
“I'm so excited to be a part of such a family and student-centered community. My husband works at the high school and our son attends elementary school in Geneseo so we are highly invested in the community,” said Dr. Furlong. “I'm eager to work here because I have seen first-hand all the amazing teachers and their hard work they put in for our students. I'm excited for my role to support staff, students, and to continue to grow our special education programming so all students succeed. My goals include continuing the great things happening in Geneseo while providing coaching, resources, and supports to staff, students, and families.”
Dr. Furlong attended Lincoln College, Illinois State University, Roosevelt University and Aurora University, and she has 20 years of experience in education, serving in roles as a special education teacher, assistant director of special education, director of special education, and building principal.
“I'm so excited to be a part of such a family and student-centered community. My husband works at the high school and our son attends elementary school in Geneseo so we are highly invested in the community,” said Dr. Furlong. “I'm eager to work here because I have seen first-hand all the amazing teachers and their hard work they put in for our students. I'm excited for my role to support staff, students, and to continue to grow our special education programming so all students succeed. My goals include continuing the great things happening in Geneseo while providing coaching, resources, and supports to staff, students, and families.”
We’re excited to introduce Beth Brasmer, who will be co-teaching life skills at Geneseo Middle School.
Brasmer has an associate’s degree in early childhood from Black Hawk College and a bachelor’s degree in special education from Western Illinois University. She has worked in a variety of educational roles, including as an aide and teacher in early childhood education centers, a paraprofessional and teacher for the Rock Island School District, an early learning specialist at Black Hawk College, and a teacher in the field of special education.
“I have always had a heart for teaching life skills,” said Brasmer. “I believe that teaching these skills to our students is integral to giving them the best chance for success as adults and citizens in their future. It is my goal to build a relationship with my students so they will feel safe and supported as they practice and learn the many skill sets that are included within the scope of life skills. I am especially excited to be coming to Geneseo. I have always heard positive things about the community as well as the school district, and although I haven’t officially started yet, I have been warmly welcomed and I already feel that I’m part of a great team!”
Brasmer has an associate’s degree in early childhood from Black Hawk College and a bachelor’s degree in special education from Western Illinois University. She has worked in a variety of educational roles, including as an aide and teacher in early childhood education centers, a paraprofessional and teacher for the Rock Island School District, an early learning specialist at Black Hawk College, and a teacher in the field of special education.
“I have always had a heart for teaching life skills,” said Brasmer. “I believe that teaching these skills to our students is integral to giving them the best chance for success as adults and citizens in their future. It is my goal to build a relationship with my students so they will feel safe and supported as they practice and learn the many skill sets that are included within the scope of life skills. I am especially excited to be coming to Geneseo. I have always heard positive things about the community as well as the school district, and although I haven’t officially started yet, I have been warmly welcomed and I already feel that I’m part of a great team!”
Please join us in welcoming Carrie Brown, who will be teaching life skills at Northside Elementary.
Mrs. Brown is a Loras College graduate and has a variety of professional experience, including giving swimming lessons for 30 years and helping her husband with their business, Second Chance CPR. She is a certified CPR, BLS, First AID and AED instructor through the American Heart Association.
“I am really looking forward to being at Northside Elementary School,” said Mrs. Brown. “I can't wait to be with the kids and staff! I have amazing people that I will be working with and I look forward to supporting my students in achieving their educational goals.”
Mrs. Brown is a Loras College graduate and has a variety of professional experience, including giving swimming lessons for 30 years and helping her husband with their business, Second Chance CPR. She is a certified CPR, BLS, First AID and AED instructor through the American Heart Association.
“I am really looking forward to being at Northside Elementary School,” said Mrs. Brown. “I can't wait to be with the kids and staff! I have amazing people that I will be working with and I look forward to supporting my students in achieving their educational goals.”
We are pleased to introduce Jen Woolsey, our new instructional coach at Geneseo Middle School.
Mrs. Woolsey earned her bachelor's degree in mathematics with a concentration in secondary education from Illinois Wesleyan University, then a master's from the American College of Education in curriculum and instruction. Her previous experience includes teaching math at GHS (2011-2017) and Riverdale Middle School (2018-2024). Last year, she worked for the Rock Island-Milan School District as a math and science instructional coach.
“I am excited to return to the Geneseo School District where I started my teaching career and where my children attend,” Mrs. Woolsey stated. “My experiences teaching and my colleagues at GHS instilled the Teach-Learn-Care motto in me. I love making connections with and learning from students and colleagues, and I am excited to partner with the GMS teachers and district instructional coaches to support instruction and enhance student learning.”
Mrs. Woolsey earned her bachelor's degree in mathematics with a concentration in secondary education from Illinois Wesleyan University, then a master's from the American College of Education in curriculum and instruction. Her previous experience includes teaching math at GHS (2011-2017) and Riverdale Middle School (2018-2024). Last year, she worked for the Rock Island-Milan School District as a math and science instructional coach.
“I am excited to return to the Geneseo School District where I started my teaching career and where my children attend,” Mrs. Woolsey stated. “My experiences teaching and my colleagues at GHS instilled the Teach-Learn-Care motto in me. I love making connections with and learning from students and colleagues, and I am excited to partner with the GMS teachers and district instructional coaches to support instruction and enhance student learning.”
We are happy to welcome back Emilee Conduff, who will be teaching the 4th grade at Northside Elementary.
Mrs. Conduff earned her undergraduate degree from Monmouth College and recently completed her master’s degree in educational leadership at Western Illinois University. She taught 1st grade for the Rock Island-Milan school district for a year, then spent five years teaching 3rd and 1st grades in Geneseo at Northside before taking a year to be home with her first daughter. In both districts, she had the opportunity to serve on building leadership teams that helped her grow as a professional and person.
“I am so excited to be returning to the classroom this fall, but I am especially excited to return to the Geneseo school district as a result of the strong sense of community and connection that the district and town as a whole provides,” said Mrs. Conduff. “What I love most about teaching are the ‘aha’ moments when a student truly understands a concept or accomplishes a personal goal. It’s so incredibly rewarding to watch students' confidence grow as they realize what they are capable of. I also love building relationships with my students and creating a classroom environment where they know just how happy I am to see them each day. The community of Geneseo is the one in which I have always dreamed of investing in and raising my family in since growing up here, and so I am so thankful to have the opportunity to be back in the school district.”
Mrs. Conduff earned her undergraduate degree from Monmouth College and recently completed her master’s degree in educational leadership at Western Illinois University. She taught 1st grade for the Rock Island-Milan school district for a year, then spent five years teaching 3rd and 1st grades in Geneseo at Northside before taking a year to be home with her first daughter. In both districts, she had the opportunity to serve on building leadership teams that helped her grow as a professional and person.
“I am so excited to be returning to the classroom this fall, but I am especially excited to return to the Geneseo school district as a result of the strong sense of community and connection that the district and town as a whole provides,” said Mrs. Conduff. “What I love most about teaching are the ‘aha’ moments when a student truly understands a concept or accomplishes a personal goal. It’s so incredibly rewarding to watch students' confidence grow as they realize what they are capable of. I also love building relationships with my students and creating a classroom environment where they know just how happy I am to see them each day. The community of Geneseo is the one in which I have always dreamed of investing in and raising my family in since growing up here, and so I am so thankful to have the opportunity to be back in the school district.”
Geneseo CUSD #228 and Henry-Stark Counties Special Education District #801 are looking to hire three classroom aides to work in our elementary schools:
-- Special Education Preschool
-- Elementary Life Skills
-- Elementary Special Education
Our district is also searching for new athletic coaches and after school childcare (SAFE) aides. Learn more about all of these roles and apply today:
https://www.geneseoschools.org/page/employment
https://www.hscsed.org/jobs
We are excited to introduce Madisyn Ryan, our new kindergarten teacher at Millikin Elementary.
Mrs. Ryan attended Black Hawk East and Illinois State University, then worked at a preschool in Rockford for a year and taught kindergarten in Terre Haute for three years.
“Being new to the Geneseo area has been full of warm welcomes and tons of support, and the school year hasn't even begun yet,” Mrs. Ryan said. “I like to think of kindergarten as the start of an amazing journey and I feel very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of each student's beginning. I truly look forward to this upcoming school year in kindergarten hoping to instill a love of learning, while also getting to know the Geneseo community even better.”
Mrs. Ryan attended Black Hawk East and Illinois State University, then worked at a preschool in Rockford for a year and taught kindergarten in Terre Haute for three years.
“Being new to the Geneseo area has been full of warm welcomes and tons of support, and the school year hasn't even begun yet,” Mrs. Ryan said. “I like to think of kindergarten as the start of an amazing journey and I feel very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of each student's beginning. I truly look forward to this upcoming school year in kindergarten hoping to instill a love of learning, while also getting to know the Geneseo community even better.”
We are pleased to welcome Tara Hinton, our new 9th and 10th grade English teacher at Geneseo High School.
Tara received her first bachelor’s degree in recreation from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. After working in management for several years, she became a stay-at-home mom and spent the next eight years raising her two sons. During that period, she attended Western Illinois of the Quad Cities to obtain her second bachelor’s degree in education. After graduating, she spent 13 years teaching 7th and 8th grade language arts for the East Moline school district.
“I am thrilled to be coming back home to complete my teaching career. As a grad of Geneseo High School and having two sons that went through the Geneseo schools, I can’t think of a better place to be,” said Tara. “I look forward to meeting the students, parents, and peers that I will have the opportunity to share experiences with. I’m honored to be back ‘home.’”
Tara received her first bachelor’s degree in recreation from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. After working in management for several years, she became a stay-at-home mom and spent the next eight years raising her two sons. During that period, she attended Western Illinois of the Quad Cities to obtain her second bachelor’s degree in education. After graduating, she spent 13 years teaching 7th and 8th grade language arts for the East Moline school district.
“I am thrilled to be coming back home to complete my teaching career. As a grad of Geneseo High School and having two sons that went through the Geneseo schools, I can’t think of a better place to be,” said Tara. “I look forward to meeting the students, parents, and peers that I will have the opportunity to share experiences with. I’m honored to be back ‘home.’”
Please join us in welcoming Katy Schmitt, our new 3rd grade teacher at Southwest Elementary.
Ms. Schmitt graduated from Western Illinois University, then taught 2nd grade at Eagle Ridge in Silvis for two years.
“I'm excited to join the Geneseo school district and be part of its strong, supportive community,” said Ms. Schmitt. “I love helping students build confidence and a love of learning. I strive to create a safe, welcoming classroom where all students feel valued and 'at home.' I can't wait to meet and get to know my students!”
Ms. Schmitt graduated from Western Illinois University, then taught 2nd grade at Eagle Ridge in Silvis for two years.
“I'm excited to join the Geneseo school district and be part of its strong, supportive community,” said Ms. Schmitt. “I love helping students build confidence and a love of learning. I strive to create a safe, welcoming classroom where all students feel valued and 'at home.' I can't wait to meet and get to know my students!”
We’re pleased to introduce Danielle Wieland, our new 4th grade teacher at Millikin Elementary.
Mrs. Wieland owns a pair of degrees, a bachelor’s from Western Illinois University in elementary education and a master’s from WIU–Quad Cities in counseling. Her professional experience includes two years teaching 1st grade at Monmouth ICS, four years teaching kindergarten at George O. Barr in Silvis, subbing in Silvis, and two and a half years as a middle school counselor at Glenview Middle School in East Moline.
“I am so excited to be a part of the Geneseo community and devote my time to the students, families and school family,” stated Mrs. Wieland. “Throughout my career, I have been passionate about helping students reach their full potential. One of my favorite quotes is, ‘Be who you needed when you were younger.’ I hope to help students thrive while in a nurturing environment where Teach-Learn-Care is the motto!”
Mrs. Wieland owns a pair of degrees, a bachelor’s from Western Illinois University in elementary education and a master’s from WIU–Quad Cities in counseling. Her professional experience includes two years teaching 1st grade at Monmouth ICS, four years teaching kindergarten at George O. Barr in Silvis, subbing in Silvis, and two and a half years as a middle school counselor at Glenview Middle School in East Moline.
“I am so excited to be a part of the Geneseo community and devote my time to the students, families and school family,” stated Mrs. Wieland. “Throughout my career, I have been passionate about helping students reach their full potential. One of my favorite quotes is, ‘Be who you needed when you were younger.’ I hope to help students thrive while in a nurturing environment where Teach-Learn-Care is the motto!”
We’re excited to welcome Stephanie Wexell to Millikin Elementary, where she will be a special education teacher.
Mrs. Wexell obtained her bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University and is currently working on her master’s at Western Illinois University. She previously worked in human resources for 12 years and spent four years as a short- and long-term substitute teacher for Geneseo’s schools.
“Excited doesn’t even begin to explain how I’m feeling as the new school year approaches!” Mrs. Wexell said. “Geneseo is such a wonderful community, and our schools reflect that same spirit. Witnessing and being a part of our teachers and staff embracing our district motto of Teach-Learn-Care has been such a blessing. I hope to become a teacher who not only supports academic growth but also builds strong relationships, fosters a sense of belonging, and helps every student feel seen, valued, and capable.”
Mrs. Wexell obtained her bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University and is currently working on her master’s at Western Illinois University. She previously worked in human resources for 12 years and spent four years as a short- and long-term substitute teacher for Geneseo’s schools.
“Excited doesn’t even begin to explain how I’m feeling as the new school year approaches!” Mrs. Wexell said. “Geneseo is such a wonderful community, and our schools reflect that same spirit. Witnessing and being a part of our teachers and staff embracing our district motto of Teach-Learn-Care has been such a blessing. I hope to become a teacher who not only supports academic growth but also builds strong relationships, fosters a sense of belonging, and helps every student feel seen, valued, and capable.”
