March 2024 EMSD Newsletter
March Snapshot
- Glenview North Gymnasium Makeover
- Spring Break Ideas in the QC
- Our First Electric Bus
- Parent University - March & April
- East Moline School District History
- Tech Conversations with The Smart Talk
- Bus Drivers Needed for 2024-25
- February Board of Education Meeting Updates
- Online Registration Coming Soon for the 2024 - 25 School Year
- March/April Calendar of Events
Glenview North Gym - Extreme Makeover Edition
This project will be funded by the County Schools Facility Tax. We are excited about this change and look forward to sharing it with our students, staff and families next fall. Before then, you can see a preview in the picture rendering below. A big thanks to the Board of Education for approving the gymnasium makeover! To learn what else happened at the February Board of Education meeting, scroll down toward the bottom of the newsletter to learn more.
Spring Break Ideas in the QC
Our First Electric Bus!
Last week, we took delivery of our very first electric bus in the East Moline School District. The bus was delivered on the back of a flat bed truck and will soon go into operation. This bus was purchased through a grant with the state of Illinois. Watch for Bus #EV1 after spring break as it will soon be making the rounds around the East Moline School District!
Parent University Sessions - March & April
Click the image below to access the Parent University calendar with embedded links to attend each session. Happy learning!
East Moline School District History: Part 6 - School District Consolidations
In 1908, residents west of First Street in East Moline, an area known as Walker Station, voted to become part of the city of Moline. This area included two schools, Grinnell in District No. 37 and Ridgeview School in District No. 38. Most Walker Station residents wanted their children to attend Moline schools, but annexation required a majority vote and could not be acted upon until the annual meeting of township school trustees in April 1909.
Grinnell School was expected to be transferred to Moline, necessitating accommodations for East Moline pupils. However, district changes faced legal and logistical issues, as contiguous annexations were required. Despite these challenges, District No. 37 made improvements to Grinnell School while also considering expanding eastward.
A new school was also needed in Warner's Crossing (the area around 19th Street on the East Moline - Silvis border) due to population growth. District No. 34 (Silvis) voters approved bonds for a new schoolhouse in 1907, but issues delayed construction. The school opened in January 1908 but was only partially finished. By 1911, residents pushed for annexation to East Moline, which was eventually successful, and the school was renamed Garfield School.
During the is same time period, Watertown's District No. 30 faced overcrowding and sought solutions. Despite initial resistance from Hampton Township trustees, consolidation with East Moline was eventually achieved after a series of petitions, meetings, and legal actions. The new combined district formed the East Moline-Watertown district, and after some controversy and legal wrangling, the Watertown school was renamed McKinley and prepared for occupancy.
The early 20th century saw a complex series of school district annexations and consolidations in the East Moline area, driven by population growth and the desire for better educational facilities. Despite legal and logistical challenges, these efforts ultimately led to the expansion and improvement of local schools.
Come work with the EMSD #37 team!
Hiring a Custodian at Glenview Middle School
EMSD is currently accepting applications for a P.M. custodian at Glenview Middle School. This is a twelve month position, with work hours from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. This position is part of the AFSCME collective bargaining group. Click here to apply!
Technology Conversations at Home with The Smart Talk
The Smart Talk helps children and families feel safer and more empowered in their digital lives. Click on the image below to go to their site. You are able to make a free account or use the site as a guest to engage in reflective conversations about technology at home.
February Board of Education Meeting Updates
Black History Month activities
The Board of Education heard about the District door decorating contest. The grand prize winner is Melissa Brondos and her 4th grade students at Wells Elementary. Rachel Pontillas, Margarita Mojica and Jesus Aguirre (Glenview educators) were also recognized for being the most creative and most relevant! The Board also heard about heard about the student assembly at Glenview with former EMSD students Avery Pearl and Tayvian Johnson, Mayor Reggie Freeman, author Shellie Moore Guy, Pastor Larry Westbrook, Mason Parks from the United Auto Workers and Pamela Davidson, State Central Committeewoman from the 17th District. A big pat on the back to Belinda Rusch for organizing the assembly!
Ridgewood Elementary is a John Deere Inspire School
Principal Mary Peterson and Felicia Knary from John Deere, shared information about the partnership including: school assemblies put on by Deere employees, logo water bottles for all students, 3rd and 4th grade students learning how to code with John Deere employees, incentives for math challenges, spring planting fun for the 1st grade students, 2nd graders visiting the John Deere commons, the purchase of supplies for calming corners at Ridgewood funded by the Deere employees volunteer efforts, and John Deere even provided delicious wraps for our teachers from Revive Cafe during parent-teacher-conferences. We are fortunate to have a community partner like John Deere who actively invests in our students!
Solar Proposal for Ridgewood Elementary
Recently, the Board of Education approved a new roof for Ridgewood. The old roof had issues and needed to be redesigned and will be installed this upcoming summer. The Board asked for more information on the addition of solar to the Ridgewood roof and if it would be financially advantageous to look closer since there are federal and state tax credits. Information was shared with the Board and more information on other available programs will be shared next month. As of now, the Board is doing their due diligence to learn more about adding solar in the future.
Online Registration for the 2024-25 School Year -- Opens April 17
March/April Calendar of Events
March 8 - Early Dismissal (Glenview: 11 am, Elementary: 11:30 am)
March 11-15 - Spring Break
March 18 - Students return back to school
March 22 - End of 3rd Quarter
March 29 - No School
April 1 - No School
April 9 - Early Dismissal (Glenview: 11 am, Elementary: 11:30 am)
April 10 - No School
April 17 - Online Registration begins for the 2024-25 school year