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

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

#GeminiAcademy #AIinEdu #GoogleEducator #LTCil
9 days ago, Robert Junna
An educator with long dark hair tied back and a beard stands in a well-lit school library, gesturing with one hand toward his chest while presenting. He is positioned next to a long table with a laptop, facing a large projection screen displaying a "Gemini Academy" slide titled "Module 04: 10 Ways to Amplify Your Teaching with Gemini." The background features organized bookshelves filled with books, student-oriented decorations, and large windows, creating an engaging academic atmosphere.
Last week we had training from Yale University's RULER Implementation Specialists. Next, we will begin important work with Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, and Regulating our emotions. We are excited for this work.
29 days ago, Robert Junna
A group of educators and staff participate in a professional development workshop in a school library. A facilitator in a black suit stands at the head of a large table, addressing several seated participants who are engaged in discussion and taking notes. Bookshelves and a sign reading "Books are for everyone" are visible in the background.
A hand-written "Shining Spartan Charter" poster sits on a table during a staff collaboration session. The poster outlines group values such as "engaged," "inspired," "valued," and "open-minded," with specific action items like "actively listen," "make a plan," and "be okay to disagree." Several signatures from staff members are visible in a box at the bottom left, while team members work with notebooks and name tags around the table in the background.
Two staff members hold a large Post-it easel pad titled "Westdale Charter" featuring brainstorming notes from a collaborative session. The paper includes a hand-drawn paw print with the words "Inspired, Engaged, Motivated," a list of team names, and goals such as "Discuss possibilities," "Active participation," and "Establish a plan of implementation for 26-27."
A large Post-it easel pad titled "Roy RULER Training Charter" is held up in a school library, surrounded by bookshelves. The poster displays colorful handwritten notes on group values, including "Valued," "Productive," "Inspired," "Confident," and "Supported," with corresponding action items like "Acknowledgement of all ideas" and "Work together." Several staff signatures are visible in the bottom left corner, signifying team agreement.
A large group of Mannheim School District staff members pose for a group photo in a school library after a professional development session. The diverse team of educators and administrators are smiling, with some holding "The Mood Meter" posters. Many staff members are wearing school-affiliated apparel, including Mannheim Falcons and various university sweatshirts, showcasing a collaborative and positive school culture.
A smiling staff member holds up a hand-drawn poster titled "The Charter of Training" in a school library. The poster uses the acronym "FOKIS" to highlight team values: Focused, Organized, Knowledgeable, Inspired, and Supported. Each value includes specific goals like "whole body listening," "action items," and "consistent encouragement," with several colorful staff signatures at the bottom of the page.
Enger, Scott, Roy & MMS diving into PLCs, Desmos & Curriculum! 📚 MECC in purposeful planning. 🧩 Ms. Kjome & Westdale analyzing data. 📊 Staff & Paras across D83 are collaborating to empower every student to reach their full potential! 🚀 #D83Shines
2 months ago, Robert Junna
A fast-paced slideshow GIF showcasing collaborative professional development across District 83 schools. The video features various scenes of educators, including Enger, Scott, Roy, and MMS, working in small groups with laptops and Desmos math software. Other clips show staff at MECC engaged in "purposeful planning" with curriculum guides, and Ms. Kjome leading data analysis at Westdale. Throughout the reel, a diverse group of teachers, administrators, and paraprofessionals are seen smiling, brainstorming at whiteboards, and reviewing student work in vibrant classroom settings, all highlighting a district-wide culture of collaboration and student empowerment.
Ms. Kjome & Westdale team analyzing data to support growth across all grades! 📊 Helping every student reach full potential. 🌟 #D83Shines
2 months ago, Robert Junna
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Active learning @ D83! 🧠 Math (@Amplify @hmhlearn), behavior PD, & PLCs. Empowering students to shape a brighter future by preparing ourselves today. ✨ #D83Shines
3 months ago, Robert Junna
A fast-paced slideshow GIF featuring various scenes of educational professional development and classroom instruction. The reel shows educators engaging with Amplify and HMH Math curriculum on laptops, staff participating in specialized behavior PD workshops, and collaborative PLC teams analyzing student data. The images transition through various District 83 classrooms and meeting spaces, capturing teachers and staff working together to prepare instructional strategies that empower student success.
TLCs & Media Specialists at @west40ISC/@ltcillinois Hi, AI! Conf! 🤖 Learning tools to empower students & shape a brighter future. ✨ #D83Shines
3 months ago, Robert Junna
A photo featuring District 83 Technology Learning Coaches (TLCs) and Media Specialists attending the "Hi, AI!" Conference hosted by West40 and the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show staff members engaged in hands-on workshops, collaborating around laptops to explore artificial intelligence tools, and posing together in a professional learning environment. The photos capture the team’s focus on integrating new technology to empower students and prepare them for a future shaped by AI.
A photo featuring District 83 Technology Learning Coaches (TLCs) and Media Specialists attending the "Hi, AI!" Conference hosted by West40 and the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show staff members engaged in hands-on workshops, collaborating around laptops to explore artificial intelligence tools, and posing together in a professional learning environment. The photos capture the team’s focus on integrating new technology to empower students and prepare them for a future shaped by AI.
A photo featuring District 83 Technology Learning Coaches (TLCs) and Media Specialists attending the "Hi, AI!" Conference hosted by West40 and the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show staff members engaged in hands-on workshops, collaborating around laptops to explore artificial intelligence tools, and posing together in a professional learning environment. The photos capture the team’s focus on integrating new technology to empower students and prepare them for a future shaped by AI.
A photo featuring District 83 Technology Learning Coaches (TLCs) and Media Specialists attending the "Hi, AI!" Conference hosted by West40 and the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show staff members engaged in hands-on workshops, collaborating around laptops to explore artificial intelligence tools, and posing together in a professional learning environment. The photos capture the team’s focus on integrating new technology to empower students and prepare them for a future shaped by AI.
Snowy start, but heating up with collaboration! 💻 Empowering educators to reach every learner. Teams are focused on high-level tasks like analyzing MAP data, collaborating in PLCs, and integrating technology tools.🚀 #D83Shines
3 months ago, Robert Junna
A slideshow GIF documenting a collaborative professional development day at District 83 during a snowy morning. The frames transition through scenes of educators gathered in warm, bright classrooms and meeting spaces, working intently at laptops and whiteboards. The footage highlights teams huddled together for PLC meetings, specialists analyzing MAP data reports on screens, and teachers experimenting with new digital technology tools. The overall energy is focused and industrious, showing staff members across the district collaborating to refine instructional strategies and support student growth.
Dr. Giraldo & Ms. Laurie join our PowerSchool training! 💻 Leveraging data to support the whole child & cultural mindfulness. 🌏 #D83Shines
3 months ago, Robert Junna
A photo of Dr. Diego Giraldo speaking to the District secretaries about the importance of PowerSchool data
A photo of Dr. Diego Giraldo speaking to the District secretaries about the importance of PowerSchool data
A photo of Deanna Laurie speaking to the District secretaries about the importance of PowerSchool data

Our School and District Office Secretaries, Health Clerks, & Tech Team growing w/ Mary Brewer @MyPowerSchool! Accurate data fosters clear communication and building community. 💻🚀 #D83Shines

3 months ago, Robert Junna
A photo showing District 83 School and District Office Secretaries, Health Clerks, and the Tech Team during a PowerSchool training session with Mary Brewer. The images capture staff members working diligently at their laptops in a collaborative workshop setting, participating in guided instruction, and discussing data management strategies. The photo highlights the team's commitment to professional growth and data accuracy to ensure clear communication and a stronger school community.
A photo showing District 83 School and District Office Secretaries, Health Clerks, and the Tech Team during a PowerSchool training session with Mary Brewer. The images capture staff members working diligently at their laptops in a collaborative workshop setting, participating in guided instruction, and discussing data management strategies. The photo highlights the team's commitment to professional growth and data accuracy to ensure clear communication and a stronger school community.
A photo showing District 83 School and District Office Secretaries, Health Clerks, and the Tech Team during a PowerSchool training session with Mary Brewer. The images capture staff members working diligently at their laptops in a collaborative workshop setting, participating in guided instruction, and discussing data management strategies. The photo highlights the team's commitment to professional growth and data accuracy to ensure clear communication and a stronger school community.
A photo showing District 83 School and District Office Secretaries, Health Clerks, and the Tech Team during a PowerSchool training session with Mary Brewer. The images capture staff members working diligently at their laptops in a collaborative workshop setting, participating in guided instruction, and discussing data management strategies. The photo highlights the team's commitment to professional growth and data accuracy to ensure clear communication and a stronger school community.
Lifelong learning in action! 🎓 D83 staff prepping for Google Level 2 with @mrOkigawa from @ltcillinois. Growing to empower our students! #D83Shines
3 months ago, Robert Junna
A photo capturing District 83 staff members participating in a Google Level 2 certification training led by Eric Okigawa from the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show educators focused on their laptops in a classroom setting, engaging in collaborative discussions, and following along with presentation slides. The atmosphere is one of focused professional growth as the team works together to master advanced digital tools to better empower their students.
A photo capturing District 83 staff members participating in a Google Level 2 certification training led by Eric Okigawa from the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show educators focused on their laptops in a classroom setting, engaging in collaborative discussions, and following along with presentation slides. The atmosphere is one of focused professional growth as the team works together to master advanced digital tools to better empower their students.
A photo capturing District 83 staff members participating in a Google Level 2 certification training led by Eric Okigawa from the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show educators focused on their laptops in a classroom setting, engaging in collaborative discussions, and following along with presentation slides. The atmosphere is one of focused professional growth as the team works together to master advanced digital tools to better empower their students.
👩‍💻 Kicking off the holidays with some serious upskilling! District 83 staff are diving into the Google Educator Level 1 workshop today with Mark Okigawa @ltcillinois. 🚀
4 months ago, Robert Junna
A photo capturing District 83 staff members participating in a Google Level 2 certification training led by Eric Okigawa from the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show educators focused on their laptops in a classroom setting, engaging in collaborative discussions, and following along with presentation slides. The atmosphere is one of focused professional growth as the team works together to master advanced digital tools to better empower their students.
A photo capturing District 83 staff members participating in a Google Level 2 certification training led by Eric Okigawa from the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show educators focused on their laptops in a classroom setting, engaging in collaborative discussions, and following along with presentation slides. The atmosphere is one of focused professional growth as the team works together to master advanced digital tools to better empower their students.
A photo capturing District 83 staff members participating in a Google Level 2 certification training led by Eric Okigawa from the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show educators focused on their laptops in a classroom setting, engaging in collaborative discussions, and following along with presentation slides. The atmosphere is one of focused professional growth as the team works together to master advanced digital tools to better empower their students.
A photo capturing District 83 staff members participating in a Google Level 2 certification training led by Eric Okigawa from the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show educators focused on their laptops in a classroom setting, engaging in collaborative discussions, and following along with presentation slides. The atmosphere is one of focused professional growth as the team works together to master advanced digital tools to better empower their students.
A photo capturing District 83 staff members participating in a Google Level 2 certification training led by Eric Okigawa from the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show educators focused on their laptops in a classroom setting, engaging in collaborative discussions, and following along with presentation slides. The atmosphere is one of focused professional growth as the team works together to master advanced digital tools to better empower their students.
A photo capturing District 83 staff members participating in a Google Level 2 certification training led by Eric Okigawa from the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. The images show educators focused on their laptops in a classroom setting, engaging in collaborative discussions, and following along with presentation slides. The atmosphere is one of focused professional growth as the team works together to master advanced digital tools to better empower their students.

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

4 months ago, Robert Junna
A heartwarming slideshow GIF of "Tapestry Family Night 2025," capturing various moments of community building between District 83 families and staff. The scenes feature children and parents participating in hands-on activities, staff members smiling and engaging in conversation with families, and groups gathered around tables in a brightly decorated school multi-purpose room. The reel highlights a joyful atmosphere of connection, showing a diverse community coming together to support student growth and celebrate shared goals.
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
4 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.
The Life Skills & Well-Being S.A.C. is making great progress on curriculum! Building capacity to fulfill our shared goals. 🚀 #D83Shines
4 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
4 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.

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

5 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.
PE curriculum work today helps empower students to achieve their full potential and build physical well-being. Way to go, SAC! 💪🍎 #D83Shines
5 months ago, Robert Junna
A photo of Physical Education teachers and members of the Student Advisory Committee (SAC) collaborating on curriculum development in a meeting room. The team is seen working together around a table with laptops and planning documents, focusing on strategies to enhance student physical well-being. The image captures a professional and dedicated atmosphere as the staff works to empower students to reach their full potential through refined PE instruction.
A photo of Physical Education teachers and members of the Student Advisory Committee (SAC) collaborating on curriculum development in a meeting room. The team is seen working together around a table with laptops and planning documents, focusing on strategies to enhance student physical well-being. The image captures a professional and dedicated atmosphere as the staff works to empower students to reach their full potential through refined PE instruction.
A photo of Physical Education teachers and members of the Student Advisory Committee (SAC) collaborating on curriculum development in a meeting room. The team is seen working together around a table with laptops and planning documents, focusing on strategies to enhance student physical well-being. The image captures a professional and dedicated atmosphere as the staff works to empower students to reach their full potential through refined PE instruction.
A photo of Physical Education teachers and members of the Student Advisory Committee (SAC) collaborating on curriculum development in a meeting room. The team is seen working together around a table with laptops and planning documents, focusing on strategies to enhance student physical well-being. The image captures a professional and dedicated atmosphere as the staff works to empower students to reach their full potential through refined PE instruction.
A photo of Physical Education teachers and members of the Student Advisory Committee (SAC) collaborating on curriculum development in a meeting room. The team is seen working together around a table with laptops and planning documents, focusing on strategies to enhance student physical well-being. The image captures a professional and dedicated atmosphere as the staff works to empower students to reach their full potential through refined PE instruction.
D83 is focused on growth! Enger, MMS, Westdale, Scott & Roy staff are busy with PD on GCN, GWB planning, Sped, E-Learning folders, Aquatics, Math Validation & Winter MAP testing. Cultivating continuous learning for all! #D83Shines 🚀💡📚💻✨
5 months ago, Robert Junna
A fast-paced slideshow GIF showcasing a variety of professional development activities for staff from Enger, MMS, Westdale, Scott, and Roy schools. The reel features scenes of educators working on laptops for GCN training and GWB planning, special education teams collaborating in small groups, and staff organizing E-Learning folders. Additional clips show aquatic safety training, math validation discussions, and teachers preparing for Winter MAP testing. The images capture a high-energy, district-wide environment of continuous learning with staff engaged in workshops, classrooms, and collaborative meeting spaces.
Administrators supporting all Westdale staff today with Sped meetings, Winter MAP testing 📝 and scheduling updates 🗓️, powering our work to cultivate lifelong learners. #D83Shines ✨
5 months ago, Robert Junna
A diverse group of staff members are seated in a school library's lounge area, focused on an off-screen presentation. Most are seated on upholstered armchairs and sofas, with some holding notebooks and pens. The background is decorated with a tropical "Aloha" theme, featuring gold letter balloons, a grass-skirt-lined counter, and colorful banners. Tall wooden bookshelves filled with children's books surround the seating area, and a television monitor is visible in the distance.
Four women are gathered in a bright, modern conference room, sharing a lighthearted moment during a meeting. One woman sits at a separate desk with a computer monitor, while the others are seated around a large dark wood table equipped with laptops and snacks. An American flag is mounted on the wall near large windows with closed blinds, and the room has clean, white-tiled floors.
A group of six women are gathered around a large, dark wood conference table in a brightly lit meeting room. Most of the women are seated on one side of the table, facing a woman with long brown hair whose back is to the camera. They appear engaged in a casual and positive discussion, with several women smiling or laughing. The table is scattered with laptops, notebooks, colorful tumblers, and a box of tissues. The room has neutral white walls, light-colored tiled flooring, and a stack of cardboard boxes in the background, suggesting a collaborative office or educational setting.
A group of educators are seated at rectangular tables in a school library, participating in a professional development session. They are facing a projector screen displaying a presentation titled "Winter MAP Testing" with a fall-themed design. The foreground shows staff members with laptops, notebooks, and planners open on the tables, while the background is filled with rows of bookshelves and colorful educational posters. The room is brightly lit, creating a focused and collaborative working environment.
A group of adults are seated at rectangular tables in a school library, attending a presentation or workshop. Most participants are facing toward the front of the room, where a large black screen and a presenter are visible. The atmosphere appears positive, with several individuals smiling and laughing. The library setting features tall bookshelves filled with books, patterned brown carpeting, and a colorful "Our Reading Ohana" beach-themed mural on the back wall. Participants have laptops and notebooks on the tables, and the room is brightly lit by rectangular ceiling lights and windows.
Math SAC's curriculum work, approved by CCC, directly empowers students to achieve their full potential! 🍎📚 We're building a brighter future! #D83Shines
5 months ago, Robert Junna
A photo of the Math Student Advisory Committee (SAC) members collaborating on curriculum development in a professional meeting room. The group is seated around a table with laptops, printed data, and instructional materials, focusing on the curriculum recently approved by the CCC (Curriculum Coordinating Council). The image captures the team engaged in a focused discussion aimed at enhancing math instruction to empower students and improve learning outcomes.
A photo of the Math Student Advisory Committee (SAC) members collaborating on curriculum development in a professional meeting room. The group is seated around a table with laptops, printed data, and instructional materials, focusing on the curriculum recently approved by the CCC (Curriculum Coordinating Council). The image captures the team engaged in a focused discussion aimed at enhancing math instruction to empower students and improve learning outcomes.
A photo of the Math Student Advisory Committee (SAC) members collaborating on curriculum development in a professional meeting room. The group is seated around a table with laptops, printed data, and instructional materials, focusing on the curriculum recently approved by the CCC (Curriculum Coordinating Council). The image captures the team engaged in a focused discussion aimed at enhancing math instruction to empower students and improve learning outcomes.
A photo of the Math Student Advisory Committee (SAC) members collaborating on curriculum development in a professional meeting room. The group is seated around a table with laptops, printed data, and instructional materials, focusing on the curriculum recently approved by the CCC (Curriculum Coordinating Council). The image captures the team engaged in a focused discussion aimed at enhancing math instruction to empower students and improve learning outcomes.
A photo of the Math Student Advisory Committee (SAC) members collaborating on curriculum development in a professional meeting room. The group is seated around a table with laptops, printed data, and instructional materials, focusing on the curriculum recently approved by the CCC (Curriculum Coordinating Council). The image captures the team engaged in a focused discussion aimed at enhancing math instruction to empower students and improve learning outcomes.
A photo of the Math Student Advisory Committee (SAC) members collaborating on curriculum development in a professional meeting room. The group is seated around a table with laptops, printed data, and instructional materials, focusing on the curriculum recently approved by the CCC (Curriculum Coordinating Council). The image captures the team engaged in a focused discussion aimed at enhancing math instruction to empower students and improve learning outcomes.