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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
LM September 2019
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
Back toSchool Rocks
DistrictsGet CreativeCelebratingReturn toSchool