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November 2023 EMSD Newsletter

November 2023 EMSD Newsletter

November Snapshot

  • John Deere Inspire Program Making a Difference at Ridgewood
  • School Board Appreciation Day - November 15th
  • Parent University
  • Our Team is Thankful
  • History of EMSD #37 - Part 2
  • Did You Know?
  • School Breakfast and Lunch Menus
  • November/December Calendar of Events

John Deere Inspire Program Making an Impact at Ridgewood Elementary

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Ridgewood Elementary is one of the very first schools to partner with John Deere and their employees on becoming an INSPIRE school. John Deere has been an incredible partner for the East Moline School District supporting programs like Project Lead the Way, FIRST Lego League, ST Math, and now -- an INSPIRE school where John Deere employees make connections with our staff and students while providing enriching STEM activities and support.


John Deere not only helps fund these amazing programs, but even more, they show up to support our students, teachers and the families of Ridgewood Elementary. This school year, the employees of John Deere have already held a school assembly, have provided all Ridgewood students with a water bottle to use at school, and even supported our 3rd grade students with an Hour of Code Week as our students worked through a dance party module. Last week, John Deere provided meals for teachers during parent-teacher conferences. Later this school year, their employees will be working with kindergarten through fourth grade students on activities using Lego bricks, planting seeds, taking a field trip to the John Deere Pavilion, and holding more Hour of Code opportunities. It invigorates and inspires us to know the employees of John Deere see us, care about our students and teachers, and actively work to support positive educational outcomes for the children of the East Moline School District.


John Deere's support of public education, educators, students, and the communities they serve is making an impact at Ridgewood Elementary and beyond.

School Board Appreciation Day is November 15th!

Thank You EMSD37 Board Of Education

EMSD #37 Parent University

East Moline School District 37 is launching its Parent University program to offer learning opportunities at all levels. These sessions hosted virtually cover a wide range of topics. November's offerings will be hosted by the Glenbard Parent Series (GPS) at noon and 7 PM. Look for future sessions also hosted via EMSD37 staff and partners on a range of topics. Click the image below to access the calendar with embedded links to attend each session. Happy learning!

Our Team Is Thankful!

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Luann Almanza, Building Secretary at Hillcrest Elementary

"I am thankful for my family, a job that I love, good health, and the best of friends." #MAlife

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Mercyvannunpar Zathang, Chin Bilingual Teacher at Ridgewood Elementary School

"I am thankful for my family, who have always supported me during my good and bad times. I am thankful for God's presence in my life and for being able to start and see a new day each day. I am thankful to have a friend, a colleague, a community, and a place to feel at home. I am thankful for all the chances life has given me in the Quad Cities. I am thankful that time is a gift that allows me to enjoy life to the fullest. I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the bilingual Chin program in EMSD37 and have the chance to educate bilingual Chin students. I am thankful that bilingual Chin students helped me realize my life mission as an educator. I am thankful to see my students grow academically every day. I am thankful for the opportunity to work with amazing people who have experience at Ridgewood. I am thankful to the Ridgewood 3rd-grade team and staff who always have my back. I am thankful for the opportunity to learn and experience new things from Lindy and Erin. I am thankful for every moment and everything."

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Guillermo "Memo" Raya, Custodian at the Early Learning Center

“I am thankful for….being part of the East Moline Early Learning Center Family, and for the opportunity to work here, in this nice environment “

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Demetrius Singleton, P.E. Teacher at Glenview Middle School

"I am thankful for my wife and daughters because they bring so much joy, love, and happiness into my life. They are my pillars of strength, always there to offer encouragement and understanding. I am grateful for the bond we share, the memories we create, and the unconditional love they shower upon me."

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Julie Alejo, Administrative Assistant for Special Services

"I am thankful for so many things it's hard to pick just one. Don't get me wrong, I have had my fair share of very difficult times in my life but all of those difficult times have made me who I am today. I have had the pleasure of working in our district and meeting so many wonderful people over the years. However, If I were to pinpoint what I'm most grateful for, it would be my family. My four children are my rock and my 3 grandboys are my cherished treasures. Becoming a grandmother has proven to be more rewarding than I could have ever imagined. Participating in activities with them such as soccer, kickball, basketball, Mario Kart, and even pickleball is so cool at my age. I realized a long time ago that I had to believe in myself to succeed. I also try very hard to out of my way to help others too. I am very thankful."

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Gregory Wilken, Science Teacher at Bowlesburg Elementary

"I am thankful for the hard times and struggles. They remind you that you are still L-i-v-i-n, and who and what matters."

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Angela Harrell, 4th Grade Teacher at Wells Elementary

"First of all, I'm grateful for so many things, it's hard to quantify in just a few sentences. I am most thankful for the love and health of my husband, 5 children, family and friends. Over the span of my now 30 year career with East Moline, I've had the privilege to work with and form rock solid friendships with some of the best people on the planet. This world is ever changing and as an educator I have gotten a front row seat to be a part of that change. I'm thankful I get to make an impact."

The History of the East Moline School District Part 2

Seeds of Knowledge: Inaugurating John Deere School

The John Deere School was the first school built in East Moline in 1901. In 1921, the school was given to the city and moved to the downtown area to be used as the City Hall Building.

In the book "East Moline: A Centennial History 1903-2003" by Judy Belan, she wrote that in 1901 the population of East Moline increased causing the capacity of the Primary School to be strained as it reached almost 50 students. It meant a larger school would soon be needed. The community felt it was necessary to construct a new brick building, which would be a valuable asset to the city of East Moline.


A petition was circulated in March 1901 to create a new school district. The voters approved the proposal, and architect O.Z. Cervin was commissioned to design a new school to be built on the corner of Tenth Street and Bluff Road. The school was constructed by George Sarginson at a cost of $5,000. John Deere School was inaugurated on December 10, 1901, with an initial enrollment of sixty students. However, by January of 1904, the two original rooms were inadequate for the growing student population. The community voted to issue bonds to expand the school and improve other rooms.


John Deere School also served as a community hub on nights and weekends, hosting activities such as graphophone entertainment and moving picture shows. In May of 1905, the first eighth-grade graduation was held at John Deere School. However, mumps and whooping cough led to small attendance and an abbreviated ceremony. At the time, teachers at John Deere School were all single women. Back then, a female teacher had to resign upon marriage, which led to frequent staff changes. In September of 1905, Charles M. Grandjean became the principal.


In 1906, the school district situation in East Moline was complex due to different parts of the village belonging to different districts. Petitions were circulated to consolidate these districts into the East Moline school district, but objections from the Watertown, Pleasant Valley (Silvis), and Hampton Townships led to the rejection of these petitions by school trustees and it would not be until September 1912 when Watertown would join the East Moline School District.

School breakfast and lunch menus

Use the QR code below with your phone's camera visit this link to access the menus for both elementary and middle school. You can also download the Nutrislice app onto your phone.

November/December Calendar of Events

Nov 9 - Glenview Band Parent Meeting

Nov 21 - 1/2 Day Early Release (School Improvement Day)

Glenview 11:30 AM * Elementary 11:00 AM

Nov 22-24 Thanksgiving Break

Dec 14 - Glenview Band Parent Meeting

Dec 20 - Jan 2 - Winter Break

East Moline School District #37
3451 Morton Drive, East Moline, IL 61244
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