Bloomington Public Schools District 87

🌟✏️ Kindergarten Information Night at D87 - April 15th, 4-6 PM ✏️🌟 Calling all future kindergartners and their families! Mark your calendars for an evening where your journey to kindergarten begins. Date: Tuesday, April 15th Time: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Location: All D87 Elementary Schools If your little one is turning 5️⃣ before September 1st, they are eligible for kindergarten for the 2025-2026 school year! 👧👦 This is a perfect opportunity to: Meet the teachers 🍎 Explore the school 🏫 Get answers to all your questions ❓ For more information, 📞 call your student's future school. Let’s prepare for a year of fun, learning, and new beginnings! 🌈 #D87KindergartenNight #FutureKindergartners #WeAreD87

🎨🌟 Celebrating Autism Awareness Month this April with a colorful display along Constitution Trail, which includes the artwork of Oakland students! The Owls helped create the beautifully painted birdhouses that line the trail in art class. 🕊️🖌️ The birdhouses were donated by Autism McLean to be painted and displayed as part of their display along the trail for Autism Awareness Month. 🗺️ Where to view: Between Empire & Emerson along the Constitution Trail. A perfect reason for a springtime walk! 🌷 This was a wonderful opportunity for the Oakland Owls to enjoy creativity, community, and support an important cause all at once! #ArtForAwareness #AutismAwarenessMonth #WeAreD87 🎨🌟 Este abril, celebramos el Mes de la Concientización sobre el Autismo con una colorida exhibición a lo largo del sendero Constitución, ¡que incluye obras de arte de los estudiantes de la escuela primaria Oakland! Los Búhos ayudaron a crear las casitas para pájaros bellamente pintadas que bordean el sendero. 🕊️🖌️ Las casitas para pájaros fueron donadas por “Autism McLean” para ser pintadas y exhibidas como parte de su exposición a lo largo del sendero durante el Mes de la Concientización sobre el Autismo. 🗺️ Dónde verlas: a lo largo del sendero Constitución, entre las Calles Empire E y Emerson E. ¡Una excusa perfecta para un paseo primaveral! 🌷 ¡Esta fue una maravillosa oportunidad para que los Búhos de Oakland disfrutaran de la creatividad, la comunidad y apoyarán una causa importante, todo a la vez!

✅ Update: D87 Community Weather Alert ✅ We are beginning the process of safely reloading the students onto the D87 buses. Service is resuming with a focus on ensuring that every student returns home securely and as promptly as possible given the circumstances. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this weather event. We are committed to the continued safety of our students as we transition back to our normal transportation schedule.

🚨 Due to the unexpected storm, all D87 buses have been rerouted to the nearest buildings for safety. All students on board are currently sheltering in place under the supervision of our dedicated staff. Please be assured that the safety of our students is our top priority during this time. We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates on when it is safe to resume service and return students home. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Stay safe!

We are excited to announce that the One-Cent Referendum has passed! 🎉 Thank you to everyone who stayed informed, got involved, and cast their vote. Your support and engagement have been invaluable, and this positive result is a big step forward for our schools and community! (Election results are unofficial until certified) #ThankYou #WeAreD87

🎉🌟 Happy Paraprofessional Appreciation Day from D87! 🌟🎉 Today, we shine a spotlight on the incredible paraprofessionals in our D87 family. Your dedication, hard work, and compassion do not go unnoticed. You are the unsung heroes in our classrooms, providing invaluable support to our students and teachers every single day - and your contributions are a vital part of our educational community. 🍏✨ On behalf of everyone at D87, we want to say a huge THANK YOU to all our paraprofessionals. You make our schools better, our students happier, and our future brighter. Here's to you and the incredible difference you make. 👏💐 #ParaprofessionalAppreciationDay #ThankYouParapros #WeAreD87

IAR Countdown to Success! ⏰📚 Workout Wednesday: Get Moving! 🏃‍♂️ Energy levels low? Mood a bit off? This #WorkoutWednesday, let's get active! Physical activity can boost your energy and improve your mood, setting you up for success. 💖🏋️‍♀️ #GetActive #ShowWhatYouKnow #WeAreD87

IAR Countdown to Success! ⏰📚 Tip Tuesday: Fuel Your Brain 🍏 Your brain is a powerhouse, and it needs the right fuel to thrive! 🧠💪 This #TipTuesday, let's focus on healthy eating. Choose foods that boost brain power and prepare you for success. 🥗🍓 #FuelYourBrain #ShowWhatYouKnow #WeAreD87

Countdown to Success: One Week To Go to the IAR! ⏰📚 Attention, Students, and Families! With just one week left until test time, we're here to remind you that every day is an opportunity to prepare and shine. This week, let's focus on studying, resting, healthy eating, and squeezing in a little bit of fun. 🍎📖😊 Stay tuned for daily tips and encouragement! 💪✨ #CountdownToSuccess #ShowWhatYouKnow #WeAreD87

🏡✨ Property Tax Relief Through the One-Cent Tax ✨🏡 Did you know? The proposed one-cent tax will help reduce the financial burden on property owners in McLean County by spreading the responsibility across the entire community, including visitors to McLean County. 💼🌍 How will this happen? 👥 Visitors Contribute: Approximately 35% of purchases in McLean County are made by people who do not live here. This means visitors will help fund local schools, easing the burden on property taxpayers. 🛒🌐 💸 Tax Abatement: D87 is committed to abating one-third of the revenue from this tax to reduce property tax rates for the next five years. 🏠💰 👉 Learn more about how this referendum can make a difference by visiting our webpage www.april1cent.info! #april1cent #WeAreD8

Hello D87 Family, We want to remind you that Election Day is Tuesday, April 1, and as it approaches, District 87 and school districts across McLean County are reminding residents to cast their ballot. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1 and early voting is available leading up to Election Day.  McLean County has two separate election jurisdictions: The McLean County Clerk’s Office handles elections for all areas except the City of Bloomington.  Early voting available at the McLean County Clerk’s Office on: Saturday, March 29: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, March 30: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Monday, March 31: 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 1 - Election Day - Vote 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at your designated polling location. For more information, including polling place details, visit McLean County Elections or contact them at 309-888-5899 or countyclerk@mcleancountyil.gov. Voting in the City of Bloomington is managed by the Bloomington Election Commission.  Early voting available at Bloomington Election Commission on: Saturday, March 29: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, March 30: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Monday, March 31: 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 1 - Election Day - Vote 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at your designated polling location. For more information, including polling place details, visit Bloomington Election Commission or contact them at 309-888-5136 or becvote@bloomingtonelectionsil.gov. On Election Day, voters in McLean County will decide on a proposed County Schools Facility Tax (commonly known as a “one-cent tax” or “1% sales tax”) to fund school safety, student support and facility improvements, while providing property tax relief to homeowners by offering an alternative funding source for our schools and all McLean County public schools. For detailed information about the one-cent tax referendum and how it will impact our schools, visit www.april1cent.info and vote on or before Tuesday, April 1.  District 87, Bloomington Public Schools, www.district87.org About School Districts in McLean County McLean County is home to 12 public school districts that serve over 22,000 students. The proposed one-cent tax would help these districts meet critical needs for safety, facility upgrades, and academic support while providing some property tax relief. School districts in McLean County are committed to providing high-quality education and ensuring a safe, supportive environment for all students.

🚑Did you know about the McLean Mobile Health Clinic right in our community? Check out where and when you can find them for walk-in healthcare: 📍 Mondays: 1st & 3rd: Wood Hill Towers, Bloomington (9 AM - 4 PM) 2nd & 4th: Habitat Restore, Bloomington (9 AM - 4 PM) 📍 Tuesdays: 2nd Tuesday: ISU Alumni Center, Normal (11 AM - 4 PM) 📍 Thursdays: 1st & 3rd: YWCA, Bloomington (9 AM - 4 PM) 2nd & 4th: Western Ave Community Center, Bloomington (9 AM - 4 PM) #McLeanMobileHealth #CommunityHealth #WeAreD87 ¿Sabías que la Clínica de Salud Móvil McLean está en nuestra comunidad? Consulta dónde y cuándo puedes encontrarla para atención médica sin cita previa: 📍 Lunes: 1.º y 3.º: Wood Hill Towers, Bloomington (9:00 a. m. - 4:00 p. m.) 2.º y 4.º: Habitat Restore, Bloomington (9:00 a. m. - 4:00 p. m.) 📍 Martes: 2.º martes: Centro de Exalumnos de ISU, Normal (11:00 a. m. - 4:00 p. m.) 📍 Jueves: 1.º y 3.º: YWCA, Bloomington (9:00 a. m. - 4:00 p. m.) 2.º y 4.º: Centro Comunitario Western Ave, Bloomington (9:00 a. m. - 4:00 p. m.) #McLeanMobileHealth #SaludComunitaria #SomosD87

We are now just ONE WEEK away from our local election day on April 1! Still want more info on the County School Facilities (CSFT) tax, and its use and impact on District 87? Check out our Transparency Dashboard and CSFT HQ on our D87 homepage: www.district87.org! #April1Cent #WeAreD87

🏀🎉What a finish! The "Attendance Madness" campaign at BJHS wrapped up in style featuring a b-ball shoot-out that was live-streamed for all to see with popcorn in hand thanks PTO!)! 🏀🙌 And then the moment of truth... 6G emerged as the Attendance Madness winners, and will soon be enjoying their victory with a tasty pizza party! 🎉🍕Congratulations, 6G! 🎈✨ Congrats and high-fives to all the Knights for showing up and making every day count! #BJHSAttendanceMadness #WeAreD87 ¡Qué final! La campaña "Locura de Asistencia" en Bloomington Junior High School concluyó con gran éxito, con una tanda de penaltis de baloncesto que se transmitió en vivo para que todos pudieran verla con palomitas de maíz en mano gracias a la Asociación de Padres y Maestros (PTO por sus siglas en inglés)! 🏀🙌 Y entonces llegó la hora de la verdad... ¡6G se alzó como ganador de la Locura de Asistencia y pronto disfrutará de su victoria con una deliciosa fiesta de pizza! 🎉🍕 ¡Felicidades, 6G! 🎈✨ ¡Felicitaciones y chocamos esos cinco a todos los Caballeros por presentarse y hacer que cada día cuente! #BJHSLocuradeAsistencia #SomosD87

🏫💖 Schools are the Heart of Our Communities 💖🏫 Schools in McLean County are firmly at the heart of our community, striving to provide: 📚 Quality Education: Over 22,000 students benefit from academic excellence, college and career readiness, and a wide variety of activities and athletics.🏈📖 🤝 Community: Schools foster strong partnerships with families, residents, and local organizations. Community education programs support learners of all ages.👨‍👩‍👧‍👦📚 📈 Economic Growth: Quality schools attract families, support local businesses, maintain property values, and prepare the next generation of our workforce.🏘️💼 👉 Learn more about how this referendum can make a difference by visiting our webpage www.april1cent.info or contact us! #april1cent #WeAreD87

🎭📚 Stevenson's 5th Grade Wax Museum Comes to Life! 🌟🎨 History and inspiration filled the air at Stevenson as the 5th-grade wax museum came to life! Students transformed into iconic figures, such as Jackie Robinson, Jane Goodall, Frida Kahlo, Kobe Bryant, Harriet Tubman, and many more. 🌍✨ With incredible presentations, the Tigers not only showcased their hard work and creativity but also brought to life the stories of these remarkable individuals. It was an unforgettable journey through time and accomplishment!. 🏀🎨📖 Thanks for making history come alive in such an exciting way! 👏🎉 #StevensonWaxMuseum #5thGradeExhibit #LivingHistory #WeAreD87 🎭📚 ¡El Museo de Cera de 5to Grado de la escuela primaria Stevenson cobra vida! 🌟🎨 ¡La historia y la inspiración llenaron el aire en Stevenson cuando el museo de cera de quinto grado cobró vida! Los estudiantes se transformaron en figuras icónicas como Jackie Robinson, Jane Goodall, Frida Kahlo, Kobe Bryant, Dr. Seuss y muchos más. 🌍✨ Con presentaciones increíbles, los Tigres no solo mostraron su arduo trabajo y creatividad, sino que también dieron vida a las historias de estas personas extraordinarias. ¡Fue un viaje inolvidable a través del tiempo y una gran realización!. 🏀🎨📖 ¡Gracias por hacer que la historia cobre vida de una manera tan emocionante! 👏🎉 #museodeceraStevenson #exhibicionde5togrado #historiaviva #SomosD8

📣 Big News! The Bloomington Area Career Center (BACC) is becoming the Bloomington Career Academy (BCA)! 🎉 We’re rebranding and relocating to a new, state-of-the-art facility — the Willie G. and Gloria Brown Education Center at 2309 E. Oakland Avenue — opening in Fall 2025! BCA will continue to offer hands-on, career-focused programs like: 🔧 Automotive & Heavy Equipment 👨‍⚕️ Health Careers & CNA 💻 Cybersecurity & Networking 🎥 Graphic Design & Video Production 🚒 Criminal Justice, EMT & Fire Science 🍳 Culinary Arts 💇 Cosmetology & Esthetics 🤖 Robotics & Engineering … and many more! We’re elevating career and technical education in McLean County with modern facilities, real-world training, and industry-aligned pathways. 📩 Learn more: Contact Director Bryce Hansen at hansenb@district87.org #BloomingtonCareerAcademy #CTE #ElevateWithBCA #FutureReady ¡Buenas noticias! El Centro de Carreras del Área de Bloomington (BACC por sus siglas en inglés) se convierte ahora en la Academia de Carreras de Bloomington (BCA). 🎉 Estamos renovando nuestra imagen y reubicándonos en las nuevas instalaciones de última generación: el Centro Educativo Willie G. y Gloria Brown, ubicado en 2309 E. Oakland Avenue, ¡que abrirá en el otoño de 2025! BCA seguirá ofreciendo programas prácticos y orientados a carreras profesionales, como: 🔧 Automotriz y Equipo Pesado 👨‍⚕️ Carreras de Salud y Auxiliar de Enfermería Certificado (CNA) 💻 Ciberseguridad y Redes 🎥 Diseño Gráfico y Producción de Video 🚒 Justicia Penal, Técnico en Emergencias Médicas (TEM) y Ciencias del Fuego 🍳 Artes Culinarias 💇 Cosmetología y Estética 🤖 Robótica e Ingeniería … ¡y muchos más! Impulsamos la educación profesional y técnica en el condado de McLean con instalaciones modernas, capacitación práctica y trayectorias profesionales alineadas con la industria. 📩 Para más información: Contacta al director Bryce Hansen a través del correo electrónico: hansenb@district87.org #BloomingtonCareerAcademy #CTE #progresaconBCA #listoparaelfuturo

🍀✂️ St. Baldrick's Day Celebration at BHS! ✂️🍀 Big cheers for the brave students and staff members at BHS who participated in the St. Baldrick's Day celebration by shaving their heads to support childhood cancer research! 🎗️ Special shoutout to Asst. Principal Mr. Saken for championing this amazing initiative. We're so proud of everyone who stepped up, got shaved, and contributed to this meaningful cause. 💪 Thank you to all the inspiring participants and generous donors what a wonderful way to spread awareness, raise funds and give hope!💜 #StBaldricksDay #ChildhoodCancerAwareness #WeAreD87

🌼🏫 Half Day Alert & Spring Break Kickoff! 🌸 Hey D87 Families! Just a friendly reminder that tomorrow, Friday, March 21st, is a HALF DAY for all students! School will end early, so make sure to adjust your schedules accordingly. 🕒 After this Friday's half day, our students will have a full week to recharge and enjoy the spring vibes. 🌞🌷 📅 Students will return on Monday, March 31st. We hope everyone has a safe and relaxing break. Make the most of it and create some wonderful memories! 💖 #SpringBreak #D87HalfDay #SpringVibes #WeAreD87

BIG NEWS from District 87! 🎉 The D87 Board of Education passed a resolution announcing the renaming of our Oakland Avenue building to the Willie G. and Gloria Brown Education Center, in memory of two extraordinary leaders whose legacy continues to uplift Bloomington-Normal and beyond. Present for the passing of the resolution were two of their children, Michael and Michele. A bit of history on Willie G. and Gloria Brown: Willie Brown, a 1967 graduate of Bloomington High School, led a life of remarkable impact — rising to become Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at State Farm, and dedicating decades to public service and educational equity. His leadership extended far beyond the corporate world. Mr. Brown served on the boards of the NAACP, Urban League of Bloomington-Normal, United Way, Illinois State University Foundation, and the Promise Council, among many others. He was also a vital member of District 87’s Equity Action Team, offering his wisdom and leadership to move our schools forward. Alongside him was his beloved wife, Gloria Brown, also a graduate of Bloomington High School. Gloria’s warmth, advocacy, and steady support were essential to their shared legacy of service and community uplift. Inside the newly named Willie and Gloria Brown Education Center, we are proud to house two transformative programs: The Bloomington Area Career Center, which provides students with hands-on opportunities to explore career pathways, and The Sarah E. Raymond Early Education Center, which nurtures our youngest learners. With this renaming, we honor the Browns’ enduring contributions and ensure their legacy lives on — in every child who learns here and every future leader who finds their path. 🌟 #WillieAndGloriaBrown #LegacyOfLeadership #WeAreD87