🌟Mrs. Hernandez's Bent Superstar student displays a proud smile for reading an entire book by himself! 📚 His achievement reminds us all: never give up- persistence leads to success!🌟
#KeepGoing #ReadingSuccess #WeAreD87
#KeepGoing #ReadingSuccess #WeAreD87
📚 Join us in welcoming Simon Vandernoordaa! Simon is stepping into his new role as the Library Paraprofessional at BJHS. Last year, he taught coding online to students in grades 4-12 across the globe! Now, he’s excited to be part of D87, drawn by the incredible people and outstanding work being done to meet students’ needs.
This year, Simon is looking forward to growing into his role as a library paraprofessional while getting to know the students and staff at BJHS.
In his free time, Simon loves playing ball with his cockapoo 🐶 and traveling overseas whenever possible ✈️🌍.
Welcome to the BJHS family, Simon! We’re excited to have you here to support our students and school community. 💜
#WelcomeToD87 #WeAreD87
This year, Simon is looking forward to growing into his role as a library paraprofessional while getting to know the students and staff at BJHS.
In his free time, Simon loves playing ball with his cockapoo 🐶 and traveling overseas whenever possible ✈️🌍.
Welcome to the BJHS family, Simon! We’re excited to have you here to support our students and school community. 💜
#WelcomeToD87 #WeAreD87

🥑 Holy Guacamole! Yesterday was National Guacamole Day, and the BJHS cafeteria celebrated in style with tacos and guac! Let's taco 'bout a great day!🌮
#NationalGuacamoleDay #TacoTuesday #WeAreD87
#NationalGuacamoleDay #TacoTuesday #WeAreD87

🦈 In Mrs. Weidner's Kindergarten classroom at Sheridan, the little Sharks had a blast playing a new game with Mrs. Broker. It's all about learning to take turns, share, and most importantly, have heaps of fun together during center time.
These foundational skills are such an important part of early education—wrapped in laughs and giggles! 💖🎲
#LifeSkills #FunLearning #WeAreD87
These foundational skills are such an important part of early education—wrapped in laughs and giggles! 💖🎲
#LifeSkills #FunLearning #WeAreD87
🌟 Meet Austin Black!
Austin is joining the BHS team as a DLP Paraprofessional! Last year, he worked as a paraprofessional at Fisher Jr/Sr High School, coached varsity football, and began working toward his degree in Education at Grand Canyon University. Austin, a proud 2020 graduate of BHS (whoo hoo!), is excited to return to his alma mater to make an impact in his home community and support students who need it most.
This year, Austin is looking forward to working with students, giving back to BHS, and reconnecting with familiar faces from his time as a Raider.
In his free time, Austin enjoys biking, watching football, fishing, and spending time with his family and kids—and his two dogs, Coal and Teddy 🐶.
Welcome home, Austin! We’re so excited to have you back at BHS to inspire and support the next generation of Raiders. 💜💛
#WelcomeAustinBlack #WeAreD87
Austin is joining the BHS team as a DLP Paraprofessional! Last year, he worked as a paraprofessional at Fisher Jr/Sr High School, coached varsity football, and began working toward his degree in Education at Grand Canyon University. Austin, a proud 2020 graduate of BHS (whoo hoo!), is excited to return to his alma mater to make an impact in his home community and support students who need it most.
This year, Austin is looking forward to working with students, giving back to BHS, and reconnecting with familiar faces from his time as a Raider.
In his free time, Austin enjoys biking, watching football, fishing, and spending time with his family and kids—and his two dogs, Coal and Teddy 🐶.
Welcome home, Austin! We’re so excited to have you back at BHS to inspire and support the next generation of Raiders. 💜💛
#WelcomeAustinBlack #WeAreD87

🎉 Hats off to our amazing D87 educators!
This year, BJHS and BHS teachers are on a mission to transform learning across D87. The new Learning Community is diving into Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl — exploring practical strategies to get students thinking. 📚🤔
With hands-on experiences, thoughtful planning, and reflective practices, they're gearing up to bring these powerful methods to life in all content areas. 💡
We’re excited to see how these shifts will spark deeper engagement and learning for every student! 🙌
#BuildingThinkingClassrooms #StudentEngagement #LearningTransformation #WeAreD87
This year, BJHS and BHS teachers are on a mission to transform learning across D87. The new Learning Community is diving into Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl — exploring practical strategies to get students thinking. 📚🤔
With hands-on experiences, thoughtful planning, and reflective practices, they're gearing up to bring these powerful methods to life in all content areas. 💡
We’re excited to see how these shifts will spark deeper engagement and learning for every student! 🙌
#BuildingThinkingClassrooms #StudentEngagement #LearningTransformation #WeAreD87




🎉 Happy Friday! Today, Dr. Mouser fired up the grill to show some major appreciation for our student monitors. 🍔☀️
Their hard work doesn't go unnoticed, and what better way to celebrate their dedication than with some delicious grilled treats and the perfect weather? It's the ultimate end-of-week treat for our awesome hall monitors at BJHS & BHS. Thanks for all you do! 🌟
#StudentMonitors #AppreciationBBQ #FridayFun #WeAreD87
Their hard work doesn't go unnoticed, and what better way to celebrate their dedication than with some delicious grilled treats and the perfect weather? It's the ultimate end-of-week treat for our awesome hall monitors at BJHS & BHS. Thanks for all you do! 🌟
#StudentMonitors #AppreciationBBQ #FridayFun #WeAreD87

📢 Join the D87 Family! We're Hiring Paraprofessionals! 🙌
Looking for a rewarding career in education? Check out our amazing perks:
💵 Starting at $19.66/hour
📚 Paraprofessional license required
🏖️ Enjoy summers, breaks, and holidays OFF
🩺 Insurance options + retirement contributions
🎓 Tuition waivers & pathways to teacher certification
Apply today at https://www.applitrack.com/district87/onlineapp/default.aspx.
#D87Careers #NowHiring #Paraprofessionals #WeAreD87
Looking for a rewarding career in education? Check out our amazing perks:
💵 Starting at $19.66/hour
📚 Paraprofessional license required
🏖️ Enjoy summers, breaks, and holidays OFF
🩺 Insurance options + retirement contributions
🎓 Tuition waivers & pathways to teacher certification
Apply today at https://www.applitrack.com/district87/onlineapp/default.aspx.
#D87Careers #NowHiring #Paraprofessionals #WeAreD87

🌟Meet Rachel Lyle!
Rachel is joining Sarah Raymond as a Special Education Paraprofessional and Substitute Teacher! After working as a lease auditor last year, she decided to pursue her dream of teaching and is currently working toward her professional teacher certification. With a background in Theatre, Rachel is excited to bring creativity and fun into the classroom while helping students see their potential.
Friends connected to District 87, including Mr. Hopper (Irving Elementary), who spoke highly of the D87 working environment, and Sarah Raymond, and her first visit confirmed it’s a wonderful, positive place for both staff and students!
Rachel is looking forward to learning all she can from her students and coworkers and becoming the best para and sub she can be as she continues to pursue her teaching license.
In her free time, she enjoys life with her 14-month-old daughter Maxine, husband Chris, and their pets—three dogs (Jordan, Gus, and Millie) and a cat named Kitty. She also loves gardening, studying plants, writing, and making her famous sea salt caramels!
Welcome to the D87 family, Rachel! We’re so glad to have you on the team. 💜
#WelcomeToD87 #WeAreD87
Rachel is joining Sarah Raymond as a Special Education Paraprofessional and Substitute Teacher! After working as a lease auditor last year, she decided to pursue her dream of teaching and is currently working toward her professional teacher certification. With a background in Theatre, Rachel is excited to bring creativity and fun into the classroom while helping students see their potential.
Friends connected to District 87, including Mr. Hopper (Irving Elementary), who spoke highly of the D87 working environment, and Sarah Raymond, and her first visit confirmed it’s a wonderful, positive place for both staff and students!
Rachel is looking forward to learning all she can from her students and coworkers and becoming the best para and sub she can be as she continues to pursue her teaching license.
In her free time, she enjoys life with her 14-month-old daughter Maxine, husband Chris, and their pets—three dogs (Jordan, Gus, and Millie) and a cat named Kitty. She also loves gardening, studying plants, writing, and making her famous sea salt caramels!
Welcome to the D87 family, Rachel! We’re so glad to have you on the team. 💜
#WelcomeToD87 #WeAreD87

📚✨ Check out Melissa Guzman’s 7th graders getting hands-on with history! They analyzed artifacts from the McLean County Museum to learn about the Kickapoo, an Indigenous group from central Illinois. Loving the way they're connecting lessons to our community's past! 🌎🏺
#LocalHistory #LearningIsFun #WeAreD87
#LocalHistory #LearningIsFun #WeAreD87





🌟 Attendance Awareness Month Spotlight!
Helping students become Attendance H.E.R.O.s (Here. Everyday. Ready. On-Time)
Next up, meet Tracy Wapp, our Attendance H.E.R.O. at BJHS! 🎉
💬 What she loves about her role:
“The relationships I’m able to make with both students and families.” 💕
⚾ Fun Fact: Tracy is a huge baseball addict! While she’s a die-hard fan of the KC Royals, she stays up-to-date on all things baseball. ⚾️👏
🤝 Favorite way to connect with students:
Tracy loves meeting students just as they are and supporting them in whatever way they need.
📢 Message to Families:
“I want to make this a great year for you and your student!”
Let’s hear it for Tracy as she helps our students knock it out of the park as Attendance H.E.R.O.s this year! 🎉
#AttendanceHERO #FamilyFacilitator #WeAreD87
Helping students become Attendance H.E.R.O.s (Here. Everyday. Ready. On-Time)
Next up, meet Tracy Wapp, our Attendance H.E.R.O. at BJHS! 🎉
💬 What she loves about her role:
“The relationships I’m able to make with both students and families.” 💕
⚾ Fun Fact: Tracy is a huge baseball addict! While she’s a die-hard fan of the KC Royals, she stays up-to-date on all things baseball. ⚾️👏
🤝 Favorite way to connect with students:
Tracy loves meeting students just as they are and supporting them in whatever way they need.
📢 Message to Families:
“I want to make this a great year for you and your student!”
Let’s hear it for Tracy as she helps our students knock it out of the park as Attendance H.E.R.O.s this year! 🎉
#AttendanceHERO #FamilyFacilitator #WeAreD87

📣🏫 VINTAGE YEARBOOK SALE!
Do you know someone who attended BHS in the past? Share the news!
We’re rolling back the years at the BHS Homecoming Game by selling vintage yearbooks dating from 1911 to 2024! Each book costs $20, and your purchase supports the Yearbook Club’s new camera equipment and assists students who need help purchasing a yearbook.
🌟 Preorder your piece of Raider history! Email baezk@district87.org by Thursday, Sept 25th, to reserve a specific yearbook for pickup at the game or browse available copies at the Homecoming game on Friday, Sept 26th!
Unable to make it to the game? Don't worry—your vintage yearbook can be picked up at BHS after Homecoming.
Buy a piece of D87 history and contribute to a wonderful cause!
#WeAreD87


🌟Meet Tandy Jipp!
The school year may have started, but we still have some new staff to introduce! Tandy is joining D87 this year as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L)! Last year, she was working in a pediatric outpatient clinic in West Palm Beach, Florida—but now, she’s excited to return to the same district where she went to school as a child and become part of the D87 family once again!
Tandy has been a COTA for 18 years and has worked with individuals ranging from age 3 to 98 in various settings. Though she’s enjoyed helping people across all age groups, Pediatrics has always been her favorite, and she’s looking forward to working with an interdisciplinary team to help children learn and grow through Occupational Therapy.
In her free time, Tandy loves spending time with her family and her cute Yorkie, ZOE 🐾.
Welcome back to the D87 family, Tandy! 💜💛💜💛
#WelcomeToD87 #WeAreD87
The school year may have started, but we still have some new staff to introduce! Tandy is joining D87 this year as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L)! Last year, she was working in a pediatric outpatient clinic in West Palm Beach, Florida—but now, she’s excited to return to the same district where she went to school as a child and become part of the D87 family once again!
Tandy has been a COTA for 18 years and has worked with individuals ranging from age 3 to 98 in various settings. Though she’s enjoyed helping people across all age groups, Pediatrics has always been her favorite, and she’s looking forward to working with an interdisciplinary team to help children learn and grow through Occupational Therapy.
In her free time, Tandy loves spending time with her family and her cute Yorkie, ZOE 🐾.
Welcome back to the D87 family, Tandy! 💜💛💜💛
#WelcomeToD87 #WeAreD87

🎓🌟 Attention, 2025 BHS Grads! There are diplomas still with us, waiting to be claimed (around 100)! If your diploma isn't in your hands yet, swing by BHS to pick it up! Also, if you borrowed a cap and gown, please return it to help the next set of graduates get ready for their big day! Thank you! 🎉
#BHS2025 #ClaimYourDiploma #WeAreD87
#BHS2025 #ClaimYourDiploma #WeAreD87

🍪🔍 6th Graders Become Junior Archaeologists!
Last Friday, the 6I Team at BJHS had a blast turning into junior archaeologists, using toothpicks to carefully extract chocolate chip "artifacts" from cookies. It was a fun, hands-on way to learn about the precision required in archaeology and the patience it takes to uncover history— one dig at a time, or in their case, one crumb at a time. 🍪
#JuniorArchaeologists #WeAreD87
Last Friday, the 6I Team at BJHS had a blast turning into junior archaeologists, using toothpicks to carefully extract chocolate chip "artifacts" from cookies. It was a fun, hands-on way to learn about the precision required in archaeology and the patience it takes to uncover history— one dig at a time, or in their case, one crumb at a time. 🍪
#JuniorArchaeologists #WeAreD87





🌟 Attendance Awareness Month Spotlight!
This month, we’re introducing our amazing Family Facilitators, who are helping every student become an Attendance H.E.R.O. (Here. Everyday. Ready. On-Time)! 🎉 First up is Nancy Sanchez, who works with the Bent Superstars!🌟
💬 What she loves about her role:
“I enjoy helping families and students in the best way possible.”
🎉 Fun Fact: Nancy is an avid runner! She’s completed over ten half marathons and four full marathons! This year, she’s gearing up for her fifth marathon in Memphis, TN to support St. Jude. 🏃♀️
🤝 Connection is Key:
Nancy believes in listening—sometimes a listening ear will make all the difference in making that connection with her superstars.
📢 Message to Families:
“I’m so excited and privileged to be working for you, the families of District 87. I will do everything I can to help YOU, and your little ones have a great school year!”
Let’s cheer Nancy on as she helps every student shine as an Attendance H.E.R.O. this year! 🎉
#AttendanceHERO #BentSuperstars #WeAreD87
This month, we’re introducing our amazing Family Facilitators, who are helping every student become an Attendance H.E.R.O. (Here. Everyday. Ready. On-Time)! 🎉 First up is Nancy Sanchez, who works with the Bent Superstars!🌟
💬 What she loves about her role:
“I enjoy helping families and students in the best way possible.”
🎉 Fun Fact: Nancy is an avid runner! She’s completed over ten half marathons and four full marathons! This year, she’s gearing up for her fifth marathon in Memphis, TN to support St. Jude. 🏃♀️
🤝 Connection is Key:
Nancy believes in listening—sometimes a listening ear will make all the difference in making that connection with her superstars.
📢 Message to Families:
“I’m so excited and privileged to be working for you, the families of District 87. I will do everything I can to help YOU, and your little ones have a great school year!”
Let’s cheer Nancy on as she helps every student shine as an Attendance H.E.R.O. this year! 🎉
#AttendanceHERO #BentSuperstars #WeAreD87

🏈🎉 Are you ready for some football?! 🎉🏈
Tonight, BHS takes on U-High at Hancock Stadium! Before heading out, here are some important details:
📌 BHS Students:
• Park in Parking 1 or Parking 2 (see map)
• Enter through Gate 4
• Bring your BHS Student ID
• Sit in Section 121
• Tickets are cash only – $4.00
📌 Adult Spectators:
• Park in N or S Lots
• Use Gate 1 or Gate 4 to enter
• Sit in Sections 122 & 123
• Tickets are cash only – $6.00
Let’s pack the stands and cheer on the Raiders! 🎯💥
#GameDay #GoRaiders #WeAreD87
Tonight, BHS takes on U-High at Hancock Stadium! Before heading out, here are some important details:
📌 BHS Students:
• Park in Parking 1 or Parking 2 (see map)
• Enter through Gate 4
• Bring your BHS Student ID
• Sit in Section 121
• Tickets are cash only – $4.00
📌 Adult Spectators:
• Park in N or S Lots
• Use Gate 1 or Gate 4 to enter
• Sit in Sections 122 & 123
• Tickets are cash only – $6.00
Let’s pack the stands and cheer on the Raiders! 🎯💥
#GameDay #GoRaiders #WeAreD87

🦈💙 Fins Up at Sheridan! Yesterday, Sheridan kicked off the first Shark Wear Wednesday of the year in style! Thanks to some amazing local sponsors, every Sheridan student received a brand-new Fins Up t-shirt to show off their Shark pride. The Sharks celebrated with an all-school assembly featuring a performance by the BHS dance team, who also shared an inspiring message about kindness and respect.
What a fintastic way to start the year—here’s to more Shark Wear Wednesday fun ahead! 🦈🎉
A special shoutout to the BHS Dance Team and the sponsors for making this day possible:
➡️ Sullivan Mechanical Contractors, Inc.
➡️ Digger's Again
➡️ First Mid Bank & Trust
➡️ Eastland Companion Animal Hospital
#FinsUp #SharkWearWednesday #WeAreD87
What a fintastic way to start the year—here’s to more Shark Wear Wednesday fun ahead! 🦈🎉
A special shoutout to the BHS Dance Team and the sponsors for making this day possible:
➡️ Sullivan Mechanical Contractors, Inc.
➡️ Digger's Again
➡️ First Mid Bank & Trust
➡️ Eastland Companion Animal Hospital
#FinsUp #SharkWearWednesday #WeAreD87
Today, the kindergarteners at Washington had a special visit from the Bloomington Fire Department! They learned about fire safety, enjoyed a storytime session, and even got the chance to befriend a real-life firefighter! 🚒👨🚒📚
#FireSafety #CommunityHeroes #WeAreD87
#FireSafety #CommunityHeroes #WeAreD87
🦸♀️Did you know that September is Attendance Awareness Month?
Our amazing D87 family facilitators have donned their superhero capes, aiming to make sure that every student becomes an Attendance H.E.R.O - Here. Everyday. Ready. On-Time. Let's all commit to making attendance a priority this month and beyond!
#AttendanceMatters #AttendanceHERO #WeAreD87
Our amazing D87 family facilitators have donned their superhero capes, aiming to make sure that every student becomes an Attendance H.E.R.O - Here. Everyday. Ready. On-Time. Let's all commit to making attendance a priority this month and beyond!
#AttendanceMatters #AttendanceHERO #WeAreD87


