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.”

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.”

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.”

GHS to hire a new agricultural teacher

Geneseo Community Unit School District #228 is now accepting applications to become the new agricultural teacher at Geneseo High School.

The role’s basic functions include creating a flexible program and class environment favorable to learning and personal growth, establishing effective rapport with students, motivating students to develop the 21^st century skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to be successful for the next steps in life, and establishing relationships with parents and other staff members.

LEARN MORE AND APPLY NOW

[pdf-embedder url=”https://staffportal.geneseoschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GHS-Ag-Teacher-overview.pdf” title=”GHS Ag Teacher overview”]

GHS vocational center plans continue to progress

December 10, 2021

Updated plans and a new rendering for a vocational center that will reside across the street from Geneseo High School were presented at the Board of Education meeting on Thursday night.

Construction for the Career and Technical Education Center is currently scheduled to begin by August 1, 2022. However, construction manager Pete Perez of Boyd Jones explained the groundbreaking could happen earlier, depending on the availability of materials and labor. Perez estimated it will take nine months to complete the facility.

“A few years ago, our Board of Education set a goal to expand and enhance vocational options and opportunities for our students,” stated Dr. Adam Brumbaugh, Superintendent. “This building will go a long way in making that goal a reality, well beyond what we originally imagined.”

Final drawings are expected to be presented to the Board of Education at its February meeting. If approved, the district will move forward with the collection of bids for the project.

District architect Scott Johnson of Richard L. Johnson Associates noted the building will be able to accommodate 45 students and three teachers, a 33% increase from the current facilities. It will feature a variety of areas, including an auto shop, metal shop and wood shop. The design for the exterior of the building will be consistent with the look and feel of GHS.

Perez added that construction costs of the vocational center, a projected $3.87 million, remains on budget.

“This is an investment in the future of our community,” added Dr. Brumbaugh. “By increasing student awareness and participation in vocational courses, our district will eventually be able to provide a pipeline for local businesses to hire our graduates. The availability of more skilled laborers will lead to an even stronger workforce.”

View the updated plans, rendering and project schedule:

Career and Technical Education Center (12.09.2021)

[pdf-embedder url=”https://staffportal.geneseoschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/21-018-DD-Board-Approval-12-9-21.pdf” title=”21-018 DD Board Approval 12-9-21″]

GHS searching for a new principal

With Geneseo High School principal Travis Mackey retiring at the end of the current school year, Geneseo CUSD #228 will hire a new high school principal for 2022-23 and beyond.

The primary function of the role is to serve as the instructional leader and administrative officer of GHS, responsible for the instructional program, organization and operation of the school, the supervision of teachers, other personnel, and all activities.

Other aspects of the role include:

A) Facilitating a Vision of Learning:

• Support the beliefs and attitudes that form the basis of the educational value system of the school.
• Assist in developing and maintaining the goals of the School Improvement Plan including data management.

B) School Culture and Instructional Program:

• Attend, participate and/or lead school-related meetings such as staff, departmental, team, IEP, 504, McKinney/Vento, etc.
• Supervise extracurricular athletics and activities.
• Supervise the student body before, during, and after school.
• Promote and uphold a positive building climate.

C) Management:

• Supervise conduct within the school and oversee all disciplinary procedures, keeping records of any disciplinary action.
• Supervise the instructional program by observing classrooms and activities.
• Supervise teachers as they implement the curriculum.
• Evaluate personnel in accordance with district guidelines.
• Interview and select staff, ultimately making hiring recommendations collaboratively with other district administration.
• Be fiscally aware and help with maintaining effective operations.
• Assist in the preparation of teacher and student handbooks.
• Administer school rules regarding attendance.
• Assist in the preparation and organization of student and faculty schedules.
• Cooperate to conduct safety inspections and safety drill activities.
• Assist in complying with state and federal laws and state board mandates.

D) Collaboration with Families and Community:

• Serve with parent, faculty and student groups as requested to advance educational and related activities and objectives.
• Promote a positive working relationship between the school, the community and other educational agencies that work with the school.
• Be visible and/or involved in community extra-curricular activities and athletics.

E) Acting with Integrity, Fairness, and in an Ethical Manner:

• Be a positive role model and district representative.

LEARN MORE AND APPLY NOW

[pdf-embedder url=”https://staffportal.geneseoschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GHS-Principal.pdf” title=”GHS Principal”]