Mokena School District 159

Congratulations to Dr. Johnson, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, for receiving the 2026 Illinois Association of Gifted Children's Bonnie Park Leadership Legacy Award!

This annual award is given to one educator throughout the state who has demonstrated service excellerce by going above and beyond to make a significant impact to the lives of advanced and gifted students. IAGC cited her work within Mokena's Strategic Plan Goal 1C including leading a district-wide program review, convening and overseeing an Advanced Learner Task Force that enhanced and strengthened the district's programming, coordinating professional development and opportunities for staff to receive their gifted endorsement, as well as contributing to the wider field of gifted education through conference presentations and a journal article.

6th grade Advanced ELA students took center stage as they delivered their very own TED Talks, showcasing their learning, sharing their ideas, and speaking with confidence! As the capstone to their unit, students brought everything together to demonstrate their growth, creativity, and ability to communicate their thinking in meaningful ways. We are so proud of the hard work and courage they put into sharing their voices!

MIS Craft Club members are learning how to do the different embroidery techniques! Check out their work so far!

Second graders in Mrs. Street's class performed readers theaters for their buddies in Mrs . Kadan's kindergarten class. Our youngest readers were able to hear what fluent reading sounds like as well as learn schools from around the world! Way to be great role models, second grade!

🪚 8th grade students have been busy working collaboratively to design and build their model sheds as part of their Architecture Unit in Tech and Design Class! 🪚

It was a great day for our Meteor Runners at the IESA State Cross Country Meet! We are very proud to share the race results:
🥇Stella C.- State Champion with a time of 11:22.3 (personal best)
🏅 Owen M- 4th Place with a time of 10:41.6 (personal best)
🏅 Cole N.- 44th place with a time of 12:45.6 (personal best)

Congratulations to our runners and coaches for these amazing accomplishments!

🚀 Congratulations to the MIS September Big Deal Award Winners! We are very proud of each of you! 🚀

October Kinderbuddies was spooky fun today as buddies created a witch craft together!

🏀 Tryouts for MJHS boys basketball start next week! As a reminder, the registration link can be found at https://mjhs.mokena159.org/o/mjhs/page/mokena-athletics . 🏀

Please note that your child MUST be registered and have an updated sports physical on file in order to participate. No exceptions will be made. (If your child is an incoming 6th grader, their school physical will suffice as their sports physical. )

GO METEORS! ☄️

🎥 Our junior high is fortunate to have its very own Meteors Broadcasting Club in which students get the experience of putting together the school announcements through writing, producing, anchoring, recording, and production! Thank you to Dr. Albon and Ms. Horsch for sponsoring this awesome club for our students! 🎥

7th grade scientists are learning about cell organelles by investigating live Paramecium!

Our first graders enjoyed their field trip this week to the Homewood Science Center!

Our district-wide Teachers Institute Day took place last Friday. We appreciate the time to learn and grow together as a district staff!

Last week, our 8th grade students had the opportunity to hear from Kylie Goodman and Mandy Chaviers who work at Xylem, a company that focuses on water sustainability and technology. This virtual presentation and Q&A provided real world application of their Weather Unit in science as well as concepts within their Industrial Revolution unit in history! In addition, students also learned about careers in this industry.

Don't forget about these important October district dates!

Our Cross Country Team participated in the IESA Sectional Tournament this morning and three runners will be heading to the State Meet next weekend! Congratulations to:
👟Stella C.- 1st place with a time of 11:32.5 (season best)
👟Cole N. - 11th place with a time of 12:59.6 (personal best)
👟Owen M.- 4th place with a time of 10:53.9 (personal best)

7th grade scientists are learning about the skeletal system through self-guided, collaborative stations. Perfect topic for October!

MES students are observing Fire Prevention Month with visits from the Mokena Fire Protection District. 1st and 2nd grade students attended the Fire House presentation to learn more about fire safey in the home. Thank you to the firefighters who came out to help our students learn this very important safety information!

🎃 The MJHS Halloween Night Party is on October 30th from 5:30-7:00pm! Sign-up to attend at https://bit.ly/4z8fxlo ! 🎃

Thank you to the PTA for organzing this fun event for our students!