Mokena School District 159

Happy Halloween from Mokena 159 teachers and staff!

These MES students are too ghoul for school! 👻

Students at MIS had a blast today- and we loved all of their costumes!

Halloween fun at MJHS! 👻 🎃

Happy Principals Month, Mr. Munch! We thank you for your leadership in improving student learning and centering decisions around what’s best for students. Your thoughtfulness in all you do in the many hats you wear is admired and appreciated! Let’s learn more about Mr. Munch in today’s principal spotlight: -Mr. Munch is in his 6th year as the assistant principal of Mokena Junior High School. When asked about his time at MJHS, he stated, “It has been an amazing privilege to serve the students, staff, and community of Mokena.” -He started his career as a 6th grade teacher in LaGrange and was in this position for 7 years . He then became an instructional coach in that district for 3 years. -Mr. Munch earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Wheaton College. He received a master’s degree in education administration from National Louis University. -When he is not at work, his time is filled with working on projects and hanging out with his family and friends. He enjoys running with his daughter, family bike rides, and coaching his sons’ baseball team.

5th grade students concluded their ELA Module 1 with a group performance of the narrative monolgues each student wrote based on a character and events in the novel Esperanza Rising.

Kindergarten students have been busy practicing their speaking and listening skills. Recently, they shared what they learned as an interviewer about their classmates’ interests when playing with toys.

MIS recently hosted a door decorating contest! Congratulations to the top three doors (but we think they're all amazing)!

Mr. H. and Ms. Legrand are helping students improve their strength and balance through yoga lessons in P.E. at MES!

3rd graders in Mrs. Esgar's class recently estimated the weight and circumference of their pumpkins before checking to see if their guesses were correct! Afterwards, they created their own carvings!

We are hiring! If you would be an awesome food service coordinator, apply here ➡️ https://mokena159.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=514

4th graders have been presenting their original poems to their classmates this week! Not only did they each write a poem about something that inspires them, they also wrote an informational essay about the inspiration and poetic elements used. Way to go, Rockets!

Happy Principals Month, Mr. McAtee! We thank you for your student centered focus and you continual efforts to ensure our students have the best learning experience while at MIS. Let’s learn more about Mr. McAtee in today’s principal spotlight: -Mr. McAtee is in his 9th year as principal of Mokena Intermediate School and in his 33rd year as an educator! When asked about being a principal at MIS, Mr. McAtee stated, “I have a sign in my office that says "This is my Happy Place" and it couldn't be more accurate. I love my job and can't see myself doing anything else. Being able to work with the students and staff of Mokena is a dream job!” -Prior to MIS, he was a Dean of Students and Principal other districts. He was also a teacher in 4th grade, 5th grade, and in a multi-age 5th/6th grade classroom. -Mr. McAtee received his Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Governors State University and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from Lewis University. His Bachelor’s Degree is from St. Louis University. -He is the father of 3 sons and 2 daughter-in-laws, and has 2 grandchildren. He and his wife of 36 years have one main focus, family. They get together with their kids as frequently as possible, including flying to Florida 4-5 times a year to visit their grandkids. He also has 2 furry children (his dogs) and their names are Jackie and Jessie.

We ❤️ Kinderbuddy day!

Join the PTA at the Mokena Park District trunk or treat! The annual pumpkin decorating contest will be held here so more people can see the fabulous creations! Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNYl8rH6lW1Eixy3cKig5uuUyPbsgw9vg5SH_E1cBkNl3iig/viewform

Crazy hair day at MES is always a huge hit!

1st graders recently finished their module on tools & work by creating a “magnificent thing”. Students worked in small groups to identify a problem, brainstormed a creative solution, and built their project. A few of them presented their project at last week's Board meeting!

Thanks to everyone that came out for the 2nd annual pink out game on Tuesday! It was an incredible event! Huge shoutout to the athletic boosters for organizing!

5th grade students at MIS have been working together to compose a song- they created 4 measures of rhythms and then wrote original lyrics with themes such as Halloween, sports, and even chicken nuggets!

Tomorrow night is the MJHS fall concert! We hope to see you there!