8th Grade Science participate in "The Unproven Rocket Design Lab" as a hands-on, creative workshop where students step into the shoes of aerospace engineers! Students will brainstorm, prototype, and test their own unique rocket concepts. #NGSS #STEM #MMSFalcons #WeAreD83

about 1 month ago, Tom Herion
The teacher, seen from behind wearing a blue shirt and grey cargo pants, stands on a paved surface facing a large brick wall. Colorful horizontal lines in purple, blue, yellow, and orange are taped to the wall to measure the rocket's height. A tiny white paper rocket is caught mid-air near the top purple stripe, while a blue bucket and a water jug sit on the ground nearby.
A group of school students stands on a paved surface, watching the flight. The brick wall behind the rocket features several horizontal, colored lines in shades of purple, blue, yellow, and orange, which serve as a height or distance scale. A blue plastic bucket sits on the ground near a chalk grid, and clipboard-wielding students track the results.
The women stand side-by-side, wearing matching dark blue t-shirts that read "Eighth Grade Crew." The wall behind them features colorful, horizontal vinyl lines in purple, blue, yellow, and orange, with a "2 METERS" label faintly visible on the yellow stripe. They are standing outdoors on a paved area lined with smooth, light-colored landscape rocks.

At Mannheim Middle School, we are teaching students that doing the right thing matters. If a student realizes they have a prohibited item, they have 5 minutes from the time they realize it to immediately turn it over to a trusted adult. Students who follow the "5-Minute Rule" may receive reduced disciplinary consequences. We encourage families to review this expectation with their child and remind them: Act quickly. Make the right choice.

about 1 month ago, Tom Herion
Mannheim Middle School “5 Minute Rule” graphic explaining that students who realize they have a prohibited item should act within five minutes by recognizing the item, acting quickly, and immediately turning it over to an adult. The graphic notes that following the rule may result in reduced disciplinary consequences and features a stopwatch, the MMS “M” logo, and Falcon branding.
MMS Students cash in their Falcon Tickets for prizes and rewards! Students that exhibit positive behavior & expectations earned hoodies, MMS pencils, popsicles and more at lunch. #MMSPRIDE #WeAreD83 #MMSGOBLUE
about 1 month ago, Tom Herion
Two students holding popsicle while smiling in a cafeteria, one student is holding a pencil and smiling and holding paper
student in white polo smiling and holding a popsicle in a cafeteria
student holding popsicle while smiling in a cafeteria
MMS received their D83 tote bags today, as a token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication to our students! #WeAreD83 #GoFalcons
about 2 months ago, Tom Herion
two teachers standing on either side of principal, holding tote bags and smiling in a classroom.
D83 Admin Team engaging in collaboration, visioning & planning on the D83 Strategic Plan. #WeAreD83 #MMSFalcons
2 months ago, Tom Herion
man with thumbs up, in Hawaiian shirt, in front of poster for District 83 Retreat
WE ARE BACK! D83 Teacher University happening at MMS. Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence delivering PD for our staff on social, emotional & workplace well-being. Thanks @ruler_approach for an amazing day!
2 months ago, Tom Herion
Teachers learning about Social Emotional Intelligence from Yale University in a library
teachers standing in a library discussing social emotional intelligence
Thanks Mark Okigawa & LTC! 30 staff prepped for Google/Gemini certs. Our district staff is committed to empowering our future! 💻✨ #D83Shines
4 months ago, Robert Junna
A smiling presenter stands next to a large digital screen displaying the text "Gemini Academy for Educators." The presenter wears a black polo with a subtle "Google" logo. In the background, there is child-drawn art on the wall.
A presenter stands at the front of a training room next to a large digital screen displaying a slide that reads, "Google Certified Educator Level 2 Bootcamp" with a link to today's slides.
A presenter stands in a board room giving a presentation. He stands next to a whiteboard listing topics like "Google in general" and "Shortcuts," and a large digital screen displaying his name, "Mark," alongside a photo and cartoon avatar of himself.
Congratulations to both boys 6/7th Grade JV & 8th grade Varsity teams for winning the LNAC Championships! We are so proud of our teams for their sportsmanship and character on the court this season. Way to go Falcons! #WeAreD83 #MMSFalcons
5 months ago, Tom Herion
Boys volleyball team standing together on a gym court, smiling and celebrating as they hold up a championship trophy, with teammates gathered closely around and a sense of excitement and accomplishment visible on their faces.
Boys volleyball team standing together on a gym court, smiling and celebrating as they hold up a championship trophy, with teammates gathered closely around and a sense of excitement and accomplishment visible on their faces.
We are proud to celebrate the incredible success of *Matilda Jr.*! Our talented cast and crew brought Roald Dahl’s magical story to life with energy, creativity, and heart. Thank you to our families and community for your support in making this production such a memorable experience for everyone involved!
5 months ago, Tom Herion
A large group of middle school students pose together on stage as the cast of *Matilda Jr.*, wearing colorful costumes representing various characters from the musical. Students are arranged in rows, smiling and celebrating their performance, with stage props and a theatrical backdrop visible behind them.

Mini Mannheimers is taking place tonight from 4:30-6:30 at the Mannheim Early Childhood Center for D83 families with babies ages 0-3! Come visit with your little ones :). Thank you BPAC for supporting us!

6 months ago, Robert Junna
Five smiling adults stand behind a blue table for Mannheim School District 83 BPAC. The table features colorful bubble wands, flyers, and a tablecloth that reads "Family + School = Successful Children" in English, Spanish, and Polish. The background shows a classroom wall decorated with student artwork of bees.
A red and a blue vinyl cylindrical bolster sit on a brightly colored rainbow floor mat in a school gym or therapy room with wood-laminate flooring.
A brightly lit multipurpose room or gym set up for a parent-child workshop. Blue floor mats and colorful play mats are scattered with toys and children's books. In the background, a large projection screen displays a presentation in Spanish about the importance of reading to children at any age.
Proud to share our 5th and 6th grade articulation work continues to be a strong example of intentional collaboration, with teams using PLC time to align expectations, share student data, and plan for a seamless transition between buildings. This proactive approach not only strengthens relationships between grade levels, but most importantly, creates a more cohesive and supportive experience that is truly best for kids! Bravo to the 5th & 6th grade teams!
6 months ago, Tom Herion
A group of teachers sit at tables in a school library collaborating in small groups, using laptops and papers. At the front of the room, a large screen displays “Welcome to Articulation!” with a schedule for ELA and Math sessions. Bookshelves line the walls, and the setting reflects a structured professional learning meeting.
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
6 months 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.
7 months 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.
7 months 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
7 months 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
8 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
8 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
8 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.
9 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
9 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.