🎉🐠 Big News at Irving! 🐠🎉
This morning, Irving students received the ultimate surprise—we’ve been awarded the Disney Musical Grant! 🌟 Out of 825 applicants, Irving was one of the 200 schools selected to receive the grant, allowing them to bring Finding Nemo: The Musical to life in spring 2027! 🐟🎭
A huge shout-out to Alex Lovel, Irving’s first-grade teacher, for spearheading the grant and making this dream a reality! 💙 🦀✨
#DisneyMusicalsinSchools #FindingNemo #WeAreD87
This morning, Irving students received the ultimate surprise—we’ve been awarded the Disney Musical Grant! 🌟 Out of 825 applicants, Irving was one of the 200 schools selected to receive the grant, allowing them to bring Finding Nemo: The Musical to life in spring 2027! 🐟🎭
A huge shout-out to Alex Lovel, Irving’s first-grade teacher, for spearheading the grant and making this dream a reality! 💙 🦀✨
#DisneyMusicalsinSchools #FindingNemo #WeAreD87
🎉 Attendance incentive winners at BJHS scored an awesome prize for the final attendance incentive challenge of the year- Apple AirPods! 🍎🎧! 🎉
Congratulations to the winners:
⭐ 6th Grade: Carine J.
⭐ 7th Grade: Sabrina D.
⭐ 8th Grade: Marqui W.
BJHS's family facilitator, Mrs. Wapp, loves great attendance and thanks everyone for showing up, staying committed, and making #SchoolEveryDay a priority. Keep up the amazing work! 📚👏
#SchoolEveryDay #AttendanceIncentive #WeAreD87
Congratulations to the winners:
⭐ 6th Grade: Carine J.
⭐ 7th Grade: Sabrina D.
⭐ 8th Grade: Marqui W.
BJHS's family facilitator, Mrs. Wapp, loves great attendance and thanks everyone for showing up, staying committed, and making #SchoolEveryDay a priority. Keep up the amazing work! 📚👏
#SchoolEveryDay #AttendanceIncentive #WeAreD87
🔥 Hey Future Raiders! 🔥
Have you signed up for Raiders 101 yet? Registration closes soon! Register at https://bit.ly/3P0DzgN or use the QR code on the form! 🎉
📅 July 6th - 10th
⏰ 9 AM - 12 PM
You’ll get to explore the school, meet teachers & counselors, make new friends, and so much more! Don’t miss out—sign up now!
#FutureRaiders #Raiders101 #HighSchoolBound #Don’tMissOut
🎉 Next up in our D87 retiree spotlight: Ms. Suzie Hutton! 🎉
After 28 amazing years as a 7th Grade English Language Arts teacher at BJHS, Ms. Hutton is retiring! Throughout her career, she’s shared her passion for reading and writing with her students and embraced collaboration with her colleagues to continually grow as an educator.
During her time in D87, Ms. Hutton has achieved incredible milestones, including earning her Master’s Degree in Reading and National Board Certification. Ms. Hutton has also contributed as a team leader, department chair, and an active participant in numerous initiatives, including co-sponsoring the Promise and Potential mentoring program, the Knight Owls tutoring program, and the BJHS Pride Club.
Retirement will open the door to exciting opportunities for Ms. Hutton. She plans to travel, hike, garden, write, cook, play piano, and even learn to juggle, speak Spanish, and try shuffle dancing (on top of taking care of her chickens and bees 🐓🐝). Fun fact: Her journey to BJHS was inspired by a visit, where she was captivated by the diversity of BJHS’s students and programs like Outdoor Education.
Her favorite advice? “Just breathe.”
Ms. Hutton, thank you for your legacy of dedication, passion, and care. You leave behind an incredible impact that will inspire both students and colleagues for years to come. Wishing you a joyful, well-earned retirement! 💜
#D87Retirement #ThankYouMsHutton
After 28 amazing years as a 7th Grade English Language Arts teacher at BJHS, Ms. Hutton is retiring! Throughout her career, she’s shared her passion for reading and writing with her students and embraced collaboration with her colleagues to continually grow as an educator.
During her time in D87, Ms. Hutton has achieved incredible milestones, including earning her Master’s Degree in Reading and National Board Certification. Ms. Hutton has also contributed as a team leader, department chair, and an active participant in numerous initiatives, including co-sponsoring the Promise and Potential mentoring program, the Knight Owls tutoring program, and the BJHS Pride Club.
Retirement will open the door to exciting opportunities for Ms. Hutton. She plans to travel, hike, garden, write, cook, play piano, and even learn to juggle, speak Spanish, and try shuffle dancing (on top of taking care of her chickens and bees 🐓🐝). Fun fact: Her journey to BJHS was inspired by a visit, where she was captivated by the diversity of BJHS’s students and programs like Outdoor Education.
Her favorite advice? “Just breathe.”
Ms. Hutton, thank you for your legacy of dedication, passion, and care. You leave behind an incredible impact that will inspire both students and colleagues for years to come. Wishing you a joyful, well-earned retirement! 💜
#D87Retirement #ThankYouMsHutton
🎉✨ End of Year Celebration at Sarah Raymond! What a way to wrap up the school year! 🎈 The Sarah Raymond end-of-year celebration was a smashing success, filled with fun and smiles all around.
From a bounce house, face painting, and balloons, to a book fair and even a foam party, the Rookies and their families had an unforgettable time celebrating the year together and couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the school year! 🐶💜
#SarahRaymondEndOfYear #FamilyFun #WEAReD87
From a bounce house, face painting, and balloons, to a book fair and even a foam party, the Rookies and their families had an unforgettable time celebrating the year together and couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the school year! 🐶💜
#SarahRaymondEndOfYear #FamilyFun #WEAReD87
🎓✨ Senior Week at BHS: Class of 2026! ✨🎓
As we roll into our final week of school, the BHS Class of 2026 celebrated an incredible Senior Week! From senior breakfast to the magical senior sunset—and all the fun activities in between—this week was truly a ride to remember! 🚀
Highlights included the senior semi-formal, class parades through elementary schools, and a fun-filled day at the YMCA. 🥳
🥂 Congratulations to all our upcoming graduates, it's been a ride! You’ve made amazing memories, and we hope you had a week to remember! 🎉
And a special thank you to Mrs. Butts and Dr. Thornton, the senior class representative teachers, for helping make all this happen!!
#BHSSeniorWeek #ClassOf2026 #CongratulationsGraduates #OnceARaiderAlwaysARaider #WeAreD87
As we roll into our final week of school, the BHS Class of 2026 celebrated an incredible Senior Week! From senior breakfast to the magical senior sunset—and all the fun activities in between—this week was truly a ride to remember! 🚀
Highlights included the senior semi-formal, class parades through elementary schools, and a fun-filled day at the YMCA. 🥳
🥂 Congratulations to all our upcoming graduates, it's been a ride! You’ve made amazing memories, and we hope you had a week to remember! 🎉
And a special thank you to Mrs. Butts and Dr. Thornton, the senior class representative teachers, for helping make all this happen!!
#BHSSeniorWeek #ClassOf2026 #CongratulationsGraduates #OnceARaiderAlwaysARaider #WeAreD87
⚽🎉 BJHS Staff vs. Students Soccer Game! 🎉⚽
What a game! The BJHS Staff vs. Students soccer match brought out some friendly (but fierce!) competition. In a close and exciting battle, the staff team came out on top with a 4-3 victory! 🏆
👏 Shoutout to Mr. Carr and Mrs. Koduah for scoring goals for the staff team! On the student side, amazing goals were scored by 8th grader Leo B. and 7th graders Will K. and Damian O.
It was an incredible time on the "pitch" filled with energy, teamwork, and fun! 🥅⚡
#BJHSSoccer #StudentsVsStaff #GameDayFun #WeAreD87
What a game! The BJHS Staff vs. Students soccer match brought out some friendly (but fierce!) competition. In a close and exciting battle, the staff team came out on top with a 4-3 victory! 🏆
👏 Shoutout to Mr. Carr and Mrs. Koduah for scoring goals for the staff team! On the student side, amazing goals were scored by 8th grader Leo B. and 7th graders Will K. and Damian O.
It was an incredible time on the "pitch" filled with energy, teamwork, and fun! 🥅⚡
#BJHSSoccer #StudentsVsStaff #GameDayFun #WeAreD87
🦈🎉 A Sharktastic Evening at Sheridan! 🎉🦈
Sheridan's end-of-the-year celebration brought together students, staff, and families for a night filled with fun, games, and quality family time. 🪁🎈
It was a memorable evening celebrating a year well done—thank you to everyone who made it so special! Here’s to an amazing summer ahead for our Sheridan Sharks! 🌟
#SharktasticCelebration #EndOfYearFun #WeAreD87
Sheridan's end-of-the-year celebration brought together students, staff, and families for a night filled with fun, games, and quality family time. 🪁🎈
It was a memorable evening celebrating a year well done—thank you to everyone who made it so special! Here’s to an amazing summer ahead for our Sheridan Sharks! 🌟
#SharktasticCelebration #EndOfYearFun #WeAreD87
🎉 Our next D87 retiree spotlight: Holly Lyons! 🎉
For the past 13 years, Mrs. Lyons has made a difference in D87 as a paraprofessional in special education and multilingual classrooms, as well as serving as a Spanish teacher and bilingual para. Her journey in education began at ISU driven by her passion for bilingual education and helping students thrive.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Lyons has worn many hats, teaching GED courses, earning teaching certifications in Spanish, special education, and preschool, and working across various age groups from pre-K to high school. One of her favorite aspects of her time in D87? The variety of experiences, connections with students and staff, and never having a boring day!
In retirement, Mrs. Lyons looks forward to spending more time with her husband, four grandchildren, and enjoying bike rides, walks, and thrifting to decorate her home. Fun fact: In college, she was a pharmacy tech!
Mrs. Lyons, thank you for your service to D87- we are wishing you a joyful retirement! ❤️
#D87Retirement #ThankYouMrsLyons
For the past 13 years, Mrs. Lyons has made a difference in D87 as a paraprofessional in special education and multilingual classrooms, as well as serving as a Spanish teacher and bilingual para. Her journey in education began at ISU driven by her passion for bilingual education and helping students thrive.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Lyons has worn many hats, teaching GED courses, earning teaching certifications in Spanish, special education, and preschool, and working across various age groups from pre-K to high school. One of her favorite aspects of her time in D87? The variety of experiences, connections with students and staff, and never having a boring day!
In retirement, Mrs. Lyons looks forward to spending more time with her husband, four grandchildren, and enjoying bike rides, walks, and thrifting to decorate her home. Fun fact: In college, she was a pharmacy tech!
Mrs. Lyons, thank you for your service to D87- we are wishing you a joyful retirement! ❤️
#D87Retirement #ThankYouMrsLyons
🚴✨ The Great Bike Extravaganza at Stevenson! ✨🚴
Because of the generosity of so many amazing donors, Stevenson was able to give away 40 bicycles to some very lucky students today!
A huge thank you to every individual, business, and volunteer who donated bikes, helmets, time, and support to help make this amazing event possible! 🌟🚲
D87 is beyond grateful for a community that continually shows up for kids and proves that kindness and teamwork can move mountains (or bikes 😉)!
#BikeExtravaganza #CommunityKindness #WeAreD87
Because of the generosity of so many amazing donors, Stevenson was able to give away 40 bicycles to some very lucky students today!
A huge thank you to every individual, business, and volunteer who donated bikes, helmets, time, and support to help make this amazing event possible! 🌟🚲
D87 is beyond grateful for a community that continually shows up for kids and proves that kindness and teamwork can move mountains (or bikes 😉)!
#BikeExtravaganza #CommunityKindness #WeAreD87
🎉🇺🇸📚 BHS Commitment to Serve Signing Day! 📚🇺🇸🎉
What an inspiring afternoon at BHS as we honored students committing to education or the military for their dedication to service! 🌟 Each student shared how an amazing educator impacted their life and presented them with a flower as a heartfelt thank you. 💐👩🏫👨🏫
Way to go, seniors—we’re so proud of you! Thank you for your commitment, and we can’t wait to see all you’ll accomplish in the future! 🚀
#BHSSeniors #CommitmentToServe #FutureEducators #HonorAndServe #WeAreD87
What an inspiring afternoon at BHS as we honored students committing to education or the military for their dedication to service! 🌟 Each student shared how an amazing educator impacted their life and presented them with a flower as a heartfelt thank you. 💐👩🏫👨🏫
Way to go, seniors—we’re so proud of you! Thank you for your commitment, and we can’t wait to see all you’ll accomplish in the future! 🚀
#BHSSeniors #CommitmentToServe #FutureEducators #HonorAndServe #WeAreD87
🎓✨ Hats Off to Our Outstanding BHS Students! ✨🎓
A huge round of applause to our BHS students who went above and beyond and were recognized at Honors Night! 🌟Former students from Irving, Oakland, and Washington were also recognized for being scholarship recipients from their former schools.
Hats off to everyone for all their hard work! 🎉👏
#BHSHonors #StudentSuccess #WeAreD87
A huge round of applause to our BHS students who went above and beyond and were recognized at Honors Night! 🌟Former students from Irving, Oakland, and Washington were also recognized for being scholarship recipients from their former schools.
Hats off to everyone for all their hard work! 🎉👏
#BHSHonors #StudentSuccess #WeAreD87
🎶😂 Music + Laughter = The Perfect Combo! 😂🎶
Sheridan 4th graders in Mrs. Crews’ music class are working on vocal articulations using the hilarious game Speak Out paired with musical phrases!
How’s that for a laugh and some very creative learning? 🎤🎵👏
#MusicClassFun #CreativeLearning #SingAndLaugh #WeAreD87
Sheridan 4th graders in Mrs. Crews’ music class are working on vocal articulations using the hilarious game Speak Out paired with musical phrases!
How’s that for a laugh and some very creative learning? 🎤🎵👏
#MusicClassFun #CreativeLearning #SingAndLaugh #WeAreD87
🎉 Next up in our D87 retiree spotlight: Michelle Engst! 🎉
After 33 amazing years teaching 6th-8th grade Physical Education, Adapted PE, sponsoring Student Council, coaching Cross Country, and so much more at BJHS, Ms. Engst is retiring!
Her journey began with substitute teaching before teaching at Lostant and Epiphany Catholic School, and finally joining D87 full-time. Over the years, Ms. Engst has held numerous roles including Health teacher, multiple coaching positions, interim principal, and serving on committees, all while uplifting students with encouragement and fostering their growth.
Highlights of her career? Seeing students grow academically and as individuals, reconnecting with former students, serving as Student Council sponsor, returning to coaching after a break, and teaching Adapted PE which brought her immense joy.
In retirement, Ms. Engst plans to embrace family time (especially with her grandson), traveling, biking, pickleball, volunteering, and exploring new opportunities! Fun fact: She grew up on a farm, which sparked her lifelong love for nature and the outdoors.
Michelle, your 33 years of dedication to D87 have made an incredible impact. Thank you for everything! 💖
#D87Retirement #ThankYouMsEngst
After 33 amazing years teaching 6th-8th grade Physical Education, Adapted PE, sponsoring Student Council, coaching Cross Country, and so much more at BJHS, Ms. Engst is retiring!
Her journey began with substitute teaching before teaching at Lostant and Epiphany Catholic School, and finally joining D87 full-time. Over the years, Ms. Engst has held numerous roles including Health teacher, multiple coaching positions, interim principal, and serving on committees, all while uplifting students with encouragement and fostering their growth.
Highlights of her career? Seeing students grow academically and as individuals, reconnecting with former students, serving as Student Council sponsor, returning to coaching after a break, and teaching Adapted PE which brought her immense joy.
In retirement, Ms. Engst plans to embrace family time (especially with her grandson), traveling, biking, pickleball, volunteering, and exploring new opportunities! Fun fact: She grew up on a farm, which sparked her lifelong love for nature and the outdoors.
Michelle, your 33 years of dedication to D87 have made an incredible impact. Thank you for everything! 💖
#D87Retirement #ThankYouMsEngst
💃🎶 Dance Party at Irving!
Our assistant superintendent, Dancin’ Dr. Thomas, made a special stop at Irving today to have a dance party with the 2nd-grade Mustangs!
Everyone got their groove on, and afterward, they were all smiles and eager to thank Dr. Thomas for such a rhythmic time! It was so nice to enjoy some nice weather all together today! Summertime vibes!✨
#IrvingMustangs #DancinDrThomas #SchoolFun #SummertimeVibes #WeAreD87
Our assistant superintendent, Dancin’ Dr. Thomas, made a special stop at Irving today to have a dance party with the 2nd-grade Mustangs!
Everyone got their groove on, and afterward, they were all smiles and eager to thank Dr. Thomas for such a rhythmic time! It was so nice to enjoy some nice weather all together today! Summertime vibes!✨
#IrvingMustangs #DancinDrThomas #SchoolFun #SummertimeVibes #WeAreD87
🎶 Attention current 4th-grade D87 families — tonight’s the night! 🎻🥁🎤
Is your student interested in band, orchestra, or choir next year? Families interested in band or orchestra should join us tonight, May 12, at BJHS between 3:30–6:45 p.m. to register for 5th-grade music programs. Enter through the south S5 door.
Choir families do not need to attend; they can simply enroll using this link: https://bit.ly/3PhN5w6
For questions, email:
Band- chernickm@district87.org
Orchestra- mackinderc@district87.org
Choir- thomasonm@district87.org
It’s not too late to get involved; even students who missed the school visit are still welcome to join!
Is your student interested in band, orchestra, or choir next year? Families interested in band or orchestra should join us tonight, May 12, at BJHS between 3:30–6:45 p.m. to register for 5th-grade music programs. Enter through the south S5 door.
Choir families do not need to attend; they can simply enroll using this link: https://bit.ly/3PhN5w6
For questions, email:
Band- chernickm@district87.org
Orchestra- mackinderc@district87.org
Choir- thomasonm@district87.org
It’s not too late to get involved; even students who missed the school visit are still welcome to join!
🏫✨ Sneak Peek at the Future!
The Sarah Raymond staff took their first tour of their future home, and the excitement was palpable! 🎉🙌 Seeing their new space for the first time brought smiles to all.
The modern facility will be completed and ready to welcome students and staff this August, and we can’t wait to see the amazing things that will happen in this incredible new space! 💜
#NewBeginnings #FutureHome #ExcitementBuilding #WeAreD87
The Sarah Raymond staff took their first tour of their future home, and the excitement was palpable! 🎉🙌 Seeing their new space for the first time brought smiles to all.
The modern facility will be completed and ready to welcome students and staff this August, and we can’t wait to see the amazing things that will happen in this incredible new space! 💜
#NewBeginnings #FutureHome #ExcitementBuilding #WeAreD87
🎉🚗 Senior Week Shenanigans!
BHS Principal Tim Moore had an unexpected (and fun!) surprise this morning when a few seniors greeted him in his driveway before school! 😅 It was a great way to kick off the day and an even better start to Senior Week for the Class of 2026! 🥳
Here’s to making unforgettable memories and celebrating the class of 2026 all week long! 🎓💜💛💜💛
#OnceARaiderAlwaysARaider #SeniorWeek2026 #ClassOf2026 #WeAreD87
BHS Principal Tim Moore had an unexpected (and fun!) surprise this morning when a few seniors greeted him in his driveway before school! 😅 It was a great way to kick off the day and an even better start to Senior Week for the Class of 2026! 🥳
Here’s to making unforgettable memories and celebrating the class of 2026 all week long! 🎓💜💛💜💛
#OnceARaiderAlwaysARaider #SeniorWeek2026 #ClassOf2026 #WeAreD87
🎉 ’Tis the season of recognizing our upcoming D87 retirees! First up is Mrs. Adele Keller! 🎉
After 29 years as the Administrative Assistant to the Principal at BJHS, plus 2.5 years as a lunchroom supervisor at Washington Elementary, Mrs. Keller is retiring from D87!
Her career began at Washington Elementary, driven by a passion for supporting students. During retirement, she’s excited to travel the world (starting with a 17-day trip to Italy!), relocate to North Texas, garden, craft, read, and binge Netflix. Fun fact: Mrs. Keller skydived at 4,000 feet the first time she ever flew!
Her favorite memories of D87? Christmas-time performances where the student band fills the hallways of BJHS with carols, a testament to the amazing talent D87 students have!
Thank you, Mrs. Keller, for your decades of dedication to D87! Happy retirement! 💜
#D87Retirement2026 #ThankYouMrsKeller #WeAreD87
After 29 years as the Administrative Assistant to the Principal at BJHS, plus 2.5 years as a lunchroom supervisor at Washington Elementary, Mrs. Keller is retiring from D87!
Her career began at Washington Elementary, driven by a passion for supporting students. During retirement, she’s excited to travel the world (starting with a 17-day trip to Italy!), relocate to North Texas, garden, craft, read, and binge Netflix. Fun fact: Mrs. Keller skydived at 4,000 feet the first time she ever flew!
Her favorite memories of D87? Christmas-time performances where the student band fills the hallways of BJHS with carols, a testament to the amazing talent D87 students have!
Thank you, Mrs. Keller, for your decades of dedication to D87! Happy retirement! 💜
#D87Retirement2026 #ThankYouMrsKeller #WeAreD87
Service Learning in Action! 💜🐾
Student Council members from BJHS spent the day at Miller Park Zoo making a difference! 🦁🌿 They created enrichment projects for animals, helped with outdoor cleanup efforts, and learned about the incredible work that goes into caring for the zoo and its animals.
Their dedication didn’t go unnoticed—the zoo directors even complimented the group on their hard work, positive attitudes, and respectful demeanors! 👏✨
We’re so proud of these students for giving back to our community and leading through service! 💜
#BJHSGivesBack #StudentCouncil #ServiceThroughAction #WeAreD87
¡Aprendizaje-servicio en acción! 💜🐾
¡Los miembros del Consejo Estudiantil de BJHS pasaron el día en el Miller Park Zoo, marcando la diferencia! 🦁🌿 Crearon proyectos de enriquecimiento ambiental para los animales, colaboraron en las labores de limpieza de las áreas exteriores y aprendieron sobre la increíble labor que conlleva el cuidado del zoológico y de sus animales.
Su dedicación no pasó desapercibida: ¡los directores del zoológico incluso felicitaron al grupo por su arduo trabajo, su actitud positiva y su comportamiento respetuoso! 👏✨
¡Estamos muy orgullosos de estos estudiantes por retribuir a nuestra comunidad y liderar a través del servicio! 💜
#BJHSGivesBack #ConsejoEstudiantil #ServicioEnAcción #WeAreD87
Student Council members from BJHS spent the day at Miller Park Zoo making a difference! 🦁🌿 They created enrichment projects for animals, helped with outdoor cleanup efforts, and learned about the incredible work that goes into caring for the zoo and its animals.
Their dedication didn’t go unnoticed—the zoo directors even complimented the group on their hard work, positive attitudes, and respectful demeanors! 👏✨
We’re so proud of these students for giving back to our community and leading through service! 💜
#BJHSGivesBack #StudentCouncil #ServiceThroughAction #WeAreD87
¡Aprendizaje-servicio en acción! 💜🐾
¡Los miembros del Consejo Estudiantil de BJHS pasaron el día en el Miller Park Zoo, marcando la diferencia! 🦁🌿 Crearon proyectos de enriquecimiento ambiental para los animales, colaboraron en las labores de limpieza de las áreas exteriores y aprendieron sobre la increíble labor que conlleva el cuidado del zoológico y de sus animales.
Su dedicación no pasó desapercibida: ¡los directores del zoológico incluso felicitaron al grupo por su arduo trabajo, su actitud positiva y su comportamiento respetuoso! 👏✨
¡Estamos muy orgullosos de estos estudiantes por retribuir a nuestra comunidad y liderar a través del servicio! 💜
#BJHSGivesBack #ConsejoEstudiantil #ServicioEnAcción #WeAreD87
