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.”
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
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
Geneseo CUSD 228 is now hiring for the 2026-27 school year! If you’re looking for a rewarding opportunity to grow, lead, and support students in a strong school community, we’d love to hear from you. Learn more at GeneseoSchools.org:
https://www.geneseoschools.org/page/employment
https://www.geneseoschools.org/page/employment
Celebrating our April Southwest Learning Ticket recipients! These students have shown outstanding learning behaviors and continue to set a great example for others. We’re proud of your hard work—keep it up!
It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, and we’re celebrating the heart of Southwest Elementary—our teachers!
These “teacher buddy” moments show what makes our school so special: teamwork, laughter, and a shared commitment to our students every single day.
We appreciate you more than words can say!
These “teacher buddy” moments show what makes our school so special: teamwork, laughter, and a shared commitment to our students every single day.
We appreciate you more than words can say!
Join us in celebrating the incredible school nurses who keep our students healthy, safe, and ready to learn!
Today is National School Nurse Day 2026, a time to recognize these dedicated professionals for their vital role in supporting student well-being and academic success. This year’s theme, "Trusted, Valued, Essential," perfectly captures the impact they make every single day.
From managing chronic conditions and responding to emergencies to supporting mental health, our school nurses are compassionate caregivers and strong advocates for every student.
Please join us in thanking our amazing Geneseo school nurses (pictured left to right):
Sara Kreps (Millikin)
Jessica Jansen (District Lead Nurse/GMS)
Andrea Smith (Northside)
Joyce Dietrich (Southwest)
Alysia Young (GHS)
Thank you for all you do for our students and our community!
Today is National School Nurse Day 2026, a time to recognize these dedicated professionals for their vital role in supporting student well-being and academic success. This year’s theme, "Trusted, Valued, Essential," perfectly captures the impact they make every single day.
From managing chronic conditions and responding to emergencies to supporting mental health, our school nurses are compassionate caregivers and strong advocates for every student.
Please join us in thanking our amazing Geneseo school nurses (pictured left to right):
Sara Kreps (Millikin)
Jessica Jansen (District Lead Nurse/GMS)
Andrea Smith (Northside)
Joyce Dietrich (Southwest)
Alysia Young (GHS)
Thank you for all you do for our students and our community!
As Teacher Appreciation Week continues, next up to show their gratitude is Millikin Elementary and its principal, Philip Moe, who writes, "We have the best teachers and staff. They do far more than teach academics — they counsel, inspire, motivate, cheerlead, and challenge. Thank you to the wonderful staff at all our buildings!"
Get ready for summer football! GHS Youth Football Camps are back for with sessions for 1st-8th graders. Join us in June or July to build skills, have fun, and learn from our program. Don’t miss out— learn more and sign up today: https://www.geneseoschools.org/page/coming-up-athletics-and-extracurriculars
The 2026 Lady Leafs Basketball Camp will run June 8–10 at the GHS main gym, offering fun, skill-building sessions for girls entering 3rd–8th grade. Elementary campers will meet from 8:30–10:00 a.m., and middle school campers from 10:00–11:30 a.m., with a focus on ball handling, shooting, teamwork, and game play led by experienced coaches and players. Learn more and register: https://aptg.co/N6qc7D
We're ready to welcome the Class of 2039! Kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year is officially open now through May 15.
Whether you’re a new family or already have students in the district, learn more about getting started and securing your little learner's spot: https://www.geneseoschools.org/o/geneseo/page/2026-27-registration-kindergarten
Whether you’re a new family or already have students in the district, learn more about getting started and securing your little learner's spot: https://www.geneseoschools.org/o/geneseo/page/2026-27-registration-kindergarten
To keep our community informed and engaged, we compiled a series of questions and answers highlighting how our 2025-2030 Strategic Plan will guide our schools over the next five years:
https://www.geneseoschools.org/o/geneseo/page/understanding-2030-strategic-plan
https://www.geneseoschools.org/o/geneseo/page/understanding-2030-strategic-plan
We are excited to share our 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, which outlines our roadmap for the next five years.
Grounded in our vision to Teach–Learn–Care, we are committed to helping every student succeed, creating safe and inclusive spaces for growth, and managing our finances wisely to put students first.
We are proud to serve our community and invite you learn more about our plan and its goals: https://www.geneseoschools.org/o/geneseo/page/strategic-plan
Grounded in our vision to Teach–Learn–Care, we are committed to helping every student succeed, creating safe and inclusive spaces for growth, and managing our finances wisely to put students first.
We are proud to serve our community and invite you learn more about our plan and its goals: https://www.geneseoschools.org/o/geneseo/page/strategic-plan
Save the date for the FFA Plant Sale, April 29–May 13! This year, the majority of the sale will be online, with one in-person day on May 9. Our greenhouse management students have done a great job caring for the plants this spring! Learn more: https://facebook.com/events/s/geneseo-ffa-plant-sale-online/1599375361117212/
Superintendent Dr. Laura Delgado introduces Geneseo’s five-year Strategic Plan, a comprehensive roadmap designed to ensure "the future grows" for every student in our district.
Grounded in our core vision to Teach–Learn–Care, this plan outlines our commitment to fostering vibrant growth and achievement, creating safe and inclusive learning environments, and maintaining sound financial stewardship.
Watch the video now:
https://www.geneseoschools.org/o/geneseo/page/video-five-year-strategic-plan
Grounded in our core vision to Teach–Learn–Care, this plan outlines our commitment to fostering vibrant growth and achievement, creating safe and inclusive learning environments, and maintaining sound financial stewardship.
Watch the video now:
https://www.geneseoschools.org/o/geneseo/page/video-five-year-strategic-plan
Reminder: Construction work at the intersection of State Street and Ogden Avenue begins on Tuesday, April 14, and will impact traffic near the high school and middle school for up to two weeks.
Please plan for potential delays, allow extra time for your commute, and follow all posted signage or directions from crossing guards. We ask all drivers to slow down, stay alert, and prioritize safety for everyone in our community during this time.
Learn about specifics on going to and from GHS and GMS, and coming in from the north of town:
https://www.geneseoschools.org/article/2812384
Please plan for potential delays, allow extra time for your commute, and follow all posted signage or directions from crossing guards. We ask all drivers to slow down, stay alert, and prioritize safety for everyone in our community during this time.
Learn about specifics on going to and from GHS and GMS, and coming in from the north of town:
https://www.geneseoschools.org/article/2812384
We are again offering our Summer Brain Camp, a fun and engaging program from June 1-5 designed for students currently in grades 2 through 7.
Learn more about registering for this experience, which takes place at Northside Elementary School, and focuses on sparking creativity, inspiring curiosity, and extending learning through hands-on activities: https://www.geneseoschools.org/page/coming-up-athletics-and-extracurriculars
Learn more about registering for this experience, which takes place at Northside Elementary School, and focuses on sparking creativity, inspiring curiosity, and extending learning through hands-on activities: https://www.geneseoschools.org/page/coming-up-athletics-and-extracurriculars
Please take extra care when driving through or near the Ogden and State Street area during this construction period. Slow down, stay alert, and follow all posted signage and directions. Your safety, and the safety of others, depends on it. Thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe!
