Happy April, Rock Island-Milan!
Here are some important dates to keep in mind for this month.
Families, it’s time to register your child(ren) for the 2026–2027 school year! Online registration is now open.
Proof of residency is required for all new students, as well as those entering Kindergarten, 6th grade, or 9th grade.
Visit rimsd41.org/registration for more information and to get started!
Take a look at how our scholars across the district celebrated and recognized this special day!
A big shoutout to all the incredible administrative professionals across our district! Thank you for keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Your hard work and dedication make a difference every day. ✨
From left to right: Teacher Cassandra Salas-Mikaio, Principal Joey DiIulio, Principal Patrick Versluis, Superintendent Dr. Sharon Williams, Teacher Angie Paprocki, and Instructional Coach Bettina McWilliams.
We are thrilled to announce Mr. Mario Sherrell as the new principal of Thurgood Marshall Learning Center, beginning in the 2026-2027 school year!
Mr. Sherrell was selected to serve as Interim Principal of Thurgood Marshall Learning Center in January of 2026. During his time as Interim Principal, he has worked to improve daily attendance practices, increase scholar engagement, and implement consistent, trauma-informed approaches to student support.
Additionally, he has prioritized relationship-building with staff, scholars, and families, helping to foster a more positive and structured school climate.
Congratulations, Mr. Sherrell!
We’d like to give a huge thank you to our amazing RIMSD librarians:
Edie Crayne, Denkmann
Elizabeth Saunders, Earl Hanson
Amy Jahn, Edison Jr. High
Lori Gregan, Eugene Field
Sarah Freeman, Eugene Field
Donna Manning, Frances Willard
Shannon Fuhrer, Longfellow
Melissa Knoeferl, Rock Island Academy
Dee Anderson, RI Center for Math & Science
Diana Bush, Ridgewood
Mary Mendelin, Rock Island High School
Amy Curtiss, Rock Island High School
Amy Marshall, Thomas Jefferson
Karen Long, Washington Jr. High
Your passion, dedication, and the love you bring to your libraries make a lasting impact on our scholars and school communities. Thank you for all that you do!
During National Assistant Principals Week, we recognize the dedication, leadership, and heart these school leaders bring to their schools every single day.
Take a moment to thank an assistant principal who makes a difference!
Rock Island-Milan,
This is a friendly reminder that all district facilities will be closed on Friday, April 3, in observance of Good Friday!
https://www.rimsd41.org/events
Happy Paraprofessional Appreciation Day!
Today, RIMSD proudly recognizes the paraprofessionals whose daily contributions make a lasting difference across our schools. Your commitment and care help ensure scholars feel supported, valued, and empowered to learn each day. We are grateful for the impact you make and the role you play in strengthening our school community!
“Wake up, Mr. West!” ☀️This morning’s inservice kicked off with an energizing message from renowned guest speaker Mr. Damon West, setting the stage for a day of meaningful breakout sessions and professional learning.
A huge thank you to Mr. West for the powerful reminder to be a coffee bean – when the pressure is on, we have the ability to transform the environment around us. That message couldn’t come at a better time!
The 4th quarter is here, and the finish line is in sight. Be a coffee bean. Finish strong!
Calling all community members!
Culture Club is gearing up for our 4th Annual Culture Fest! Last year, over 1,000 attendees came together to celebrate the diversity that makes our school and community so special.
This year’s event will take place on Monday, May 18th, from 5–7:30 PM at RIHS. The theme is “Play the Game, Live the Culture,” in anticipation of the World Cup coming to North America this summer. ⚽
Visit the event website to:
🌎View photos and videos from last year’s celebration
🌍Order a t-shirt
🌏Register for a table – open to all district students, staff, families, and community members!
Celebrate, connect, and share your culture with us!
Quick reminders:
🟡Staff returns on Monday, March 30th, for all staff inservice day.
🟡Fourth Quarter begins Tuesday, March 31st.
Enjoy your break! 🔆🌱
Due to the threat of inclement weather, all scheduled activities during our Spring Intersession have been cancelled for Monday, March 16, 2026. Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe!
RIMSD is celebrating National School Social Work Week! 🎉💛❤️
This week, we proudly recognize our outstanding district social workers:
- Brittany Coopman, Thurgood Marshall Learning Center
- Madison Johnson and Ivyana Wilmington, Rock Island High School
- Kris Sierra, Rock Island High School and Frances Willard
- Justice Kinder and Katelyn Camp, Washington Junior High School
- Lauren Youngers, Thomas Jefferson and Horace Mann Early Learning Center
- Amy Rohwer, Ridgewood and Rock Island Center for Math and Science
- Patricia Gallegos, Rock Island Academy, Denkmann Elementary and Longfellow Liberal Arts
- Maria Frere, Earl Hanson
- Morgan Laden, Rock Island Academy and Rock Island Center for Math and Science
- Tonia Poterack, Horace Mann Early Learning Center
- Jodi Ketcham, Horace Mann Early Learning Center
- Jocelyn Holtrop, Horace Mann Early Learning Center
- Heather Wangler, Horace Mann Early Learning Center
- Tiera Teague, Horace Mann Early Learning Center
Your compassion, expertise, and steadfast commitment to our scholars and families make a meaningful difference every single day. Thank you for the critical role you play in supporting well-being, strengthening connections, and helping our scholars thrive!
RIMSD community, we are excited to launch our new Shout-Out Series, spotlighting outstanding team members across our district.
This series supports our 2030 Strategic Plan - Priority 5: We will nurture relationships and connections with all members of our school community.
We are proud to share our February features. Thank you all for your continued support, and thanks to everyone who took the time to recognize their colleagues.
View all the shout-outs here
Visit our 2030 Strategic Plan here
