January 21, 2026
The African American Heritage Club is changing its meeting day. We will not meet on Monday's after school at 3:30 in the Big Island area.
"Graduating seniors, have you provided Jostens with your height and weight for your cap and gown? If not, stop by and see Mr. Campbell during lunches in the café to register your height and weight for your gown." If you have not ordered your cap and gown you still have time. Step 1 is ensuring your size is perfect. Mr. Campbell will be available at all 4 lunches."
Didn't get to audition last week for the talent show? You can still send in video auditions to Mr. Behnke until February 1.
Hello Multilingual Language Learners (former ELs!) We are ACCESS Testing in Rooms 131, 132, 134 and the Library this week. See your EL Teacher for when and where you test. Ms. Johnson, Mr. Wayland and Mr. Burgos's classes will take place in the Auditorium or Little Theater - see the signs on their doors each day. Happy testing!
Last night the girls bowling team bowled against Moline at Highland Park and came up a little short in total pinfall. Leading the way for the varsity Rocks was Journey Horton with her season high of 575 series and 217 high game. Leading the way for Rocks JV was Alaina Saunders with a 361 series and who also had the high game 137. Please come and support tonight as they battle Geneseo at Backyard Bowl.
EAC will be working in the greenhouse after school today. We hope to see you there.
Ladies!!!! Girls Track and Field season began yesterday! Didn't make it yesterday no worries! Come be apart of something special! Please show up today after school at 3:30 sharp in the fieldhouse balcony. If you are currently in another sport at the high school you still need to sign up this week. Two things that must be done is snap registration and a current physical. If you have questions please stop by and visit Mr. Williams on the Red Floor. Look forward to see you all after school. #WeBelieve Coach Williams.
January 20, 2026
Saturday the Rocky Boys Bowling team traveled to Blackhawk lanes in Sterling for the Regional Championships and came out victorious. They had a great day of bowling with all bowlers contributing to the win! They led the way most of the day and never looked back. The Rocks had a six game total pin count of 6497. 591 pins ahead of second place! Zayden Morris was the individual Regional Champion with a six game series of 1428! The Rocks had 3 individuals medal in the top 4 with a fourth bowler in the top 7. 1st Zayden Morris. 2nd Keagan Swain. 4th Peyton Hecker. 7th Chace Terry.
Ayden Braud 575 / 3 games Chace Terry 1269 / 6 games Kasee Frantz 544 / 3 games Keagan Swain 1376/ 6 games Peyton Hecker 1305 / 6 games Zayden Morris 1428 / 6 games Great job to all!
The girls bowling team competed in the Moline Invite this past weekend and finished 6th place overall for varsity and 4th place for JV. Journey Horton led the varsity with a 962 and also had high game with a 191. Kylee Raygor was close behind with a 187. Leading the way for JV was Raphaella Hodonou who also had the high game for the JV rocks. The team bowls tonight against Moline in a dual meet in Moline and tomorrow at home against Geneseo.
Boys track practice will start on Tuesday January 20th. Students need to make sure they fill out Snap registration and have an updated physical. We will meet in Commons A after school.
“Congratulations to the Competitive Cheer Team who received 2nd place at the Normal West competition on Saturday and tied for 1st place at the Knoxville competition on Sunday! Way to go team!”
Ladies!!!! Girls Track and Field season begins Today! Come join and be apart of something special! If you are interested in participating, please sign up using one of the red sheet QR codes throughout the school or come visit Mr. Williams down on the red floor. Today Jan 20th at 3:30 sharp, we will begin with a team meeting in the fieldhouse balcony. If you are currently in another sport at the high school you still need to sign up this week. Two things that must be done is snap registration and a current physical. All of us coaches are beyond excited to get going on our quest to win a championship! If you have questions please stop by and visit Mr. Williams on the Red Floor. Look forward to see you all after school. #WeBelieve Coach Williams.
Welcome back to Episode 2 of the Mi-Rock Podcast, where we amplify the voices that power RIMSD #41! Mi-Rock celebrates the people who make RIMSD #41 thrive! Each episode shares inspiring stories and behind-the-scenes insights, spotlighting the heart of our schools. Mi-Rock also supports our 2030 Strategic Plan by fostering connections, building relationships, and strengthening communication across the district and our community.
In this episode, hosts John Hawley of the Rock Island Center for Math and Science and Ian Scott of Thomas Jefferson Elementary are joined by guest Amy Zero from Rock Island Academy. Mrs. Zero represented the Rock Island-Milan community at the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) 2025 Annual Conference, where Rock Island Academy proudly earned the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of supporting young scholars through counseling, the collaborative work of coordinating counselors across schools, and the meaningful impact taking place in classrooms throughout the district.
January 16, 2026
Girls Track and Field season begins next Tuesday. If you are interested in participating, please sign up using one of the red sheet QR codes throughout the school or come visit Mr. Williams down on the red floor. We will begin practice Tuesday Jan 20th at 3:30 sharp. We will meet for warm ups in the fieldhouse balcony. If you are currently in another sport at the high school you still need to sign up this week. All of us coaches are beyond excited to get going on our quest to win a championship!
Seniors—have you ordered your cap and gown yet? Now is the time to place your order. Waiting may result in late fees or not receiving your cap and gown in time. Remember, a cap and gown are required to participate in the graduation ceremony. You only need to order the cap and gown—additional items are optional—and you can place your order now and pay later. Please call Jostens @ 563-275-8709
Wednesday night the girls bowling team took on Galesburg at Backyard Bowl and came up a little short on a close match. Leading the way for the varsity was Journey Horton. High game was bowled by Krystal Robbins with a 188, Journey Horton was close behind with a 187. Leading the way for JV was Ka Moo who also had the high game for JV. Please come and support the Rocks as they compete in the Moline Invitational this Saturday at Highland Park Bowl in Moline.
Boys track practice will start on Tuesday January 20th. Students need to make sure they fill out Snap registration and have an updated physical. We will meet in Commons A after school.
Here’s a polished, PA-ready version with clearer flow, consistent tone, and tightened wording while keeping all details intact:
January 14, 2026
Boys Track practice will begin on Tuesday, January 20th. Students must complete SNAP registration and have an updated physical on file. Practice will meet after school in Commons A.
Girls Track and Field athletes will have a team meeting today, Wednesday, January 14th, at 7:45 a.m. in the Fitness Center. Any girls interested in joining the track team should stop by Mr. Williams’ office on the Red Floor to get signed up.
Get your fire on and audition for the Annual Rocky Talent Show! This year’s theme is “Love Is in the Air,” and the show will take place on February 15th. Auditions will be held every day next week before and after school in Room 117. You may also submit a video audition by emailing Mr. Behnke. Don’t miss your chance to be part of Rocky history!
Attention current sophomores and juniors: Do you have a job? Would you like to earn school credit for it? Come learn about the Work Program! Scan the QR code on the flyers by the drinking fountains for details and to sign up.
The EAC will be working in the greenhouse after school today. Please be sure to read the meeting notes posted in Google Classroom yesterday, as many second-semester events were discussed.
The girls bowling team defeated United Township last night. Leading the varsity team was Journey Horton, followed closely by Kylee Raygor. Christina Min led the JV squad. Great job, Rocks!
Seniors—have you ordered your cap and gown yet? Now is the time. Waiting could result in late fees or not receiving your cap and gown in time, and you must wear one to participate in graduation. You only need to order the cap and gown, and you can place your order now and pay later. Use the QR code to order. For questions pr to place an order, contact Jostens at 563-275-8709.
If you’d like, I can also:
Shorten this for a quick PA read
Make it more energetic or more formal
Reformat it for email or a daily bulletin
Seniors—have you ordered your cap and gown yet? Now is the time to place your order. Waiting until later could result in late fees or not receiving your cap and gown in time, and you must wear one to participate in the graduation ceremony. You only need to order the cap and gown, not the additional items, and you can place your order now and pay later. Questions or to place an order call Jostens @ 563-275-8709
Seniors—have you ordered your yet? Now is the time to place your order. Waiting may result in or not receiving your cap and gown in time. Remember, a cap and gown are to participate in the graduation ceremony. You only need to order the cap and gown—additional items are optional—and you can . Please call Jostens @ 563-275-8709
January 13, 2026
Seniors—have you ordered your cap and gown yet? Now is the time to place your order. Waiting until later could result in late fees or not receiving your cap and gown in time, and you must wear one to participate in the graduation ceremony. You only need to order the cap and gown, not the additional items, and you can place your order now and pay later. Please call Jostens @ 563-275-8709
Get your fire on and audition for the Annual Rocky Talent Show! This year’s theme is “Love Is in the Air,” and the show will take place on February 15th. Auditions will be held every day next week before and after school in Room 117. You may also submit a video audition by emailing Mr. Behnke. Don’t miss your chance to be part of Rocky history!
Girls Track and Field athletes will have a team meeting Next Wednesday Jan 14th. 7:45 AM in the Fitness Center
Girls interested in joining the Track team please stop by and visit Mr. Williams Office on the Red floor to get signed up.
This past weekend the girls bowling team traveled to Mt. Prospect for the Knight Invitational. The Rocks placed 2nd in the Knight division. High games were bowled by Kylee Raygor 198 and Krystal Robbins 196. Top overall bowler was Kylee Raygor with an 813 for 5 games. Come support the Rocks tonight at Backyard bowl as they bowl against United Township. On Wednesday the Rock will take on Galesburg at Backyard Bowl, and on Saturday compete in the Moline Invitational at Highland Park Bowl
Attention current Sophomores and Juniors! Do you have a job? Would you like to earn school credit for your job? Come learn about the Work Program! Scan the QR code on the flyers "by the drinking fountains around the school"
Thursday is the last day to sign up for the ACC field trip for next week
January 12, 2026
Girls Track and Field athletes will have a team meeting Next Wednesday Jan 14th. 7:45 AM in the Fitness Center. Girls interested in joining the Track team please stop by and visit Mr. Williams Office on the Red floor to get signed up.
Seniors- Have you ordered your cap and gown? Now is the time to get it ordered if you haven’t. It is important to not wait till the end of the year, you take a chance in not receiving it in time. Plus you will then get charged a late fee. You must wear a cap/gown in order to walk in the ceremony. You only have to order the cap/gown, you don’t have to order all the other things. Place your order and pay later.
Get your fire on and audition for the Annual Rocky Talent Show. The theme this year is LOVE IS IN THE AIR. The show will be February 15. Auditions will be every day next week before school and after school in room 117. You can also send a video to Mr. Behnke via email. Be part of Rocky history!
January 8, 2026
Get your fire on and audition for the Annual Rocky Talent Show. The theme this year is LOVE IS IN THE AIR. The show will be February 15. Auditions will be every day next week before school and after school in room 117. You can also send a video to Mr. Behnke via email. Be part of Rocky history!
Any girls interested in playing soccer this spring, there will be an important meeting after school this Thursday in the island from 3:30 - 3:40. If you plan on playing, please plan on being at the meeting.
Are you interested in joining the Student Council? It is not too late! We will have a meeting tomorrow at 7:15 in Miss Munday's (135) room. We still have plenty to plan for this semester! New members are always welcome! Old members bring a friend!
January 7, 2026
Any girls interested in playing soccer this spring, there will be an important meeting after school this Thursday in the island from 3:30 - 3:40. If you plan on playing, please plan on being at the meeting.
Silver Cord SENIORS, please email Mr Dunker if you plan on earning a Silver Cord this year! Thanks, we have heard from 19 of you already.
Get your fire on and audition for the Annual Rocky Talent Show. The theme this year is LOVE IS IN THE AIR. The show will be February 15. Auditions will be every day next week before school and after school in room 117. You can also send a video to Mr. Behnke via email. Be part of Rocky history!
If there are sophomores or juniors who want to attend the Area Career Center field trip at UT Jan. 22, please come see Mrs. Singleton in counseling to sign up. You need to sign up by Jan. 16.
The EAC will be working in the greenhouse after school today, we hope to see you there.
January 6, 2026
Welcome back!!
Silver Cord SENIORS, please email Mr. Dunker if you plan on earning a Silver Cord this year!
Get your fire on and audition for the Annual Rocky Talent Show. The theme this year is LOVE IS IN THE AIR. The show will be February 15. Auditions will be every day next week before school and after school in room 117. You can also send a video to Mr. Behnke via email. Be part of Rocky history!
Rock Island–Milan, this is a friendly reminder that the third quarter begins tomorrow, January 6. We look forward to welcoming everyone back!
Congrats to our Rock Island High School early grads! 🎓🎉
This school year, 70 seniors graduated early, and we couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of them. We wish you all the very best and can’t wait to see everything you will accomplish in the future!
🎙️We’re excited to introduce the Mi-Rock Podcast, where we amplify the voices that power RIMSD #41! Mi-Rock celebrates the people who make RIMSD #41 thrive! Each episode shares inspiring stories and behind-the-scenes insights, spotlighting the heart of our schools. Mi-Rock also supports our 2030 Strategic Plan by fostering connections, building relationships, and strengthening communication across the district and our community.
Our inaugural episode kicks things off with an engaging conversation featuring hosts John Hawley of the Rock Island Center for Math and Science and Ian Scott of Thomas Jefferson Elementary, joined by special guest Mike Mertel from Rock Island High School. Together, they dive into the realities of high school teaching, the impact of the Education Internship program, and the incredible work happening every day in classrooms across the district.
🎧 Don’t miss this powerful first episode: listen in, get inspired, and celebrate the people who make RIMSD #41 exceptional!
December 15, 2025
GRADUATING STUDENTS: Return your chrome book to the Chrome Depot when you finish finals.
The Rocky girls bowling team placed 6th place, only 17 pins out of 4th place at the UT invite this past weekend. Delaney Dempsey was top bowler for Varsity and close behind was Journey Horton.
JV place 2nd overall and brought home some hardware. Christianne Hare was top bowler for the JV and also received a 2nd place medal for high game of a 160.
Rocks will battle Moline in a dual meet this Wednesday at Backyard Bowl @3:30. Please join us on cheering on our Bowling Rocks
This is your last week to purchase a yearbook in room 211. Yearbooks are $60. You can purchase a book online through winter break at www.yearbookordercenter.com, using order code 8228. No extras will be ordered, so don't miss out!
Just a reminder for our schedule this week: today,Monday is a full school day, Tuesday’s dismissal is 12:20 (1st, 2 and 8th hour), Wednesday (3rd and 4th hour) and Thursday’s (5th and 7th hour) dismissal time is 10:50. Friday the 19th is make-up finals only. If you miss a day of finals you need to reach out to your teacher to make arrangements to come in to take your final on Friday.
Seniors! Now is your chance to win part of nearly $190,000 in scholarship awards just available to Rock Island High School Seniors! Whether you'll be attending a trade/vocational school, a 2-yr community/junior college, or a 4-yr college/university, there may be a scholarship for you! Only one application to complete. The Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation 2026 Scholarship Application is online at www.rimef.org. Deadline is February 27, 2026. Please contact Ms Ponsetto in Rm 142 if you have any questions.
December 12, 2025
Seniors! Now is your chance to win part of nearly $190,000 in scholarship awards just available to Rock Island High School Seniors! Whether you'll be attending a trade/vocational school, a 2-yr community/junior college, or a 4-yr college/university, there may be a scholarship for you! Only one application to complete. The Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation 2026 Scholarship Application is online at www.rimef.org. Deadline is February 27, 2026. Please contact Ms. Ponsetto in Rm 142 if you have any questions.
Seniors! It is not too late to join Silver Cord Service Program. You will need to start soon so you can earn 50 hours of volunteering before graduation. See Mr. Dunker (room 29) or Mr. Carlin (bandroom) if you have any questions.
Please return overdue books to the library before the end of the semester. And since you're stopping by, take a look at all of the new books we have received in the last two weeks. Winter vacation is the perfect time to escape into a great book-- we encourage you to check out library books over the break!
Early Graduate Celebration & Informational Meeting,
Where: RIHS Cafeteria When: Friday, December 19th at 8:30 a.m
December 11, 2025
ALL detentions must be served End of day December 11th in order to meet the detention criteria for finals?
ROCKY’S WINTER WONDERLAND ROCKY’S WINTER WONDERLAND Tailgater Join us for an afternoon of winter-themed fun! This special event is FREE for qualifying students and packed with activities, DECEMBER 12, 2025 | 3:30-5:30, RIHS CAFETERIA
Time is running out to purchase your yearbook! Yearbooks are on sale in room 211 for the next weeks. Yearbooks can still be purchased online through Winter Break. Books are $60. No extras will be ordered. Don't miss out!
Thursday December 11th, 2025 Western IL University will be located in the cafeteria from 11:30-1:00. Please be sure to stop by and talk to Mr. Ruiz about your possible future plans at Western!
Attention seniors- there will be a scholarship meeting this Thursday during 6th hour in the auditorium. We will be going over details for the Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation (RIMEF) scholarship, along with other resources on scholarships. Seniors, you will need to go to homeroom first for attendance and then you will make your way to the auditorium after. See you there!
Pre-Sale student tickets for the Moline Basketball game this Friday will be on sale in the Athletic Office during lunch beginning on Wednesday. Presale tickets will be $2.00 instead of the normal $3.00! Get your tickets early and support the Rocks!
Everyone is invited to attend the RIHS Choirs Winter Concert on Thursday, December 11, at 7 pm in the auditorium. Concert, Symphonic, and Chamber Choirs will perform holiday music that is sure to make you jolly and bright.
Seniors! It is not too late to join Silver Cord Service Program. You will need to start soon so you can earn 50 hours of volunteering before graduation. See Mr Dunker (room 29) or Mr Carlin (bandroom) if you have any questions.
Any EAC members who have been selling World's finest chocolate, please stop by Mr. Dunker's room with the money before finals are over. If you want to continue selling please speak with him.
Just a reminder for our schedule next week: Monday is a full school day, Tuesday’s dismissal is 12:20 (1st, 2 and 8th hour), Wednesday (3rd and 4th hour) and Thursday’s (5th and 7th hour) dismissal time is 10:50. Friday the 19th is make-up finals only. If you miss a day of finals you need to reach out to your teacher to make arrangements to come in to take your final on Friday.
December 10, 2025
Seniors! It is not too late to join Silver Cord Service Program. You will need to start soon so you can earn 50 hours of volunteering before graduation. See Mr. Dunker (room 29) or Mr. Carlin (band room) if you have any questions.
Seniors! Now is your chance to win part of nearly $190,000 in scholarship awards just available to Rock Island High School Seniors! Whether you'll be attending a trade/vocational school, a 2-yr community/junior college, or a 4-yr college/university, there may be a scholarship for you! Only one application to complete. The Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation 2026 Scholarship Application is online at www.rimef.org. Deadline is February 27, 2026. Please contact Ms. Ponsetto in Rm 142 if you have any questions.
ALL detentions must be served End of day December 11th in order to meet the detention criteria for finals?
Time is running out to purchase your yearbook! Yearbooks are on sale in room 211 for the next weeks. Yearbooks can still be purchased online through Winter Break. Books are $60. No extras will be ordered. Don't miss out!
Attention seniors- there will be a scholarship meeting this Thursday during 6th hour in the auditorium. We will be going over details for the Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation (RIMEF) scholarship, along with other resources on scholarships. Seniors, you will need to go to homeroom first for attendance and then you will make your way to the auditorium after. See you there!
Wednesday December 10th, 2025 Sgt. Mitchell with the United States Army will be located in the cafeteria from 11:30-1:00. If you have any questions or interests be sure to stop by and inquire.
Thursday December 11th, 2025 Western IL University will be located in the cafeteria from 11:30-1:00. Pre-Sale student tickets for the Moline Basketball game this Friday will be on sale in the Athletic Office during lunch beginning on Wednesday. Presale tickets will be $2.00 instead of the normal $3.00! Get your tickets early and support the Rocks! Please be sure to stop by and talk to Mr. Ruiz about your possible future plans at Western!
EAC will be working in the greenhouse after school on Wednesday.
"Interested in hands-on experience in building affordable housing. Youth Build Quad Cities is offering a free, 10-month program for juniors and seniors ages 16-19. The program includes construction training and life skills training. If you’re interested, let your school counselor know. You may also see Mr. Rice in the cafeteria on December 10th and 11th to sign up or learn more."