LM Sept.2019

Back toSchool Rocks DistrictsGet CreativeCelebratingReturn toSchool

School leaders throughout Illinois worked hard to make back- to-school extra special this school year. At Diamond Lake SD #76, the district literally rolled out the red carpet for staff. On September 3 during an institute day, Diamond Lake SD #76 held a special red-carpet event, where staff dressed up as their favorite rock stars and walked down the red carpet. While the event was a fun time, Superintendent Dr. Bhavna Sharma- Lewis (who dressed as Tina Turner) says that’s not the only reason the district did it. The positive energy created from events like this one can have a contagious effect on staff, taking everyone’s mind off summer ending and allowing them to bond over something fun, she says. By Jason Nevel IASA Director of Social Media and Publications

The interview below with Dr. Sharma-Lewis was also recorded as an IASA Podcast. If you prefer to listen to the interview, click here . Q : Tell our listenersa littleaboutyourself andyourschool district? I have been an educator for 27 years and spent the past 10 years as a superintendent. I started my career as a classroom teacher and transitioned into administration as an assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent. I have had the opportunity to work in diverse communities both socioeconomically and culturally. Diamond Lake SD

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LM September 2019