We appreciate all of our administrators, school board members, and teachers that were guest readers in our Kindergarten through 3rd grade classes. So many Monarch books were read aloud!
5 months ago, Mannheim School District 83
A photo collage featuring District 83 administrators, school board members, and teachers serving as guest readers in Kindergarten through 3rd-grade classrooms. The images show various guest speakers sitting in front of engaged groups of students, holding up colorful Monarch Award books and reading aloud. The collage captures a series of warm, interactive moments in different classrooms, highlighting the community effort to promote literacy and a love of reading among young students.
A 1st grade tradition during the week before Winter Break...building gingerbread houses with families! So much candy and sugar and FUN! #ShiningSpartans
5 months ago, Jason Smith
Two elementary students and an adult sit at a classroom table covered with a white plastic cloth, preparing for a holiday activity. The table is set with small cartons of chocolate milk on clear plastic plates, graham crackers, and a central plate with dollops of white frosting and plastic spoons. Each student has a "My gingerbread house plan" coloring sheet in front of them. One student on the left makes a peace sign at the camera, while a woman in a black turtleneck sits between the children in the brightly lit classroom.
A group of elementary students and adults sit at a classroom table covered with a white plastic cloth, beginning a holiday-themed activity. The students, dressed in school uniforms, have small cartons of milk and "My gingerbread house plan" worksheets in front of them. In the center of the table, a plate holds dollops of white frosting and plastic spoons for shared use. The classroom is brightly lit, with other groups visible working at a yellow-covered table in the background.
Two elementary students sit at a classroom table covered with a yellow plastic cloth, preparing to build gingerbread houses. The table is set with stacks of graham crackers, small cartons of milk on clear plates, and "My gingerbread house plan" worksheets that have been colored in. In the center, a white paper plate holds dollops of white frosting with several plastic spoons. The classroom background features white storage cubbies and a low table with colorful sensory timers.
Two young students sit at a classroom table covered with a yellow plastic tablecloth, ready to begin a holiday project. The table is organized with stacks of graham crackers, small milk cartons on clear plastic plates, and a central white plate containing dollops of frosting and plastic spoons. Cut-out paper gingerbread house plans that have been colored orange are placed at each setting. In the background, classroom storage cubbies and a round table with colorful liquid timers are visible.
A group of elementary students and adults sit around a classroom table covered in a white cloth, working together on a gingerbread house activity. The participants are handling graham crackers, with small milk cartons and paper worksheets showing gingerbread house plans placed at each seat. A central white plate holds dollops of white frosting with plastic spoons for the group to share. In the background, classroom walls are decorated with educational posters, including a large number chart and alphabet letters.
A 1st grade tradition during the week before Winter Break...building gingerbread houses with families! So much candy and sugar and FUN! #ShiningSpartans
5 months ago, Jason Smith
A group of students and adults sit around a classroom table covered with a white patterned tablecloth, participating in a festive activity involving small decorated cakes. A smiling staff member stands at the table, holding an orange-cased tablet to show the group digital content. The students are wearing white polo shirts, and the room is bright with natural light from a nearby window.
A high-angle view of students and adults participating in a holiday-themed activity at long tables covered in blue and light-blue plastic cloths. Participants are focused on assembling and decorating small gingerbread houses placed on colorful plastic trays, surrounded by small paper cups and festive plates. A green-cased tablet is propped up on one table, while large windows with closed blinds and decorative holiday light decals provide a bright backdrop.
A young boy and two women are gathered around a table covered in a light blue plastic cloth, working together to build gingerbread houses. One woman, wearing a red sweater and a name tag, watches as another woman in a festive holiday vest uses a plastic knife to apply frosting to a small graham cracker house on a yellow tray. The table is set with colorful holiday-themed plates, napkins, and small paper cups filled with decorative candies and cereal. Large windows with closed blinds and festive light decals provide a bright background for the activity.
A group of elementary students and adults sit around a long table covered with a green plastic cloth, participating in a holiday snack activity. The participants are assembling graham crackers with white frosting, accompanied by small cartons of milk on red plates. One adult, wearing a Chicago Blackhawks jersey, assists a student, while another in a blue long-sleeved shirt helps a child at the end of the table. In the background, a large digital touch screen displays holiday-themed instructions.
A group of elementary students and adults sit at a classroom table covered with a green plastic cloth, focused on a snack-building activity. Participants are using plastic knives to spread white frosting onto graham crackers, which are placed on white paper plates alongside cartons of milk on red saucers. The classroom setting includes a colorful alphabet rug on the floor and a woman wearing a beige "MERRY" sweatshirt participating with the children.
A group of elementary students and adults are seated at classroom tables covered in green plastic cloths, working together on a holiday-themed snack activity. The participants are assembling graham cracker sandwiches with white frosting, accompanied by small cartons of milk. The setting includes a woman in a green snowflake sweater and a man in a grey NASA hoodie, with a colorful holiday-themed wall display and a digital whiteboard visible in the background.
A wooden kidney-shaped classroom table is prepared with various snacks and decorating supplies for a student activity. Numerous clear bowls filled with colorful candies, including M&Ms, gummy bears, gumdrops, and peppermint swirls, are spread across the surface alongside white paper plates and plastic spoons. Also on the table are containers of white frosting, shredded coconut, gingerbread cookies, and boxes of cereal, with classroom storage cubbies visible in the background.
A classroom table is covered with a festive light-blue tablecloth featuring Santa Claus and gingerbread men, laden with an assortment of candies and snacks for a decorating activity. The spread includes large bags of marshmallows and Froot Loops cereal, boxes of Mike and Ike and DOTS candy, and containers of spice drops and jelly drops. Several plates are prepared with a mix of M&Ms, peppermint candies, and shredded coconut, while stacks of graham crackers sit ready nearby.
A classroom table is laid out with an extensive variety of candy, snacks, and decorating supplies for a student activity. The table is covered with a festive light-blue cloth featuring gingerbread men and Santa Claus motifs. Displayed items include large bags of marshmallows and Froot Loops, boxes of graham crackers, containers of multicolored gumdrops, and several white plates holding assortments of M&Ms and peppermint candies. The classroom background features light blue walls, student storage cubbies, and a bright, well-lit environment.
A group of elementary students and adults sit around a classroom table covered with a light blue plastic cloth, focused on a holiday decorating activity. Participants are assembling small houses made of graham crackers and frosting, using various candies like peppermint swirls and Froot Loops cereal from colorful red and white plates. The students are dressed in white polo shirts, and name tags are visible on the table and the adults' clothing in the brightly lit classroom.
Check out our weekly "Spartan Ticket" winners from last week! We LOVE catching our kiddos doing great things! #ShiningSpartans
5 months ago, Jason Smith
A portrait of a young female student with long, dark wavy hair standing in a school office area. She is dressed in a white polo shirt and dark navy pants, looking directly at the camera with a calm expression. The background features beige filing cabinets and a tiled floor with a decorative square pattern.
A young boy with glasses and a bright smile stands in a school hallway, holding up a small, yellow and blue toy in its plastic packaging. He is wearing a red shirt under a navy blue button-down cardigan. The background is slightly blurred, showing a wooden door and a red fire extinguisher mounted on a white wall.
A young elementary student with long dark hair and a bright smile stands in a school office area. She is wearing a white long-sleeved polo shirt and navy blue pants while holding a small purple heart-shaped object in her hands. The background features a beige filing cabinet and a tiled floor with a black and tan checkered pattern.
A young girl with her hair tied back in a ponytail stands in a school office, smiling at the camera. She is wearing a navy blue zip-up hooded sweatshirt and matching navy pants. In the background, there are tan filing cabinets and a tiled floor with a black and cream checkered pattern.
A young girl with glasses and long brown hair smiles at the camera while standing in a school office. She is wearing a navy blue hooded sweatshirt and holds a small pink and yellow toy ball in her hand. The background shows a neutral-toned office space with a counter, a beige filing cabinet, and a checkered tiled floor.
A young boy with a bright smile stands in a school office, wearing a white short-sleeved polo shirt. He is looking directly at the camera while holding a small, green plastic toy in his hand. The background is a slightly blurred office setting featuring a blue-topped counter and a tan tiled floor with a black checkered pattern.
A young boy with a short haircut and a wide smile stands in a school office, wearing a white short-sleeved polo shirt tucked into navy blue pants with a black belt. He is proudly holding up a small, yellow and blue toy in its clear plastic packaging. The background features tan filing cabinets and a light-colored tiled floor with a black and cream checkered pattern.
A young boy with a calm expression stands in a school office area, wearing an oversized, plush navy blue hooded sweatshirt decorated with pink axolotls and stars. He is holding a small yellow and blue toy in his hands. The background consists of tan filing cabinets and a light-colored tiled floor with a black and cream checkered pattern.

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

5 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.
Check out some Spartans in Mrs. Stephenson's 2nd grade classroom, using VR goggles to take a trip to see Santa's workshop at the North Pole! #ShiningSpartans
5 months ago, Jason Smith
A group of elementary students sit at their desks in a classroom, wearing white and orange virtual reality (VR) headsets for an immersive learning activity. An adult in a green t-shirt assists a student with their equipment, while another adult in a grey sweatshirt observes from the side. The classroom is filled with educational materials, including a large "place value" chart on the wall and a colorful rug with smiling fruit characters.
A close-up shot of an elementary student wearing a white and orange ClassVR headset while sitting at a wooden classroom desk. The student is holding a small black handheld controller with their thumbs on the buttons, appearing focused on a virtual reality lesson. The background shows a brightly lit classroom with blue flooring and other students engaged in the same activity, though they are softly blurred to keep the focus on the foreground.
Several elementary students are sitting at wooden desks in a classroom, using white and orange ClassVR headsets. One young girl in a grey sweater looks toward the camera with a bright smile while holding her headset. In the background, an adult male sits at a desk and other students are engaged with their VR equipment in a room decorated with educational posters and charts.
A classroom of elementary students is engaged in a virtual reality lesson, wearing white and orange ClassVR headsets while seated at their desks. In the foreground, one student smiles at the camera while lifting her headset, while others remain immersed in their digital experience. The background shows a well-organized learning environment with educational posters, a teacher observing the session, and natural light coming from the doorway.
A profile view of elementary students wearing white and orange ClassVR headsets while seated at their classroom desks. The student in the foreground holds a black handheld controller with both hands, looking forward into the virtual display. The classroom environment is softly blurred in the background, showing wooden desks, educational wall displays, and other students participating in the immersive learning session.
Co-Teaching with CEC, Dr. Jeff Zwiers on Improving Quality of Classroom Conversations Across Grade Levels and Disciplines, and Enger's history chain! D83 is all-in on supporting staff & students building our future together. Great work! 🚀 #D83Shines
5 months ago, Robert Junna
A slideshow GIF highlighting diverse professional development and classroom activities across District 83. The reel features educators participating in a CEC Co-Teaching workshop, staff attending a seminar by Dr. Jeff Zwiers on improving the quality of classroom conversations, and a creative "history chain" project in a classroom at Enger School. The scenes transition between teachers collaborating in a boardroom setting, educators practicing conversational strategies, and students engaged in hands-on learning, all showcasing the district's commitment to supporting staff and student growth.
Check out our SPARTAN TICKET WINNERS from last week! These are kids who were caught doing something "good", earned a Spartan Ticket, and then their ticket got picked on Friday to win a prize! We LOVE our kiddos! #ShiningSpartans
5 months ago, Jason Smith
A young student stands on a checkered floor, wearing a navy blue sweatshirt with a white collar and a "Spartans" logo on the chest. He is holding up a small, square sticker or card featuring a green and white illustration. The background is softly blurred, showing the corner of a desk and a neutral-toned filing cabinet.
A young girl with glasses and a bright smile stands on a checkered floor, wearing a navy blue t-shirt featuring the character Stitch in a Santa hat. She is holding a small, blue-topped object in both hands, with a neutral-colored filing cabinet visible in the softly blurred background.
An elementary student with a cheerful expression stands on a checkered floor, wearing a white polo shirt. He is holding a blue and black slap bracelet with both hands, showcasing it to the camera. The background is softly blurred, showing a neutral-toned wall and the side of an orange water cooler.
A young boy with a joyful smile stands on a checkered floor, wearing a blue zip-up OshKosh hoodie over a white collared shirt. He is holding a tiger-print slap bracelet horizontally with both hands, presenting it to the camera. The background is softly blurred, showing a neutral-colored wall and the edge of an orange water cooler.
A young boy with a wide, missing-tooth smile stands on a checkered floor, wearing a black, grey, and yellow zip-up hoodie. He is holding up a small, square sticker or badge with his right hand to show the camera. In the background, a white surface features handwritten names in pink ink, including "Cardenas," "Felix," and "Ayala".
An elementary student dressed in a white polo shirt and a white knit cardigan stands on a checkered floor, smiling while holding up a pink slap bracelet. The bracelet is decorated with a pattern of brown bears wearing red bowties and small hearts. The student is wearing blue pants and has red nail polish, with a neutral-toned wall and an orange cooler visible in the softly blurred background.

We had a GREAT Bingo Night at Scott this week...one of the BEST prizes was a coupon to sit in the Principal's chair for the day...check out Jer'Rice, a 2nd grader who collected on his prize today!

#ShiningSpartans

5 months ago, Jason Smith
A smiling elementary student sits in a black mesh office chair, holding up a large reward ticket that reads "Sit in Mr. Smith's chair for an hour". The student is wearing a blue t-shirt with a "Spartans" logo and a black zip-up jacket. The ticket includes a small illustration of an office chair and the name "Jer'Rice" handwritten in the corner. In the background, tan-colored school lockers and a portion of a wooden desk are visible.
The Life Skills & Well-Being S.A.C. is making great progress on curriculum! Building capacity to fulfill our shared goals. 🚀 #D83Shines
5 months ago, Robert Junna
A photo of the Life Skills and Well-Being Student Advisory Committee (S.A.C.) members working together in a professional meeting space. The group is seen collaborating on curriculum development, with laptops open and educational documents spread across the table. The atmosphere is focused and productive as they work on building capacity to meet District 83's shared goals for student success.
A photo of the presenter at the Life Skills and Well-Being Student Advisory Committee (S.A.C.) members working together in a professional meeting space. The group is seen collaborating on curriculum development, with laptops open and educational documents spread across the table. The atmosphere is focused and productive as they work on building capacity to meet District 83's shared goals for student success.
A photo of the Life Skills and Well-Being Student Advisory Committee (S.A.C.) members working together in a professional meeting space. The group is seen collaborating on curriculum development, with laptops open and educational documents spread across the table. The atmosphere is focused and productive as they work on building capacity to meet District 83's shared goals for student success.
A photo of the Life Skills and Well-Being Student Advisory Committee (S.A.C.) members working together in a professional meeting space. The group is seen collaborating on curriculum development, with laptops open and educational documents spread across the table. The atmosphere is focused and productive as they work on building capacity to meet District 83's shared goals for student success.
Incredible day at #D83shines #EDCamp2025! 💡 We tackled everything from Behavior Management and SEL with yoga/mindfulness, to essential Literacy strategies like AAC support & graphic novels. Big takeaways on using tech for Multilingual Learners (Medley App) and creating Assessments for Student Success (Google Forms). So much peer-to-peer learning! #EdChat #Unconference
5 months ago, Robert Junna
A dynamic slideshow GIF capturing the collaborative energy of #EDCamp2025 at District 83. The frames transition through various "unconference" sessions where educators are seen leading peer-to-peer discussions on behavior management and SEL, including a group practicing yoga and mindfulness techniques. Other scenes highlight literacy strategies with displays of graphic novels and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) support tools. The reel also features staff members huddled around laptops exploring the Medley App for Multilingual Learners and designing student assessments using Google Forms, showcasing a day of diverse, hands-on professional learning.
The annual 3rd grade Thanksgiving Balloon Parade! Macy's ain't got nothin' on our creative Spartans!
#ShiningSpartans
5 months ago, Jason Smith
Two students walk together in a school hallway, jointly holding a tall balloon float. The float features several colorful balloons, including two bright yellow ones at the bottom, a large blue one in the center with a piece of notebook paper attached, and a metallic copper balloon at the top decorated with hand-drawn sketches. In the background, other students and a teacher follow in a parade line, with a large white Snoopy-themed balloon visible further back.
A young boy in a blue zip-up vest helps steady a large, vertical balloon float during a school hallway parade. The float is constructed from a variety of cream, orange, and blue balloons taped together to create a tall structure. In the background, a long line of students continues down the corridor, each carrying their own unique and colorful balloon creations, including a blue character float further down the line.
Two students walk down a school hallway during a parade, holding a large, creative balloon float of the character Bluey. The float is constructed from several blue balloons taped together to form a body, long blue twisting balloons for arms and legs, and a paper cutout of Bluey's face on the head. One student in a navy hoodie and another in a fuzzy white jacket hold the float upright using sticks, while a line of other students carrying colorful balloon creations follows behind them in the brightly lit corridor.
In a bright school hallway, a diverse group of elementary students lines up for a creative balloon parade. In the foreground, a girl in a light purple hoodie holds a cluster of purple and white balloons. Behind her, another student carries a bunch of metallic-colored balloons with hand-drawn smiley faces, while a third student proudly displays a balloon snowman featuring a paper top hat and scarf. The hallway is filled with more students and a colorful variety of balloon creations, including pink, blue, and orange balloons visible in the distance.
In a bustling school hallway, students participate in a parade featuring creative balloon "floats". The image highlights a smiling student in a navy blue cardigan holding a stick with a cluster of tan, yellow, and green balloons. In the blurred background, other children follow in a line, showcasing their unique creations, including a balloon snowman and a variety of colorful balloon bunches, while classroom decorations line the walls.
A young girl in a navy blue hoodie walks in a school hallway, proudly holding a creative balloon float shaped like a snowman. The float consists of two white balloons stacked vertically, decorated with a hand-drawn top hat, carrot nose, and a blue paper scarf. Other students follow behind in a line, carrying their own colorful balloon creations—including metallic gold and pink balloons—as they participate in a festive school parade.
A dense line of elementary students stretches down a brightly lit school hallway, carrying a vibrant assortment of balloon "floats" for a parade. In the foreground, a close-up view shows a student holding a vertical line of balloons in primary colors like red, yellow, and green, while another student nearby carries a cluster of tan balloons featuring a photo of a cheetah and a pink balloon animal. The background is filled with a colorful blur of blue, orange, and pink balloons, capturing the high energy and creativity of the school-wide event.
The annual 3rd grade Thanksgiving Balloon Parade! Macy's ain't got nothin' on our creative Spartans!
#ShiningSpartans
5 months ago, Jason Smith
A young boy with glasses and a grey hooded sweatshirt walks through a school hallway holding a white balloon on a stick. The balloon has been creatively decorated with paper cutouts and drawings to look like the character Snoopy, complete with black floppy ears and a smiling face. Behind him, a line of other students follows, carrying their own decorated balloons—including one that looks like a snowman—as they participate in a festive school parade.
A group of young students smiles for a photo in a school hallway while participating in a balloon parade. In the center, a boy in a navy blue hoodie gives a peace sign while holding a white stick with two yellow balloons decorated with paper cutouts to look like a Minion wearing denim overalls. Next to him, a student in a white polo shirt holds a similar Minion-themed balloon, and a girl on the right holds a blue balloon decorated with a drawn-on Minion character.
A group of students and staff are seen from behind as they walk down concrete steps toward an outdoor playground area under an overcast sky. In the foreground, children hold onto several large, colorful balloons in shades of red, orange, blue, and yellow. A crowd of people stands in the distance on the asphalt, many holding up phones to capture the event. A teacher or staff member in a black sweater and white sneakers leads the way, while a modern school building and neighborhood houses are visible in the background.
In this bright school hallway, several elementary students are carrying yellow balloons attached to sticks. The girl in the center of the frame is smiling at the camera, wearing a light gray zip-up hoodie. Behind her, another student holds a yellow balloon decorated to look like a Minion character. Another balloon in the foreground features a small black lightning bolt cutout.
A young boy in a white polo and navy hoodie leads a line of students through a school hallway during a balloon parade. He holds a stick with bright green balloons decorated with paper cutouts that resemble a character's face and feet. Behind him, other students carry an assortment of colorful balloons, including yellow ones with mermaid drawings and blue balloons with fish tails, creating a festive and creative atmosphere in the school corridor.
A student in a dark blue hoodie walks in a school hallway holding a creative balloon craft made to look like a snowman. The snowman balloon features a hand-drawn top hat, large eyes, a carrot nose, and a blue scarf. Other students follow behind in a line, carrying their own decorated balloons, including pink and gold ones, during what appears to be a school parade or classroom activity.
A group of three students smiles as they walk down a school hallway, holding up large, vertical clusters of colorful balloons. The boy on the left in a white polo shirt and the boy on the right in a navy zip-up hoodie both carry tall bunches featuring blue, cream, red, and pink balloons. Behind them, a young girl beams while holding an orange Garfield-themed balloon. The hallway walls are decorated with student work, and a motivational quote starting with "Education is..." is partially visible in the background.
In the foreground of this photo, a young girl with braided hair and glasses is shown blowing up a small green balloon. Surrounding her are several large, inflated cream-colored balloons, some with small white slips of paper taped to them. In the background, other students are visible, including a boy in a white polo shirt holding an orange balloon, all standing in what appears to be a school hallway decorated with paper pumpkins.
A group of smiling elementary school students walks down a school hallway in a line, participating in a parade. Each student holds a white stick with a colorful balloon attached. The balloons are decorated with hand-drawn paper cutouts of characters and designs, including a mermaid, a Minion, and a blue fish tail. The children are dressed in school uniforms, and the focus is on two young girls in the foreground leading the procession.
A high-angle, eye-level shot captures a vibrant display table at a Scholastic Book Fair, overflowing with children's books and stationery. The table, draped in a bright red tablecloth, showcases an array of colorful items including children's books like "Candy Corn Christmas" and "The Gift of Words". Behind the books, a variety of decorative journals with fuzzy covers in shades of pink, purple, and green are arranged alongside unicorn-themed planners and sequined notebooks. In the background, people browse the fair while bookshelves filled with more titles line the walls, creating a bustling atmosphere.
Our Kindergartners having some THANKSGIVING FUN before the break!
#ShiningSpartans
5 months ago, Jason Smith
A group of young students sit at a long blue table, focused on a coloring activity. The children are dressed in a variety of outfits, including white school polos and themed pajamas featuring characters like Justice League superheroes. They are coloring large "Happy Thanksgiving" activity sheets with crayons from clear plastic bins scattered along the table. In the background, teachers are visible supervising the classroom as the students work on their festive holiday projects.
In this high-angle shot, a teacher in a purple sweatshirt assists students at a classroom activity station. Several young boys sit at a long blue table, which is covered with small white cups, wooden craft sticks, and colorful sorting trays in green and yellow. One student in the foreground is engrossed in a Dr. Seuss book, while others work on their projects or look toward the camera. In the background, additional activity stations are visible against a blue-paneled wall.
A young boy wearing a bright yellow SpongeBob SquarePants sweatshirt sits at a blue table, carefully using a glue stick to attach red paper scraps to a turkey craft made from a white paper plate. He is focused on his work, surrounded by crafting tools like safety scissors and a container of pencils. In the background, other students are visible working on their own projects at adjacent tables in the well-lit classroom.
Our Kindergartners having some THANKSGIVING FUN before the break!
#ShiningSpartans
5 months ago, Jason Smith
A young boy wearing a white polo shirt and a colorful paper turkey headband smiles while sitting on a wooden gymnasium floor. He is surrounded by white plastic cups featuring the Project Fit America logo, some of which he has started to stack into a small tower. In the background, other students are visible participating in the same activity, and an adult in black Chicago White Sox branded pants stands nearby.
A young child wearing a Hot Wheels themed jumpsuit and a colorful paper turkey headband kneels on a wooden gymnasium floor. They are focused on building a large pyramid out of white plastic cups labeled "Project Fit America." In the foreground, a black plastic crate sits filled with more cups, while others are scattered nearby on the light-colored wood floor.
A young child sits on a wooden gym floor, excitedly participating in a cup-stacking activity. They are wearing Bluey-themed pajamas and white sneakers, holding white plastic cups branded with "Project Fit America." In the foreground, a tall, neat stack of these cups is arranged in a pyramid shape, while several other cups are scattered around the child on the floor.
Two young children in pajamas and paper turkey headbands work together to stack white plastic cups into a large pyramid on a wooden gymnasium floor. The child on the left, wearing gray Spider-Man pajamas, reaches out to place a cup, while the child on the right, in white Hello Kitty pajamas, holds two cups ready for the next level. The cups feature red, white, and blue "Project Fit America" branding, and several more are scattered in the background where other students are participating in the activity.
A high-angle shot captures a busy school gymnasium where several young children are participating in a cup-stacking activity on a polished wooden floor. In the foreground, a child in yellow construction-themed pajamas and a paper turkey headband carefully adds a white cup to a large, tiered pyramid. Behind them, another student in blue Sonic the Hedgehog pajamas reaches up to place a cup on top of an impressively tall, single-column stack. An adult supervisor in black attire stands in the background, watching over the students as they work with dozens of white cups labeled "Project Fit America" scattered throughout the space.
A group of young students sit at a long blue table in a classroom, engaged in a game of Thanksgiving Bingo. The children are dressed in a mix of school uniforms and colorful pajamas, including patterns featuring Super Mario and cute cartoon characters. They are focused on their yellow bingo cards, using small orange markers kept in teal plastic bins. In the foreground, a clear plastic bag filled with extra cards and markers sits on the table, while a teacher or assistant is partially visible in the background overseeing the festive holiday activity.
Four elementary-aged children are seated along a long blue table, engaged in a crafting activity. The child in the foreground, wearing a white polo shirt, looks up with a smile while assembling a paper craft. In front of her are red and yellow paper strips, a glue stick, and safety scissors. Further down the table, other students—including one dressed in a green elf costume—are also working with paper plates and craft supplies.
A group of young students sit along a long blue table in a classroom, focused on a Thanksgiving-themed craft project. Many of the children are wearing colorful pajamas, including patterns with Spider-Man and various cartoons, while an adult in a blue shirt assists them at the far end of the table. Each student has a paper plate featuring a turkey illustration, which they are decorating by gluing on vibrant strips of red, yellow, orange, and green paper. Scattered across the table are glue sticks, safety scissors, and small bins filled with yellow pencils.
A group of elementary students in colorful pajamas sit at a long blue table, focused on a game of Thanksgiving Bingo. The children use small teal bins to hold their markers while placing them on yellow bingo cards decorated with festive holiday illustrations. One student is dressed in a vibrant green dinosaur onesie with yellow spikes, and another wears a navy set featuring video game controller patterns. A teacher stands in the background, observing the activity in the bright, wood-floored classroom.
Our Scott teachers love the book fair ALMOST as much as our kiddos do! Throw in some coffee and treats, and it's a GREAT morning for a book fair preview, and to complete wish lists!
#ShiningSpartans
5 months ago, Jason Smith
A diverse group of teachers and staff members browse a Scholastic Book Fair in a well-lit school library. In the foreground, a teacher in a light blue sweater carries a coffee tumbler while looking at book displays, and another teacher in a pink cardigan browses a shelf to the left. The room is filled with tables covered in red cloths showcasing various children's books, while the background features library bookshelves, colorful educational posters, and other staff members engaged in the fair.
A small whiteboard on a black stand displays a handwritten checklist in purple marker titled "Welcome Teachers!" followed by "we heart you!". The checklist includes three items with checkboxes: "get coffee + snacks", "make a wishlist (file in the green crate when done)", and "enter 1 ticket in the book raffle." The sign is positioned in a school library setting.
A colorful educational display board titled "Process of Carving a Pumpkin" is mounted on a white brick wall. The board features a large orange paper pumpkin with a carved face, surrounded by six numbered steps with photos and descriptions: 1. Choose, 2. Cut, 3. Scoop, 4. Draw, 5. Carve, and 6. Light. Below the main display are several smaller pumpkin drawings by students, including one labeled "Boone" that says "I am thankful for famLe."
A "Mug Donation" station is set up on a wooden counter in a school library, featuring a yellow sign that reads "Mug Donation: use a MUG, leave a MUG". Two ceramic coffee mugs—one white with small pink hearts and one pink with a dark blue interior—sit on the counter next to a white basket labeled "Podcast Club" in pink. The basket is filled with informational flyers or packets.
A teacher appreciation snack station is set up on a table covered with a green tablecloth. The spread includes two Keurig coffee makers (one black and one pink), a large silver coffee urn, jugs of water, and Starbucks oatmilk creamer. To the left, various snacks are displayed in clear plastic containers, including mini muffins, sliced pumpkin bread, and dark chocolate-coated butter cookies.
A high-angle, eye-level shot captures a vibrant display table at a Scholastic Book Fair, overflowing with children's books and stationery. The table, draped in a bright red tablecloth, is the centerpiece, showcasing an array of colorful items. In the foreground, several children's books are prominently displayed, including "Candy Corn Christmas" and "The Gift of Words." Behind them, a variety of decorative journals and notebooks are arranged, featuring fuzzy covers in shades of pink, purple, and green, some adorned with butterflies or sequins. To the right, a collection of themed notebooks and accessories, such as unicorn-themed planners and colorful pens, adds to the lively scene. In the background, two people are visible, one holding a book titled "The Three Little Pigs," while bookshelves filled with more titles line the walls, creating a bustling atmosphere of a school event.
A teacher with long, dark curly hair pulled into a bun stands in a school library, filling out a "Wishlist" form on a clipboard with a green marker. She is wearing a light blue denim button-down shirt and is positioned in front of a display of children's graphic novels. The wishlist she is completing includes sections for book titles, locations within the library, and costs.
A top-down view of several colorful children’s books laid out on a light grey table, including titles such as "An A-meow-zing Race," "Marker," "The Reflection in Me," and "Say Please, Little Monster!" Small white paper cups are placed near the books, and one cup contains a single orange raffle ticket.
A teacher in a light blue sweater stands in a school library, browsing a book at a Scholastic Book Fair. In the foreground, a table covered in a red tablecloth displays a variety of children’s books, including titles like "Disaster Squad" and "Thelma the Unicorn," with a sign indicating items "$5 & Under". In the background, two other staff members work behind a counter near colorful heart-shaped wall decorations.
A group of teachers and staff members browse a vibrant Scholastic Book Fair inside a school library. In the foreground, a teacher with long dark hair holds a clipboard while another staff member in a black t-shirt points toward a display. Tables covered in red cloths are filled with colorful journals, plush notebooks, and various children’s books. In the background, rows of library bookshelves and other staff members browsing the fair are visible under bright overhead lights.
Book Unboxing Excitement!
We got a box of new books delivered when a class was in the library. The kids were super excited to do an unboxing of the books to see what new books will be coming to the library. Our Spartans are devouring books this year!
5 months ago, Mannheim School District 83
A teacher sits in a chair in a school library, holding up a pink book while speaking to a group of elementary students seated in a circle on the carpet around her. Several students sit on the floor while others are in adjacent chairs, and a white Scholastic box filled with books sits on a chair next to the teacher. In the background, bookshelves and rolling storage carts are visible under bright classroom lighting.
In a school library or media center, a teacher in a grey dress sits in a wooden chair, holding up a book called "The Best of Iggy" to a circle of attentive elementary students. Some students are seated on the floor in front of her, while several others sit in chairs that form the rest of the semi-circle. The room is filled with educational resources, including bookshelves along the walls and rolling partitions, all under bright overhead lighting.
3rd graders in Ms. Jimenez's class learning how to sequence events in a story. Love the collaboration!
#ShiningSpartans
5 months ago, Jason Smith
Four elementary students are gathered around a long wooden table in a classroom, working on a collaborative literacy project. Two students are seated while two others stand as they use scissors and glue sticks to assemble a sequencing worksheet with black-and-white illustrations. A teal supply caddy, several glue sticks, and paper scraps are spread across the table, with classroom bookshelves visible in the background.
Two elementary students are working together at a classroom desk on a cut-and-paste activity. A girl in a dark blue zip-up jacket uses purple scissors to carefully cut out paper strips, while a boy in a white polo shirt stands next to her, also holding scissors. Their desk is organized with a blank sequencing worksheet, glue sticks, a pencil, and a clear plastic bin filled with markers.
Two elementary students collaborate on a sequencing activity while kneeling on a colorful alphabet rug. One student in a tan hoodie uses a glue stick, while the other student in a grey hoodie arranges small black-and-white illustrations next to a worksheet with empty boxes. Several pairs of scissors, pencils, and paper scraps are scattered on the rug around them.
Two elementary students sit at a grey desk in a classroom, working together on a literacy assignment. One student in a pink sweatshirt and another in a patterned white hoodie are using scissors to cut out small black-and-white illustrations to glue onto a sequencing worksheet with six empty boxes. A colorful tissue box, two glue sticks, and several small paper cutouts are arranged on the desk in front of them.
Two young boys work together at a wooden classroom desk on a cut-and-paste project. One boy in a blue hoodie holds a glue stick while the other, in a white polo shirt, prepares to place a cutout illustration onto a worksheet. A plastic bag containing paper strips and a pair of scissors sit on the desk between them.
Two students in matching navy blue sweatshirts sit on the floor in front of a row of beige lockers, working on a cut-and-paste activity. They are using scissors to cut out small printed images to glue onto a worksheet with six empty boxes. Several glue sticks and paper scraps are scattered on the red and tan floor mats around them.
Two elementary students sit on a floral-patterned rug in a classroom, collaborating on a project. A girl in a plaid fleece jacket and a boy in a blue sweatshirt are looking down at a worksheet and a laptop. A glue stick lies on the rug between them, and a bookshelf filled with books and containers is visible in the background against a white cinderblock wall.
Is there anything better than Holiday decorations in the hallways of an elementary school to put you in a good mood? We think not!
#ShiningSpartans
5 months ago, Jason Smith
A colorful children's Thanksgiving craft displayed on a wall features a large turkey made of construction paper. The turkey has a brown body, an orange head with googly eyes, a yellow beak, and a red wattle. Its feathers are represented by large, painted paper cutouts in shades of orange, yellow, green, red, and purple. Two long, accordion-folded orange paper strips hang down as legs. Attached below the turkey is a child's drawing titled with the name "Boone". The drawing depicts: Three stick figures standing in a grassy field with blue shapes in the background. A yellow sun in the top left corner. A handwritten sentence at the bottom that reads, "I am thankful for famLe". The entire project is mounted on a black background and pinned to a white brick wall decorated with a border of colorful rainbow patterns.
A colorful children's Thanksgiving craft displayed on a wall features a large turkey made of construction paper. The turkey has a brown body, an orange head with large white and black eyes, a yellow beak, and a red wattle. Its feathers are represented by large, painted paper cutouts in shades of orange, yellow, green, red, and purple. Two long, accordion-folded orange paper strips hang down as legs. Below the turkey is a child's drawing that depicts three stick figures in a grassy field under a yellow sun, with the handwritten caption: "I am thankful for famLe."
An educational poster titled "A TREE FOR ALL SEASONS" featuring a circular cycle of four images showing how a tree changes throughout the year. The cycle includes: Spring: A tree covered in vibrant pink blossoms. Summer: A tree with thick, lush green leaves. Fall: A tree with yellow and orange autumn foliage. Winter: A bare tree with thin, white-dusted branches. Black hand-drawn arrows point between the images to show the continuous seasonal progression.
A classroom bulletin board titled "¡Aquí no se encuentra ningún pavo!" (No turkeys found here!) featuring a collection of "disguised" turkeys created by students. The turkeys are creatively camouflaged as various characters and objects to avoid being caught for Thanksgiving. Notable disguises include: An Elf on the Shelf with striped legs and a Santa hat. Stitch from Lilo & Stitch in bright blue. A KFC bucket of chicken. A fluffy white sheep made with cotton balls. A Minion from Despicable Me. A pizza slice with pepperoni. A snowman made of crumpled white paper. A cowboy with a hat and boots. The board is decorated with Mexican flags and small 3D gift box ornaments, showcasing a festive, multicultural classroom environment.
A child's Thanksgiving craft titled "Julissa N." featuring a turkey cleverly disguised as a sheep. The turkey’s head and neck are colored gray and purple, but its body is completely covered in fluffy white cotton balls to mimic wool. It wears sparkly purple bunny ears and stands on green glitter paper representing grass. A speech bubble next to the turkey reads, "Eat carrots Not Turkey!" emphasizing its "undercover" mission.
A classroom bulletin board titled "TURKEYS IN DISGUISE" featuring creative student projects. Various "Disguise a Turkey" printouts show turkeys hidden as different characters and objects, including: Hello Kitty: A turkey in a purple dress with a pearl necklace and crown. Pop Culture: A Pokémon Pokéball, a Ninja Turtle, and a character in a fuzzy rabbit costume. Nature & Holiday: A turkey disguised as a shimmering green Christmas tree and another as a gray tornado with cotton ball clouds.
A handwritten and illustrated poster titled "We are thankful!" features a cartoon turkey at the center of a large circle. Surrounding the turkey are various drawings and words representing things to be grateful for, including: People: Family (mom, dad, sister, brother), teachers, and friends. Nature: Grass, flowers, nature (with a tree and snowflake), rainbow, and beach. Food: Food (grapes and an apple), candy, and a cookie. Animals: Pets (dog and cat) and bugs (an ant). Everyday Items: Books, home, clothes, and toys. The poster is colorful, using markers and crayons to create a cheerful, classroom-style collage of gratitude.

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

6 months ago, Robert Junna
A slideshow GIF capturing the energy and engagement of Parent-Teacher Conferences across District 83 schools. The scenes transition through various school buildings, showing teachers and families sitting together in classrooms and hallways, deeply engaged in conversation. The photos highlight smiling faces, staff welcoming parents, and collaborative discussions at desks, all illustrating the district's Family and Community Partnership in action to support student success and well-being.