Bloomington Public Schools District 87

🎓 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! 🌟

🎒📚 The halls of Sarah Raymond have been buzzing with excitement these past couple days as staff has been meeting some potential future Rookies! Over the past few days, staff has had the joyful task of screening approximately 75kiddos for the Pre-K program. 🌟 We can confirm, the cuteness levels were off the charts! 😍 These little ones have already brought smiles and laughter to our faces! 🔆 We can't wait to officially welcome these youngsters as they begin their educational journey in D87. Ready, set, grow Rookies! 🚀 #FutureRookies #PreKScreening #WeAreD87

Celebrating Mrs. Laura Bach, Class of 2025 Retiree!🌟 Mrs. Bach, a BHS Freshman Biology and Honors Biology teacher, has served 22 amazing years with D87. Inspired by her teacher parents, she has made a lasting impact as an educator, mentoring over 20 pre-student teachers and hosting 8 student teachers during her tenure. After retirement, she looks forward to spending time with family, walking her dog, traveling, reading, and catching up on movies and shows. Fun fact: Mrs. Bach lost over 100 pounds in the last two years through mindful eating and walking. Feeling as vibrant as she did 35 years ago, she’s excited to fully enjoy retirement! Her parting advice: “Do your best and nothing less! It’s a great day to have a great day!” Thank you, Mrs. Bach, for your dedication to D87. Wishing you all the best in retirement! 🌟

🌟 Attention, Future Raiders! 🌟 Are you or someone you know an incoming Freshman to Bloomington High School? Get ready for an incredible head start with the BHS Raiders 101 program! 🎉 📅 When: July 7th - July 11th, 9 AM - 12 PM 📍 Where: Bloomington High School 🍳 Perks: Free breakfast and lunch daily, plus bussing available! By joining Raiders 101, students will: Tour of the building 🏫 Hear insights about classes from guidance counselors and upperclassmen 👨‍🏫👩‍🏫 Participate in a meaningful Volunteer Day at Epiphany Farms 🌱, enjoy a pool day at the YMCA 🏊‍♂️, and engage in fun group activities such as making birdhouses, team games, and crafts 🎨🕊️ Participants in Raiders 101 are also invited to exclusive catered lunches, exciting field trips, and supportive teacher check-ins during the ’25-’26 school year — all designed to make sure our incoming 9th graders feel welcome, involved, and ready to take on their high school journey. 📚🌟 Don’t miss out on this fabulous opportunity to kick start the BHS experience! #BHSRaiders #Raiders101 #HighSchoolReady #WeAreD87

🎉Summer break has officially kicked off, and two of our educators made their first weekend of summer one to remember! Dan Zummo, Assistant Principal at BJHS, and Kelly Schrems, Social Studies Teacher at BHS, celebrated summer break the best way possible—by getting MARRIED! 💍✨ Dan and Kelly first met while teaching at BHS, where Dan taught math and Kelly social studies, and for three years, they shared the same hallway- the beginning of their love story! After saying "I do," they made a special stop at BHS—the place where their story began. 💜 Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Zummo! The entire D87 community is thrilled for you both and wishes you a lifetime of love and happiness. ❤️ #JustMarried #Congratulations #WeAreD87

🎒✨ Attention Future 6th Graders! Are you ready for junior high life? Get a head start with the Uknighted Program at BJHS! *Explore the building 🏫 *Practice the BJHS daily routine ⏰ *Meet teachers 👩‍🏫👨‍🏫 *Make new friends through fun activities 👫 Program Details: *Dates: July 29, 30, or 31 (a day will be assigned once registered) *Time: 8:00 AM – 2:45 PM *Location: BJHS, 901 N. Colton *Transportation: Buses available 🚌 *Meals: Free breakfast and lunch 🍳🥪 Don't miss out on this chance to kick-start your BJHS adventure! 📝 Register now and get Uknighted for success! 🛡️ #UknightedProgram #BJHS #SixthGradeBound #WeAreD87

🎉 Next up in our class of 2025 retirement series is Mr. Michael Lewis Riley, who has been part of the D87 community for 31 years as a High School English Teacher at BHS. Mr. Riley’s educational journey began at Herscher High School during the 1989/90 school year. Although he took a break from teaching to explore other fields such as paper sales and desktop publishing, his passion for education ultimately drew him back. He became part of the BHS family in 1994, and over the years, he has achieved significant milestones, including earning his Master’s in English in 1999 and obtaining National Board Teaching Certification in 2008. A highlight of his time in D87? Watching all three of his children graduate from BHS!. Post-retirement, Mr. Riley plans to focus on building and refurbishing guitars, contributing his building skills through volunteer work with organizations like Habitat for Humanity or Furniture for Families. When his wife retires in two years (Julie Riley at BJHS), they’ll hit the road and do lots of traveling together! Fun fact: Did you know Mr. Riley served in the Air Force/Air National Guard for six years? His dedication to service is evident both inside and outside the classroom! And his favorite advice to share (courtesy of Mark Twain)- "Always tell the truth! That way, you don’t have to remember anything." Thank you, Mr. Riley, for the incredible mark you’ve left on BHS and D87- wishing you a happy and relaxing retirement!

🎉 We’re continuing to highlight our Class of 2025 retirees. Up next is Mrs. Teri Merna! Mrs. Merna has been a cornerstone of Oakland School, where she’s served as a first-grade teacher for 32 years! Her career in education spans 35 years in D87, beginning her journey at Stevenson as a first-grade teacher. From earning her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction at ISU within her first four years of teaching to receiving recognitions like the Girl Scout Council Award, BHS Scholars Award, and Beyond the Books Grants, Mrs. Merna’s career is marked by milestones and a deep passion for education. Her inspiration to teach came from her parents, both educators, and a first-grade teacher she admired and aspired to emulate. Her favorite part of working in D87? The community—co-workers and students who made teaching a truly rewarding career. Post-retirement, Mrs. Merna is looking forward to a relaxing summer, traveling, spending time with family, gardening, golfing, and continuing to stay rooted in the Bloomington-Normal area she’s called home her entire life. Her advice? “Love what you do!” Thank you, Mrs. Merna, for your incredible contributions to D87! Wishing you joy, relaxation, and wonderful adventures in this next chapter. 🌟

🎉 Celebrating Dr. Kara Lycke’s Retirement! 🎉 Now that school is out, we want to highlight some of our Class of 2025 retirees. First up is Dr. Kara Lycke! Congratulations to Dr. Kara Lycke on her retirement after an impactful 3-year journey at BHS in D87! As the Literacy Lab Coordinator, EDUC 101 Instructor, and Key Club Advisor, Dr. Lycke has transformed learning experiences for our students at BHS. The Literacy Lab, envisioned with the BHS English Department, has been a haven for developing skills in reading, writing, speaking, and more—empowering students to thrive academically and professionally. Dr. Lycke’s dedication stemmed from a belief in the power of education to foster growth and build strong communities. From her beginnings at Joliet West High School to earning a PhD in Educational Psychology, her career spans inspiring achievements. In retirement, she'll continue learning—volunteering on a goat farm, beekeeping, traveling, and exploring her passions like yoga, gardening, and hiking. And guess what? She loves to dance too! 💃Dr. Lycke's parting piece of advice: do what you love. Thank you, Dr. Lycke, for your incredible contributions. Wishing you an exciting next chapter!🌟

☀️🎉 School's Out for Summer! 🚸✨ Yesterday marked the last day of school across the district, and what a day it was! From start to finish, our students made the most of it, diving into fun and celebration, welcoming the much-awaited summer break. -Bent had an electrifying 5th-grade vs. staff volleyball game 🏐 -Stevenson was all smiles with a play day (special shoutout to Milo the dog for extra fun!) 🐶 -Irving's 5th graders enjoyed a bowling party 🎳 School is officially out! Enjoy your summer! You've earned it! ☀️🍦 #LastDayOfSchool #SummerIsHere #WeAreD87

🎓✨Today may be the last day of school, but get ready, because starting June 9th, our free summer lunch program is back! 🌞🥪 All kids 18 and under can grab their free meals, and adults can enjoy the same for just $3.50. 🍴 Come find us at several locations, including Irving School, Sheridan School, Stevenson School, Bloomington Public Library, Boys & Girls Club, BHS, Friendship Park, City of Refuge Ministries, Holton Homes, Miller Park, and Wood Hill Family. 🗺️ Check out the flyer for all the details on times, dates, and specific spots. Here's to a summer of sunshine and nutrition! #SummerMealsD87 #WeAreD87

🎉🏫 The second-to-last day of school (oh my!) was all about FUN across many of our D87 schools! From bounce houses to games, dunk tanks, and plenty of laughter, students celebrated an amazing year full of hard work and memories. 🌟💦 Here's to wrapping up the school year on a high note! 🥳 #D87Celebrates #FieldDayFun #EndOfSchoolYearVibes #WeAreD87

Say hello to even more messaging and announcements in the Bloomington District 87 app! Parents/guardians check your email/text for instructions to sign up and access new features.

🚔🎉 Showing up to school in style! Two of our Washington Wolves had a morning they won't forget - a VIP ride to school in a Bloomington Police cruiser! 🚨🐺 And what's a police car ride without the excitement of sounding the sirens upon arrival at school? The smiles were as loud as the sirens! Thank you @City of Bloomington - Police 🚨😁! #WashingtonWolves #CoolRideToSchool #BloomingtonPoliceFun #WeAreD87

🎓 Hats off (or should we say caps off) to the Class of 2025! 🎉 Our Raiders proudly walked across the stage today, marking the end of their high school journey and the start of exciting new adventures. We are SO proud of every BHS graduate! Some even added personal touches to their caps, sharing special messages or hints about what’s next. 💜💛 Once a Raider, ALWAYS a Raider! Congratulations, Class of 2025! You did it! 🎉 #Classof2025 #GraduationDay #OnceARaiderAlwaysARaider #WeAreD87

Graduation 2025! Live feed link! https://youtu.be/mHPMNJZkYmk