Rock Island Center for Math and Science

The Rock Island Center for Math & Science (RICMS) is a K-6 choice school that was built in 2010 with a clear commitment to student-centered, integrated learning with an emphasis on math and science. Since that time, RICMS has evolved into a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) driven school with the vision to develop a community of critical thinkers and strong leaders through high expectations...all within a safe and respectful learning environment!

Our most often-asked question: How is Rock Island Center for Math and Science different from our other educational offerings in the Rock Island-Milan School District #41? The answer is simple: we have a three tiered focus on place-based, inquiry-based, and project-based instruction.

John Hawley

Principal, Rock Island Center for Math and Science, Rock Island, IL

John Hawley serves as Principal at the Rock Island Center for Math and Science (RICMS). This is his third year in the Rock Island-Milan School District. Before coming here, Mr. Hawley began his career teaching high school Spanish in 1987 in Geneseo, Illinois. The next year, he moved to North Scott High School in Iowa, where he held positions of Spanish teacher for twenty years and Assistant Principal for four years. He then transferred to the Jr. High and was principal for ten years. Mr. Hawley now has experience working with students from kindergarten through twelfth grade.  

Mr. Hawley, a fluent Spanish speaker, is an advocate for all scholars and came to Rock Island to engage with scholars and families from diverse backgrounds and to work for a district that publicizes and emphasizes a strong interest in equity and inclusion. Mr. Hawley’s mission in life is to bring value to others, and what he loves most in his career is influencing scholars and young leaders to envision what it would take to become their best selves and then working together to reach those dreams.  

Mr. Hawley was born in Laramie, Wyoming, and was raised in Cedar Falls, Iowa.  He calls education the family business because his father and mother both worked for the University of Northern Iowa, and his 3 siblings are all educators. At one time before moving to administration, all six members of his family taught Spanish at various levels. Many members of the Rock Island Community know his brother, Michael, a former Spanish instructor at Rock Island High School. Mr. Hawley and his siblings possess ten degrees, eight from THE University of Northern Iowa. 

Mr. Hawley and Kim, his wife of 35 years, reside in Eldridge, Iowa. If you need to find Mr. Hawley, you are most likely to find him at school or on a pickleball court. His eldest daughter, Alexandria, lives and teaches in Dallas, Texas. His daughter Victoria, an attorney, and husband Freddie Crittendon, a professional track hurdler, have one child. Mr. Hawley connects with them over FaceTime and visits them whenever possible.