December 15, 2004 Bi-weekly e-newsletter for District 87 employees

Students in Technology Conference
The 5th Annual Students Involved with Technology Conference will be held on January 22nd at Heartland Community College. This BNEA and State Farm sponsored program will bring together over 400 students from the region to share how they use technology in a conference "by students - for students".

If you have students in grades 3-12 who might like to present or attend, please have them visit the website. The website contains registration information for participants and presenters, as well as flyers that can be printed and posted. The deadline for registration is January 7th.

Jim Peterson will be happy to work with any students and their sponsors in preparing for a presentation. If you have any questions, please contact him.

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.

Teachers: keep saving your receipts
The Internal Revenue Service will again allow teachers to deduct up to $250 out-of-pocket classroom expenses again this year, following recently-enacted legislation.

The Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004 reinstated the educator expense deduction, which had expired at the end of last year, for both 2004 and 2005. Expenses incurred any time this year may qualify for the deduction, not just those since the Act was signed on October 4. For more information, click HERE.

Congratulations to...
Our talented students and music teachers for providing us with many wonderful Holiday programs.

Our Wrestling team and coaches for claiming their 12th straight Intercity Championship.

School Report Cards online
Click HERE to access our News Release and 2004 School Report Cards.

 Upcoming events

Wednesday, December 15
• Bill of Rights Day

Thursday, December 16
• AVC Culinary Arts Open House. Students have made wonderful pastries, cookies, cakes and candies for sale. Prearranged trays, or cookies by the dozen will be offered. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Room 161 (N.W. corner of BHS off of Empire.)
• Raymond School of Early Education's All School Sing. The morning session's program will be held at 10:30 a.m. and the afternoon session's program will be held at 2:20 p.m.
• Stevenson School's 5th grade Play and Holiday Tea. Play begins at 7:00 p.m. Gift shop is open for students from 3:30 to 8:00 p.m.
• BJHS Orchestra Winter Concert. 7:00 p.m.

Friday, December 17
• Last Day of School prior to Winter Break. Enjoy your time off!

Monday, January 3
• School resumes.

Have a story or event to list? Click HERE !
District Trivia:
Last issue's trivia answer is re: Washington School is:
d) 4 additions. Click HERE for a summary of all four additions and for a photo of the original Washington School.

This issue's trivia question...
According to this year's School Report cards, Bloomington High School's graduation rate is:

a) higher than the state average
b) higher than Normal Community High School
c) higher than Normal Community West High School
d) All of the above

The first 5 people who answered correctly won a giant Hershey's kiss. Click here for the answer.

The Trivia contest has ended...5 correct answers were received in just 8 minutes!
© Copyright 2004 Bloomington Public Schools, District 87
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