Congratulations to all of our GMS golfers on a truly phenomenal season! 3 boys and 2 girls made it to IESA Sectionals this week, each golfing strong 18-hole rounds, on tough courses, and against top-level competition. Here's some pics of our IESA Sectional golfers in action.
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.
What do volleyball, chicken fajita prep, the library, and softball all have in common? You're right! Nothing...but AWESOME GMS students, teachers, student-athletes, coaches, and fans! Tomorrow those fajitas are gonna smell and taste AMAZING during FACS classes! GO LEAFS!!!
GMS cross country runners knocked the rust off at Richmond Hill in preparation for their opening meet next Wednesday at Wilson MS. Best of luck to all athletes and coaches this season!!!
GMS Lego League: If you are interested in joining the middle school Lego League team, please fill out the form by Wednesday, August 27. Ten students will be selected for the team after reviewing the forms and meeting with students during the Lego League call out meeting. Learn more and access the form: https://www.geneseoschools.org/page/coming-up-athletics-and-extracurriculars
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.
Lady Leafs GMS Softball won a nail biter in extra innings Saturday. Still undefeated!
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
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!”
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.”
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’re excited to introduce Sarah Williams, our new special education teacher at Geneseo Middle School.
Mrs. Williams received her bachelor's degree from Purdue University and earned her master's degree in special education from Western Illinois University. This is her fourth year teaching special education after previously working with students at nearby Eagle Ridge Elementary and Millikin Elementary.
“I'm honored to have been chosen to work within the Geneseo School District,” said Mrs. Williams. “I look forward to getting to know all of my students and families, and hope to encourage confidence and strength in each of them as we progress through this school year and many years to come. As a Geneseo resident, I've always felt that this town has a strong sense of community and much of that is entrenched in the involvement of the schools, so I am very excited to be part of that.”
Mrs. Williams received her bachelor's degree from Purdue University and earned her master's degree in special education from Western Illinois University. This is her fourth year teaching special education after previously working with students at nearby Eagle Ridge Elementary and Millikin Elementary.
“I'm honored to have been chosen to work within the Geneseo School District,” said Mrs. Williams. “I look forward to getting to know all of my students and families, and hope to encourage confidence and strength in each of them as we progress through this school year and many years to come. As a Geneseo resident, I've always felt that this town has a strong sense of community and much of that is entrenched in the involvement of the schools, so I am very excited to be part of that.”
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!
