Update on class project by Dave - Oct 11, 2021
During the 61st Class Reunion, a group of classmates toured the new Fine Arts Wing at BHS. During that tour, Principal Tim Moore reported that our "60 for 60" class project resulted in a $1,400 donation. Thanks to everyone who participated in this effort.

Update on class project by Zona - Nov 24, 2020
The following was emailed to all classmates today:

Dear friends,

As of November 18, 2020, the total contributions from 183 members of the class of ’60 is $1340. We have Rolf Maurer to thank for checking with Laura Hughs, Director of Accounting for District 87 and receiving this information.

If you have not contributed to our project and would like to, it is not too late. Our fund is currently in reserve since all BHS classes in 2020 (at this time) are virtual.

ANY AMOUNT is greatly appreciated. No one is keeping track of who gives what.

Here is the information you need to contribute:

1. Any check made out as a “Donation” to the school is Tax Deductible. District 87 will mail you a tax deductible receipt.
2. Any and all checks should be made out to “Bloomington Public Schools” and reference the (“Class of 1960”) on the reference line.
3. Mail to: Director of Accounting
Bloomington Public School District 87
300 E. Monroe St.
Bloomington, Il 61701

4. District 87 will deposit these donated checks and total up this balance to be used solely for the (Art and Music) programs at BHS unless told otherwise.

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Laura Hughs, Director of Accounting, ph 1-309-827-6031 Ext #1019

Let’s support good education not only for our grandchildren but for all students that attend BHS.

This past year has been a challenge for everyone but I hope this Thanksgiving finds you staying safe and healthy.

Zona

Update on class project by Zona - Mar 30, 2020
During the 2019 holiday season there were an amazing number of positive responses to John Travers reminder that “The Season of Good Will is upon us”. After talking with Senior Class President Paul Sennewald and taking all of the positive replies into account, it was decided that as a class we would undertake a Class Project to mark the 60th milestone and to honor our teachers. This project would be to support BHS arts and music programs. The project would be titled: “60 for 60” suggesting a donation of $60, Obviously, this is a suggestion and each classmate can donate as they wish. The size of the donation is not important. WE JUST NEED EVERYONE TO PARTICIPATE IF POSSIBLE. This program will run through the end of the 2019-2020 school year. You can donate at ANY TIME during that period or bring your donation to the 60th Class Reunion.

How to donate to this class project - Repeat of information from Dec 21, 2019
John Travers, as the original leader of this effort, contacted the High School and offers the following donation instructions:
1. Any and all checks should be made out to “Bloomington Public Schools” and need to reference the (“Class of 1960”, on the reference line.
2. Any check made out as a “Donation” to the school is Tax Deductible.
3. They would deposit these donated checks and total up this balance to be used solely for the (Art and Music) programs at BHS. (Note: If you desire to direct your donation to another area of the school you are free to do so.)
4. Checks should be sent to:
Attention Laura Hughs (Director of Accounting)
Bloomington Public School District 87
300 E. Monroe St., Bloomington II 61701
(Please fill free to contact Laura at 309-827-6031 Ext. #1019 if you want more information

Update on class project - Mar 2, 2020
John reports that donations continue to grow, although perhaps not at the pace he had hoped for. He reminds every classmate to consider participating at whatever amount they can. Information on the process is below.

Update on class project - Feb 24, 2020
John has reported that donations have now exceeded $300. Thanks to all who have found the time to send in their donations. John has also pointed out that donations can be made up to and including during the upcoming 60th Reunion. The amount and when is not important; just participate when and to the extent each of you can.

Also, it has been pointed out that the original zip code for the donation was incorrect. 61701 is proper and the information below has been corrected.

How to donate to this class project - Dec 21, 2019
John Travers, as the original leader of this effort, contacted the High School and offers the following donation instructions:
1. Any and all checks should be made out to “Bloomington Public Schools” and need to reference the (“Class of 1960”, on the reference line.
2. Any check made out as a “Donation” to the school is Tax Deductible.
3. They would deposit these donated checks and total up this balance to be used solely for the (Art and Music) programs at BHS. (Note: If you desire to direct your donation to another area of the school you are free to do so.)
4. Checks should be sent to:
Attention Laura Hughs (Director of Accounting)
Bloomington Public School District 87
300 E. Monroe St., Bloomington II 61701
(Please fill free to contact Laura at 309-827-6031 Ext. #1019 if you want more information

Background - Dec 21, 2019
During the 2019 Thanksgiving season classmate John Travers sent a widely distributed “Holiday Wish” email reminding everyone “The Season of Good Will is upon us”. This stimulated an amazing number of responses from classmates all over these great United States. These replies invoked fond memories of our BHS High School years and quickly resulted in a suggestion that in 2020, our 60th Reunion Year, we should consider a Class Project in honor of this milestone.

A classmate replied to the class project idea:
“Folks its been 60yrs, some of our Grandchildren are now going to this school, so if this happens, suggest whoever makes this contact tell our story, we support good education for all the students that attend BHS.”

Another classmate’s response: “I would suggest doing it in honor of our instructors in the arts of 1960: our own beloved Mary Selk; Edward Harn (who gave me, along with Linda Sweetin and Kent Gummerman, my first glimpse of Europe through School Band of America); and my homeroom teacher Elizabeth Stein. I didn't know until this year what a remarkable person she was. She was highly educated (Vassar and Chicago Art Institute), came from great wealth, gave anonymous financial support/scholarships to talented art students, and may not have ever cashed a work check from Bloomington High School, where she taught for a great many years beginning in 1944. “

After talking with Senior Class President Paul Sennewald and after taking all of the very positive replies into account, it was decided that as a class we will undertake a Class Project to honor our teachers. This project will be to support BHS arts and music programs.

Next came a suggestion from Verma Rediger Gummerman that the program be titled:
“60 for 60” with a suggested donation of $60. Obviously, this is a suggestion and each classmate can donate as they wish. (Note: If anyone is aware of a program we can use for matching donations, please contact John Travers.)

It is anticipated that this program will run through the end of the 2019-20 school year. We hope all of our classmates who are in a position to participate will join us. Remember, the size of the donation is not import. It’s just a way to express our appreciation to our school and the teachers who led us from Children to Adults.