
FREE lunch to anyone age 18 years old and under. Each weekday from June 3 - August 9, 2024 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Bloomington Public Library.


RAS has a strong appreciation for the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation (IPCF) and their Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) group. In recent years, IPCF and YEP have helped fund a number of projects for our Bloomington campus. From the mural in our parking lot (done in partnership with the one and only Joel Bergner), to first aid training and an AED machine, to vocational and art opportunities for our students, the contributions are far-reaching and recognized by RAS staff, students, and families on a daily basis.
Through YEP grant funds received last year for FCS opportunities, we were able to purchase $2,000 worth of equipment and supplies to help students become more sustainable and creative. We are excited to kick off some fun sewing and Cricut projects during the coming school years!


Do you know what are the best kinds of dessert? Besides "All of them!", SURPRISE desserts are a huge win! We have been the beneficiary of a multiple year partnership with a small group from Eastview that is very intentional in encouraging our staff with support and tasty treats.
Today, they surprised us with ice cream 🍨, brownies 🍫, chocolate chip cookies 🍪, and small tokens of appreciation in the form of a card and gift card to Orange Leaf! Thank you for your continued partnership and support of RAS!


Are you in need of dental services? Chestnut Health Systems recently opened up the Chestnut Family Dental Clinic located at 720 W. Chestnut St. Bloomington, IL . They can assist individuals who have no insurance or who are underinsured. Call 309-557-1400 for more information or to schedule an appointment.


May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This is a good reminder to focus on the importance of mental health and its impact on our well-being. Mental health conditions can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, or income level. If you or someone you know needs support, you can call 211 for resources and emotional support.


We were excited to have Cassius and his students from the 💈Bloomington Normal Barber College💈 back in the building yesterday. Our students enjoyed the fresh cuts to get ready for the warmer weather! Thank you, Cassius, for continuing this awesome partnership!



McLean County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Spring Job Fair on May 30, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.


Mid Central Community Action is having a Financial Capability Celebration on April 29, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.


The McLean County Salvation Army is having a free mattress distribution on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.


YouthBuild is hosting their Summer Jobs Program from May 28, 2024 to August 4, 2024.


Nate from the Boys and Girls Club spends Tuesdays with our middle school students. Each week, he plans fun and engaging activities to help build their teamwork and critical thinking skills. We are grateful for this community partnership and the outreach services the BGCBN provides for RAS students. A group of high school students spend time with Nate in the after-school program at First Christian Church. We are excited for continued opportunities with the BGCBN!




April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The mission of SAAM is to increase public understanding of sexual assault and educate communities on how to prevent it. We know that a single month isn’t enough to address the significant and widespread problem of sexual assault. However, April holds space for the attention, prevention efforts, and survivor support we hope to strengthen and expand throughout the year. 24/7 Hotline: 309-556-7000



🗣️Friendly reminder: No school tomorrow, Monday, April 15th! Enjoy the beautiful weather ☀️and be ready to finish the school year strong starting on Tuesday!


FLEXING and Proud is one way to describe Mr. Thornton. Congratulations to our resident artist Mr. Thornton who partnered with Cornbelt Electric to earn a grant for IPADS and IPENCILS for increased Digital Art opportunities for RAS students.


Mr. Baez’s PM homeroom was joined by Mr. Kendall in the garage this afternoon learning about vehicle safety, DOT approved lighting, and replaced factory brake lights with a safer LED unit.



April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. McLean County Children's Advocacy Center is sponsoring activities all month long to support Child Abuse Prevention.


If you are homeless or precariously housed with no permanent residence of your own, living with friends and/or family, in a hotel/motel, in a shelter or on the streets, please attend registration day to access Housing Navigation Services. The Navigator will work with all local agencies to aid you with accessing resources so you can obtain safe & affordable housing for you &/or your family. For more information please visit www.mccainc.org


Bloomington Housing Authority & Family Community Resource Center will host a Job & Community Resource Fair on Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Eastview Christian Church Community Center (602 S. Main Street, Bloomington).


Free NARCAN Community Training
Join us for a FREE Narcan®/Naloxone Community Training on Thursday, March 14 at 5 p.m. at Chestnut Family Health Center, 702 W. Chestnut Street, Bloomington, IL.
Participants will learn about the opioid epidemic and why and how to administer nasal Narcan®/Naloxone.
Free resources will also be available, including Narcan®/naloxone, fentanyl test kits, prescription drug deactivation bags, and more.
Registration is preferred but not required. For more information, please contact us at 618-512-1781 or SR-Narcan@chestnut.org.


Due to a widespread power outage throughout Bloomington, RAS Bloomington campus will facilitate remote instructions for students today. Please have your student work through their Google Classroom or Edmentum platforms. If you are having issues, please contact your homeroom teacher for assistance.