We’re happy to introduce Kelly Sikardi, our new social worker at Southwest Elementary. Sikardi attended St. Ambrose University, where she earned bachelor’s degrees in theology and psychology, and the University of Iowa, where she received her master’s degree in social work. The Geneseo native previously worked with the Black Hawk Area Special Education District at United Township High School and the Rockridge School District.
“As a school social worker, I help students identify and regulate their emotions through a variety of techniques and strategies that best fit them,” says Sikardi. “I enjoy getting to know the kids and watching them grow emotionally. Social-emotional skills are important components to learning and development, just as important as math and reading because they are skills that we use every day.”
GHS's Class of 2025 will be selling Geneseo Pride shirts beginning August 14! T-shirts are $10 for youth sizes and $15 for adult sizes, and can be paid for with cash or a check made out to Geneseo CUSD #228. Learn more: https://www.geneseoschools.org/article/1198625
We are thrilled to welcome Miranda Bolte, Millikin Elementary’s new 1st grade teacher. A graduate of Geneseo High School, Bolte went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University. She worked at Southwest as a paraprofessional for a couple of years during college, then returned to teach kindergarten last semester.
“I’m grateful for the amazing students and staff I’ve met along the way,” says Bolte. “I am excited for this new adventure teaching first grade at Millikin. I look forward to teaching students to love learning just as much as I do.”
We're one week away from the first day of student attendance! If you haven't registered yet for the 2023-24 school year, you can still do so now through Monday, August 14:
https://www.geneseoschools.org/o/geneseo/page/register-for-the-2023-24-school-year
We’re excited to introduce Shelby Brasmer, our new 4th grade cross-categorical teacher at Millikin Elementary. Brasmer attended Western Governors University and Western Illinois University, then worked at the Black Hawk Area Education Center for five years before coming to Geneseo. She was a paraprofessional for three and a half years and a special education teacher for one and a half years.
“I am so excited to have this opportunity to teach in Geneseo!” Brasmer says. “I have heard nothing but good things about this district and have already had positive experiences collaborating with my new team. I look forward to continuing to make connections with other staff and of course, with my students. I am looking forward to a great year!”
We are delighted to welcome Alyssa Johnson, our new Behavior Analyst who will be working at Millikin, Northside, and Southwest Elementary Schools. Johnson earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Washington State University and her master’s degree in professional behavior analysis from the Florida Institute of Technology.
“I am most excited to give back to our small community and make an impact on the students in the Geneseo school district,” says Johnson. “I hope to help empower teachers in their classrooms and to foster a love for learning for the students.”
The third annual 9-11 Memorial Stair Club will be held on Saturday, September 9 at Geneseo High School’s Bob Reade Field from 7 to 11 a.m. Learn more about the event and those who organize it: https://www.geneseoschools.org/article/1190196
Get to know Katelyn McNamara, our new English teacher at Geneseo High School. McNamara attended St. Ambrose University, and this will be her 13th year teaching high school English. She has taught nine years at Davenport Assumption, one year at Edwardsville, and two years at Serena.
“I’m excited to begin teaching at Geneseo High School because of its supportive community and the many opportunities for students to get involved,” McNamara says. “It excites me to see a community support and root for its students. I also look forward to coaching within the girls’ basketball program and seeing students in a competitive setting. Teaching and coaching are passions of mine because I enjoy guiding students and challenging them to reach their goals while watching them grow along the way.”
We are happy to introduce Amber Whitenburg, the new 6th grade art teacher at Geneseo Middle School. Whitenburg attended Bowling Green State University (Bachelor of Fine Arts) and Upper Iowa University (Bachelor of Arts), and her background is in fine arts with a focus on sculpture, metalsmithing and K-12 art education. She has been teaching art for 15 years at summer camps, as a teaching assistant in college, at art centers around the country, and in schools.
“I am so excited to become part of the close-knit community in Geneseo,” says Whitenburg. “I look forward to contributing to the community through teaching! In my classroom we play, experiment, persist, and share. I hope that my students leave my class with the understanding that everyone is creative, and you don’t need to be ‘good’ at art to enjoy it. I feel so lucky to get to shape and witness the growth of my students. Getting to see it happen every day in the classroom gives me that much more drive to foster a fun and creative environment for my students.”
With staff, students and donors on hand, Millikin Elementary hosted an opening ceremony for its new playground area on Thursday evening.
According to Philip Moe, principal at Millikin, the planning and fundraising efforts for the project began in 2020. He described it as a team effort and credits the school district, Millikin’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and local organizations for helping make it a reality.
Read the full story:
https://www.geneseoschools.org/article/1191165
Join us in giving a warm welcome to Katherine Wohrley, our new 7th grade math teacher at Geneseo Middle School. Wohrley graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics with an emphasis in secondary education. While in college, she had clinical experiences working in 6th grade, 7th grade and high school math classrooms. This past spring, she worked as a student teacher at DeKalb High School.
“I am extremely excited to be joining GMS this upcoming school year!” says Wohrley. “I'm looking forward to helping my students grow and develop a love of math and learning. I can't wait to meet and get to know my students and get involved in such a great and welcoming community!”
We’re excited to welcome Delaney O’Brien, our new 4th grade teacher at Northside Elementary. O’Brien, who attended Spoon River College and graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in elementary education, has been a substitute teacher for all grade levels, as well as a daycare teacher. She did her block teaching at Lincoln Elementary in Macomb and completed her student teaching at West Prairie South Elementary in Colchester.
“The best part about teaching is seeing the spark in students’ eyes when they are learning,” O’Brien says. “That ‘a-ha!’ moment is priceless for teachers, and it’s memorable for students as well. I aim to motivate students by creating a positive, welcoming classroom environment where growth is encouraged and prioritized. I am so excited to join the incredible staff at Northside this school year!”
Get to know Ashley Mancera, our new speech teacher who will work with early childhood education and K-8 at Southwest Elementary, Geneseo Middle School and St. Malachy School. Mancera attended Augustana College in Rock Island for both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and last year, she worked for the Stark County School District.
“I am very excited to start working in my new position as I grew up in the Quad Cities and have gotten to know some members of the Geneseo community,” Mancera says. “I will be most looking forward to having my students realize their full potential while making fun memories along the way!”
We’re happy to welcome Rose Hall, our new school psychologist who will be working at Southwest Elementary and Geneseo Middle School. Hall attended Western Illinois University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a specialist degree in school psychology. Her professional experience includes three years at Perry Elementary in Carpentersville, Illinois, and two years at Prairie Grove Elementary in Crystal Lake, Illinois.
“I am so excited to join the Geneseo School District,” says Hall. “My goal is to provide knowledge and support as needed to the students and their teachers to ensure the students are learning to the best of their abilities. I can't wait to meet everyone, and to help your students grow!”
We are excited to introduce Sarah Williams, our new kindergarten and 1st grade cross cat special education teacher at Millikin Elementary. Williams earned her undergraduate degree at Purdue University and is completing her master’s degree at Western Illinois University. She taught kindergarten through 4th grade special education resource at Eagle Ridge Elementary in Silvis for the past year and a half.
“I grew up in the area, being from Erie and have always admired the Geneseo school district; the community, the education, and the opportunities for the kids,” says Williams. “When my family and I moved back from Texas two years ago, we knew Geneseo was where we wanted our kids to go to school. I’m looking forward to the new challenge of working in cross cat and plan to develop strong relationships with both staff and families in order to build a successful environment for my students. I believe that all students deserve to be given the chance to do whatever they set their minds to.”
We offer our congratulations and thanks to Bill Lanphere, a staple at Fareway since Geneseo's store opened in 2005.
Bill will be transferring to the Fareway in North Liberty, and this week, Dr. Adam Brumbaugh awarded him with a Maple Leaf Medallion for demonstrating Teach–Learn–Care of the highest order. Throughout Bill's many years of service, he has generously supported and touched the lives of many students and their families.
"Bill has done so much for the community and the students of the Geneseo school district, giving them the chance to learn basic job skills," wrote Fareway colleague Chris Bishop in nominating Lanphere.
Good luck, Bill, you will be missed!
Please join us in welcoming Laurel Filzen Etzel, our new music teacher at Northside Elementary. Filzen Etzel earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Western Illinois University, a master’s degree in music from Western Michigan University, and is currently working towards another master’s in teaching and music at WIU. She has taught all ages from toddler through college in many different settings and has over 10 years of experience teaching.
“I enjoy meeting students where they are to make a meaningful connection with them, which brings me and the student joy!” says Filzen Etzel. “This connection, in turn, builds trust and helps us to grow and learn together. I believe in building students up and helping each of my students to be confident individuals when they are making music, of course, but also when they are not making music—leading each one to be the most authentic version of themselves!”
Our 2023-24 fall sports season kicks off with GMS Girls Softball this week. 36 girls joined Coaches Johnson, Rusk, and Berthoud at JF Edwards Field practicing hitting, fielding, pitching and catching. The first game is already next week! GMS golf starts July 31st, football August 7th, and volleyball August 16th. #BeLEAF
Get to know Ali Kazubowski, our new school psychologist at Millikin Elementary. Kazubowski graduated from Western Illinois University with a specialist degree in school psychology. Prior to graduate school, she attended North Central College and obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology. During her final year at WIU, and as a school psychology intern, she worked at Millikin, Southwest, GMS and GHS.
“During my internship, I formed many meaningful relationships with students and staff within the Geneseo school district,” says Kazubowski. “Everyone was very welcoming and ultimately played a huge part in my learning experience. I’m looking forward to continuing working with students, collaborating with school staff, and helping to create a positive school climate at Millikin!”
We’re excited to welcome Betsy Timmerman, who will be teaching kindergarten at Millikin Elementary. Timmerman attended Illinois State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education with special education and reading endorsements. She previously taught preschool for seven years at Cambridge Elementary and kindergarten-1st grade special education for two years through Henry-Stark County Special Education.
“I grew up in Geneseo and attended the Geneseo school district kindergarten through senior year,” says Timmerman. “After college I came back to Geneseo, and my husband and I are now raising our family here. Geneseo is a very welcoming community, and I am excited to begin teaching and building strong relationships here. I believe every child is capable of learning, one just needs to find the means that works best for each child.”
