Caterpillars and Butterflies, digging and analyzing different soils, and exploring the shadows cast by our sun throughout the day. Science Rocks!
This Labor Day, we recognize the dedication and effort of workers across every field. A heartfelt thank you to those in our schools who go above and beyond to educate, guide, and support. Your work matters — and we are grateful.
It may not be Labor Day yet, but this school year is officially in full-swing!!
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.
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 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’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.”
Registration for the 2025-26 school year is now open! Visit GeneseoSchools.org to learn more and access a variety of registration documents, helpful videos, FAQs, medical requirements, supply lists, and school handbooks:
https://www.geneseoschools.org/o/geneseo/page/register-for-the-2025-26-school-year
https://www.geneseoschools.org/o/geneseo/page/register-for-the-2025-26-school-year
Wishing our students, families, staff, and community a safe and joyful Independence Day. Happy Fourth of July!
Geneseo students once again took advantage of our district’s Summer Brain Camp that ran June 2-6. Sessions included a hands-on culinary experience with preparing simple recipes, creating rainbow-themed STEM projects, and planting a small starter garden.
Geneseo's three elementary schools are searching for paraprofessionals to work in special education classrooms during the 2025-26 school year. Both Geneseo CUSD #228 and Henry-Stark Counties Special Education District #801 are hiring! Learn more and apply:
https://www.geneseoschools.org/page/employment
https://www.hscsed.org/jobs
SUN Programs spark more summer smiles. Thanks to grocery benefits, free meals, and to-go or delivery options, children have more ways to stay fueled during the summer when school meals aren’t available. Find out how: https://www.geneseoschools.org/article/2239514
The Geneseo Girls Wrestling Team is offering a wrestling camp on July 16 for 5th–12th grade girls to learn about the sport from one of the nation's best wrestlers, Ella Schmit of the national champion Iowa Hawkeyes. Learn more about the camp, which is free to any GHS girl, and register: https://www.geneseoschools.org/page/coming-up-athletics-and-extracurriculars
We remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
The Geneseo Youth Tennis program invites girls and boys from kindergarten through 6th grade to come play tennis on the GHS courts this summer! From July 21-24, three sessions will be held for a fee of $20 (early bird/before July 1) or $30 (after July 1). Learn more and register: https://www.geneseoschools.org/page/coming-up-athletics-and-extracurriculars
Geneseo High School's tennis courts will host a Free Tennis Kids Play Day on May 26 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. for students in kindergarten through 6th grade. This fun, introductory event is part of National Tennis Month and aims to get kids active and excited about the sport. No prior tennis experience is needed!
The Geneseo Maple Leafs boys basketball program and Head Coach Ryan Hill will be hosting a Youth Basketball Summer Camp for 3rd through 8th grade boys from July 8-10. Learn more and register: https://www.geneseoschools.org/page/coming-up-athletics-and-extracurriculars
