🎙️We’re excited to introduce the Mi-Rock Podcast, where we amplify the voices that power RIMSD #41! Mi-Rock celebrates the people who make RIMSD #41 thrive! Each episode shares inspiring stories and behind-the-scenes insights, spotlighting the heart of our schools. Mi-Rock also supports our 2030 Strategic Plan by fostering connections, building relationships, and strengthening communication across the district and our community.
Our inaugural episode kicks things off with an engaging conversation featuring hosts John Hawley of the Rock Island Center for Math and Science and Ian Scott of Thomas Jefferson Elementary, joined by special guest Mike Mertel from Rock Island High School. Together, they dive into the realities of high school teaching, the impact of the Education Internship program, and the incredible work happening every day in classrooms across the district.
🎧 Don’t miss this powerful first episode: listen in, get inspired, and celebrate the people who make RIMSD #41 exceptional!

Congratulations to Mr. Patrick Versluis, principal of Denkmann Elementary School, on being named the 2026 Building Bridges Award Winner for the Blackhawk Region of the Illinois Principals Association! The Horace Mann/IPA Reaching Out & Building Bridges Award is designed to recognize an IPA principal or assistant principal AND an agency, association, or community member displaying an outstanding effort in creating partnerships between schools, principals, associations and organizations for the betterment of all. Well done! 💚


Dear RIMSD 41 School Community,
We’re pleased to share that the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 school calendars are now finalized and available for viewing. These calendars outline key dates for the coming years, including the first and last days of school, breaks, and holidays.
You can access the calendars at: https://www.rimsd41.org/page/school-district-calendars.
Thank you!
Classes will resume on Monday, December 1, 2025.

Happy National Substitute Educators Day to our amazing substitutes!
We appreciate each of you for the important role you play in educating our scholars. Thank you for all you do for the RIMSD #41 community.

Today, we honor and thank all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Your courage, dedication, and sacrifice protect the freedoms we cherish every day. From all of us at RIMSD 41 - thank you, veterans!

Rock Island – Milan School District #41 is celebrating significant gains on the 2025 Illinois Report Card, with five schools improving their accountability designations! The district also made notable progress in reducing chronic absenteeism and discipline incidents, reflecting the dedication and hard work of our teachers, staff, and families.
Learn more about the report card results and what they mean for our district leaders and principals: https://www.rimsd41.org/article/2519450
We would also like to invite you to the Board of Education meeting on November 10, 2025, at the RIMSD Administration Center. This is a great opportunity for you to learn more about the 2025 report card results!

Happy School Psychology Week!
This week, we celebrate the vital work of school psychologists in helping students succeed at school, at home, and in life. This year’s theme, “Finding Your Path,” highlights how they guide students, families, and schools toward their goals.
A big thank you to all RIMSD 41 school psychologists! Your dedication makes a difference every day.
Shout-out to:
Dr. Nikki Duke – Ridgewood, Thomas Jefferson, Rock Island Academy, Denkmann
Madeleine Eaton – Longfellow, Earl Hanson, Frances Willard
Lisa Kuffler – Horace Mann Early Learning, Washington Jr. High
Regina Boland – Rock Island High, TMLC
Megan Mahoney – RICMS, Eugene Field, Edison Jr. High
Thank you for helping students find their path!

Rock Island-Milan School Community,
The Rock Island and Milan Hy-Vee stores are excited to offer a special Hot Meal Deal for our community.
From Monday, November 3, through Friday, November 7, between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., enjoy a delicious free meal for kids (12 & under) and meals for everyone else for just $3 each!
Meals are available for dine-in and to-go, so you can enjoy them however you like. Check out the image below for the daily menu and see what’s being served each night.

Happy November, Rock Island-Milan! 🦃
Here are some key dates to mark on your calendar this month!

Happy School Psychology Week!
This week, we celebrate the vital work of school psychologists in helping students succeed at school, at home, and in life. This year’s theme, “Finding Your Path,” highlights how they guide students, families, and schools toward their goals.
A big thank you to all RIMSD 41 school psychologists! Your dedication makes a difference every day.
Shout-out to:
Dr. Nikki Duke – Ridgewood, Thomas Jefferson, Rock Island Academy, Denkmann
Madeleine Eaton – Longfellow, Earl Hanson, Frances Willard
Lisa Kuffler – Horace Mann Early Learning, Washington Jr. High
Regina Boland – Rock Island High, TMLC
Megan Mahoney – RICMS, Eugene Field, Edison Jr. High
Thank you for helping students find their path!

Entry: Just $2 or 2 canned goods
Gates open: 5:00 PM
Kickoff: 5:30 PM
Grab an energy drink for only $3 to keep your game-day hype going!
All proceeds support the 2025 Student Hunger Drive! Remember, we compete so everyone can eat.

Happy National Principal Appreciation Week!
We would like to take a moment to thank our wonderful elementary school principals for their outstanding service to our scholars. Thank you for going above and beyond!











Making breakfast plans this weekend? Stop by and visit our scholars at 74 Pancake House in Moline. We will have scholars present from 10 am until noon, collecting monetary and food donations to support this year’s Student Hunger Drive. Remember: We compete so everyone can eat!

Happy Fall Intersession, Rock Island-Milan! We hope you have a restful break and come back ready to learn! We’ll see you soon!

Happy National Custodian Appreciation Day! Our custodians play an essential role in the success of our scholars, and we are deeply grateful for all they do every day.

We compete so everyone can eat!
It is that time of year for the Student Hunger Drive! The Rock Island High School Student Council officially kicked off its hunger drive on September 29, 2025, and will be collecting monetary donations and non-perishable food items through November 6, 2025. Please keep an eye out for donation opportunities throughout the community to support our scholars in their mission to fight hunger.
You may also donate by scanning the QR code, clicking this link to visit the website, or dropping your donation off at Rock Island High School.
Remember: We compete so everyone can eat!

Happy October! 🍂
Here are the key dates to keep in mind this month!

