Introducing new staff for the 2022-23 school year

Get to know and help us welcome our new employees as we introduce them right here and on Facebook.

Added September 12:

We are excited to welcome Tyann Hintgen to Southwest Elementary, where she is now teaching third grade. After graduating from Geneseo High School, Mrs. Hintgen attended Bradley University, where she earned her degree in Elementary Education while playing softball on a scholarship. She then spent two years in Rock Island and 10 years in Galesburg teaching third, fourth and fifth grade. Mrs. Hintgen dedicated the last nine years to raising her children and we’re happy to have her back in the classroom. Have a great year, Mrs. Hintgen!

Tyann Hintgen

Added August 24:

We are happy to introduce Elizabeth Hulsbrink, our new English teacher at Geneseo High School. Mrs. Hulsbrink graduated from GHS and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in English Language Arts with a minor in Vocal Performance from St. Ambrose University. After receiving her ESL endorsement from Texas A&M, she taught high school ELA in Houston, Texas, then returned to Illinois, where she taught courses at Black Hawk College and general music at St. Malachy School in Geneseo. Welcome back to GHS, Mrs. Hulsbrink!

Elizabeth Hulsbrink

Added August 22:

We are pleased to introduce Katie Putnam, our new school psychologist at Northside Elementary. Mrs. Putnam attended Augustana College and went on to receive a graduate degree in school psychology from Minnesota State University Moorhead. This marks her tenth year as a school psychologist, with most of her career spent working in North Dakota. Best wishes for a great year, Mrs. Putnam!

Katie Putnam

Added August 19:

We are excited to welcome Jessica Jansen, our district’s lead nurse and the Geneseo Middle School nurse. Mrs. Jansen, a graduate of GHS, is closing in on her 10th year as a registered nurse. She has earned a pair of bachelor’s degrees, one from Southern Illinois University in healthcare management and another from Chamberlain College of Nursing in nursing, as well as an associate degree in nursing from Blackhawk College. Last year was her first year working as a school nurse and during that time, she completed a master’s program through Lewis University to obtain her Professional Educator License and become a Certified School Nurse. She previously worked in a hospital setting in a variety of areas including neurology, ambulatory surgery, pre- and post-surgical, and gastroenterology surgical services. Have a wonderful year, Mrs. Jansen!

Jessica Jansen

Added August 17:

We are happy to welcome Kayla Schubert, our new early childhood special education teacher at Northside Elementary. Ms. Schubert earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Inclusion from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. She spent seven years teaching preschool and one year of kindergarten through fourth grade at a Montessori school before starting last year with the Henry-Stark Special Education District in Kewanee at Lyle preschool. Best wishes for a wonderful year, Ms. Schubert!

Kayla Schubert

Added August 15:

We are excited to introduce Maria Gehl, our new second grade teacher at Northside Elementary. A graduate of Geneseo High School and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Ms. Gehl previously taught elementary music in Moline and Garnett, Kansas. After taking some time off for family, she worked as an instructional aide at Southwest and Northside for the past six and a half years. Have a great year, Ms. Gehl!

Maria Gehl

Added August 12:

We are pleased to welcome Margaret Wendell, our new speech teacher at Geneseo High School. Ms. Wendell attended Alleman High School, earned her undergrad degree at the University of Missouri and obtained her master’s degree at St. Ambrose. She has been a speech-language pathologist for the past four years in Wisconsin, working with students ages 3 to 21, and coaching boys’ and girls’ tennis and girls’ basketball. Join us in welcoming Ms. Wendell!

Margaret Wendell

Added August 10:

We’re happy to introduce Jacelyn Mannon, our new kindergarten teacher at Northside Elementary. A graduate of GHS, Mrs. Mannon earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois in liberal arts. After several years of substitute teaching in Geneseo, she decided to pursue a second degree in elementary education from Upper Iowa University. Welcome to Northside, Mrs. Mannon!

Jacelyn Mannon

Added August 8:

We are excited to welcome Sheila Puls, our new life skills teacher at Geneseo High School. Mrs. Puls obtained her bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and her master’s degree in special education from Western Illinois University. She has been teaching for 17 years and we’re happy to have her at GHS!

Sheila Puls

Added August 5:

We are pleased to introduce Samantha Mathew, our new social worker at Millikin Elementary. Mrs. Mathew, who recently obtained her master’s degree in social work from the University of Iowa, has lived in Geneseo with her family for the last ten years. She previously worked in the Quad Cities managing a non-profit’s program that supports children and families. Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Mathew to Millikin!

Samantha Mathew

Added August 3:

We are excited to welcome Korie Morrison, who will be a social worker at Geneseo High School. Originally from Viola, Illinois, Ms. Morrison received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Work and master’s degree in Social Work, both from St. Ambrose University. After interning for our school district during the 2021-22 school year, this will be her first job out of college working as a licensed social worker. Please join us in welcoming Ms. Morrison!

Korie Morrison

Added August 1:

We are happy to introduce Renee Lock, who is our new agriculture education teacher at Geneseo High School. Ms. Lock grew up on a grain and livestock farm in Avon, Illinois, and in May, she graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign with a degree in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications with a concentration in Education. She says that agriculture has always been a passion of hers and she enjoys helping on the family farm with the cattle and crops in her free time. Welcome, Ms. Lock!

Renee Lock

Added July 29:

Please join us in welcoming Katy Taylor to Geneseo High School, where she will be working as a counselor. Mrs. Taylor attended Eastern Illinois University, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in School Counseling. She spent the last seven years working as an elementary school counselor and says she’s excited to make the change and work at our high school. Welcome, Mrs. Taylor!

Katy Taylor

Added July 27:

We are excited to welcome Brianna Bivens, who will be teaching science at Geneseo High School. A graduate of Colorado State University, Mrs. Bivens was a science teacher in Colorado for the last five years. She moved to Illinois this summer and we’re happy to have her at GHS.

Brianna Bivens

Added July 25:

We are happy to introduce Audrey Scheider, who will be teaching special education at Geneseo Middle School, cross categorical, in grades six, seven and eight. Mrs. Scheider earned a bachelor’s degree of Musical Arts in Music Education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and is currently working toward her master’s degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University. She worked as a paraprofessional at GMS last year and had been a substitute teacher in the district for the past five years. Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Scheider to the middle school!

Audrey Scheider

Added July 22:

We are happy to introduce Christy Herlyn, our new sixth grade English Language Arts teacher at Geneseo Middle School. Mrs. Herlyn obtained an associate degree from Southeastern Illinois College and a bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University. After working as an accountant and auditor for several years, she began substitute teaching at Riverdale School District and in the last two years, took classes at the American College of Education to earn her certificate in secondary education. Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Herlyn to GMS!

Christy Herlyn

Added July 20:

Please join us in welcoming Javier Reyes, who will be teaching sixth grade Spanish at Geneseo Middle School. A native of Madrid, Spain, Mr. Reyes obtained his teaching degree in Alcala de Henares, a famous city with one of the oldest universities in Europe, and last year he finished his master’s in Educational Leadership. His experience includes working with the Illinois State Board of Education and Rural Schools Collaborative to help design and write the Spanish Language Arts Standards for the state. In 2017, he began teaching in Monmouth and has lived in Geneseo since 2020. Welcome to the district, Mr. Reyes!

Javier Reyes

Added July 18:

We’re happy to introduce Megan VerStraete as our new life skills teacher at Geneseo High School. Mrs. VerStraete earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education at Lewis University and a master’s degree in Special Education at Western Illinois University, and she has taught special education for 12 years. Please join us in welcoming Mrs. VerStraete back to her hometown!

Megan VerStraete

Added July 14:

We are excited to welcome Kinze Dillbeck to our district. Ms. Dillbeck, originally from Oneida, Illinois, will join our staff at Millikin Elementary and teach third grade. She attended ROWVA High School and earned her college degree from Western Illinois University – Quad Cities. Please join us in welcoming Ms. Dillbeck to Geneseo!

Kinze Dillbeck

Added July 12:

We are happy to introduce Jacque Kelly, who returns to her hometown to teach fourth grade at Southwest Elementary School. Mrs. Kelly, who has a bachelor’s degree from Bradley University and a master’s degree from Olivet Nazarene University, taught in the Rock Island-Milan School District for six years. Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Kelly home!

Jacque Kelly

Added July 8:

We are excited to welcome Trent Teske, the new music teacher at Northside Elementary. Mr. Teske will be teaching pre-K through fifth grade, as well as fourth and fifth grade choir. Originally from New Providence, Iowa, he obtained his Bachelor of Music Education at Wartburg College and a Master of Arts in Music Education at the University of Iowa. He previously taught middle school and high school vocal music in Forest City, Emmetsburg and Iowa City. Welcome, Mr. Teske!

Trent Teske

Added July 5:

First up is Melanie Graff, who will be teaching third grade at Northside Elementary. Ms. Graff grew up in Rock Island, where she began her teaching career, and spent the last two years teaching in northeast Atlanta. Please join us in welcoming Ms. Graff!

Melanie Graff

Geneseo CUSD #228 is hiring!

Geneseo CUSD #228 is looking to fill a variety of roles. With the first day of classes on Aug. 17, now is the time to learn more about how you can join our district.

View current job openings and apply today by visiting our employment page.

Summer school students learn about STEM fundamentals

July 27, 2022

The fifth graders participating in a mini-golf design challenge had four simple rules: Be creative, use only materials provided, make and record a plan, and use kind words and compromise.

Shortly after Sara Bertelsen, a biology teacher at Geneseo High School, provided an introduction based on STEM principles (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), the summer school students in attendance thanks to ESSER III funding raced to gather their materials and got to work.

Each group’s design was creative and unique, and Bertelsen, who wanted her class to gain an early understanding of the engineering design process and growth mindset, was pleased with the results.

“Before the students started building, we discussed what an engineer does and I tried to emphasize the idea of problem solving, testing, and rebuilding if things don’t go as planned,” Bertelsen explained. “I heard a lot of great conversations between students using STEM terms.”

The STEM classes were held during summer school classes for kindergarten through sixth grade at Millikin Elementary. While Bertelsen normally teaches at GHS, she previously coached LEGO League teams with fourth through seventh graders. Being in a classroom with the younger students, however, was a new experience for her.

“I spoke with a few lower elementary teachers and was given great advice to make sure I have plenty of things to do to keep them engaged,” Bertelsen explained. “Luckily, STEM lends itself well to being naturally engaging so I was able to rely on that, too.”

Other summer school projects from the first week of Bertelsen’s STEM classes included kindergarten students being tasked with designing and building a spoon to help Grumpy Toad (a character from the book “Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes”) make new cupcakes; first and second graders reading the book “Peg & Cat and the Pizza Problem” and figuring out how to get pizzas home on a bicycle; and third and fourth graders taking the pizza problem one step further by coming up with a way to also transport ice cream—without melting and spilling.

This week, her classes will work with a set of small robot cars called Sphero Indi—purchased thanks to a grant from the Geneseo Education Foundation—to learn how the cars respond to their different color tiles, while the third through sixth graders will work with similar but more sophisticated robots aimed to provide simple driving and coding choices for early learners.

Bertelsen sees great value in not only offering STEM-focused classes for all ages, but also tying those principles in to the bigger educational picture.

“I think it is important for students to be exposed to a learning environment that encourages collaboration and recognition that STEM really is everywhere,” Bertelsen stated. “It doesn’t need to be a specific STEM class at all grade levels, but the cross curricular connections are incredibly powerful.

“It shouldn’t be a one-and-done situation in which we say, ‘Well, we’ve done our STEM for the quarter, so we’re done now,’” Bertelsen added. “Instead, we should consistently incorporate experiences that encourage the use of inquiry-based learning, technology, and the engineering design process within our current curriculum.”

Bertelsen’s hopes may soon become a reality. Geneseo’s school district is planning to extend STEM opportunities throughout its buildings in the coming years—including as an element of Project Lead the Way—thanks in part to multiple grants from local foundations.

Future updates about the STEM expansion initiative will be shared with stakeholders and the community once those plans are finalized and approved by the Board of Education.

Geneseo Foundation Activity Center improved and enhanced through grants

July 13, 2022

When the doors to the Geneseo Foundation Activity Center (GFAC) opened in 2004, the facility immediately benefitted Geneseo High School, its students and staff, its teams, and the local community.

While the facility itself was brand new, however, some of the equipment was outdated, having been brought over from the previous weight room. Over the years, dumbbells, bars and racks were purchased, but there was abundant space to accommodate additional items.

Todd Ehlert (above), who has spent 18 years teaching and coaching in the district, made it among his missions to provide the GFAC with a variety of new equipment.

“In the GFAC’s early days, there just wasn’t enough money allocated for equipment and budgets were stretched thin,” explains Ehlert, who coaches the high school boys’ cross country team, oversees the middle school’s boys’ track teams, and teaches physical education and wellness classes. “When I was moved from the middle school to the high school in 2018, I started writing grants. The first couple I wrote were to get new boxes for box jumping, but several others have followed.”

Indeed, throughout Ehlert’s tenure, he’s raised approximately $250,000 in funds through grants, including $175,000 in the last four years alone.

The process has worked for Ehlert time and time again: He identifies a need, makes his case, puts it in writing, and submits the request to a local foundation.

The Geneseo Foundation donated $400,000 of the $2.1 million needed for the facility’s construction, while over 300 families, businesses and other local organizations helped account for the rest of the funds.

Over the years, the Geneseo Foundation has continued to provide support, and the Geneseo Education Foundation, Geneseo Communications Charitable Foundation, the Francis G. and Betty J. Miller Foundation, the PTA, and booster clubs that support different GHS athletic teams, have also made significant contributions. The funds have allowed the GFAC to be filled with new benches, weights, bars, treadmills, 75-inch touchscreen TVs and racks.

“We are very fortunate to live in a student-centered community,” notes former GHS principal Travis Mackey. “The Geneseo Foundation Activity Center has impacted thousands of people over the years and with the help of people like Todd Ehlert, it will continue to make an impact on young people for years to come. For a school our size to have a facility like this is remarkable.”

“The transformation of the building has given the students and staff at GHS, as well as others throughout the community, access to a wonderful facility where they can prioritize their health and wellness,” adds Ehlert. “For those on athletic teams, students can work on getting bigger, stronger and faster. Others can focus on injury prevention or get back into shape after getting hurt.”

On most days, particularly those during the school year, the GFAC is in constant use. Gym classes begin at 6:45 am and last until 3 pm, then sports teams and other extracurriculars take over the facility until 9 pm. It’s not just GHS students, either, as youth programs and Hammond-Henry Rehab Department’s Summit performance enhancement program also use the building.

“The results are there,” states Ehlert. “The list of incredible athletes who have trained in this building is only getting longer—it’s people like Will Daniels, who competed in the Olympic trials last year, and Drew Himmelman, who has spent time with the NFL teams in Denver and Washington, just to name a few former athletes.  We also have several athletes who graduated this year and will be competing at the Division I level.”

To further improve what is offered in the building, GHS in conjunction with Hammond-Henry Hospital recently hired a full-time strength and conditioning coach. Angelo James started in June and will work with the athletic teams and students in physical education and wellness classes.

“Angelo has an incredible background,” states Ehlert. “He’s worked with the NFL, colleges, the military and the private sector. He’s got a great personality and he’s going to make it special for the kids. Angelo is big into form and technique—posture over everything is what he says.”

As for what’s to come at the GFAC, Ehlert plans on continuing to seek out ways to improve the facility.

“There’s additional space in the weight room that we need to fill, and Angelo will have ideas to offer,” Ehlert explains. “I’ve got ideas for more grants, and we’ll keep upgrading the facility as best as we can. We want to have a nutrition bar for when kids are done with their wellness. That will help ensure that kids develop better habits and eat healthier.”

Click on each image to enlarge and view:

GHS students and staff dedicate a day to the community

At Rebuilding Together in Atkinson, students worked together to help assemble much-needed wheelchair ramps.

May 19, 2022

As the school year comes to an end, students and staff at Geneseo High School took a break from their regular routines and dedicated a morning to the local community.

On May 12, the entire GHS student body participated in a variety of projects, both on and off campus, that were designed to assist, enhance and improve the areas in which they worked.

Students were provided with a list of opportunities and given the ability to select how they wanted to participate.

“It was a great day and a very valuable experience for the students,” notes Brooke Emmerson, Assistant Principal at Geneseo High School. “Not only were they able to give back to the community, but they also learned about different organizations in town and the ways they can make a positive contribution.”

Cleaning up around the high school was a common theme, with groups dedicated to areas including Bob Reade Field—moving track equipment into storage with graduation this weekend—the greenhouse, classrooms, the shop, and a kitchen space dedicated to family and consumer science. There was also an art project that took place in the cafeteria.

“We had a great turnout at the high school for those students that stayed on campus,” states Jeremy Mosier, Assistant Principal at Geneseo High School. “Students were able to assist our track and field teams with moving equipment, organizing the equipment in the GFAC, and helping teachers that needed assistance in their classrooms. The tug of war event brought a lot of enthusiasm and the kids had fun competing.”

Other students and staff ventured off campus, where they visited the aquatic center at the Community Center, baseball and softball fields at Stone Field and Edwards Field, respectively, and Inspire Continuing Care.

Emmerson accompanied a group to Atkinson’s Rebuilding Together, where students learned about the organization and how it serves Henry County, as well as some of the medical equipment patients rely on. They then worked to assemble much-needed wheelchair ramps.

“It was definitely a morning well spent,” says Emmerson. “Giving the students a chance to choose the project they worked on made them even more engaged and motivated. It was an educational experience for all, and the students’ efforts made a real difference. We can all feel good about that.”

Click on each image to enlarge and view:

Geneseo’s Mackey ready for the next chapter

May 18, 2022

After 33 years of working as a teacher, coach, athletic director and most recently, principal, Geneseo’s Travis Mackey is stepping down from his role as a full-time educator.

This marks the final week of Mackey’s tenure as Geneseo High School’s principal, a position he’s been in since the 2016-17 school year.

“I’ve tried not to think about it too much, but people bring it up,” Mackey says. “When that happens, it is surreal. Over the last few weeks, I’ve done certain things for the last time.

“I’ve worked in education for 33 years,” Mackey adds, “But really, I’ve been in education since kindergarten. That’s over five decades, a long time. As this year comes to an end, I’m just trying to enjoy all the little moments.”

There will be a lifetime of those to remember for Mackey, who grew up in Geneseo before attending Truman State University (formerly known as Northeast Missouri State) in Kirksville, Missouri and graduating in 1989.

Mackey’s first job was teaching everything from computer science to algebra and science to art—he also coached three sports—for Fulton’s River Bend District in the fall of 1989. His next stop was Rock Island High School, where he also taught and coached, including a role on former Geneseo football coach Vic Boblett’s staff.

In the fall of 2001, Mackey returned to Geneseo as the high school’s athletic director.

“I thought that I would be a teacher all my life, as well as a coach,” recalls Mackey. “That felt like the path for me because I loved the connection with students. Eventually, I started to wonder if I needed a different role and a new challenge. I had applied to a curriculum position at Rock Island, and I didn’t get it, but it got me thinking about becoming more of a leader. When I got a call asking if I’d be interested in Geneseo’s AD position, it felt a little bit like fate.”

Three years later, in 2004, after Larry Johnson Jr. took over for Denny Diericx as head coach of the Green Machine, he targeted Mackey to join his staff as the defensive coordinator.

“Travis wasn’t coaching at the time, and I felt it was important for him to be around the kids because he had so much to offer,” explains Johnsen. “It was so valuable for everyone because Travis brings so many positive things to the table. As a first-year head coach in Geneseo, I was fortunate to have him around.

“Travis and I both grew up as assistant coaches and we shared a lot of core beliefs and philosophies,” Johnsen continues. “It became a natural fit and I didn’t have to worry about the defensive side of the ball.”

Regardless of whether he was an administrator, teacher or coach, Mackey has relied on what he describes as a “three-dimensional” approach.

“I’ve tried to do the best I can with the content itself, be a motivator who helps students get to a place they maybe can’t get to on their own, and then show students that I care about them,” Mackey explains. “If you genuinely care, that helps build trust, which is so important. I tried to incorporate those three things whether I was a math teacher or principal.”

Mackey’s authenticity and genuine likeability made him a friend to countless colleagues and students over the years. Johnsen points out that Mackey also has a knack for knowing how to listen—and when to share his advice or perspective.

“Travis was almost like a father figure for those of us at the high school,” notes Johnsen. “He wouldn’t tell you to do something, but he’d offer advice if you asked for it. He has a very calming presence, whether in a meeting with a player, a parent or a staff member. Travis became a sounding board for me and the other coaches because of his personality and his professionalism.”

While in many respects, that’s simply who Mackey is as a person, it’s also a product of his own experience as a Geneseo student.

“It was great because of the teachers and administrators,” says Mackey. “There are so many people in this district who are willing to help. The challenge for us as educators is to give students a positive, impactful experience so that when they leave, they are prepared for the real world. We all experience adversity and disappointments in our lives, but school is that safe place where students can gain the experience and knowledge to let them know they’re going to be OK.”

While Mackey is moving on to the next chapter, what he has accomplished will continue to benefit the district for years to come, according to Johnsen.

“His fingerprints are all over the district in many ways people don’t even know about,” says Johnsen. “Travis has been a behind-the-scenes advocate for improvements in terms of developing plans, making them possible and seeing them through. The Geneseo Foundation Activity Center is a prime example.

“Travis created an environment where he let people be who they are and develop as professionals,” adds Johnsen. “It’s not easy being an administrator, but whatever challenges he faced, Travis always seemed to handle them well and not let anything affect how he dealt with his staff or students. He is a wonderful role model, and an even better person.”

As for what’s next, Mackey plans to remain active in education but looks forward to spending more time with his wife of 28 years, Kris, and their four children: Zach, 26, of Bozeman, Montana; Tyler, 25, of Geneseo; Maddie, who is finishing her senior year at Northern Illinois University; and Allie, who is finishing her freshman year at the University of Northern Iowa.

Mackey says of all the highlights of his professional career, none were better than having Zach, Tyler, Maddie and Allie in the building where he worked.

“I was fortunate to be an administrator with my own kids in the school system,” says Mackey. “To be working here but also being a dad, to see them and their friends coming up and connecting with them, that was the best.”

GMS students compete in IESA State Chess Tournament

March 1, 2022

Eighteen Geneseo Middle School students competed in the IESA State Chess Tournament at the Peoria Civic Center on Feb. 25-26, and four individuals recorded three or more victories.

Top point earners for the GMS Chess Club included Adam Johnson (5 points, or wins, and one shy of placing third), Jonathan Freadhoff (4 points), Edmund Anderson (a 6^th grader who competed at the 7^th grade level and earned 3.5 points) and Luca Turigliatti (3.5 points).

As a team, GMS earned 41.5 out of 105 possible points and all but one player recorded at least one win. The 6^th grade group, which was in third place after five of eight total rounds, came closest to securing a state trophy.

“I am extremely proud of how we competed,” said Dr. Adam Brumbaugh, the district’s superintendent who also serves as the GMS Chess Club’s coach. “The students made a lot of progress throughout the year, and it showed in Peoria.”

This is the third year of the club’s newest iteration, with the goal of making it a fully recognized team next year.

“In our district, we try to provide something for everyone,” explained Brumbaugh. “Our kids are 6^th, 7^th and 8^th graders, and that can be a busy age. Some of them have other activities going on, but some do not. Chess allows them to be part of a team. They get to know other kids who they see in the hallways and that deepens their sense of belonging.”

The middle school’s chess season typically starts the week after Thanksgiving with students gathering in the library two days a week after school for roughly 90 minutes. Brumbaugh and members of the chess club extended special thanks to the GMS staff who shared their classrooms when the library was not available and to the library staff for letting the group use the space and store its equipment.

The chess club is open to all interested students, whether they have ever played chess or not. Approximately 35 middle school students participated throughout this past year, with about one-fifth of them being newcomers to the game.

“We start based on their level of experience and we’ve got a variety of resources that explain every piece on the board, what it can do and what its value is,” said Brumbaugh. “The students are taught different strategies and how to record games, which is required to go to the tournament. We also use Chess.com, which gives our players an opportunity to compete with anyone at any time and gain experience.”

While the GMS Chess Club has competed in the state tournament before, this year marked the first time it faced another school along the way. East Moline’s Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy reached out about setting up a match, which was held at GMS on Dec. 14.

Encouraged by the success of this year’s group, Brumbaugh hopes to continue growing and expanding the program. While chess offers valuable teaching components and is another extracurricular for students to consider, it’s also a game that can be part of students’ lives long after they leave the middle school.

“Chess is a game you can play all your life,” notes Brumbaugh. “All you need is a board or a computer. There is a lot of strategy and problem-solving involved, and the game requires patience. Those are all good skills that allow the students to learn from the game.”

Ryerson to return as principal at Geneseo High School

Above: Geneseo High School’s next principal, Tom Ryerson, and his wife, Anne, have three children: Nate, a junior, Nile, a freshman, and Novak, in 5th grade.

February 14, 2022

Geneseo High School will have a new principal this fall.

Tom Ryerson will return to the district and take on the role at GHS, a hire that was made official with Board of Education approval on Thursday night.

Ryerson, who has served as Director for Instructional Programs for Moline-Coal Valley School District #40 since 2016, will replace Travis Mackey, who has been principal since 2017. Ryerson knows the district well, having been principal at Southwest and Millikin Elementary Schools between 2011 and 2016. He was also the assistant principal at Geneseo Middle School from 2008 to 2011.

“Tom really stood out and he was unanimously selected as our top choice,” notes superintendent Dr. Adam Brumbaugh. “He has a high level of familiarity with our district, and he understands the culture. Tom previously worked here as an administrator, and he gained valuable experience and perspective as an administrator in Moline. He’s an excellent fit.”

For Ryerson, who has a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Iowa, leaving a school district with 15 schools and 7,243 students for a smaller district—his hometown district—was an easy decision.

“Being an administrator in the community in which I live is very appealing,” Ryerson explains. “It’s personal for me because my kids are in these schools. I really like the small town feel and the relationships that exist with the community, the teachers and the students. Those aspects are what really attracted me and made me want to come back.”

Ryerson and his wife, Anne, have three children—Novak is in 5th grade, Nile is a high school freshman, and Nate is a high school junior. His enthusiasm for his new role is in part due to the high level of parental involvement throughout the district.

“When we talk about student education, it’s a partnership with the parents and the community,” says Ryerson of the culture within Geneseo schools. “It’s collaborative, close-knit, and a shared effort when it comes to decisions and vision. There is a genuine team approach where everyone has a voice and can be involved.”

Among Ryerson’s top initial priorities will be building relationships and trust with the high school’s staff, students and parents while continuing to advocate a welcoming and safe learning environment.

“The relationship piece leads to a positive working environment,” notes Ryerson. “If you don’t have relationships with all your stakeholders, you’re not going to have a positive working environment. You need that for success, risk-taking, and moving forward with changes. Relationships will be the foundation for all of those things.”

Ryerson also looks forward to highlighting the various curricular and extracurricular opportunities at the high school with the goal of providing something for everyone.

“It’s about meeting the interests that our students have, whether it’s athletics or the fine arts,” Ryerson explains. “Being involved with extracurricular activities helps build self-esteem and promotes collaboration with other students, both of which can lead to academic success in the classroom.”

Ryerson is especially excited about the vocational center that will soon be constructed and the real-world working experiences it will provide for GHS students.

“The building and its resources will provide even more opportunity to build relationships with businesses throughout Geneseo and Henry County,” explains Ryerson. “Eventually, I’d love to get some type of certified apprenticeship programs with our students to get on the job training. If there’s a career they want to pursue right after high school, they could have paid experience before they graduate.”

Ryerson’s overall approach is simple—he wants to assist and empower all students.

“An inclusive, supportive environment is extremely important,” Ryerson says. “Regardless of what a student is interested in, I need to be a champion for them. I need to be a visible presence who cheers them on and helps take them where they want to go.”

Pinks’ Bus Service still rolling after 75 years

Above: Nikki Smith, Beth Carton and Sue Keegan form the team that oversees 29 daily bus routes across the Geneseo school district’s 260 square miles.

February 7, 2022

It was in the spring of 1946—seven and a half months after the Allies emerged victorious in World War II—when George Pinks of Geneseo was considering his professional options.

Despite his father’s wishes, George was interested in getting into the transportation business. It was just a matter of whether it would be buses or trucks.

“My grandpa said he didn’t want him to do either,” recalls Beth Carton, George’s daughter. “He was very against it but told him that if he insisted on one, to buy the buses because kids always have to get to school.”

George did just that, purchasing a pair of buses, founding Pinks’ Bus Service, and opening for business on April 18, 1946. When Pinks’ began transporting local students in 1948, its fleet added 12 more buses.

Three quarters of a century later, Pinks’ is still going strong, even in the face of the pandemic. While portions of the 2020-21 school year involved remote learning, the district was determined to get students and teachers back in the classroom for 2021-22, something that could not have happened without Pinks’.

For their dedication and help with ensuring Geneseo’s schools remain open, superintendent Dr. Adam Brumbaugh will recognize Pinks’ owner/president Beth Carton, and her colleagues Sue Keegan and Nikki Smith, at the Board of Education’s February meeting and award them Maple Leaf Medallions.

“We take so much pride in providing all of our students with a healthy and safe learning environment, from the moment they board the bus to the time they are dropped off,” states Dr. Brumbaugh. “Pinks’ has played a very important role for an incredibly long time, and we can’t thank Beth, Sue, Nikki and everyone who drives buses enough for all that they do. We’d also like to acknowledge Beth’s late husband, Jim, who for over three decades was instrumental in transporting our students.”

It’s been quite a ride for Pinks’, which currently runs 29 daily bus routes across the district’s 260 square miles and serves approximately 1,750 eligible student riders. 

Even with stretches of remote learning last year, Pinks’ buses still totaled 385,576 miles, including rides to athletic and scholastic events. That figure exceeds half a million in a normal school year.

It all began with George, who according to his daughter was regarded as nice but firm, and tough but fair when it came to business.

“He was honest, and he really cared about the work,” says Beth. “He learned pretty quickly that as long as he did a good job and operated the right way, Pinks’ would be around.”

When George passed away in 1982, however, the family considered selling the business. Multiple bids were placed to purchase Pinks’, but in the end, Beth knew what she wanted to do.

“I grew up here,” she explains. “I started out painting bus wheels when I was 9 or 10 years old, and the business has always been part of my life. My brothers left the area, but I made the decision to stay.”

Beth took over the business, and when she married Jim Carton in 1988, he got involved too, becoming a driver and leading the company’s safety drills. Jim passed away in early 2020, but the collaborative team of Beth, Sue and Nikki forges ahead, running the day-to-day operations with a clear-cut top priority.

“Everything we do and ask the children to do is for their safety,” Beth states. “When you’re driving a bus, you’ve got 60 kids behind you. It’s not like you’re in the front of the classroom looking directly at them. Our drivers are tasked with watching the road and traffic, as well as keeping an eye on the children. That’s a lot of responsibility and we take it very seriously.”

From wintertime weather to keeping track of all the young riders, each day comes with its challenges. But time and time again, Pinks’ comes through for the community.

“We try to tell our drivers that they truly are essential,” Beth says. “But they just don’t get enough credit for what they’ve done over the years, especially since the pandemic started. It really speaks to their dedication.”

Beth is quick to note that many drivers have been with Pinks’ not just for years, but decades. It speaks not only to George’s vision and the foundation he created, but the ongoing efforts of Beth, Sue, Nikki and the drivers who continue to provide such a vital service.

“We’ve always been fortunate to have a lot of good people driving our buses,” concludes Beth. “We take pride in what we do, and we go with the flow.”

Below: George Pinks founded Pinks’ Bus Service and opened for business on April 18, 1946.

Murray a model of sustained success and longevity

January 5, 2022

Jon Murray, head coach of the high school wrestling team, has left Geneseo before.

Twice in fact, once after his freshman year of high school and another after serving as an assistant coach for Larry Kanke from 1992 to 1999.

When Murray returned in 2001 to teach and take over as the program’s head coach, however, he had a feeling he might be here to stay.

“The more I see other communities, the more I see how good we have it in Geneseo,” explains Murray. “The community is so supportive, from the parents to our administration. That’s meant so much, because obviously you can’t do it by yourself.

“There’s an old saying that I think about, ‘They will not care how much you know until they know how much you care.’ I try to remember that and live by it,” Murray says of his approach.

“Ever since I came back,” Murray adds, “I’ve had the peace of mind that I’m in the right place. I’m so appreciative of that and grateful for the situation I’m in.”

It’s Geneseo’s wrestlers who have benefited the most thanks to Murray’s prolonged presence. Last May, he recorded his 300^th coaching win and recently, he was awarded with a Maple Leaf Medallion, the district’s highest honor.

“As the head coach, you tend to get credit when you win and good things are happening, but so many people contribute and help you look good,” states Murray, who also serves as the girls’ golf coach. “Between the parents, the boosters and others throughout the community, we not only have the support, but we have nice facilities and all the equipment we need. Not every district can say that.”

After his family moved from Geneseo his freshman year, Murray lived in Danville his sophomore year and finished high school in Bloomington. He wrestled collegiately at Illinois State University and Illinois College, and following graduation, was determined to find work as a teacher and coach.

He’s accomplished both in Geneseo, having taught physical education, health and driver education while coaching soccer, cross country, and track and field over the years in addition to wrestling and golf.

While he had big shoes to fill in replacing Kanke, a member of the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association’s Hall of Fame, he’s done just that, and it starts with a simple day-to-day approach.

“I’ve always tried to keep the relationships first, whether that’s with parents, the team or our administration,” explains Murray. “Positive and trusting relationships are so important—then you can work on teaching in the classroom or taking care of business in the gym. There’s an old saying that I think about: ‘They will not care how much you know until they know how much you care.’ I try to remember that and live by it.”

Surprisingly, the significance of his 300^th win was at first lost on Murray, who is more inclined to think about the next meet than get caught up in any given moment. Appropriately, it was the community he loves that ensured he received his well-deserved recognition.

“What made it so meaningful to me is how everyone reacted to it,” recalls Murray. “The parents and fans had signs and made a big deal out of it, and that touched me. To me, 300 was just a number. I like to keep going and look ahead, and I didn’t really think too much about 300 until everyone else did. Then it hit me, and to see that it was important to others made it important to me.”

“If we can gel together, stay healthy, be full strength at the right time, and get a good draw, and this is a team that could potentially bring home another state trophy,” Murray says of this year’s group.

This year’s wrestling team is off to another impressive start with an 8-2 record and the 6th spot in the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association’s class 2A rankings. Murray’s group won the Rockford East Tournament, a field of 20 teams, and finished fifth amongst 24 teams—most of them from class 3A—at Hinsdale Central.

Three individuals are currently ranked by the IWCOA in their respective weight classes—Zachary Montez (no. 2), Anthony Montez (no. 2) and Tim Stohl (no. 6)—while Carson Raya, Jack Snyder, Josh Hock, Harrison Neumann and Levi Neumann all received honorable mention.

“If we can gel together, stay healthy, be full strength at the right time, and get a good draw, this is a team that could potentially bring home another state trophy,” states Murray.

As more team and individual accolades are earned, Murray has learned over the years to stop and enjoy the moment.

“When our team finished second at state in 2013,” recalls Murray, “it was great, but I immediately started thinking about what we could do to get better for next year. Once we got home, though, the school hosted a big assembly for us, and the emotions kicked in.

“It made me realize it was a big deal for our wrestlers, their families and our supporters,” Murray continues. “It’s also a reminder of how grateful I am for the Geneseo community and why this is such a special place to live.”