Intermediate District 287

We are close to the end of the year, and students at North Education Center showcased their talents at the annual talent show. Students performed songs, dances, musical instruments, and so much more!

There were a variety of fun activities at West Education Center's annual carnival. Students enjoyed cotton candy, a bounce house, tattoos, and many games. It was fun to build community and celebrate the students' successes this year!

Thank you to all the staff who participated and helped students prepare to share their artwork, dancing, music, and more at the South Education Center Talent Show & Art Fair. It was such a joy to celebrate so many skills and welcome many families/caregivers. We're so proud of everyone who shared their hard work with us.

Congratulations to Sheri Frank for winning the Above & Beyond Award at North Education Center. Sheri is an Educational Support Professional and was nominated for Achieving Academic Success, Cultivating Equity and Inclusion, and Promoting Social Emotional Learning.

Her colleagues said, "When it comes to Sheri's students, she ‘gets’ them in a way that most never notice and accepts them for exactly who they are. Her innate sense of understanding what they may be going through and ability to see the world through their eyes helps create a space where her kids feel safe and truly seen- for some maybe for the first time in their lives. She works tirelessly to come up with new and innovative ideas to support students and help them understand and regulate their biggest emotions. It’s clear to anyone who works with her that Sheri’s years of experience and dedication to this population of kiddos are an invaluable asset to this community. Her positive attitude, strong work ethic and seemingly unending patience are a testament to what we should all aspire to be."

Congratulations to Nathan Perez for winning the Above & Beyond Award with Care & Treatment! Nathan is a social studies instructor and was nominated for Achieving Academic Success, Cultivating Equity and Inclusion, and Promoting Social Emotional Learning.

His colleagues said, "Nathan Perez consistently goes above and beyond in his commitment to equity and inclusion, making a lasting impact on both students and staff. His vast knowledge of equity is evident in everything he does—from the way he designs his lesson plans to the way he engages in conversations about justice, belonging, and representation. Nathan has a remarkable ability to speak about complex equity issues with clarity, elegance, and intention, helping others deepen their understanding while feeling invited into the work."

"

Ann Bremer Education Center hosted their annual Science Fair for students to have a hands-on opportunity to explore and present a variety of exciting science projects. Highlights included a pringle circle, walking rainbows, the science of lemonade, potato rock launchers, and dehydrated food. Students showcased their curiosity and scientific thinking while learning from each other’s work.

We had a great turnout at North Education Center's Empowerment Expo! Students had a chance to meet with vendors, business owners and community organizations that shared their stories, products, services, and opportunities. Thank you to everyone that volunteered to share their stories in nursing, firefighting, police work, automotive, military, veterinary assistant, and crafts with our students and showed them the endless possibilities and opportunities that lay ahead.

Congratulations to the first cohort of Apprentice Teachers who graduated from the Intermediate Teacher Residency Apprenticeship Collaborative (ITRAC) program. We are proud to share that District 287 had 7 apprentices graduate and will lead a classroom for the 2026-2027 school year!

We had some very special guests from Carlson's Llovable Llamas at our schools, and it was the perfect midday pick-me-up for students and staff alike.

Everyone had the opportunity to get up close for plenty of hugs, pets, and even a few short walks around the courtyard. The llama keeper handed out special treats, and we captured some incredible selfies and group shots throughout the day.

Llamas are members of the camelid family. Their cousins, the “guanacos” have the bad habit of spitting at people. Llamas do not spit unless they feel threatened.