Bloomington Public Schools District 87

🌟 Welcome to D87, Natalie Shumaker! 🌟 We’re excited to introduce Natalie Shumaker, our new Director of Curriculum and Development! Natalie has an extensive background in education, with experience as a Special Education Administrator, Assistant Principal, and Special Education Teacher! She’s excited to join our D87 family, appreciating the strong sense of community and the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues to support students and create inclusive systems that benefit all learners. 😀Some fun facts about Natalie- she lives in Hudson with her husband of 15 years, John, their three kids, ages 14, 11, and 6, and their two dogs. Outside of work, Natalie enjoys cheering on her kids in their activities, running, spending time with family and friends, and finding humor in everyday moments. 👏 Let’s give Natalie a warm D87 welcome as she starts her journey with us! #WelcomeToD87 #WeAreD87

🌟 Welcome to Stevenson, Ashley Embry! 🌟 Continuing our summer series introducing new staff, we’re thrilled to welcome Ashley Embry, who will be at Stevenson as a special education paraprofessional! Last year, Ashley gained invaluable experience as a substitute teacher and finished the last couple weeks of school at Stevenson. Ashley is excited to work with both the kids and the staff this year. In her free time, she enjoys baking, crafting, and spending time with animals. And if you were wondering, her favorite color is pink! 👏 Let’s make her feel at home with a big D87 welcome! #WelcometoD87 #WeAreD87 ¡Bienvenida a Stevenson, Ashley Embry! Continuando con nuestra serie de verano presentando a nuestro nuevo personal, nos complace dar la bienvenida a Ashley Embry, quien se incorporará a Stevenson como paraprofesional de educación especial. El año pasado, Ashley adquirió una valiosa experiencia como maestra sustituta y terminó sus últimas dos semanas de clases en Stevenson. Ashley está emocionada de trabajar con los niños y el personal este año. En su tiempo libre, le gusta hornear, hacer manualidades y pasar tiempo con animales. Y por si te lo preguntabas, ¡su color favorito es el rosado! ¡Hagámosla sentir como en casa con una gran bienvenida a D87! #bienvenidaalD87 #SomosD87

🎉🌟 Big Cheers for the BHS Speech & Debate as they took on Nationals! Huge congratulations to Gean Carter, who placed 7th in Original Spoken Word at the National Speech & Debate Tournament in Des Moines, Iowa- marking her as BHS's second-ever National Finalist! 🌟 Also shining on the national stage were team members: Sage Eyres, Jacqui Benson, Haleigh Hoffman and Wesley Kalmes-Finch! Congratulations to the entire BHS Speech & Debate Team on their amazing accomplishments at Nationals! 🏆💪 #BHSpeechDebate #NSDANationals #TeamExcellence #WeAreD87

🌞🎉Despite the heat, we had an amazing day at the Juneteenth Celebration at Miller Park! A huge thank you to all the families and friends who stopped by the D87 tent to say hi, grab some swag, and enjoy a game or two of bags. And an even BIGGER congratulations to the Little Miss Juneteenth winner, BJHS's very own Miyah Rushing! 👑🎉 Along with D87, BJHS's Principal Lambert was there to personally congratulate Miyah on her incredible achievement. What a proud day for our community! 🙌💖 #Juneteenth2025 #LittleMissJuneteenth #WeAreD87

Looking for something fun to do today? Stop by the Juneteenth Celebration at Miller Park and visit the D87 tent for some swag and a game of bags. We hope to see some of our D87 family out here!

🚧🎉Construction is in full swing at the Willie and Gloria Brown Educational Center, where the future Bloomington Career Academy and Sarah E. Raymond School of Early Education are coming to life! 🔨👷 📅 Stay tuned as we'll be sharing updated photos and progress reports, giving you a sneak peek into the transformation! Let's build the future together! 🌟🏗️ #BloomingtonCareerAcademy #BuildingTheFuture #WeAreD87

Today, we join the nation in celebrating Juneteenth, the day that marks the end of slavery in the United States. It’s a day of Recognition, Restoration, and Celebration that holds a special significance for us as we strive to create a more just and equitable society. In observance of Juneteenth, all District 87 buildings will be closed, but come visit us at the Juneteenth Celebration in Miller Park this Saturday! Let's work together to build a better future for all- Happy Juneteenth! 🎉🎊🎉 #CelebrateFreedom #WeAreD87

🌟 Welcome to Sheridan, Kierra Massey! 🌟 As part of our summer series introducing new staff, we’re excited to welcome Kierra Massey as a social worker at Sheridan! Last year, Kierra was completing her master’s degree at Illinois State University, and she chose D87 because of our strong dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that aligns deeply with her values as an advocate. Kierra is looking forward to creating lasting impacts on her students—and cherishing the impact they’ll have on her. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her Australian Shepherd, Prince, visiting her two wonderful nieces, and exploring the world through travel. 👏 Let’s give her a warm D87 welcome! #WelcomeToD87 #WeAreD87 ¡Bienvenida a Sheridan, Kierra Massey! Como parte de nuestra serie de verano para presentar a nuestro nuevo personal, ¡nos complace dar la bienvenida a Kierra Massey como trabajadora social en la escuela Sheridan! El año pasado, Kierra cursaba su maestría en la Universidad Estatal de Illinois y eligió el Distrito Escolar 87 debido a nuestra fuerte dedicación a fomentar un entorno de apoyo e inclusión que se alinee profundamente con sus valores como defensora. Kierra anhela crear un impacto duradero en sus estudiantes y valorar el impacto que estos tendrán en ella. Fuera del trabajo, le encanta pasar tiempo con su perro pastor australiano, Prince; visitar a sus dos maravillosas sobrinas; y explorar el mundo viajando. ¡Démosle una cálida bienvenida al D87! #bienvenidaalD87 #SomosD87

⚽️🎉 Attention soccer fans- are you ready for some soccer? 🌟 BHS is excited to host an international soccer game this Friday at 7:30 PM as Peoria City takes on Atlas FC from Mexico. It's going to be a fantastic night of professional-level soccer right on our doorstep. 🎟️ Ticket Information: Starting at $10- https://www.gofevo.com/event/CopaJune20Atlas Special Offer for D87 Family: All D87 staff and students can enjoy one free admission with a valid D87 ID. Let's fill the stands with cheers and make it a night to remember! Don't miss out on the action and grab your tickets! 🌍⚽️💫 #BHSSoccerNight #InternationalSoccer #PeoriaCityVsAtlasFC #WeAreD87

🌟 BJHS 7th and 8th Graders Explore Washington D.C.! 🌟 The BJHS 7th and 8th graders just got back from an exciting educational trip to Washington D.C.! They had an amazing time exploring the history and sights of our capital. 🇺🇸🎒 ✨ Highlights from the trip included: 🔹 A tram ride through Arlington National Cemetery 🔹 Visiting historic landmarks and monuments 🔹 Touring museums filled with fascinating exhibits 🔹 A scenic dinner cruise down the Potomac This trip was not only about learning; it was also about having fun and creating lasting memories - it was an amazing opportunity and we can't wait to hear all their stories! 🌟 #BJHSExplorers #DCTrip2025 #EducationalAdventure #WeAreD87

🌟 Happy Father's Day from D87! 🌟 Today, we celebrate the incredible fathers and father figures in our community and beyond. Whether you're a dad, stepdad, granddad, uncle, mentor, or play a fatherly role, your love, guidance, and support shape the futures of those you care for. To all the amazing dads and father figures out there, D87 thanks you for everything you do! Happy Father's Day! 💙✨ #HappyFathersDay #WeAreD87

🌟 Huge Shoutout to BHS Alum James Ingold – BHS grad and Hall of Famer & St. Jude Hero! 🌟 D87 is more than excited to honor James Ingold, BHS Class of '81 & 2023 BHS Hall of Fame Inductee, for his extraordinary service to St. Jude! Named the 2025 St. Jude Volunteer of the Year in Memphis, TN, this honor highlights his commitment and dedication to the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Through tireless volunteer efforts and leading fundraising campaigns, James has raised an incredible $2.7 million to support St. Jude’s mission. In his own words, “This honor is a reflection of our collective spirit of giving. Huge thanks to everyone for backing my journey!” A heartfelt congratulations on your incredible accolade, James- you are a true inspiration and we couldn't be prouder! 🎉 #StJudeHero #MakingADifference #WeAreD87

🚨 Skyward Update Incoming! 🚨 Starting Friday, June 13 at 5 PM, Skyward will be temporarily offline until July 1st as we migrate to its newest platform, Skyward Qmlativ! This upgraded version promises a more user-friendly and efficient experience—just in time for registration! 📅 Mark your calendars: Registration for the 2025-26 school year opens on July 1st when Qmlativ goes live. Get ready to enjoy the improved process!

🌞 BHS Students Shine in Summer Leadership! ✨ A round of applause for some dedicated BHS students who spent their day yesterday at the Regional Office of Education crafting a vision for BHS's future! They thought about what they want BHS to stand for and a plan for how to get there. With trainer Ami Flammini's guidance, they've set their "North Star" and are mapping out the journey to get there. Special thanks to Mr. Moore, Mrs. Brady, Ms. Grathoff, and Miss Waddell for supporting our future leaders. We can't wait to see the positive change they'll bring to BHS and are excited for the work they will do! #StudentLeaders #SummerLearning #WeAreD87

🌞 BHS Students Shine in Summer Leadership! ✨ A round of applause for some dedicated BHS students who spent their day yesterday at the Regional Office of Education crafting a vision for BHS's future! They thought about what they want BHS to stand for and a plan for how to get there. With trainer Ami Flammini's guidance, they've set their "North Star" and are mapping out the journey to get there. Special thanks to Mr. Moore, Mrs. Brady, Ms. Grathoff, and Miss Waddell for supporting our future leaders. We can't wait to see the positive change they'll bring to BHS and are excited for the work they will do! #StudentLeaders #SummerLearning #WeAreD87

🎓 Attention all BHS Class of 2025 Graduates! 🎉 Your diplomas are now ready for pickup! Please ensure all fees have been paid, and all borrowed items, including Chromebooks, chargers, and cap & gowns, are returned. Also, your graduation pictures captured by Inter-State Studios are available and waiting for you in the main office at BHS. Head to BHS to get everything sorted and start your next chapter with your diploma in hand! 🌟 Atención, graduados de la Generación 2025 de BHS! ¡Sus diplomas ya están listos para recoger! Antes de recogerlos, por favor, asegúrense de haber pagado todas las cuotas y de haber devuelto todos los artículos prestados, incluyendo Chromebooks, cargadores y togas y birretes. Además, sus fotos de graduación tomadas por Inter-State Studios están disponibles y los esperan en la oficina principal de BHS. ¡Vayan a BHS para organizar todo y comenzar su nuevo capítulo con su diploma en mano!

🌟Beginning this summer, we’re excited to start introducing the amazing new staff members joining the D87 team for the 2025/26 school year! First up, we’re thrilled to welcome Becky Fredrick, who will be joining Irving as an LBS1 (special education) teacher! Last year, she thrived as the Student Support Coordinator at Judah Christian School and is now excited to make a difference in D87 alongside an amazing team. Becky is looking forward to meeting her new students and co-workers, and when she’s not in the classroom, she loves exercising, spending time with friends, and soaking up the sun at the beach every summer. 👏 Let’s give her a big D87 welcome! #WelcomeToD87 #WeAreD87 🌟¡A partir de este verano, nos emociona presentar a los increíbles nuevos miembros del personal que se unirán al equipo del Distrito escolar 87 para el año escolar 2025-2026! En primer lugar, nos complace dar la bienvenida a Becky Fredrick, quien se unirá a la escuela Irving como maestra de LBS1 (educación especial). El año pasado, brilló como coordinadora de apoyo estudiantil en la Escuela Cristiana Judah y ahora está emocionada de marcar la diferencia en el D87 junto a un equipo increíble. Becky está deseando conocer a sus nuevos estudiantes y compañeros de trabajo, y cuando no está en clase, le encanta hacer ejercicio, pasar tiempo con sus amigos y disfrutar del sol en la playa cada verano. 👏 ¡Démosle una gran bienvenida al D87! #bienvenidaalD87 #SomosD87

🌞Today kicked off the first day of D87 summer programming! Both staff and students hit the ground running and are off to a stellar start!📚🎉 Here’s to a great beginning and even greater days ahead, filled with learning, growth, and of course, lots of fun! 🌟 #D87SummerProgram #SummerLearning #WeAreD87 ¡Hoy comenzó el primer día del programa de verano del D87! Tanto el personal como los estudiantes comenzaron con mucha energía y ¡han tenido un comienzo estelar! 📚🎉 ¡Por un gran comienzo y días aún mejores por delante, llenos de aprendizaje, crecimiento y, por supuesto, mucha diversión! 🌟 #programadeveranoD87 #aprendizajedeverano #SomosD87

📣 D87 is Hiring for the 2025/26 School Year! 📚✨ Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of students? District 87 is looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team! Some anticipated positions include: 🩺 Classroom Nurses 🤝 Paraprofessionals 🍎 Food Service Workers Looking for flexibility? 👉 Apply now as a Substitute Teacher and be ready to step in this fall! 🌐 Check out our employment page for a full list of opportunities available here: https://www.applitrack.com/district87/onlineapp/default.aspx #D87Careers #WeAreHiring #MakeADifference #WeAreD87

🎉 Celebrating Leslie Hanson, Class of 2025 Retiree! 🎉 Leslie Hanson has been a pillar of support for D87, serving as the Director of Student Services since 2014. In this role, she oversaw special education programming, speech, OT/PT, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and more, while also acting as the McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison and Youth in Care Point of Contact. Leslie’s path in education began as a Special Education Teacher (LBSI) in Peoria District 150, inspired by her summers working at camps for students with disabilities. She progressed through roles such as Teacher Leader/Coach, Early Learning Coordinator, Principal, and many others. Her career milestones include earning a Master’s Degree in Special Education and Administration, plus an Endorsement in Director of Special Education, from ISU. Reflecting on her time in D87, Leslie shares: 🌟 “I’m proud of the students, families, and staff I’ve supported — and grateful for the dedication of our amazing staff to ensure ALL students have meaningful opportunities to learn in their own way and time.” In retirement, Leslie is excited to spend time with her 7 grandchildren— and she might even try her hand at wrapping presents at Von Maur during Christmas! 💡 Parting advice: “Always listen... and treat others the way you wish to be treated.” Thank you, Leslie, for your incredible contributions to D87. We wish you a retirement filled with joy, family, and fun new adventures! 🌟