Please join us in welcoming Laurel Filzen Etzel, our new music teacher at Northside Elementary. Filzen Etzel earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Western Illinois University, a master’s degree in music from Western Michigan University, and is currently working towards another master’s in teaching and music at WIU. She has taught all ages from toddler through college in many different settings and has over 10 years of experience teaching.
“I enjoy meeting students where they are to make a meaningful connection with them, which brings me and the student joy!” says Filzen Etzel. “This connection, in turn, builds trust and helps us to grow and learn together. I believe in building students up and helping each of my students to be confident individuals when they are making music, of course, but also when they are not making music—leading each one to be the most authentic version of themselves!”
Our 2023-24 fall sports season kicks off with GMS Girls Softball this week. 36 girls joined Coaches Johnson, Rusk, and Berthoud at JF Edwards Field practicing hitting, fielding, pitching and catching. The first game is already next week! GMS golf starts July 31st, football August 7th, and volleyball August 16th. #BeLEAF
Get to know Ali Kazubowski, our new school psychologist at Millikin Elementary. Kazubowski graduated from Western Illinois University with a specialist degree in school psychology. Prior to graduate school, she attended North Central College and obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology. During her final year at WIU, and as a school psychology intern, she worked at Millikin, Southwest, GMS and GHS.
“During my internship, I formed many meaningful relationships with students and staff within the Geneseo school district,” says Kazubowski. “Everyone was very welcoming and ultimately played a huge part in my learning experience. I’m looking forward to continuing working with students, collaborating with school staff, and helping to create a positive school climate at Millikin!”
We’re excited to welcome Betsy Timmerman, who will be teaching kindergarten at Millikin Elementary. Timmerman attended Illinois State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education with special education and reading endorsements. She previously taught preschool for seven years at Cambridge Elementary and kindergarten-1st grade special education for two years through Henry-Stark County Special Education.
“I grew up in Geneseo and attended the Geneseo school district kindergarten through senior year,” says Timmerman. “After college I came back to Geneseo, and my husband and I are now raising our family here. Geneseo is a very welcoming community, and I am excited to begin teaching and building strong relationships here. I believe every child is capable of learning, one just needs to find the means that works best for each child.”
We’re happy to introduce Julie Boone, our new kindergarten teacher at Southwest Elementary. Boone, who graduated from WIU, has been teaching elementary students for 13 years with previous stints at St. Malachy School in Geneseo, Rivermont Collegiate in Bettendorf, and Annawan Grade School.
“I absolutely love learning,” says Boone. “It brings me great joy to share and inspire our youngest learners. I believe establishing a firm foundation in literacy and mathematics will provide our students with the tools they need for a lifetime of learning. It is my hope to inspire my students to love learning as much as I do!”
Join us in giving a warm welcome to Grace Orlikowski, who will be teaching 4th grade at Southwest Elementary. Orlikowski attended the University of Missouri – Columbia, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Multicultural Education certificate.
“I am excited to move back to Illinois and be closer to my family in Rochelle,” says Orlikowski. “I can’t wait to teach at a familiar district and get to know more about the Geneseo community this upcoming school year. I am looking forward to teaching students how to be their best selves while continuously learning alongside them!”
Get to know Molly Mickley, who will be teaching 4th grade at Northside Elementary this year. Mickley attended Illinois State University and Wheaton College, and for the past three years, she taught English to a range of ages from pre-kindergarten to 11th grade in Dujiangyan, China at Guangya International School while working towards earning her master’s degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and Intercultural Studies.
“I have always wanted to be a 4th grade teacher, and I’m thrilled that my dream will come true in Geneseo!” Mickley says. “I’m so excited to have a mentor and to learn from more experienced teachers about how to best engage and support students. I hope that in this school year, I am able to connect with my students, encourage them to be lifelong learners, and grow in my understanding of teaching methodologies.”
We’re happy to welcome Carson Dodge, who returned to town and will teach 3rd grade at Northside Elementary. After graduating from Geneseo High School, Dodge attended Illinois State University and earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education.
“I have spent the last year within the school district, completing my student teaching at Southwest and working as a maternity substitute at both Northside and Millikin,” says Dodge. “I am excited to be teaching within the same school district that I grew up in. I enjoy working with kids and fostering a love of learning.”
Millikin Elementary is excited to present our new playground section for students. A huge thank you to the Millikin PTA, District Maintenance Team, and countless supporters and contributors in our community. We will be hosting a "ribbon cutting" ceremony open to all on August 3 at 5:00. Millikin students that attend will have the opportunity of holding the ribbon and then can stick around and play!
We’re excited to introduce Jacqueline Walters, the new agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Geneseo High School. Walters attended the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign for her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree, both of which are in agricultural education. She has completed five years of teaching various courses in agriculture education and serving as an FFA advisor.
“I am excited to teach in Geneseo because of the support provided for the schools within the community and I believe there is so much room for growth within the agriculture department!” Walters says. “My favorite part about teaching agriculture and being involved in FFA is the relationships that are built with students and families. My classroom environment is built around mutual respect which helps facilitate student learning both independently and in a team.”
Please join us in welcoming Holly Landry to Northside Elementary, where she will be teaching art. Landry, who earned a master’s degree in educational leadership, attended Scott Community College, Marycrest International University and the American College of Education. For the past 14 years, she’s enjoyed teaching art to elementary and middle school students.
“Art is wonderful!” Landry says. “I feel alive when I am working on a project and the act of creating brings me great joy. I am thankful that I can spend my days sharing my passion for art with students. Helping students find ways to talk about things that are important to them through art is powerful. I am thankful I am able to facilitate self-expression for all my students. I love the fact that I am able to share my love of art with students and help them grow as artists and creative thinkers.”
Southwest Elementary is searching for part-time aides to work with S.A.F.E. Child Care (Safety, Academics, Fun and Enrichment) program participants and help plan special activities. Must be 16 years or older and available Monday through Friday (2:30-5:30 p.m.) during the school year.
Learn more and apply on our employment page (https://geneseoskyward.org:448/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=wsFin/rapplmnu03.w) and read more about S.A.F.E. Child Care (https://www.geneseoschools.org/page/s-a-f-e-child-care).
Registration for the 2023-24 school year is now open! Learn more, access relevant documents and forms, and register your student today at GeneseoSchools.org:
https://www.geneseoschools.org/o/geneseo/page/register-for-the-2023-24-school-year
Wishing you a happy and healthy Independence Day filled with peace and prosperity. Have a great 4th of July!
Geneseo High School is searching for a new physical education teacher for the 2023-24 school year. Our district will also be in need of nurse substitutes ($25/hour) and substitute teachers ($115/day). Learn more about these roles and apply by visiting GeneseoSchools.org's employment page:
https://geneseoskyward.org:448/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=wsFin/rapplmnu03.w
The Geneseo Middle School walking track will be closed to the public from Wednesday, June 14 to Wednesday, June 21 for repaving. Thank you for your cooperation.
#HeartofGold. Geneseo Middle School reached a huge milestone this year by raising over $5000 for the American Heart Association. GMS students, staff and families have raised $162,781 over the course of the past 20 years, all going to an incredible cause in the fight against heart disease. Thank you to our PE Team, and all those who helped make this possible.
The GHS Aviation Club's faculty sponsor, Kyle Bess, Board of Education member Kyle Ganson, and Gen-Airpark’s Kent Johnson (President of EAA Chapter 410) were all instrumental in helping the club take off, and now, it’s the students who are co-piloting the program.
During a recent gathering at Gen-Airpark, Cooper Ries and Jack Magerkurth explained why they decided to join the club.
Read the story: https://www.geneseoschools.org/article/1145333
Shout out for two awesome educators, Bob Thomas and Jerry Strohm, who each received Maple Leaf Medallions from a GMS student. Building relationships and lives... Congratulations!
The Maple City 4 will take place on Saturday, June 17 with the first races beginning at 8 a.m. at the Geneseo City Park. Learn more and register today: https://www.geneseoschools.org/article/1135779
