Manhattan School District 114

Author Amy Logan dropped by Ole MIS today to share her "Girl With A Cape" kindness book & story. Kids were a wonderful audience. An order form for any of Amy's (4) books will be emailed home next week. A good message to end the week & cultivate all year long.
Have a great weekend Ole MIS. Go Bears on Monday Night Football!

Our math teachers and students all have been doing an incredible job implementing our new Eureka Squared Math curriculum! The staff are doing great work facilitating the conversations and activities where students are engaged and participating in math discourse!

NEW STAFF SPOTLIGHT: My name is Peyton McWilliams. I have been working with special needs kids for a little over 2 years. I love spending my time babysitting or going out with friends and family!

During Morning Advisory on Wednesdays, all students participate in a Character Strong lesson, which is a district-wide SEL curriculum. Students engage in activities and conversations to get to know themselves, their peers, and the staff better while building community.

🎺 MJHS Marching Band Shines Over Labor Day Weekend! 🥁 What an incredible weekend for our talented MJHS Marching Band! Over the holiday, our students proudly represented Manhattan Junior High at three exciting events: ✨ Friday night performing alongside the Lincoln-Way Marching Band at LWW ✨ Sunday’s Labor Day celebration and festivities at Round Barn Farm ✨ Manhattan’s Labor Day Parade A huge congratulations to our hardworking students and directors, Mrs. Carleen Pedziwater and Mr. Jon Quiaoit, for their dedication and outstanding performances! We are so grateful for the parents and volunteers whose time, energy, and support helped make this weekend a success. Thank you for all you do to keep the music going! 💙🎶 Photo credit: Tina Benfante and our amazing band parents

NEW STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Hi! I'm Cameron, I'm 27, my favorite holiday is Christmas, and I studied creative writing in college. My hobbies are candle making, baking, and spending time with my two wobbly cats, Mayhem and Vivi! I'm currently about to go back to school to get my special education teaching license.

It has been a great start to our sophomore season at Ole MIS. A few pics from around the building including our new mural painted by Mrs Boersma. Every day is a good day at The MIS!

Congrats to our baseball team and softball team as they were BOTH victorious in action today at MIS! Thanks to all the students and staff (and Dee-Mo) that came out to support the teams for the Blue Crew's "Pack-the-Bleachers" Night! Best of luck to both teams as they head into postseason play soon! Go Demons!

NEW STAFF SPOTLIGHT:
I’m a mom of two amazing kids, married to a firefighter, and dog-mom to our sweet pup, Oakley. When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll find me on the sidelines—either cheering as a youth cheer coach or proudly watching my kids play sports. I also love baking sourdough bread and making cookie cakes for just about any occasion (or no occasion at all!) I’m thrilled to be a new 2nd grade Teacher at Anna McDonald and can’t wait for a great year ahead!

NEW STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Hi, my name is Ryan Dylla, and I’m really excited to be joining the team at Manhattan Jr. High this year! I’ve been teaching special education for several years and have worked with students of all ages and ability levels. I’m all about creating a positive, supportive classroom environment where students can grow and succeed. Outside of school, I love being outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and getting way too into fantasy football. I’m looking forward to an awesome year ahead!

MJHS Parents - Make plans to join us this Thursday for our Expectations Night starting at 5:30! Parents will have the opportunity to hear more about school expectations, practices, and procedures as well as travel through your child's schedule to hear from the teachers! The evening will begin in the main gym before going to classrooms!

NEW STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Hi, I’m Hailey Bartlaga! I’m a first-year first grade teacher with a passion for fostering a love for learning and a growth mindset in my students. I grew up in Homer Glen and played collegiate soccer at the University of St. Francis in Joliet where I graduated. When I’m not in the classroom, I’m coaching youth soccer and staying connected to the sport I love. I also enjoy spending time with family, staying active, and continuing to learn and grow myself.

NEW STAFF SPOTLIGHT: My name is Lisa. I have taught preK, kindergarten, and 2nd grade special education. My husband Patrick and I haven't been married for almost 29 years. We have 4 kids and a daughter-in-law. Andrew(Emily), Kate, Ryleigh and Alyssa. We were Manhattan residents for over 10 years before moving back to New Lenox, and our oldest 2 kids went through this district. I am so happy to give back to the district that gave so much to our family!

NEW STAFF SPOTLIGHT: I am a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University, and have been with my girlfriend for 8 years. I have two dogs, Hunter and Paisley, who I’ve had since 2020. Lastly, I’m a diehard Vikings fan and love traveling to see new places.

We love seeing all the Manhattan spirit wear on Fridays again! Welcome back, Demons!💙🖤🤍

It has been a great first day of school for our MSD114 students!

On opening day, this dedicated group of staff members were recognized for having completed 5, 10, 20, 25, and 30 years of service in Manhattan School District 114! We've changed and grown but MSD114 remains a place "where we succeed together!"

The MSD114 staff officially returned this week! After weeks of setting up their spaces and preparing, they spent two days planning, collaborating, and setting intentions to be champions for our students and each other in the new year. Bring on the 2025-2026 school year!