This week is National Assistant Principals Week, and we have the BEST ONE AROUND! Thanks for all you do for our school, our kids, and our community, Mr. Bruggeman!
#ShiningSpartans

6 months ago, Jason Smith
A headshot of a smiling man with short dark hair, wearing a pink and white checkered dress shirt and a light blue tie, set against a blurred blue background and framed within a circular crop.

The BEST new tradition we have here at Scott: Friday dismissals mean some classical music, played by our orchestra students! Last time, it was Vanessa (4th gr. - Ms. Herrera) leading us out to break!
#ShiningSpartans

6 months ago, Jason Smith
A medium shot shows a young person with light-brown braided hair pulled into a high ponytail and wearing purple-framed glasses, a dark blue pullover sweater, dark blue pants, and black and white lace-up sneakers looking down at a red violin in their hands. They are holding a bow in their left hand and placing it on the violin and their other hand is on the fingerboard of the violin as if ready to play. A hand with bright pink nail polish is visible in the bottom-left corner and is holding up a light-colored object to the person and the red violin. The background shows a dark desk and window with blinds. Behind the desk, an object resembling a feather headdress is visible and an object resembling a figure or hockey player. The person is standing on a dark grey patterned carpet. The light is natural and coming from the window. The style of the image is a photograph.

It might be the middle of SPRING BREAK, but we can still shout out the Spartans who won a raffle prize last Friday by turning in a SPARTAN TICKET! We love catching our kiddos doing something GREAT! See everyone on TUESDAY!
#ShiningSpartans

6 months ago, Jason Smith
A medium, full-length shot shows a young boy standing in an indoor setting, wearing a bright blue winter jacket over a lime green t-shirt and dark green pants. On his head, he wears a homemade headband made of green paper and two cardboard tubes taped to the sides to resemble horns or ears. He is holding a small orange ball with blue dots between his hands at chest level, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression. The background is slightly blurred, showing a person with dark hair in a black sweater, a beige tiled floor, and office-like furniture. The lighting is bright and even. The style of the image is a photograph.
A high-angle, full-length shot shows a young girl with her hair pulled back into a neat bun, smiling warmly at the camera. She is wearing a white, black, and pink Hello Kitty zip-up hoodie over dark pants and grey shoes. She holds a small, pink, heart-shaped object—possibly a piece of candy or a small craft—between her fingers at chest level. The background features a beige and black checkered tile floor and the blurred interior of a room with blue accents. The lighting is bright and clear, giving the photograph a cheerful, candid feel.
A portrait from above captures a young boy with dark hair and blue-green eyes wearing a blue T-shirt with a Spartan helmet logo over a red-collared shirt and an open black hoodie. He stands on a tiled floor with black and tan squares in an office environment, gazing directly up at the camera with a soft expression. The background elements include furniture and another person, slightly out of focus.
A young girl with dark hair and glasses smiles warmly while standing in what appears to be an office or school setting. She is wearing a soft, fuzzy pink hoodie featuring a polar bear graphic and is holding a small, bright blue bunny figurine in both hands. The background is slightly blurred, showing a printer and tiled flooring.
A young girl with her hair styled in a high bun smiles at the camera while standing in a room with tiled floors. She is dressed in a white polo shirt and dark trousers, holding a decorative pen topped with a small red strawberry. The background features a desk and a white office printer.
A young girl with dark hair pulled back looks toward the camera while holding up a multi-color clickable pen topped with a pink character. She is wearing a grey zip-up hoodie over a blue shirt and dark pants, standing on a checkered tile floor in an indoor setting.
A smiling girl with dark hair stands in an office-like setting, wearing a dark grey hoodie with a butterfly graphic. She is holding up two small, wrapped erasers: one shaped like a red watermelon slice and the other like a yellow pineapple. The background shows a printer and tiled flooring.
A young child with dark hair and a wide, gap-toothed smile stands in a room with tiled floors. They are wearing a bright blue t-shirt that says "PARTANS" and dark leggings, holding a small, purple, dinosaur-shaped object inside a clear plastic wrapper.
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.

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

6 months 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

6 months 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

6 months 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

6 months 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

6 months 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
6 months 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

6 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.
6 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

6 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

6 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

6 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

7 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

7 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
7 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

7 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

7 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.