Full house alert! 🚀 We have 30 educators packed into the Mannheim Middle School Media Center today for the Gemini Educator Workshop!

From mastering the PARTS prompting framework to building custom Gems, we’re leveling up AI literacy to transform the classroom. Big thanks to Mark Okigawa and @LTC_Illinois for leading the way! 💻✨

#GeminiAcademy #AIinEdu #GoogleEducator #LTCil
9 days ago, Robert Junna
An educator with long dark hair tied back and a beard stands in a well-lit school library, gesturing with one hand toward his chest while presenting. He is positioned next to a long table with a laptop, facing a large projection screen displaying a "Gemini Academy" slide titled "Module 04: 10 Ways to Amplify Your Teaching with Gemini." The background features organized bookshelves filled with books, student-oriented decorations, and large windows, creating an engaging academic atmosphere.
8th Grade History Fair at MMS showcased the work of 8th graders, who have for the past month, been deeply engaged in researching topics related to WWII and the Holocaust, diving into history with curiosity, critical thinking, and dedication. Today, they had the opportunity to showcase all of their hard work in a dynamic and engaging way! Using a variety of formats including posters, articles, slideshows, and websites—students demonstrated not only what they learned but also their ability to analyze historical events, make meaningful connections, and communicate their findings clearly. Each presentation reflected thoughtful research, creativity, and a genuine passion for understanding this important period in history. We are incredibly proud of their effort and the professionalism they brought to sharing their learning with the MMS community.
25 days ago, Tom Herion
3 students standing in front of 3 computers proudly displaying their projects for History Fair
Two students in blue hoodies and blue slacks standing proudly in front of display boards about research for History Fair
Two students in blue t-shirts standing proudly in front of display boards about research for History Fair
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.
29 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.
Apparently, great minds don’t just think alike… they dress alike. MMS Admin Team rocking the same color scheme outfit - no group text, no planning meeting, no shared Google Doc. Just pure, accidental synchronization! #MMSFalcons #WeAreD83
about 1 month ago, Tom Herion
Three smiling school administrators stand arm-in-arm in a doorway at a school, unintentionally dressed alike in gray tops, black pants, and blue lanyards with ID badges.
MMS students are leaving their mark, one ceiling tile at a time! MMS students are designing & painting ceiling tiles that reflect MMS PRIDE. These creative pieces will serve as a lasting reminder of our values at MMS. #WeAreD83 #MMSPRIDE
about 2 months ago, Tom Herion
Three females stand in a classroom holding a hand-painted ceiling tile. The artwork shows a nighttime scene of a black cat sitting on a windowsill, looking out at the moon and stars through a window with green curtains. A small hanging plant appears on the right side of the window, and a red candle and purple book sit on the sill. Behind them, a bulletin board reads “Information Station,” and a wall clock is visible.
Two women stand in a classroom holding a large, hand-painted ceiling tile. The tile has a bright blue background with the name “WALSH” in large pink letters and “Room 213” written on the right side next to a disco ball. In the center, two hands form a heart shape above an open book decorated with colorful paw prints. A purple mug filled with a warm drink and yellow pencils sit on the right side of the design, with pink decorative accents along the bottom. A garland hangs across the whiteboard behind them.
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
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.
MMS teams collaborating & planning for the future! Desmos, CEC, GWB, & PLCs 🤝 Empowering every student to reach their full potential. 🌟 #D83Shines
2 months ago, Robert Junna
A photo of three smiling staff members posing together in an office. One man is seated at a desk while two colleagues stand behind him, leaning in for a friendly group picture. The office walls are decorated with numerous Mannheim Falcons team photos, calendars, and personal memorabilia, capturing a warm moment of camaraderie and school spirit.
A photo of two smiling staff members seated together at a desk in the school library. The background features bookshelves labeled "Fiction" and various decorations, while the desk is filled with colorful office supplies and an Iowa pennant. The image captures a friendly and welcoming environment in the media center.
Alt Text A photo of two smiling staff members seated at their desks in a classroom office. The woman on the left sits behind a desk with a computer, while her colleague sits at a separate table with a laptop and a coffee cup, posing with a peace sign. The background features a whiteboard with daily schedules and red heart decorations, creating a cheerful atmosphere.
Congrats to the MMS JV Boys Team on their 2nd place finish in the LNAC 6/7th grade Championship Game.
3 months ago, Tom Herion
A group photograph of the Mannheim boys' basketball team and their coach posing together on a wooden gymnasium floor. Ten players, wearing white uniforms with blue "MANNHEIM" text, stand in front of a green padded wall, with one player in the center holding a trophy. Their coach stands on the far right, smiling.
"LETS GO MMS!" The MMS Cheer Team leads the crowd in cheers! #MMSFalcons #WeAreD83
3 months ago, Tom Herion
A photo of the Mannheim cheerleading squad performing stunts on the basketball court at Ridgewood High School. The cheerleaders, wearing blue and black uniforms, are executing two lift formations with flyers raised in the air while teammates support them. The background features a crowd of spectators in the bleachers watching the performance during the game.
MMS Boys JV Team winning after the first quarter! Shout out to the MMS Cheer Squad for pumping up the crowd! #WeAreD83 #MMSFalcons
3 months ago, Tom Herion
A photo of the Mannheim boys' basketball team huddled on the sidelines during a game at Ridgewood High School. The players, wearing white jerseys with blue numbers, are gathered closely around their coaches who are providing instruction during a timeout. The scene captures a focused moment of teamwork and strategy, with the scoreboard and spectators visible in the background.
A photo of the Mannheim School District cheerleading squad performing a routine on the wooden basketball court at Ridgewood High School. The cheerleaders, dressed in blue and white uniforms, are arranged in two lines with their backs to the camera, raising their arms. In the background, a green wall displays the school's "Fight Song," and spectators watch from the side.
Quarter 2 PRIDE Reward Day! Today we celebrate our students’ commitment to our PRIDE values during our Quarter 2 PRIDE Reward Activity Day, including open gym time and a relaxing “Color & Chill” space in the cafeteria. This celebration is our way of recognizing students for demonstrating Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Diligence, and Enthusiasm throughout the quarter.
3 months ago, Tom Herion
A wide-angle photo of the gymnasium at Mannheim Middle School filled with a large group of students during a physical education class. Students are scattered across the wooden court, with some participating in volleyball drills near a net while others engage in various activities. The spacious facility features bright lighting and walls decorated with blue banners and the text "MANNHEIM MIDDLE SCHOOL".
A wide-angle photo of the Mannheim Middle School gymnasium filled with students actively participating in physical education. Groups of students are playing basketball and dribbling across the wooden court, while others socialize and move through the space. The gym features bright overhead lighting, blue wall padding, and a large "MANNHEIM MIDDLE SCHOOL" graphic with a falcon mascot displayed on the far wall.
A photo of a physical education class taking place inside the Mannheim Middle School gymnasium. A teacher is actively instructing a group of students who are gathered on the wooden basketball court and lined up along a large blue divider wall. The bright facility features basketball hoops and school banners hanging in the background.
A photo of the spacious cafeteria at Mannheim Middle School, where students are seated in small groups at round tables with blue stools. The room features high ceilings with bright lighting and large silver structural columns. In the foreground, a student in an orange long-sleeved shirt leans into the frame, while other students converse and relax in the background.
Active learning @ D83! 🧠 Math (@Amplify @hmhlearn), behavior PD, & PLCs. Empowering students to shape a brighter future by preparing ourselves today. ✨ #D83Shines
3 months ago, Robert Junna
A fast-paced slideshow GIF featuring various scenes of educational professional development and classroom instruction. The reel shows educators engaging with Amplify and HMH Math curriculum on laptops, staff participating in specialized behavior PD workshops, and collaborative PLC teams analyzing student data. The images transition through various District 83 classrooms and meeting spaces, capturing teachers and staff working together to prepare instructional strategies that empower student success.
TLCs & Media Specialists at @west40ISC/@ltcillinois Hi, AI! Conf! 🤖 Learning tools to empower students & shape a brighter future. ✨ #D83Shines
3 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
3 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.
MMS staff meeting today to collaborate & connect; including reviewing student MAP data & Winter performance. Setting goals and challenging expectations for students growth and achievement. #WeAreD83 #MMSFalcons
3 months ago, Tom Herion
A photo of district staff gathered in a school library for a professional development session. The educators are seated at tables, attentively watching a presentation projected on a large screen titled "MAP Analysis: Classroom" regarding student data and instruction. The background features rows of bookshelves filled with books, creating a focused learning environment.
A photo of a large group of MMS staff gathered in the school library for a professional development session. The room is filled with educators seated at tables, engaging in conversation while a projection screen displays "7 Questions to ask each other as an icebreaker". The scene captures a collaborative atmosphere of team building and connection among colleagues.
Dr. Giraldo & Ms. Laurie join our PowerSchool training! 💻 Leveraging data to support the whole child & cultural mindfulness. 🌏 #D83Shines
3 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

3 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
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.
👩‍💻 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. 🚀
4 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.

Tapestry Family Night 2025 was joyful! Families & staff connecting shows our deep commitment to growing together. We are building community! 🤝✨ #D83Shines

4 months ago, Robert Junna
A heartwarming slideshow GIF of "Tapestry Family Night 2025," capturing various moments of community building between District 83 families and staff. The scenes feature children and parents participating in hands-on activities, staff members smiling and engaging in conversation with families, and groups gathered around tables in a brightly decorated school multi-purpose room. The reel highlights a joyful atmosphere of connection, showing a diverse community coming together to support student growth and celebrate shared goals.