Rock Island-Milan Community,
As part of our Building Our Future Facility Management Plan, we are excited to share details about upcoming projects at Rock Island High School and invite the community to learn more.
Join us for a community meeting on Tuesday, November 17, at 5:30 PM at Rock Island High School to learn about upcoming construction projects, including the Mechanical Systems Project, Band and Orchestra Rooms Renovation, and Pool Infill Project.
District staff and project partners will share project updates, anticipated timelines, and what the community can expect as work moves forward.
Please review the attached flyers for additional meeting details and a project overview.
As part of our Building Our Future Facility Management Plan, we are excited to share details about upcoming projects at Rock Island High School and invite the community to learn more.
Join us for a community meeting on Tuesday, November 17, at 5:30 PM at Rock Island High School to learn about upcoming construction projects, including the Mechanical Systems Project, Band and Orchestra Rooms Renovation, and Pool Infill Project.
District staff and project partners will share project updates, anticipated timelines, and what the community can expect as work moves forward.
Please review the attached flyers for additional meeting details and a project overview.
Happy November!
Here are some important dates to keep in mind for this month.
Here are some important dates to keep in mind for this month.
We're proud to share our October 2026 Shout-Outs and celebrate the educators, support staff, administrators, and team members who help our district thrive. Thank you to everyone who took the time to recognize a colleague – your kind words help shine a light on the people who make RIMSD such a special place!
View all of our shout-outs here!
This series supports our 2030 Strategic Plan – Priority 5: We will nurture relationships and connections with all members of our school community.
Our anti-bullying PSA is here, and we have an important message to share: Say no to bullying!
The Communications Department and Student Services teamed up with colleagues and scholars across RIMSD-41 to spread this important message.
Creating a safe, welcoming environment starts with each of us. A little kindness, speaking up, and looking out for one another can make a big difference.
Together, we can make sure every scholar and team member feels safe, supported, and valued. Because in the Rock Island-Milan School District, Rocky Pride means looking out for one another! ❤️💛
Rock Island High School today welcomed more than 100 professionals for its Annual Career Day, giving our scholars the opportunity to explore a wide range of careers and hear firsthand from professionals about their experiences and career journeys!
As part of the experience, a group of scholars also visited the Rock Island County Courthouse to learn more about careers in the legal system and see firsthand how the judicial system operates.
A huge thank-you to everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to encourage our scholars, share their knowledge, and help them envision their futures. Your support reflects the strong partnerships between our schools, community, and local professionals that help prepare our scholars for success. These experiences help our scholars connect what they’re learning in the classroom to the opportunities that await them beyond graduation.
A special shoutout to Dr. Yolanda Grandberry Pugh and the planning committee for organizing this wonderful event and creating meaningful opportunities for our scholars to explore their interests and envision their futures. Thank you to everyone who helped make this day a success and continues to invest in the next generation of leaders!
Spooky season is just around the corner. Are you or a group of friends planning a creative Halloween costume? If so, Rocky Dance Marathon will be hosting a Halloween Costume Contest on Friday, Oct. 30th. It will cost $5 per person to participate in the contest. On Oct. 30th, students who are participating will go to the library during 3rd period to pay their entrance fee and have their picture taken for the contest. Winners will be called later that day to receive a spooktacular prize!
OPERATION PRINCIPAL APPRECIATION: A SUCCESS!
October is National Principals Month, and last week, we celebrated our amazing principals in a special way during Principals Appreciation Week! ❤️ Our administrative team visited schools each day with small surprises to show our principals just how much they are appreciated. The week wrapped up with a special Principal Appreciation Luncheon on Friday, October 23, at Pagalo’s Pizzeria & Gelato Cafe in Milan!
Each day brought a little something different, along with a reminder of just how much our principals mean to our school communities!
🍿 Monday: Popcorn — Thanks for popping in and making a difference!
🖍️ Tuesday: Highlighters — You highlight the best in everyone!
🍬 Wednesday: Life Savers — You are lifesavers to our schools and communities!
🍫 Thursday: Reese’s — There’s no one quite like you!
🍕 Friday: We wrapped up the week with a luncheon celebrating the incredible leaders who work hard every day to support our scholars, staff, and families.
A big THANK YOU to our administrative team for helping make this week special, and an even bigger thank you to our principals for the dedication, leadership, and care you bring to your schools every day. Your work makes a difference, and we are grateful for everything you do!
As National Principals Month continues, we're celebrating the incredible leaders who help RIMSD thrive. Thank you for leading, inspiring, and making a difference in our school communities every single day! 👏
October 27, 2026
Today, Tuesday October 27th we have Augustana College in Counseling from 11:30-1:00. If you are interested, please make sure to stop in and meet with Mrs. Gustafson.
The Running Rocks hosted an IHSA 3A Regional Meet at Saukie on Saturday morning. This meet featured state-ranked teams and individuals in both the girls’ and boys’ competitions.
The Lady Rocks saw their fine season end with a tenth place. They were led by senior Amelie Heine in 39th place. Special shout out to senior Sydnee Moseley who ran a PR in her final high school XC race.
The boys’ team earned the final team qualifying spot and were led by Regional Meet Champ Senior Elliot Batz in a time of 14:26.0. All six of his teammates ran personal best times with the three juniors all running under 16:00.
We appreciate the tremendous amount of support we had at the meet — thank you for coming out to support the Running Rocks!
The boys’ team will compete this Saturday at the New Lenox Lincoln Way Central 3A Sectional Meet to challenge for a trip to the IHSA State Meet on Saturday, November 7th.
Silver Cord Meeting Wednesday before school @ 7:40 AM in the bandroom. If you have any questions please plan on attending.
Spooky season is just around the corner. Are you or a group of friends planning a creative Halloween costume? If so, Rocky Dance Marathon will be hosting a Halloween Costume Contest on Friday, Oct. 30th. It will cost $5 per person to participate in the contest. On Oct. 30th, students who are participating will go to the library during 3rd period to pay their entrance fee and have their picture taken for the contest. Winners will be called later that day to receive a spooktacular prize!
October 23, 2026
Announcement: Please come out to support the Running Rocks tomorrow as they compete in the IHSA 3A Rock Island Regional at Saukie Golf Course. The ladies run at 10 a.m. and the guys run at 11 a.m. Both teams are trying to qualify for next weekend's Sectional Meet at New Lenox Lincoln Way Central. LET'S GO ROCKS!
You have one quarter left to purchase your 2026-27 yearbook! Yearbooks can be purchased online at www.yearbookordercenter.com, using order code 8228. Yearbooks can also be purchased with cash or a check in room 211. Yearbooks are on sale until Winter Break. No extras will be ordered, so don't miss out!
The Gray Matters Collective Merch Store is closing on Sunday evening. This is your last chance to grab some merch! Show your support for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Shop. Wear it. Start a conversation. Support mental health.
https://stores.inksoft.com/rock_island_gray_matters_2026/shop/home
Spooky season is just around the corner. Are you or a group of friends planning a creative Halloween costume? If so, Rocky Dance Marathon will be hosting a Halloween Costume Contest on Friday, Oct. 30th. It will cost $5 per person to participate in the contest. On Oct. 30th, students who are participating will go to the library during 3rd period to pay their entrance fee and have their picture taken for the contest. Winners will be called later that day to receive a spooktacular prize!
"Welcome to our 15 German exchange students who are visiting Rocky for the next two weeks from our partner city of Rottenburg. We hope you have a wonderful stay in Rock Island!"
Silver Cord Meeting Wednesday before school @ 7:40 AM in the bandroom. If you have any questions please plan on attending.
What an incredible season for the Pride of Rock Island Marching Band! Congratulations to our talented scholars, directors, and staff on an outstanding season filled with hard work, dedication, and well-deserved recognition.
🏆 Limestone Competition: The Pride of Rock Island earned 3rd Place and Best Percussion in Class 3A!
🏆 Lincoln-Way Competition: The band took home 2nd Place, Best Percussion, and Best Music in Class 2A!
🏆 Illinois State Marching Band Championships: The Pride of Rock Island earned Overall Crowd Appeal in Class 3A!
🏆 Quincy Oktoberfest Marching Competition: The band earned 1st Place in Class 4A, along with Best Percussion and Best Music in its class. The Pride also received Overall Best Music, Best Percussion, Best Brass, Best Drum Majors, Best Illinois Band, and Best Spirit, capping off an incredible performance as the Grand Champions of the Show!
We are incredibly proud of the Pride of Rock Island Marching Band for representing Rock Island with excellence, talent, and school spirit throughout the season. Congratulations on an amazing year!
🏆 Limestone Competition: The Pride of Rock Island earned 3rd Place and Best Percussion in Class 3A!
🏆 Lincoln-Way Competition: The band took home 2nd Place, Best Percussion, and Best Music in Class 2A!
🏆 Illinois State Marching Band Championships: The Pride of Rock Island earned Overall Crowd Appeal in Class 3A!
🏆 Quincy Oktoberfest Marching Competition: The band earned 1st Place in Class 4A, along with Best Percussion and Best Music in its class. The Pride also received Overall Best Music, Best Percussion, Best Brass, Best Drum Majors, Best Illinois Band, and Best Spirit, capping off an incredible performance as the Grand Champions of the Show!
We are incredibly proud of the Pride of Rock Island Marching Band for representing Rock Island with excellence, talent, and school spirit throughout the season. Congratulations on an amazing year!
October 22, 2026
Any boy/ girl interested in joining the bowling team there will be a parent/ student meeting today, Thursday October 22. It will be held at 6:30 at Backyard Bowl in Milan.
Valparaiso University will be visiting October 22nd in the cafeteria from 11:30-1:00. If you have any questions be sure to stop by and meet with their admissions counselor.
October 23rd we have La' James International College in the cafeteria from 11:30-1:00. If you have interest in cosmetology, esthetics, massage therapy, or nail technology, be sure you take time to meet with Jackie Proulx.
Basketball Cheer Tryouts are next week October 26th-28th from 3:45-5:45 in the Fieldhouse, this tryout is for students who are not already on a basketball cheer team that would like to try out
We are thrilled to celebrate School Resource Officer Jacklyn Young, who has been named a WQAD News 8 Beyond the Badge winner! 🎉
Nominated by Rock Island Police Department Chief Tim McCloud, this special recognition honors Officer Young’s dedication and the positive impact she makes in serving our school community. We are proud to see her commitment to supporting our scholars and school communities recognized!
Congratulations, Officer Young! Thank you for all you do to make a difference each day. ❤️💛#RockyPride
Congratulations to Edison Jr. High Assistant Principal Reshanda Johnson and RIMSD41 Secondary Teaching and Learning Coordinator Kristin Allen on being named Community Caring Conference Education Heroes.
Thank you both for your dedication to supporting our scholars, uplifting our school communities, and making a positive difference in the lives of others. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition!
Thank you both for your dedication to supporting our scholars, uplifting our school communities, and making a positive difference in the lives of others. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition!
October 20, 2026
Rock Island Boys Soccer takes on Plainfield Central at RIHS Stadium. Kickoff is at 4:00 p.m. today (Tuesday). Tickets are only available online. There is no cash taken at the gate. Come cheer them on today!!!
For all girls interested in playing basketball for the Lady Rocks this upcoming season, we will have open gyms on Monday and Wednesday from 6-7:45 in the girls gym for the next two weeks. Tryouts for girls basketball will be Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 2nd and 3rd. Please see the flyers posted in the HS, or contact Head Coach Henry Hall at henry.hall@rimsd41.org for details. All skill levels are welcomed.
Any junior or senior interested in learning about the trades see Mrs. Matson in room116 to sign up for a field trip to the Bend Expo center for a hands on experience learning about all the different trades.
Tryouts for basketball cheer are next week October 26th-28th from 3:45-5:45 in the Fieldhouse, This tryout is for students who are not already on a basketball cheer team that would like to try out.
Today, October 20th we have Drake University visiting in the cafeteria from 11:30-1:00, so if you have any interests make sure you stop by and meet with the Admissions Counselor.
Valparaiso University will be visiting October 22nd in the cafeteria from 11:30-1:00. If you have any questions be sure to stop by and meet with their admissions counselor
October 23rd we have La' James International College in the cafeteria from 11:30-1:00. If you have interest in cosmetology, esthetics, massage therapy, or nail technology, be sure you take time to meet with Jackie Proulx.
Any boy/ girl interested in joining the bowling team there will be a parent/ student meeting this Thursday October 22. It will be held at 6:30 at Backyard Bowl in Milan.
The Quarter One Newsletter is Here!
Follow this link to catch up on everything you may have missed from our first quarter in the district!
https://rockislandmilansd41il.edurooms.com/newsletters/rock-island-milan-school-district-41/newsletters/quarter-1-newsletter-180006
From scholar achievements to highlights from our schools and clubs, there’s so much to celebrate. You’ll also find information about upcoming Wireless Communication Device Policy Town Hall Meetings, Superintendent Advisory Councils, Facilities Management Plan, and much more. Discover the stories that make the Rock Island-Milan School District 41 shine!
October 19, 2026
For all girls interested in playing basketball for the Lady Rocks this upcoming season, we will have open gyms on Monday and Wednesday from 6-7:45 in the girls gym for the next two weeks. Tryouts for girls basketball will be Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 2nd and 3rd. Please see the flyers posted in the HS, or contact Head Coach Henry Hall at henry.hall@rimsd41.org for details. All skill levels are welcomed.
October 20th we have Drake University visiting in the cafeteria from 11:30-1:00, so if you have any interests make sure you stop by and meet with the Admissions Counselor.
October 23rd we have La' James International College in the cafeteria from 11:30-1:00. If you have interest in cosmetology, esthetics, massage therapy, or nail technology, be sure you take time to meet with Jackie Proulx.
EAC is working after school today, meet in room 29. EAC meeting tomorrow before school @7:30 in the little theater.
Any junior or senior interested in learning about the trades see Mrs. Matson in room116 to sign up for a field trip to the Bend Expo center for a hands on experience learning about all the different trades.
Impact Life will be in the cafeteria today to sign students up to donate. See Tori during lunch.
The Running Rocks competed at the Western Big Six Championship on Thursday. The girls’ team raced to a second place finish. The ladies were off by All-Conference finishes from Sonia Williams in 8th, Amelia Heine in 10th, Claire Gustafson in 14th, and Sydnee Moseley in 15th.
The boys’ team finished in 4th place and were led by repeat conference champion and meet
MVP Elliot Batz and second team All-Conference finishes by Nolan Jared in 17th, Traeten Holtam in 18th, and Steven Hernandez in 19th.
Both teams will next compete in the IHSA 3A Regional hosted by Rock Island at Saukie Golf Course this Saturday, October 24th. The girls will race at 10 am and the boys will race at 11 am. Please come out and support the Running Rocks!
Welcome back! The second quarter of the 2026 - 2027 school year is here! Let’s make it a great one.
❤️💛
❤️💛
Happy National Principals Appreciation Week!
We want to take a moment to recognize and thank our incredible Rock Island-Milan School District 41 principals for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to our scholars, staff, and school communities.
Thank you for all you do to make a difference in the lives of our scholars every day. We appreciate you!
We want to take a moment to recognize and thank our incredible Rock Island-Milan School District 41 principals for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to our scholars, staff, and school communities.
Thank you for all you do to make a difference in the lives of our scholars every day. We appreciate you!
Happy National Principals Appreciation Week!
We want to take a moment to recognize and thank our incredible Rock Island-Milan School District 41 principals for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to our scholars, staff, and school communities.
Thank you for all you do to make a difference in the lives of our scholars every day. We appreciate you!
We want to take a moment to recognize and thank our incredible Rock Island-Milan School District 41 principals for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to our scholars, staff, and school communities.
Thank you for all you do to make a difference in the lives of our scholars every day. We appreciate you!
Happy Fall Intersession! 🍂🍁
Wishing everyone a safe and restful break! Enjoy the time to relax and recharge. We’ll see everyone back on Monday, October 19.
