February 1, 2005 Bi-weekly e-newsletter for District 87 employees

Four incumbents, one newcomer seek four open seats
Running for four open seat on the District 87 Board of Education are John Dirks, Cheryl Jackson, Millicent Roth, Janet Smith (all incumbents) and Willie Halbert. Election Day is Tuesday, April 5.

School Calendar approved for 2005-2006
Next year's school calendar was approved by The Board of Education during their January 26 meeting. No changes were made to the Draft. Click HERE to download the calendar.

Board of Education approves adding 12 classrooms to BJHS
The Board of Education approved 6.1 million dollars in additions to Bloomington Junior High School to help elimate current, crowded conditions. The Board was presented with four options, ranging in cost from 5.8 to 7.9 million dollars. They unanimously chose Option 3, which will provide the largest number of classrooms at second lowest cost. This plan includes: 12 additional classrooms; an additional music, art and two health classrooms and a full sized gymnasium with locker rooms.

The additional 12 classrooms will be added to the southeast corner of the current building and will consist of two stories. The music room will be added to the front of the building. Funding for this project will come from the release of bonds - a process similar to a home equity loan. The property tax rate will not be increased by this work. Construction will begin this summer and is expected to be completed by the following Fall.

Option 3:
12 classrooms 15,400 sq. ft. ($2,548,800)
Arts for Life ($268,946)
Discipline Office ($185,260)
Gym 15,200 sq. ft
Total: $6,141,806

Opportunity for families to host Russian Exchange Student
The Vladimir/Canterbury Sister City Association of Bloomington-Normal is seeking families to host a Russian high school student for one or two semesters beginning fall 2005.  This is an excellent opportunity for families to make an international friend and to broaden cultural perspectives and promote international understanding.

The association sponsors an annual exchange program for two 15 or 16 year old students to attend high schools in the Twin Cities for a period of one school year.  Families in outlying areas of school attendance districts are also eligible to host provided transportation to Bloomington-Normal is available.

Student applicants are carefully screened for English skills.  Students provide their own airfare and spending money. Host families provide food, lodging and transportation.  The association provides student health and accident insurance, pays school fees and offers host families an orientation and support during the student visit. Interested families may contact Orlyn Edge, 452-3021, to volunteer or for more information.  Host families must be selected by late February.

Volunteers sought for District's Sesquicentennial Committee
The year 2007 will mark the 150th anniversary of the founding of Bloomington Public Schools! We are currently seeking volunteers for our Sesqui committee. If you are interested in helping out, please contact us. Retirees and alumni are encouraged to apply. Click HERE to see our history site.

Congratulations to...
• Our H.S. Wrestling squad and coaches for bringing home the Big 12 Title for the 8th consecutive year.
• Irving School students and teachers for raising $1,683 to benefit the Save the Children Tsunami Relief Fund.
• Each year, our Illinois State Scholars are honored during a special evening dinner. Each student is asked to invite a teacher/adult who has made a lasting impression on them. Invited teachers include…Chris Bohne, Mike Gebhard, Kerry Gravelle, Judy Hughes, Andy Jones, Angie Lawrence, Sandi Lewis, Drew Moore, Stan Otto, Sareva Parkhurst, Connie Rapp, Mike Riley, Ed Storrs and Sondra Vogel. (about half are 4th and 5th grade teachers)
• The following District 87 employees are also parents of Illinois State Scholars…Ed and Carol Rozboril, Linda and Rigo Schmelzer, Lynn Stege and Karen Collins.

District Trivia:
Last issue's trivia answer re: BHS graduation rate was:
b) each year since 2000. Click HERE to see more information.

This issue's trivia question...

Since Fall registration – to the last day of the 1st semester – 896 students have either transfered from one District 87 elementary school to another, or have enrolled in District 87 from school districts within Illinois, from out of state, or from other countries.

Of the 896 students, what percentage of students have come solely from the City of Chicago?

a) 23%
b) 13%
c) 7%
d) 4%

The first 5 people who answered correctly won a pack Wrigley's Spearmint gum and a copy of tomorrow's edition of either the Sun Times or the Tribune - their choice.

5 correct responses have been received! Click here to find out where most of the students are coming from.
Upcoming events

February is…Black History Month, National Children's Dental Health Month

Wednesday, February 2
• Groundhog Day.

Friday, February 4
• Oakland School wraps up its week-long Adlai Stevenson II week with an all school assembly. 2:00 p.m.

Monday, February 7
• Illinois State Scholars Dinner. 6:30-9:00 p.m at BHS.

Wednesday, February 9
• Board of Education meeting. 6:30 p.m. ESC.

Thursday, February 10
• BHS and AVC's Spring Open House. 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Friday, February 11
• School Improvement Day. No School for students.

Week of February 13-19
• National Career & Technical Education Week.

Saturday, February 12
• Abraham Lincoln's BD. Lincoln was the first Counsel for Bloomington Public Schools. His unpaid services included reminding the Mayor of Bloomington of the city's legal responsibility to fund public schools.

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