2nd Quarter EMSD Newsletter

• Podcast: The Board Room Brief
• Skip the Calls—Text Our Attendance Line!
• Fall Festivities in EMSD 37
• Fall Parent - Teacher Conferences are Coming
• Parent University: Sessions in Partnership with Glenbard Parent Series (GPS)
• Ridgewood Playground Ribbon Cutting

• October Digital Resources For Families

• Thank you, Super Principals!

• Leading Our Future: Superintendent Search Update

• Family Resources
• Digital Backpack (Community Events)

This podcast is designed for parents, staff, and community members who want a quick, overview of what our school district and Board of Education have been focused on during the first quarter. In the update, we’ll break down major initiatives, key board decisions, and essential district news so you can stay informed and engaged with our schools.

English | Spanish | French | Arabic

No waiting on hold or leaving voicemails —just send a quick text!

This new Attendance Text system is designed to make attendance communication simpler by allowing families to:

• Receive instant text notifications the moment your child is marked absent.
• Reply by text in your preferred language to explain the absence, send a photo of a doctor's note, or ask a question.
• Proactively text us ahead of time if you know your child will be out.

📲 Early Learning Center: 309-247-9096 | Bowlesburg: 309-247-9110 | Hillcrest: 309-247-9924

Ridgewood: 309-499-1278 | Wells: 309-869-0771 | Glenview: 309-988-0073

At East Moline School District 37, we know that a child’s education is a true team effort, and we are deeply grateful for the strong partnership between our schools and families. Your ongoing dedication, encouragement, and daily collaboration with our teachers play a vital role in helping our students thrive. Conferences are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your student's progress, discuss goals, and strengthen the bond between home and school.

Please join us for our upcoming conferences on Thursday, November 5th and Friday, November 6th:

• Bowlesburg, Hillcrest, Ridgewood & Wells: Thursday 3:30–7:30 PM | Friday 7:30–11:15 AM

• Glenview: Thursday 3:00–7:00 PM | Friday 7:15–11:00 AM

• Early Learning Center: Thursday 3:15–7:15 PM | Friday 7:45–11:30 AM

Please note: There will be no school for students on Friday, November 6th.

Thank you for your support and commitment to your child's learning journey. Together, we ensure every student reaches their full potential. Please contact your school’s main office for specific details on scheduling. We look forward to seeing you!

Through collaboration with the Glenbard Parent Series (GPS), East Moline families have access to exclusive webinars with a variety of experts. Click the image below to see upcoming sessions, many offered via Zoom at 12pm and 7pm of the offered day.

The month of October is home to Digital Citizenship Week & Media Literacy Week. Both are focused on addressing the intersections technology in of our lives. Below are resources for families to continue these conversations at home.

October is Principal Appreciation Month, and we are taking a moment to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible leaders who keep our schools running, thriving, and smiling!

Being a school principal is a masterclass in juggling. On any given day, our principals wear a dozen different hats: chief problem solver, morning high-fiver, hallway traffic director, champion cheerleader, and calm voice in the storm. They are the early risers, the late stayers, and the heartwarming force behind every success story in our hallways.

Whether they’re greeting students with contagious enthusiasm at morning drop-off, supporting our dedicated teachers, or making those big decisions that keep our school community safe and inspired, their heart and hard work shape our days in ways big and small. They build a culture where learning is exciting, kindness is cool, and every student feels seen and valued. To our amazing principals: thank you for your endless energy, steady guidance, and unwavering dedication to our kids and staff. We are so lucky to have you at the helm!

If you see your "super" principal in the halls or at drop-off, be sure to drop a high five, a warm smile, or a heartfelt "thank you" their way!

As we move into the second quarter, the East Moline School District 37 Board of Education remains deeply grateful for your continued partnership as we search for our next superintendent following Dr. Humphries’ announced retirement at the end of this school year. Thanks to your overwhelming participation and feedback in our community surveys and focus groups, the East Moline School District is seeking a collaborative, student-centered leader who champions strong instructional leadership, equity, and inclusive environments for all students and staff.

The Board of Education will soon begin the interview stage of our process. Working alongside Dr. Carmen Ayala of the Illinois Association of School Boards, the Board will soon begin interviewing a pool of highly qualified candidates based on the roadmap our community helped build. This is an exciting moment for EMSD 37 as we seek an aspirational leader to build upon our progress and inspire future success. The Board expects to formally appoint our new superintendent at the December 14, 2026 Board of Education meeting.

Nov 5: PM Parent-Teacher Conferences

Nov 6: AM Parent-Teacher Conferences (No Student Attendance)

Nov 11: Veterans Day (Observed Nov 25)

Nov 25 - 27: Thanksgiving Break

December 21 - Jan 1: Winter Break

Jan 3: Return from Winter Break

Jan 8: End of 2nd Quarter

Jan 18: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No School)