🍎Today was the first day for new teachers throughout D87, allowing them time to get acquainted with their new work homes! 🏫
🦉 Over at Oakland, new teachers Andrew Tobin, Chelsea Bunton, and Meghan Malecki are getting comfy in their new Owl Nest!
Here's to a fantastic school year ahead! 🎉
#NewTeachers #Back2School #BackToSchool2025 #WeAreD87
🦉 Over at Oakland, new teachers Andrew Tobin, Chelsea Bunton, and Meghan Malecki are getting comfy in their new Owl Nest!
Here's to a fantastic school year ahead! 🎉
#NewTeachers #Back2School #BackToSchool2025 #WeAreD87
📚 Meet Madison Tubbs!
Madison is joining the Bloomington Career Academy (BCA) team as the Foundations of Teaching Instructor! Last year, she taught 7th-grade ELA in the Quad Cities while completing her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction—and coached sophomore volleyball 🏐.
Madison is excited to join the D87, especially since her husband, Isaiah Tubbs, is the new assistant principal at BHS (Welcome Isaiah!)! She’s looking forward to building connections with her students and helping them explore their passion for teaching, as well as creating relationships within the community to guide them toward success in the education field.
When she’s not in the classroom, Madison enjoys reading, playing pickleball, taking walks with her labradoodle Dexter 🐾, and spending time with family and friends. Fun fact: Madison is pictured with hubby Isaiah; they were married this past June!
Welcome to the D87 family, Madison—we’re excited to have you (and Isaiah) shaping the next generation! 💜
#WelcomeToD87 #WeAreD87
Madison is joining the Bloomington Career Academy (BCA) team as the Foundations of Teaching Instructor! Last year, she taught 7th-grade ELA in the Quad Cities while completing her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction—and coached sophomore volleyball 🏐.
Madison is excited to join the D87, especially since her husband, Isaiah Tubbs, is the new assistant principal at BHS (Welcome Isaiah!)! She’s looking forward to building connections with her students and helping them explore their passion for teaching, as well as creating relationships within the community to guide them toward success in the education field.
When she’s not in the classroom, Madison enjoys reading, playing pickleball, taking walks with her labradoodle Dexter 🐾, and spending time with family and friends. Fun fact: Madison is pictured with hubby Isaiah; they were married this past June!
Welcome to the D87 family, Madison—we’re excited to have you (and Isaiah) shaping the next generation! 💜
#WelcomeToD87 #WeAreD87
🚨 Is your student registered for the 2025-26 school year? Make sure your student is registered by TOMORROW, August 6th to complete enrollment.
Let’s get ready for an amazing school year together—we can’t wait to welcome our students! ✏️📚
#BackToSchool #D87Ready #RegisterToday #WeAreD87
Let’s get ready for an amazing school year together—we can’t wait to welcome our students! ✏️📚
#BackToSchool #D87Ready #RegisterToday #WeAreD87
🦈 Welcome to Sheridan’s Shark Tank: Meet Brady Thompson!
Brady is joining Sheridan Elementary this year as a new 4th-grade Shark Expert (teacher) 🦈. Last year, he was finishing his administration license requirements and managing a pool—while sneaking in some studying when pool-goers didn’t need anything!
Brady comes from a family of teachers—his mom, Diana, inspired him to pursue this fulfilling career. Despite starting in nursing, he realized his heart was in the classroom after working with elementary students and has never looked back.
Brady has fond memories of visiting Bloomington while his brother and cousin attended ISU, and he’s excited to now live and teach in the community!
This year, he’s looking forward to teaching all subjects, diving into Sheridan Shark way of life, and embracing the big changes that come with starting something new. Outside of work, Brady loves cooking, baking, hitting the gym, and cheering on his favorite team—the Las Vegas Raiders 🏈 (through all the highs and lows).
Welcome to the District 87 family, Brady! Let’s make it a sharktastic year! 🦈💙
#WelcomeToD87 #WeAreD87
Brady is joining Sheridan Elementary this year as a new 4th-grade Shark Expert (teacher) 🦈. Last year, he was finishing his administration license requirements and managing a pool—while sneaking in some studying when pool-goers didn’t need anything!
Brady comes from a family of teachers—his mom, Diana, inspired him to pursue this fulfilling career. Despite starting in nursing, he realized his heart was in the classroom after working with elementary students and has never looked back.
Brady has fond memories of visiting Bloomington while his brother and cousin attended ISU, and he’s excited to now live and teach in the community!
This year, he’s looking forward to teaching all subjects, diving into Sheridan Shark way of life, and embracing the big changes that come with starting something new. Outside of work, Brady loves cooking, baking, hitting the gym, and cheering on his favorite team—the Las Vegas Raiders 🏈 (through all the highs and lows).
Welcome to the District 87 family, Brady! Let’s make it a sharktastic year! 🦈💙
#WelcomeToD87 #WeAreD87
🍎 This morning, D87 admins, directors, and superintendents came together for the Regional Office of Education (ROE#17) Administrator's Back to School Breakfast to kick off the start of a new school year!
🙌 We’re energized and ready to make this year the best one yet for our students, staff, and community- here's to a fantastic school year ahead!💜💛
#BackToSchool #WeAreD87
🙌 We’re energized and ready to make this year the best one yet for our students, staff, and community- here's to a fantastic school year ahead!💜💛
#BackToSchool #WeAreD87
🚨 NEW: D87 CLEAR BAG POLICY! 🚨
D87 is introducing a Clear Bag Policy for all ticketed (paid) sporting events at BJHS and BHS. 🏈🏐🏊♀️🏀 This policy is designed to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for EVERYONE.
Here’s what you need to know:
✅ Permitted Items:
Clear Bags (12” x 6” x 12” max)
Clutch Bags (no larger than 4.5” x 7”)
EXCEPTIONS (subject to search): Diaper Bags, Camera Bags, Medical Items
🚫 Prohibited Items:
Non-clear bags larger than 4.5” x 7” (includes backpacks, purses, etc.)
Artificial noise makers
Pets 🐾
Weapons of any kind
Outside food & drinks
🎒 Need a D87-approved clear bag? You can purchase one for $10 at the BHS Athletic Office or the BJHS Main Office.
Let’s make this season safe and fun for all—show your #D87spirit and follow these new guidelines!
#ClearBagPolicy #D87Sports #GameDayReady #WeAreD87
D87 is introducing a Clear Bag Policy for all ticketed (paid) sporting events at BJHS and BHS. 🏈🏐🏊♀️🏀 This policy is designed to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for EVERYONE.
Here’s what you need to know:
✅ Permitted Items:
Clear Bags (12” x 6” x 12” max)
Clutch Bags (no larger than 4.5” x 7”)
EXCEPTIONS (subject to search): Diaper Bags, Camera Bags, Medical Items
🚫 Prohibited Items:
Non-clear bags larger than 4.5” x 7” (includes backpacks, purses, etc.)
Artificial noise makers
Pets 🐾
Weapons of any kind
Outside food & drinks
🎒 Need a D87-approved clear bag? You can purchase one for $10 at the BHS Athletic Office or the BJHS Main Office.
Let’s make this season safe and fun for all—show your #D87spirit and follow these new guidelines!
#ClearBagPolicy #D87Sports #GameDayReady #WeAreD87
📚 Our New Employee Summer Series Continues: Meet Chelsea Bunton!
Chelsea is joining Oakland as a 3rd-grade teacher! After spending the last year with her daughter and two years working in a local library, District 87 felt like the perfect place for Chelsea to get back into teaching.
This year, Chelsea is excited to find her teaching groove again while balancing home life as a mom to a toddler.
When she’s not teaching, Chelsea loves reading (books are her LIFE!) and spending time outdoors. Her favorite pastime is relaxing outside with a great book while her daughter plays with their sweet puppy, Atlas.
Welcome to Oakland, Chelsea! 🦉💚📖
#WelcomeToD87 #WeAreD87
Chelsea is joining Oakland as a 3rd-grade teacher! After spending the last year with her daughter and two years working in a local library, District 87 felt like the perfect place for Chelsea to get back into teaching.
This year, Chelsea is excited to find her teaching groove again while balancing home life as a mom to a toddler.
When she’s not teaching, Chelsea loves reading (books are her LIFE!) and spending time outdoors. Her favorite pastime is relaxing outside with a great book while her daughter plays with their sweet puppy, Atlas.
Welcome to Oakland, Chelsea! 🦉💚📖
#WelcomeToD87 #WeAreD87
🎶 Calling all incoming 5th graders! 🎶
There is still time to join D87’s 5th Grade Music Ensembles! Choose from band, orchestra, or choir and kick off your musical journey this year!
📅 Meets every morning before school at BJHS
ℹ️ Learn more & sign up at: http://bit.ly/478lTWY
Don’t wait—sign up now and be part of the music magic! 🎵
#D87Music #WeAreD87
There is still time to join D87’s 5th Grade Music Ensembles! Choose from band, orchestra, or choir and kick off your musical journey this year!
📅 Meets every morning before school at BJHS
ℹ️ Learn more & sign up at: http://bit.ly/478lTWY
Don’t wait—sign up now and be part of the music magic! 🎵
#D87Music #WeAreD87
🐾🎟️ Swing by Miller Park Zoo today! We'll be right outside the entrance from 9:30 AM to noon, helping with registration. 🕤
🌟 Added bonus: Register with us today and score tickets to enter the Zoo! Don’t miss out on a fun day with the animals. See you there!
#MillerParkZoo #ZooFun #RegisterToday #WeAreD87
🌟 Added bonus: Register with us today and score tickets to enter the Zoo! Don’t miss out on a fun day with the animals. See you there!
#MillerParkZoo #ZooFun #RegisterToday #WeAreD87
🏰📚 Check out our soon-to-be 6th graders getting a sneak peek into life at BJHS with the UKnighted Program! 🛡️✨
These future Knights got a taste of their new adventure- meeting lots of soon-to-be classmates and teachers, learning their way around the building, and having a blast doing fun team-building activities with new friends (including a fun minute-to-win-it cookie challenge)! It's just the beginning of their journey, but we're already so proud to see these Knights starting strong- here's to new adventures and friendships at BJHS!
#FutureKnights #UKnightedProgram #WeAreD87
These future Knights got a taste of their new adventure- meeting lots of soon-to-be classmates and teachers, learning their way around the building, and having a blast doing fun team-building activities with new friends (including a fun minute-to-win-it cookie challenge)! It's just the beginning of their journey, but we're already so proud to see these Knights starting strong- here's to new adventures and friendships at BJHS!
#FutureKnights #UKnightedProgram #WeAreD87
🔢 Next up in our D87 New Employee Summer Series: Meet Mike Wallace!
Mike is joining the BJHS family as the new 8th-grade math teacher! He comes to D87 from Don D. Shute Elementary School in East Peoria. After spending the last eight years in administration, Mike decided to return to the classroom—a place he missed—and is excited to be closer to home and teaching in the district where he lives and where his daughter attends school.
This year, Mike can’t wait to meet his students and help them build the skills they need to prepare for high school.
When he’s not teaching, Mike enjoys building things, fishing, and spending time with his wife, Megan, and their two children, Sloane and Bowen. The Wallace family also includes their two dogs, Staley and Gio🐶.
Welcome to the Knight family and D87, Mike! 🛡✨
#WelcomeToD87 #WeAreD87
Mike is joining the BJHS family as the new 8th-grade math teacher! He comes to D87 from Don D. Shute Elementary School in East Peoria. After spending the last eight years in administration, Mike decided to return to the classroom—a place he missed—and is excited to be closer to home and teaching in the district where he lives and where his daughter attends school.
This year, Mike can’t wait to meet his students and help them build the skills they need to prepare for high school.
When he’s not teaching, Mike enjoys building things, fishing, and spending time with his wife, Megan, and their two children, Sloane and Bowen. The Wallace family also includes their two dogs, Staley and Gio🐶.
Welcome to the Knight family and D87, Mike! 🛡✨
#WelcomeToD87 #WeAreD87
📣 District Office Closed Tomorrow – But We’re Still Here to Help!
Please note: The District 87 Board Office will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, July 29.
Need help with school registration? ✏️ We’ve got you covered!
✅ Today (Monday, July 28)
📍 Arbor Apartments Bookmobile Stop (off Prospect, near the main office)
🕞 3:30–4:30 PM
✅ Thursday, July 31
📍 Miller Park Zoo
🕘 9:30 AM–12:00 PM
Stop by either location for in-person registration help—we’re happy to assist! 💜💛
#BackToSchool #RegistrationHelp #WeAreD87
Please note: The District 87 Board Office will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, July 29.
Need help with school registration? ✏️ We’ve got you covered!
✅ Today (Monday, July 28)
📍 Arbor Apartments Bookmobile Stop (off Prospect, near the main office)
🕞 3:30–4:30 PM
✅ Thursday, July 31
📍 Miller Park Zoo
🕘 9:30 AM–12:00 PM
Stop by either location for in-person registration help—we’re happy to assist! 💜💛
#BackToSchool #RegistrationHelp #WeAreD87
🔬 Next up in our D87 New Employee Summer Series: Meet Karissa Turnquist!
Karissa is joining BJHS as the new 7th-grade science and ELL teacher! A recent graduate of Illinois State University, Karissa spent last year student teaching on the 7H team with Marsha Veninga. She loved working with the incredible BJHS students and staff and is beyond excited to officially join the Knight family 🛡!
Teaching has always been Karissa’s passion—it’s felt like her calling since she was young. Her amazing experience student teaching at BJHS confirmed this was the right path for her! This year, she’s looking forward to making her classroom a safe space and positive learning environment for all students.
In her free time, Karissa enjoys cooking, reading, and hanging out with her two cats, Jasper and Pumba😻.
Welcome to the D87 family, Karissa! 🌟
#WelcomeToD87 #WeAreD87
Karissa is joining BJHS as the new 7th-grade science and ELL teacher! A recent graduate of Illinois State University, Karissa spent last year student teaching on the 7H team with Marsha Veninga. She loved working with the incredible BJHS students and staff and is beyond excited to officially join the Knight family 🛡!
Teaching has always been Karissa’s passion—it’s felt like her calling since she was young. Her amazing experience student teaching at BJHS confirmed this was the right path for her! This year, she’s looking forward to making her classroom a safe space and positive learning environment for all students.
In her free time, Karissa enjoys cooking, reading, and hanging out with her two cats, Jasper and Pumba😻.
Welcome to the D87 family, Karissa! 🌟
#WelcomeToD87 #WeAreD87
🌈🏳🌈 Yesterday, the D87 Pride Club made a big colorful splash at the Bloomington Pride Fest! The D87 tent was full of fun with so much energy, bright colors, and people connecting!
It was awesome to see D87 staff, students, and community members all coming together to celebrate diversity and support each other. Let's keep the Pride vibe going every single day!💜💙💚💛🧡🌈
#BloomingtonPrideFest #D87PrideClub #PrideFest2025 #WeAreD87
It was awesome to see D87 staff, students, and community members all coming together to celebrate diversity and support each other. Let's keep the Pride vibe going every single day!💜💙💚💛🧡🌈
#BloomingtonPrideFest #D87PrideClub #PrideFest2025 #WeAreD87
Stop by the Western Avenue Community Block Party today! We will be here till 4pm to help you register for school or answer any registration questions! Stop by and say hi to our wonderful D87 staff!
🎉 Thank You, Mondo’s Mission!
We’re filled with gratitude for the generous donation from Mondo’s Mission in support of D87 athletics! 🏀⚽️🏈
This gift is especially meaningful because Mondo (Monte Rink) was once a D87 student (1984 BHS grad!) and parent—and now his legacy continues giving back through Mondo’s Mission, uplifting the very community that he loved so much. The donation was presented to D87 Athletic Director Tony Bauman by Monte’s family.
Mondo’s Mission support isn’t just a donation—it’s an investment in the growth, health, and teamwork of our D87 athletes. 💪
💜💛 From the entire D87 family—thank you, Mondo’s Mission!
#MondosMission #D87Athletics #ThankYou #WeAreD87
We’re filled with gratitude for the generous donation from Mondo’s Mission in support of D87 athletics! 🏀⚽️🏈
This gift is especially meaningful because Mondo (Monte Rink) was once a D87 student (1984 BHS grad!) and parent—and now his legacy continues giving back through Mondo’s Mission, uplifting the very community that he loved so much. The donation was presented to D87 Athletic Director Tony Bauman by Monte’s family.
Mondo’s Mission support isn’t just a donation—it’s an investment in the growth, health, and teamwork of our D87 athletes. 💪
💜💛 From the entire D87 family—thank you, Mondo’s Mission!
#MondosMission #D87Athletics #ThankYou #WeAreD87
📚 Next up in our D87 New Employee Summer Series: Meet Meghan Malecki! Meghan will be joining the Oakland family as a first-grade teacher, and we’re thrilled to have her in our D87 family!
This past year, Meghan graduated from ISU with a degree in early childhood education and a reading endorsement. During her final year at ISU, she had the chance to student teach at Oakland Elementary, where she developed a strong appreciation for the supportive staff and inspiring community.
Teaching has been Meghan’s dream since childhood, inspired by the impact her own teachers had on her. This year, she’s excited to build relationships with her students and create a positive, engaging classroom community.
Outside of teaching, Meghan loves reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Let’s give a warm D87 welcome to Meghan Malecki as she starts her journey as an Oakland Owl! 🌟
#WelcomeToD87 #WeAreD87
This past year, Meghan graduated from ISU with a degree in early childhood education and a reading endorsement. During her final year at ISU, she had the chance to student teach at Oakland Elementary, where she developed a strong appreciation for the supportive staff and inspiring community.
Teaching has been Meghan’s dream since childhood, inspired by the impact her own teachers had on her. This year, she’s excited to build relationships with her students and create a positive, engaging classroom community.
Outside of teaching, Meghan loves reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Let’s give a warm D87 welcome to Meghan Malecki as she starts her journey as an Oakland Owl! 🌟
#WelcomeToD87 #WeAreD87
📣 Still need to register for school? We've got you covered! 🖍️🎒
D87 is here to help you get ready for the upcoming school year! Check out where you can find us:
✨ Saturday, July 26 - Western Avenue Community Center Block Party
🕛 From noon to 4 PM
🐾 Thursday, July 31 - Miller Park Zoo
🕤 From 9:30 AM to noon
🎟️ BONUS: Register with us at the zoo and get a FREE zoo entry pass!
Let’s make this school year the best one yet! 🌟
#SchoolReady #CommunityPartners #BacktoSchool2025 #WeAreD87
D87 is here to help you get ready for the upcoming school year! Check out where you can find us:
✨ Saturday, July 26 - Western Avenue Community Center Block Party
🕛 From noon to 4 PM
🐾 Thursday, July 31 - Miller Park Zoo
🕤 From 9:30 AM to noon
🎟️ BONUS: Register with us at the zoo and get a FREE zoo entry pass!
Let’s make this school year the best one yet! 🌟
#SchoolReady #CommunityPartners #BacktoSchool2025 #WeAreD87
📣 Calling our BHS incoming freshmen and families!
Get ready for Freshman Connection – an exciting welcome event for the Class of 2029! 🎉
📅 When: Wednesday, August 6, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
📍 Where: Bloomington High School
Explore your new school and locate your classrooms 🏫
Meet club sponsors and athletic coaches 🏆
Make connections with fellow freshmen before school starts 🤝
🎁 BONUS: All freshmen will receive their Free Raider Class of 2029 t-shirt after school begins!
Don’t miss this opportunity to kick off your Raider experience in style. Remember, once a Raider, always a Raider!
Mark your calendars and we’ll see you there! 💜💛
#ClassOf2029 #BHSFreshmenConnection #WeAreD87
Get ready for Freshman Connection – an exciting welcome event for the Class of 2029! 🎉
📅 When: Wednesday, August 6, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
📍 Where: Bloomington High School
Explore your new school and locate your classrooms 🏫
Meet club sponsors and athletic coaches 🏆
Make connections with fellow freshmen before school starts 🤝
🎁 BONUS: All freshmen will receive their Free Raider Class of 2029 t-shirt after school begins!
Don’t miss this opportunity to kick off your Raider experience in style. Remember, once a Raider, always a Raider!
Mark your calendars and we’ll see you there! 💜💛
#ClassOf2029 #BHSFreshmenConnection #WeAreD87
🎉 🍎 Alysa Layden is up next for our D87 New Employee Summer Series!
Alysa will be joining the Bloomington Career Academy (BCA) as an Office/Technical Employee (OTE), and we’re excited to have her join the team!
Alysa previously worked at a local solar company for six years but decided now was the time for a career change. She was drawn to the BCA’s mission and is passionate about positively impacting students, just as many adults inspired her during her own high school years.
This year, Alysa is looking forward to meeting students and helping them discover their goals and passion for future careers.
When she’s not working, Alysa enjoys cooking, spending time with friends, and volunteering at her church. She’s also a proud dog mom to Oatmeal, her golden retriever!
🐾 Let’s give Alysa Layden a big D87 welcome as she begins her journey at the BCA!
#WelcomeToD87 #WeAreD87
Alysa will be joining the Bloomington Career Academy (BCA) as an Office/Technical Employee (OTE), and we’re excited to have her join the team!
Alysa previously worked at a local solar company for six years but decided now was the time for a career change. She was drawn to the BCA’s mission and is passionate about positively impacting students, just as many adults inspired her during her own high school years.
This year, Alysa is looking forward to meeting students and helping them discover their goals and passion for future careers.
When she’s not working, Alysa enjoys cooking, spending time with friends, and volunteering at her church. She’s also a proud dog mom to Oatmeal, her golden retriever!
🐾 Let’s give Alysa Layden a big D87 welcome as she begins her journey at the BCA!
#WelcomeToD87 #WeAreD87
