🎶😂 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
🎉💛💜 Celebrating Our D87 Retirees!
Last night, D87 hosted a retirement reception to honor our incredible upcoming retirees! 🥳 These talented and dedicated staff members have made a lasting impact, and we are so lucky to call them part of our D87 family. 🫶
Stay tuned to our socials as we spotlight our retirees and celebrate their hard work and contributions to D87! 👏✨
#ThankYouRetirees #WeAreD87
Last night, D87 hosted a retirement reception to honor our incredible upcoming retirees! 🥳 These talented and dedicated staff members have made a lasting impact, and we are so lucky to call them part of our D87 family. 🫶
Stay tuned to our socials as we spotlight our retirees and celebrate their hard work and contributions to D87! 👏✨
#ThankYouRetirees #WeAreD87
📣 Attention D87 families!
Do you have a child who will be 3 or 4 years old for the 2026–27 school year? Sarah E. Raymond School of Early Education will be holding FREE developmental screenings on June 4–5, 2026!
These screenings are required for NEW student enrollment and are available by appointment only.
📍 Sarah E. Raymond School of Early Education
📅 June 4–5, 2026
🕒 Appointment required
Families can sign up by visiting the Sarah E. Raymond website and selecting the Screening/Enrollment tab, following this link: https://bit.ly/3R0Moru, or by scanning the QR code on the flyer.
Help us spread the word to families with future little learners! 💜
#SarahRaymondScreenings #WeAreD87
Do you have a child who will be 3 or 4 years old for the 2026–27 school year? Sarah E. Raymond School of Early Education will be holding FREE developmental screenings on June 4–5, 2026!
These screenings are required for NEW student enrollment and are available by appointment only.
📍 Sarah E. Raymond School of Early Education
📅 June 4–5, 2026
🕒 Appointment required
Families can sign up by visiting the Sarah E. Raymond website and selecting the Screening/Enrollment tab, following this link: https://bit.ly/3R0Moru, or by scanning the QR code on the flyer.
Help us spread the word to families with future little learners! 💜
#SarahRaymondScreenings #WeAreD87
🌟🍎 Golden Apple Award Recipients 🍎🌟
Huge congratulations to four amazing D87 educators who were honored by the Bloomington Rotary - Illinois with the Golden Apple Award for their incredible impact on their schools! 🎉💛
Each recipient received a certificate of recognition, a gift card, and a classroom stipend to support their students. This year’s honorees are:
🏅 Dr. Brandon Thornton (BHS) – Nominated by Principal Tim Moore
🏅 Nicolle Bounds (BJHS) – Nominated by Principal Messina Lambert
🏅 Elana Heinonen (Oakland) – Nominated by Principal Leslie Blockman
🏅 Stacey McGraw (Washington) – Nominated by Principal Zach Freeman
Thank you for your outstanding service, passion, and the impact you make every day! 🫶👏
#GoldenAppleAward #BloomingtonRotaryIlinois #WeAreD87
Huge congratulations to four amazing D87 educators who were honored by the Bloomington Rotary - Illinois with the Golden Apple Award for their incredible impact on their schools! 🎉💛
Each recipient received a certificate of recognition, a gift card, and a classroom stipend to support their students. This year’s honorees are:
🏅 Dr. Brandon Thornton (BHS) – Nominated by Principal Tim Moore
🏅 Nicolle Bounds (BJHS) – Nominated by Principal Messina Lambert
🏅 Elana Heinonen (Oakland) – Nominated by Principal Leslie Blockman
🏅 Stacey McGraw (Washington) – Nominated by Principal Zach Freeman
Thank you for your outstanding service, passion, and the impact you make every day! 🫶👏
#GoldenAppleAward #BloomingtonRotaryIlinois #WeAreD87
🎨✨ Students from the Essentials Program at BJHS launched their very own Essentials Tattoo Shop yesterday just for staff! 🖍️💬
Students practiced key skills like greeting, holding conversations, counting payment, and carefully following steps to apply fun temporary tattoos. 🕺💫
It was an incredible experience for everyone, and the students absolutely rocked it! 👏💛
#BJHSInspires #EssentialsProgram #RealWorldSkills #WeAReD87
📚🏆Students from Bent, Oakland, Stevenson, and Washington showed off their amazing literature knowledge in the Battle of the Books competition yesterday! ✨ It was a close and exciting battle, but in the end, the hosting team, Washington, walked away champions! 🥇👏
A shoutout to our amazing judges AND a huge round of applause for ALL teams and their coaches for their hard work, teamwork, and love of reading! 🌟📖
#BattleOfTheBooks ##TeamworkAndBooks #WeAreD87
A shoutout to our amazing judges AND a huge round of applause for ALL teams and their coaches for their hard work, teamwork, and love of reading! 🌟📖
#BattleOfTheBooks ##TeamworkAndBooks #WeAreD87
🛼🚴♂️🛴 Stevenson Tigers on the Move!
Rollerblades, bikes, scooters, roller skates, skateboards, and walking feet, accompanied by a police escort, were all part of the fun this morning as the Stevenson Tigers celebrated National Walk & Roll to School Day! 🚶♀️🚲🌟 🐾
The Tigers gathered for an outdoor breakfast together before heading to class. What an energizing and fun way to kick off the day! 🐯☀️
#StevensonTigers #WalkAndRollToSchoolDay #GreatStartGreatDay #WeAreD87
Rollerblades, bikes, scooters, roller skates, skateboards, and walking feet, accompanied by a police escort, were all part of the fun this morning as the Stevenson Tigers celebrated National Walk & Roll to School Day! 🚶♀️🚲🌟 🐾
The Tigers gathered for an outdoor breakfast together before heading to class. What an energizing and fun way to kick off the day! 🐯☀️
#StevensonTigers #WalkAndRollToSchoolDay #GreatStartGreatDay #WeAreD87
🌟💬 Happy National Interpreter Appreciation Day!
A huge shoutout to D87's incredible interpreter, Claudia Clavo Pineda! 🎉💛 Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and the impact you make every day. You help bridge communication and build connections that strengthen our D87 community!
We appreciate you, Claudia! 🫶
#InterpreterAppreciationDay #ThankYouClaudia #WeAreD87
A huge shoutout to D87's incredible interpreter, Claudia Clavo Pineda! 🎉💛 Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and the impact you make every day. You help bridge communication and build connections that strengthen our D87 community!
We appreciate you, Claudia! 🫶
#InterpreterAppreciationDay #ThankYouClaudia #WeAreD87
🌸💐 Spreading Joy for May Day! 💐🌸
Last week, Miss Kelley's 5th-grade class at Sheridan celebrated May Day by delivering beautiful May baskets to some very special Sheridan experts! 🧺✨
This tradition is extra meaningful, as it’s a way for Miss Kelley to honor her mom, who was always passionate about celebrating May Day with baskets of joy. ❤️
Thank you, Miss Kelley and her amazing 5th graders, for putting so many smiles on the faces of Sheridan's Shark Experts! 🌞
#MayDayMagic #SpreadingJoy #WeAreD87
Last week, Miss Kelley's 5th-grade class at Sheridan celebrated May Day by delivering beautiful May baskets to some very special Sheridan experts! 🧺✨
This tradition is extra meaningful, as it’s a way for Miss Kelley to honor her mom, who was always passionate about celebrating May Day with baskets of joy. ❤️
Thank you, Miss Kelley and her amazing 5th graders, for putting so many smiles on the faces of Sheridan's Shark Experts! 🌞
#MayDayMagic #SpreadingJoy #WeAreD87
📚✨ 7th Graders Explore History! ✨📚
BJHS 7th-grade Social Studies students visited the McLean County Museum to learn about Abraham Lincoln’s work as a lawyer in McLean County! 🎩⚖️
Special thanks to Emily McCusker, Museum Education Coordinator, for helping bring history to life as students dive deeper into their Civil War unit and prepare for their Abraham #HistoryInAction #McLeanHistoryMuseum #WeAreD87
BJHS 7th-grade Social Studies students visited the McLean County Museum to learn about Abraham Lincoln’s work as a lawyer in McLean County! 🎩⚖️
Special thanks to Emily McCusker, Museum Education Coordinator, for helping bring history to life as students dive deeper into their Civil War unit and prepare for their Abraham #HistoryInAction #McLeanHistoryMuseum #WeAreD87
🎶🎨 What a Fin-tastic Night! 🦈✨
3rd through 5th-grade sharks wowed all with their incredible End-of-Year Concert and Art Show at Sheridan! 🎤🖌️
A huge THANK YOU to Mrs. Crews (music) and Mrs. Baker (art) for inspiring our sharks and helping them shine all year long! 🦈💙
#SharkMusicAndAr #InspiringCreativity #WeAreD87
A little "May the 4th Be With You" humor courtesy of our Irving Cafeteria!
#MayThe4thBeWithYou #IrvingRocks #WeAreD87
#MayThe4thBeWithYou #IrvingRocks #WeAreD87
🎡🎉 Carnival Fun at Oakland!
The Oakland carnival was a blast, and everyone had such a great time! 🌟 From fun games to smiling faces, it was a perfect way to celebrate the end of the school year! 🏅💖
Stay tuned—there’s more exciting end-of-year activities happening across our D87 schools. Don’t miss out on the celebration fun! 🎊
#SchoolCarnival #EndOfYearFun #D87Celebrations #WeAreD87
The Oakland carnival was a blast, and everyone had such a great time! 🌟 From fun games to smiling faces, it was a perfect way to celebrate the end of the school year! 🏅💖
Stay tuned—there’s more exciting end-of-year activities happening across our D87 schools. Don’t miss out on the celebration fun! 🎊
#SchoolCarnival #EndOfYearFun #D87Celebrations #WeAreD87
