Last week we had training from Yale University's RULER Implementation Specialists. Next, we will begin important work with Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, and Regulating our emotions. We are excited for this work.
7 days ago, Robert Junna
A group of educators and staff participate in a professional development workshop in a school library. A facilitator in a black suit stands at the head of a large table, addressing several seated participants who are engaged in discussion and taking notes. Bookshelves and a sign reading "Books are for everyone" are visible in the background.
A hand-written "Shining Spartan Charter" poster sits on a table during a staff collaboration session. The poster outlines group values such as "engaged," "inspired," "valued," and "open-minded," with specific action items like "actively listen," "make a plan," and "be okay to disagree." Several signatures from staff members are visible in a box at the bottom left, while team members work with notebooks and name tags around the table in the background.
Two staff members hold a large Post-it easel pad titled "Westdale Charter" featuring brainstorming notes from a collaborative session. The paper includes a hand-drawn paw print with the words "Inspired, Engaged, Motivated," a list of team names, and goals such as "Discuss possibilities," "Active participation," and "Establish a plan of implementation for 26-27."
A large Post-it easel pad titled "Roy RULER Training Charter" is held up in a school library, surrounded by bookshelves. The poster displays colorful handwritten notes on group values, including "Valued," "Productive," "Inspired," "Confident," and "Supported," with corresponding action items like "Acknowledgement of all ideas" and "Work together." Several staff signatures are visible in the bottom left corner, signifying team agreement.
A large group of Mannheim School District staff members pose for a group photo in a school library after a professional development session. The diverse team of educators and administrators are smiling, with some holding "The Mood Meter" posters. Many staff members are wearing school-affiliated apparel, including Mannheim Falcons and various university sweatshirts, showcasing a collaborative and positive school culture.
A smiling staff member holds up a hand-drawn poster titled "The Charter of Training" in a school library. The poster uses the acronym "FOKIS" to highlight team values: Focused, Organized, Knowledgeable, Inspired, and Supported. Each value includes specific goals like "whole body listening," "action items," and "consistent encouragement," with several colorful staff signatures at the bottom of the page.
Enger, Scott, Roy & MMS diving into PLCs, Desmos & Curriculum! 📚 MECC in purposeful planning. 🧩 Ms. Kjome & Westdale analyzing data. 📊 Staff & Paras across D83 are collaborating to empower every student to reach their full potential! 🚀 #D83Shines
about 2 months ago, Robert Junna
A fast-paced slideshow GIF showcasing collaborative professional development across District 83 schools. The video features various scenes of educators, including Enger, Scott, Roy, and MMS, working in small groups with laptops and Desmos math software. Other clips show staff at MECC engaged in "purposeful planning" with curriculum guides, and Ms. Kjome leading data analysis at Westdale. Throughout the reel, a diverse group of teachers, administrators, and paraprofessionals are seen smiling, brainstorming at whiteboards, and reviewing student work in vibrant classroom settings, all highlighting a district-wide culture of collaboration and student empowerment.
Enger PLC teams planning for success! 🤝 Collaborating to empower every student to reach their full potential. 🌟 #D83Shines
about 2 months ago, Robert Junna
Enger PLC 1
Enger PLC 2
Enger PLC 3
TLCs & Media Specialists at @west40ISC/@ltcillinois Hi, AI! Conf! 🤖 Learning tools to empower students & shape a brighter future. ✨ #D83Shines
about 2 months ago, Robert Junna
A photo featuring District 83 Technology Learning Coaches (TLCs) and Media Specialists attending the "Hi, AI!" Conference hosted by West40 and the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show staff members engaged in hands-on workshops, collaborating around laptops to explore artificial intelligence tools, and posing together in a professional learning environment. The photos capture the team’s focus on integrating new technology to empower students and prepare them for a future shaped by AI.
A photo featuring District 83 Technology Learning Coaches (TLCs) and Media Specialists attending the "Hi, AI!" Conference hosted by West40 and the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show staff members engaged in hands-on workshops, collaborating around laptops to explore artificial intelligence tools, and posing together in a professional learning environment. The photos capture the team’s focus on integrating new technology to empower students and prepare them for a future shaped by AI.
A photo featuring District 83 Technology Learning Coaches (TLCs) and Media Specialists attending the "Hi, AI!" Conference hosted by West40 and the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show staff members engaged in hands-on workshops, collaborating around laptops to explore artificial intelligence tools, and posing together in a professional learning environment. The photos capture the team’s focus on integrating new technology to empower students and prepare them for a future shaped by AI.
A photo featuring District 83 Technology Learning Coaches (TLCs) and Media Specialists attending the "Hi, AI!" Conference hosted by West40 and the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show staff members engaged in hands-on workshops, collaborating around laptops to explore artificial intelligence tools, and posing together in a professional learning environment. The photos capture the team’s focus on integrating new technology to empower students and prepare them for a future shaped by AI.
Snowy start, but heating up with collaboration! 💻 Empowering educators to reach every learner. Teams are focused on high-level tasks like analyzing MAP data, collaborating in PLCs, and integrating technology tools.🚀 #D83Shines
2 months ago, Robert Junna
A slideshow GIF documenting a collaborative professional development day at District 83 during a snowy morning. The frames transition through scenes of educators gathered in warm, bright classrooms and meeting spaces, working intently at laptops and whiteboards. The footage highlights teams huddled together for PLC meetings, specialists analyzing MAP data reports on screens, and teachers experimenting with new digital technology tools. The overall energy is focused and industrious, showing staff members across the district collaborating to refine instructional strategies and support student growth.
Dr. Giraldo & Ms. Laurie join our PowerSchool training! 💻 Leveraging data to support the whole child & cultural mindfulness. 🌏 #D83Shines
2 months ago, Robert Junna
A photo of Dr. Diego Giraldo speaking to the District secretaries about the importance of PowerSchool data
A photo of Dr. Diego Giraldo speaking to the District secretaries about the importance of PowerSchool data
A photo of Deanna Laurie speaking to the District secretaries about the importance of PowerSchool data

Our School and District Office Secretaries, Health Clerks, & Tech Team growing w/ Mary Brewer @MyPowerSchool! Accurate data fosters clear communication and building community. 💻🚀 #D83Shines

2 months ago, Robert Junna
A photo showing District 83 School and District Office Secretaries, Health Clerks, and the Tech Team during a PowerSchool training session with Mary Brewer. The images capture staff members working diligently at their laptops in a collaborative workshop setting, participating in guided instruction, and discussing data management strategies. The photo highlights the team's commitment to professional growth and data accuracy to ensure clear communication and a stronger school community.
A photo showing District 83 School and District Office Secretaries, Health Clerks, and the Tech Team during a PowerSchool training session with Mary Brewer. The images capture staff members working diligently at their laptops in a collaborative workshop setting, participating in guided instruction, and discussing data management strategies. The photo highlights the team's commitment to professional growth and data accuracy to ensure clear communication and a stronger school community.
A photo showing District 83 School and District Office Secretaries, Health Clerks, and the Tech Team during a PowerSchool training session with Mary Brewer. The images capture staff members working diligently at their laptops in a collaborative workshop setting, participating in guided instruction, and discussing data management strategies. The photo highlights the team's commitment to professional growth and data accuracy to ensure clear communication and a stronger school community.
A photo showing District 83 School and District Office Secretaries, Health Clerks, and the Tech Team during a PowerSchool training session with Mary Brewer. The images capture staff members working diligently at their laptops in a collaborative workshop setting, participating in guided instruction, and discussing data management strategies. The photo highlights the team's commitment to professional growth and data accuracy to ensure clear communication and a stronger school community.
Lifelong learning in action! 🎓 D83 staff prepping for Google Level 2 with @mrOkigawa from @ltcillinois. Growing to empower our students! #D83Shines
2 months ago, Robert Junna
A photo capturing District 83 staff members participating in a Google Level 2 certification training led by Eric Okigawa from the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show educators focused on their laptops in a classroom setting, engaging in collaborative discussions, and following along with presentation slides. The atmosphere is one of focused professional growth as the team works together to master advanced digital tools to better empower their students.
A photo capturing District 83 staff members participating in a Google Level 2 certification training led by Eric Okigawa from the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show educators focused on their laptops in a classroom setting, engaging in collaborative discussions, and following along with presentation slides. The atmosphere is one of focused professional growth as the team works together to master advanced digital tools to better empower their students.
A photo capturing District 83 staff members participating in a Google Level 2 certification training led by Eric Okigawa from the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show educators focused on their laptops in a classroom setting, engaging in collaborative discussions, and following along with presentation slides. The atmosphere is one of focused professional growth as the team works together to master advanced digital tools to better empower their students.
👩‍💻 Kicking off the holidays with some serious upskilling! District 83 staff are diving into the Google Educator Level 1 workshop today with Mark Okigawa @ltcillinois. 🚀
3 months ago, Robert Junna
A photo capturing District 83 staff members participating in a Google Level 2 certification training led by Eric Okigawa from the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show educators focused on their laptops in a classroom setting, engaging in collaborative discussions, and following along with presentation slides. The atmosphere is one of focused professional growth as the team works together to master advanced digital tools to better empower their students.
A photo capturing District 83 staff members participating in a Google Level 2 certification training led by Eric Okigawa from the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show educators focused on their laptops in a classroom setting, engaging in collaborative discussions, and following along with presentation slides. The atmosphere is one of focused professional growth as the team works together to master advanced digital tools to better empower their students.
A photo capturing District 83 staff members participating in a Google Level 2 certification training led by Eric Okigawa from the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show educators focused on their laptops in a classroom setting, engaging in collaborative discussions, and following along with presentation slides. The atmosphere is one of focused professional growth as the team works together to master advanced digital tools to better empower their students.
A photo capturing District 83 staff members participating in a Google Level 2 certification training led by Eric Okigawa from the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show educators focused on their laptops in a classroom setting, engaging in collaborative discussions, and following along with presentation slides. The atmosphere is one of focused professional growth as the team works together to master advanced digital tools to better empower their students.
A photo capturing District 83 staff members participating in a Google Level 2 certification training led by Eric Okigawa from the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show educators focused on their laptops in a classroom setting, engaging in collaborative discussions, and following along with presentation slides. The atmosphere is one of focused professional growth as the team works together to master advanced digital tools to better empower their students.
A photo capturing District 83 staff members participating in a Google Level 2 certification training led by Eric Okigawa from the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show educators focused on their laptops in a classroom setting, engaging in collaborative discussions, and following along with presentation slides. The atmosphere is one of focused professional growth as the team works together to master advanced digital tools to better empower their students.
Co-Teaching with CEC, Dr. Jeff Zwiers on Improving Quality of Classroom Conversations Across Grade Levels and Disciplines, and Enger's history chain! D83 is all-in on supporting staff & students building our future together. Great work! 🚀 #D83Shines
3 months ago, Robert Junna
A slideshow GIF highlighting diverse professional development and classroom activities across District 83. The reel features educators participating in a CEC Co-Teaching workshop, staff attending a seminar by Dr. Jeff Zwiers on improving the quality of classroom conversations, and a creative "history chain" project in a classroom at Enger School. The scenes transition between teachers collaborating in a boardroom setting, educators practicing conversational strategies, and students engaged in hands-on learning, all showcasing the district's commitment to supporting staff and student growth.
The Life Skills & Well-Being S.A.C. is making great progress on curriculum! Building capacity to fulfill our shared goals. 🚀 #D83Shines
3 months ago, Robert Junna
A photo of the Life Skills and Well-Being Student Advisory Committee (S.A.C.) members working together in a professional meeting space. The group is seen collaborating on curriculum development, with laptops open and educational documents spread across the table. The atmosphere is focused and productive as they work on building capacity to meet District 83's shared goals for student success.
A photo of the presenter at the Life Skills and Well-Being Student Advisory Committee (S.A.C.) members working together in a professional meeting space. The group is seen collaborating on curriculum development, with laptops open and educational documents spread across the table. The atmosphere is focused and productive as they work on building capacity to meet District 83's shared goals for student success.
A photo of the Life Skills and Well-Being Student Advisory Committee (S.A.C.) members working together in a professional meeting space. The group is seen collaborating on curriculum development, with laptops open and educational documents spread across the table. The atmosphere is focused and productive as they work on building capacity to meet District 83's shared goals for student success.
A photo of the Life Skills and Well-Being Student Advisory Committee (S.A.C.) members working together in a professional meeting space. The group is seen collaborating on curriculum development, with laptops open and educational documents spread across the table. The atmosphere is focused and productive as they work on building capacity to meet District 83's shared goals for student success.
Incredible day at #D83shines #EDCamp2025! 💡 We tackled everything from Behavior Management and SEL with yoga/mindfulness, to essential Literacy strategies like AAC support & graphic novels. Big takeaways on using tech for Multilingual Learners (Medley App) and creating Assessments for Student Success (Google Forms). So much peer-to-peer learning! #EdChat #Unconference
4 months ago, Robert Junna
A dynamic slideshow GIF capturing the collaborative energy of #EDCamp2025 at District 83. The frames transition through various "unconference" sessions where educators are seen leading peer-to-peer discussions on behavior management and SEL, including a group practicing yoga and mindfulness techniques. Other scenes highlight literacy strategies with displays of graphic novels and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) support tools. The reel also features staff members huddled around laptops exploring the Medley App for Multilingual Learners and designing student assessments using Google Forms, showcasing a day of diverse, hands-on professional learning.
A dynamic slideshow GIF capturing the collaborative energy of #EDCamp2025 at District 83. The frames transition through various "unconference" sessions where educators are seen leading peer-to-peer discussions on behavior management and SEL, including a group practicing yoga and mindfulness techniques. Other scenes highlight literacy strategies with displays of graphic novels and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) support tools. The reel also features staff members huddled around laptops exploring the Medley App for Multilingual Learners and designing student assessments using Google Forms, showcasing a day of diverse, hands-on professional learning.

Great PT Conferences at all schools tonight! Our Family & Community Partnership aims to strengthen, expand, and enhance the success and well-being of all students. #D83shines

4 months ago, Robert Junna
A slideshow GIF capturing the energy and engagement of Parent-Teacher Conferences across District 83 schools. The scenes transition through various school buildings, showing teachers and families sitting together in classrooms and hallways, deeply engaged in conversation. The photos highlight smiling faces, staff welcoming parents, and collaborative discussions at desks, all illustrating the district's Family and Community Partnership in action to support student success and well-being.
D83 is focused on growth! Enger, MMS, Westdale, Scott & Roy staff are busy with PD on GCN, GWB planning, Sped, E-Learning folders, Aquatics, Math Validation & Winter MAP testing. Cultivating continuous learning for all! #D83Shines 🚀💡📚💻✨
4 months ago, Robert Junna
A fast-paced slideshow GIF showcasing a variety of professional development activities for staff from Enger, MMS, Westdale, Scott, and Roy schools. The reel features scenes of educators working on laptops for GCN training and GWB planning, special education teams collaborating in small groups, and staff organizing E-Learning folders. Additional clips show aquatic safety training, math validation discussions, and teachers preparing for Winter MAP testing. The images capture a high-energy, district-wide environment of continuous learning with staff engaged in workshops, classrooms, and collaborative meeting spaces.
Enger staff focused on growth today with GCN training in the cafeteria & support staff PD in the gym! Powering our commitment to student success. #D83Shines 🚀💡
4 months ago, Robert Junna
A facilitator leads a professional meeting for staff members seated at tables in a brightly lit common area. A large digital screen displays a document titled "SST Meeting Agenda," and large windows in the background look out toward a parking lot and a nearby Starbucks. Some participants work on laptops and take notes, while others engage in the group discussion.
Staff members sit at hexagonal tables in a brightly lit school common area, engaged in a professional meeting with laptops and notebooks. The room features yellow chairs, light green tiled walls, and a "Cafeteria" poster outlining expectations for being safe, respectful, and responsible.
Staff members sit at wooden tables in a school common area, listening to a facilitator during a professional development meeting. The room features light green tiled walls, a "Cafeteria" poster with behavioral expectations, and a colorful periodic table hanging in the background.
A group of staff members sit at long folding tables in a school gymnasium during a presentation. A facilitator in a pink dress stands at the front of the room addressing the attendees, while the wall behind them features a large "HOME OF THE JAGUARS" graphic in blue and white.
Five staff members sit in a row of green folding chairs against a blue-and-white gymnasium wall during a school meeting. They are dressed casually, with some smiling and others listening attentively, while a blue padded wall and gymnastic equipment are visible behind them.
Five staff members sit at a black folding table in a school gymnasium during a professional development meeting. They appear to be listening to a presentation, with a blue padded wall and a navy blue stage curtain visible in the background.
A large group of educators is seated at tables across a school gymnasium during a professional development session. A facilitator in a pink dress addresses the group from the front, with the "Home of the Jaguars" logo prominently displayed on the wall behind them. Tables in the foreground are covered with colorful hexagonal activity cards and materials for a collaborative workshop.
Delayed Start PD with MedleyAI, EBP/Easter Seals, Behavior Strategies, Co-Teaching, & team planning show our commitment to the D83 vision! 💡 #D83Shines
4 months ago, Robert Junna
A slideshow GIF highlighting a productive "Delayed Start" professional development morning for District 83 staff. The images transition through various groups of educators engaged in specialized training, including exploring MedleyAI tools on laptops, participating in EBP and Easter Seals workshops, and discussing classroom behavior strategies. Other scenes show co-teaching pairs collaborating on lesson plans and grade-level teams huddled together for collective planning. The reel captures a vibrant, district-wide atmosphere of professional growth and dedication to the D83 vision.
Amazing 22nd Annual Community Breakfast! 🥞 Seeing our students shine & partners connect confirms our shared path forward. We're dedicated to this vision! 🚀 #D83Shines
4 months ago, Robert Junna
A celebratory slideshow GIF capturing highlights from the 22nd Annual District 83 Community Breakfast. The reel features scenes of a crowded event hall filled with local partners, families, and staff networking over breakfast. Students are seen "shining" as they perform, present, or lead activities, while various frames show community leaders engaged in conversation at decorated tables. The images transition through candid moments of connection and formal presentations, all illustrating the district's dedication to its shared vision and community partnerships.

1st year D83 teachers learning a lot with @ThinkingMaps this afternoon! Great to invest in tools that drive our long-term vision. 🚀 #D83Shines

4 months ago, Robert Junna
A photo of first-year District 83 teachers participating in a professional development workshop focused on Thinking Maps. The educators are gathered in a collaborative learning space, working with colorful visual organizers and instructional tools on their tables. The image captures the new teachers engaged in discussion and hands-on practice, highlighting the district’s investment in foundational strategies that support long-term student success and instructional vision.
A photo of first-year District 83 teachers participating in a professional development workshop focused on Thinking Maps. The educators are gathered in a collaborative learning space, working with colorful visual organizers and instructional tools on their tables. The image captures the new teachers engaged in discussion and hands-on practice, highlighting the district’s investment in foundational strategies that support long-term student success and instructional vision.
A photo of first-year District 83 teachers participating in a professional development workshop focused on Thinking Maps. The educators are gathered in a collaborative learning space, working with colorful visual organizers and instructional tools on their tables. The image captures the new teachers engaged in discussion and hands-on practice, highlighting the district’s investment in foundational strategies that support long-term student success and instructional vision.
Across D83, we're uniting on key initiatives for student success! Productive meetings at Westdale, MMS, and Scott School focused on Goals, Growth, Wellbeing, SEL, & Curriculum updates (including PowerPTC, Library, NWEA, & Tapestry). We're collaborating district-wide to prepare for upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences and drive our shared vision of excellence into action! 🚀✨ #D83Shines
4 months ago, Robert Junna
A comprehensive slideshow GIF showcasing district-wide collaboration across Westdale, MMS, and Scott School. The reel features various scenes of educators and administrators in productive meetings, focusing on key initiatives such as student growth, SEL (Social Emotional Learning), and wellbeing. Frames show staff working on laptops to navigate PowerPTC, reviewing library resources, and analyzing NWEA and Tapestry curriculum updates. The images transition through vibrant classrooms and conference rooms, capturing teams huddled together to prepare for Parent-Teacher Conferences and aligning their efforts to drive the district's shared vision of excellence.
Staff PD brings us together with a shared vision & common goals! Co-Teaching, Lesson Design, & training are key steps on our roadmap to empower all students. #D83Shines ✨
5 months ago, Robert Junna
A collaborative slideshow GIF featuring District 83 staff participating in various professional development sessions. The reel transitions through scenes of teachers working in co-teaching pairs to plan inclusive lessons, educators huddled around laptops for lesson design workshops, and large-group training sessions held in vibrant school settings. The images capture a focused and unified atmosphere, showing staff members brainstorming on whiteboards and reviewing curriculum materials, all highlighting the district's roadmap to empowering students through shared instructional goals.