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
about 1 month 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.

Congratulations to 5th grader (Aldinger) ANGELY PINA CLAUDIO, Scott School's 2025 - 2026 "SCOTY" Award Winner!

“Angely is a student who is determined to find the good in any given situation. She excels academically, and is highly involved in activities across the school. She approaches every experience with a positive attitude and is always looking to help others.”

#ShiningSpartans

about 1 month ago, Jason Smith
On a stage with dark curtains, a woman in a blue dress presents an award to a student in front of a table draped in purple. To the left, another woman stands by a colorful painting on an easel, while a third woman stands to the right near a row of water bottles. An audience is visible in the foreground, and a banner on the table reads "West40."

A few more pics of the Scott Spring Chorus performance!
#ShiningSpartans

about 1 month ago, Jason Smith
A group of students stands on tiered risers on a stage during a performance. Some students wear bright blue t-shirts that say "CHORUS," while others are dressed in formal dresses, suits, or hats. Two empty black chairs sit in the foreground, and the background features white acoustic panels under blue stage lighting.
On a dimly lit stage, two young girls sit on chairs and speak into a microphone. Both wear blue "CHORUS" t-shirts and glasses. In the background, other students are on risers in a variety of outfits, including blue t-shirts and formal wear, under a backdrop with red accents.
A group of students performs on a stage in front of white acoustic shells and a bright red backdrop. Several students stand in a line at the front of the stage wearing various outfits, including a red dress, a blue dress, and a pink ruffled dress, while others in blue "CHORUS" t-shirts stand on tiered risers behind them. A person sits at a piano in the lower right foreground, facing the performers.
A group of middle-school-aged girls performs on a stage during a school production. Several girls in the center are dressed in costumes, including a red dress, a pink tutu, and a long plaid skirt, while others in the background wear blue t-shirts labeled "CHORUS." The stage features white acoustic shells, red backlighting, and tiered risers. In the foreground, an adult sits at a piano or music stand, accompanying the performance.

Some pics from last week's Spring Chorus concert! Mrs. Kirschner and the cast put on an AMAZING performance!
#ShiningSpartans

about 1 month ago, Jason Smith
A wide shot of a school stage during a performance where a group of students are arranged on choral risers. In the foreground, two students in costume—one in a black outfit with a red scarf and another in a blue checkered dress with a white shawl—interact near a microphone. A woman sits at a music stand in the lower right corner, directing or accompanying the performance, while other students in blue "CHORUS" t-shirts stand behind them against a green-lit backdrop.
Two students in matching blue "CHORUS" t-shirts stand center stage with their arms raised and hands joined in a celebratory gesture. Behind them, other students in costumes and chorus shirts are positioned on tiered risers against white acoustic shells and a bright green backlit curtain. Microphones and stage monitors are visible in the foreground of the theater.
An on-stage performance featuring a diverse group of children at a school recital or chorus event. In the center, five young girls in colorful dresses stand in a row, smiling and holding their hands high in a triumphant "bow" pose. To the left, several other students in blue chorus T-shirts are seated or standing on risers. In the bottom right foreground, a music director with blonde hair is seen from behind, gesturing with both hands to lead the performance. The stage is equipped with professional microphones and monitors, set against a backdrop of white acoustic panels and a vibrant green screen.
A group of students performing a musical number on a stage with a bright green backdrop. In the center, several students in blue T-shirts lean forward in a synchronized "hats off" gesture, holding hats toward the floor. To the left, a student sits in a chair near a microphone, while others stand on choral risers in the background. In the bottom right foreground, a music conductor with blonde hair sits in the audience area, looking up at the stage. The scene is captured from a low angle, highlighting the stage equipment and the energy of the school performance.
A group of diverse children are performing on a theater stage, standing on tiered risers against a backdrop of light-colored acoustic panels illuminated with green light. Most of the children are smiling and singing, dressed in a variety of colorful semi-formal outfits and casual school attire. In the foreground on the right, a girl in a bright blue t-shirt sits on a black chair, looking toward the group. The stage floor is dark and reflective, showing slight scuff marks from use.
A wide shot of a student chorus performing on a theater stage. Several students stand on tiered risers, some wearing bright blue "CHORUS" t-shirts and others in formal dresses or suits, while two students sit in the foreground on chairs. They are all gesturing with their arms outstretched during a musical number. The stage features tall white acoustic shells illuminated by vibrant green overhead lighting, and a conductor is visible in the lower right corner guiding the performance from the orchestra pit.
A group of young performers stands in a line on a theater stage, viewed from a side angle behind the curtain. Five girls with long hair are dressed in colorful dresses—pink, red, and floral patterns—facing away from the camera toward a student in a light purple dress who appears to be leading or speaking to them. The dimly lit auditorium seating is visible to the left, and a bright stage light creates a flare in the upper right, illuminating the dark wooden stage floor.
A medium-wide shot of 7 children in various costumes singing on a tiered stage, with several children sitting on metal risers in the background.
A medium-long shot captures a diverse group of seven young people performing a theatrical performance on a stage with risers. Four girls stand in the front of the stage, including one with a white shawl over her shoulders holding a microphone. Three of the children are sitting on metal risers behind the standing performers, including a person on the far left wearing a red ruffeled dress and a person wearing a brown cowboy hat. They stand against a background of white panels framed in red.
A wide shot of a school stage performance featuring a large group of students. In the center, two students in costume perform a scene with microphones, while others in blue "Chorus" t-shirts sit on tiered risers in the background. On the far right, a group of girls in colorful dresses stands together. The set features tall white acoustic panels against a vibrant red backdrop, with stage monitors and an audience visible in the foreground.

Nothing better than catching our students doing something GREAT! Here are the Spartan Ticket winners from last week!
#ShiningSpartans

about 1 month ago, Jason Smith
A smiling boy with dark hair, wearing a blue zip-up hoodie over a white shirt, stands indoors holding a small green item wrapped in clear plastic.
A young boy with a serious expression, wearing a black Jordan hoodie with patterned grey sleeves and a red logo, dark blue lanyard, tan pants, and sneakers, stands in a room with a tiled floor and a blurred background.
A medium shot shows a young boy with dark hair and a buzz cut, looking upward toward the viewer with a smile. He wears a bright blue t-shirt with a white graphic of a Spartan helmet and "Spartans" text, dark blue pants, and green and black sneakers. He is holding a small, yellow tiger toy with both hands at his chest. The boy stands in a school hallway with a beige tiled floor and black square accents, a brown door to his right, and blue cabinets to his left.
A young girl with dark hair pulled back into a ponytail and a white bow smiles brightly while holding a small cartoon penguin sticker with both hands. She is wearing a blue t-shirt with "SPARTANS" printed on the side and is standing in a classroom or office setting with a blurred bookshelf and patterned carpet in the background.
A young girl with dark hair makes a playful, winking face while wearing a white, fuzzy zip-up hoodie featuring a sparkly bow detail on the chest. She is standing in a room with a filing cabinet and tiled flooring visible in the background.
A young boy with short dark hair and a joyful smile stands in a room, wearing a blue and white checkered short-sleeve button-down shirt. The background is softly blurred, showing a tiled floor and a beige filing cabinet.
A young boy with short, dark hair smiles warmly at the camera. He is wearing a two-tone blue and navy fleece zip-up jacket. The photo is taken from a slightly high angle in a room with a tiled floor and a neutral-colored wall in the background.
A young girl with long brown hair stands smiling in a room with tiled floors, wearing a white button-down cardigan and black leggings. She is holding up a small, red-and-white toy designed to look like a miniature soda cup.

We've started a wonderful Friday tradition here at Scott...orchestra students playing music at dismissal! Last Friday it was 5th graders Chloe & Josie on their violins!
#ShiningSpartans

about 1 month ago, Jason Smith
Two young girls stand indoors near a large window, focused on playing their violins. The girl on the left, wearing a white t-shirt, is shown in profile, while the girl on the right wears glasses and a dark sweater. Natural light streams in from the window behind them, which overlooks a street with parked cars. The scene captures a quiet moment of musical practice and concentration.
A new week, and a new SPOTLIGHT to shine on an AMAZING Scott educator!
#ShiningSpartans
about 1 month ago, Jason Smith
A "Spartan Staff Spotlight" graphic from Scott School featuring Christa Matundan, an Art teacher. The image shows a portrait of Christa in a circular frame under a spotlight on a blue background. It includes the following details: Years at Scott & D83: 5 Dream Job: Working in a printmaker’s shop or being a cheesemonger. Hobbies: Embroidery, cooking, and playing Dungeons and Dragons. Best thing about Scott School: Her "amazing coworkers" and having the resources to teach students many different ways to make art.

Delayed post...check out another AMAZING Scott teacher in the SPOTLIGHT!
#ShiningSpartans

about 2 months ago, Jason Smith
A "Spartan Staff Spotlight" graphic from Scott School featuring Colleen Grady, a 2nd-grade teacher. The image shows a portrait of a smiling woman with brown hair in a circular frame against a blue background with a spotlight effect. Text details include that she has been at Scott School and District 83 for 3 years. Her dream job would be a Chicago sports reporter, she enjoys yoga and sporting events in her free time, and her favorite thing about Scott School is the supportive community and the students.
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.
about 2 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.

Check out 3rd grader Ella R., from Ms. Salgado's class, playing some music during dismissal on Friday!
#ShiningSpartans

about 2 months ago, Jason Smith
A 3rd grade student playing the cello.

Check out our SPARTAN TICKET WINNERS from last week! We love catching kiddos doing GREAT things!
#ShiningSpartans

about 2 months ago, Jason Smith
A student who won our Spartan Raffle last week!
A student who won our Spartan Raffle last week!
A student who won our Spartan Raffle last week!
A student who won our Spartan Raffle last week!
A student who won our Spartan Raffle last week!
A student who won our Spartan Raffle last week!
A student who won our Spartan Raffle last week!
A student who won our Spartan Raffle last week!

Another week, another FABULOUS Scott teacher in the spotlight!

#ShiningSpartans

about 2 months ago, Jason Smith
Scott teacher of the week.

Check out the SPARTAN TICKET winners from last week! These were students who got caught doing something GOOD!
#ShiningSpartans

2 months ago, Jason Smith
A student who won our Spartan Raffle last week!
A student who won our Spartan Raffle last week!
A student who won our Spartan Raffle last week!
A student who won our Spartan Raffle last week!
A student who won our Spartan Raffle last week!
A student who won our Spartan Raffle last week!
A student who won our Spartan Raffle last week!
A student who won our Spartan Raffle last week!
A student who won our Spartan Raffle last week!
A student who won our Spartan Raffle last week!

It's a new week, so it's time to highlight another Spartan Staff member!
#ShiningSpartans

2 months ago, Jason Smith
Lorraine Cabebe is in the staff spotlight this week, and she enjoys working at Scott!
Check out one of our AMAZING 3rd grade orchestra students, Hector G., playing some music for the entire school during dismissal on Friday!
#ShiningSpartans
2 months ago, Jason Smith
This is one of our AMAZING 3rd grade orchestra students, Hector G., playing some music for the entire school during dismissal on Friday!

Check out our SPARTAN TICKET raffle winners from last week! We LOVE catching our kiddos doing something GREAT!
#ShiningSpartans

2 months ago, Jason Smith
A young boy with short, dark hair stands smiling indoors. He is wearing a navy blue Champion brand hoodie over a white shirt, paired with dark pants and dark shoes. He is holding a small blue object in his hands. The photo has a slight motion blur and is taken from a high angle.
A young boy with short, dark hair and a wide smile stands indoors, looking directly at the camera. He is wearing a white short-sleeved polo shirt and dark pants, and he is holding a small red and clear object in his hands. The photo is taken from a slightly high angle against a blurred background that includes a whiteboard and tiled flooring.
A young girl with glasses and a slight smile holds up a small yellow toy featuring a brown animal character. she is dressed in a black velvet-style jacket and dark pants. In the background, a classroom whiteboard is visible with the name "Mr. Smith" displayed on a sign.
A young girl with brown hair smiling in a school office, wearing a white polo shirt and cream cardigan. She holds up a small, light-blue ball with purple spots. In the background, a nameplate for "Mr. Bruggeman" is visible on the wall.
A young boy with short dark hair smiling in a school office, wearing a grey and black patterned winter jacket over a navy zip-up hoodie. He is holding a small red ball with blue spots. In the background, the name "Tobin" is written on a white surface.
A young boy with dark hair and brown eyes stands in a classroom, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression. He is wearing a navy blue zip-up hoodie over a white collared shirt, and dark pants. In his right hand, he holds a small, green and blue toy or pen. The background shows a white door or partition with blue handwriting and a tiled floor.
A young child with dark hair in braided pigtails stands in a classroom, looking slightly upward toward the camera. They are wearing a bright blue t-shirt with a white graphic of a Spartan helmet on the left side, dark pants, and black shoes. Behind them is a white board with names written in blue marker, and the floor is a light-colored tile with dark accents.
A smiling girl with dark hair and black-rimmed glasses poses in a classroom, wearing a white short-sleeved polo shirt and dark pants. She is holding a small, pink flower-shaped item with a yellow smiley face in the center, wrapped in clear plastic. In the background, a whiteboard with handwritten blue text and several name tags are visible.
A smiling young girl with dark hair tied back, wearing a purple fleece Hello Kitty and Sanrio characters hoodie. She is standing on a tiled floor and holding a small, purple spherical toy between her hands. In the background, a white wall features a partial sign that reads "Mr. Bru."
A smiling young boy with glasses wears a red and black buffalo plaid zip-up jacket and a blue lanyard with an identification badge. He stands in a classroom setting, holding a small, clear-wrapped bear-shaped treat in both hands. In the background, a white whiteboard features handwritten names, and a tiled floor is visible below.

Another week, another AMAZING teacher to spotlight!
#ShiningSpartans

2 months ago, Jason Smith
A "Spartan Staff Spotlight" graphic from Scott School featuring a portrait of JoJo Witherspoon, a 1st Grade Special Education teacher. The image includes a blue background with a spotlight effect and lists her professional background: 3 years at Scott School and 13 years in District 83. It also features her personal interests, noting that her dream job would be an instructional designer, she loves to travel, and she appreciates the dedicated and supportive staff at Scott.

Another week done, another chance to celebrate SPARTAN TICKET WINNERS! We LOVE catching our students doing GREAT things! These are the students who won a prize for submitting their Spartan Ticket last week!
#ShiningSpartans

3 months ago, Jason Smith
A high-angle, full-length shot of a smiling young boy with short dark hair standing on a checkered tile floor. He is wearing a long-sleeved grey shirt, bright red sweatpants, and dark sneakers with yellow laces. He is holding a blue multi-colored retractable pen and a small blue ball together in both hands.
A high-angle, medium shot of a smiling young girl with long dark hair styled in two braids. She is wearing pink-rimmed glasses and a red Chicago Bulls basketball jersey over a matching long-sleeved red shirt, paired with dark leggings. She is standing on a checkered tile floor and holding a small object in both hands.
A medium-angle, full-length shot of a girl with dark, curly hair and pink-framed glasses standing on a checkered tile floor. She is wearing a light grey hooded sweatshirt featuring a small graphic of two red hearts tied with a bow on the chest and a series of red hearts down the right sleeve, paired with dark blue pants. She is standing with her hands in her sweatshirt pocket.
A medium-angle shot shows a smiling young girl with dark hair tied back and a pink bow clip. She is wearing a red short-sleeved shirt with a Mickey Mouse graphic and the words "A girl who loves," paired with dark navy pants. Standing on a checkered tile floor in front of a beige filing cabinet, she holds a white multi-colored retractable pen with a small character topper in both hands.
A high-angle, medium shot of a young boy with dark hair smiling widely while standing on a checkered tile floor. He is wearing a red short-sleeved polo shirt over a white t-shirt, dark pants, and red, white, and black sneakers. He is holding a small white ball with yellow spots in one hand and a purple object in the other.
A high-angle, medium shot of a young girl with dark hair pulled back into a ponytail, smiling broadly while standing on a checkered tile floor. She is wearing a vibrant red cable-knit sweater featuring three vertical heart patterns down the center, paired with dark pants. In her right hand, she holds a small purple ball, and in her left, she displays a multi-colored retractable pen topped with a yellow character figure.
A high-angle shot of a young girl with long dark hair, styled with a braided crown, smiling broadly and missing a few front teeth. She is wearing a bright blue short-sleeved t-shirt over a white long-sleeved shirt and dark pants. Standing on a checkered tile floor, she holds a small purple and white ball in her right hand while pointing upward with her left index finger.
A high-angle, medium shot of a young boy with dark, thick hair smiling as he stands on a checkered tile floor. He is wearing a navy blue zip-up hoodie over a white collared shirt and navy pants; the hoodie features a white Spartan logo on the left chest. He is holding a small yellow ball in both hands.
A medium-angle, waist-up shot of a smiling girl with dark hair tied back. She is wearing a bright blue t-shirt with a white Scott School Spartans logo on the left side, paired with dark pants. Standing on a checkered tile floor in front of beige filing cabinets, she holds a panda-themed card and a small pink prize in both hands.

Ms. Klema is in the SPARTAN STAFF SPOTLIGHT THIS WEEK!
We have AMAZING teachers at Scott!
#ShiningSpartans

3 months ago, Jason Smith
A blue-themed "Spartan Staff Spotlight" graphic for Scott School featuring a circular portrait of Nicole Klema, a Physical Education teacher with red curly hair. The graphic includes the following text: Name & Subject: Nicole Klema, Physical Education. Tenure: 25 years at Scott School and in District 83. Dream Job: Owning an aquatic center. Hobbies: Crafting and spending time with her grandchildren. Favorite part of Scott School: The "AMAZING" school community and families.

Here are our SPARTAN TICKET WINNERS from last week! They got caught doing something GOOD, and then won a fun prize!
#ShiningSpartans

3 months ago, Jason Smith
A young girl with dark, curly hair tied back stands on a checkered floor, smiling at the camera. She is wearing a bright blue T-shirt featuring a colorful "Puerto Rico" graphic with a flag and a tropical design. In her right hand, she holds up a small, green, leaf-shaped object encased in a clear plastic wrapper.
A young girl with long dark hair stands in an indoor setting with tiled floors and filing cabinets, smiling at the camera. She is wearing a dark blue zip-up hoodie over a white collared shirt and is holding a small, pink decorative pen featuring a star-shaped topper.
A young girl with glasses and a navy blue zip-up hoodie smiles directly at the camera while standing in an indoor space with tiled floors. She is holding up a small, multi-colored pen topped with a brown bear character.
A young boy with short blonde hair and a navy blue zip-up hoodie stands in a tiled hallway, smiling at the camera. He is holding up a gold and black sticker shaped like a fire department badge.
A young girl with long brown hair, partially pulled back, stands in a hallway with checkered floor tiles and smiles at the camera. She is wearing a navy blue zip-up hoodie featuring a "Spartans" logo with a Greek-style helmet on the chest. In her right hand, she holds a small, round purple object that resembles a miniature soccer ball.
A high-angle, full-length shot of a young boy with short dark hair standing on a checkered tile floor. He is wearing a traditional cream-colored Mexican tilma or poncho with red trim and a colorful graphic on the front, paired with dark pants. He is looking slightly off-camera with a gentle smile and is holding a multi-colored retractable pen in both hands.
A high-angle, full-length shot of a young boy with dark hair standing on a checkered tile floor. He is wearing a blue zip-up hoodie over a navy blue floral shirt with orange flowers, olive green pants, and black shoes. He is smiling and holding up a small blue and purple ball in his right hand. Another child is partially visible in the background.
A high-angle, full-length shot of a young girl with light brown hair standing on a checkered tile floor. She is wearing a black t-shirt featuring a colorful, stylized graphic of a leopard's face, paired with dark blue pants and light-colored sneakers. She is smiling at the camera and holding up a small, yellow, sun-shaped toy wrapped in clear plastic in her left hand.