USD116 BOE Update: Jan. 23, 2024

The following students were selected to participate in the Illinois Music Education Association’s (ILMEA) All-State Conference in Peoria on January 25-27.

Chorus:

• V.Bechtel: Alto II
• Jaiden Burgess: Tenor II
• John Lee: Bass II

Orchestra

• Samantha Christman: Trumpet
• Ioelle Lee: English Horn
• Theodore Nevins: Tuba

Band

• Ian Peters: Contra-Alto Clarinet

Future Music Education Seminar

• Declan O’Connor

RSP & Associates gave the Board an update on the enrollment analysis. This includes demographics, student analysis maps, past enrollment change and projections of growth over the next five years.

View the Enrollment Analysis Presentation

USD Administration will continue to to work closely with RSP, Associates, to review our enrollment analysis and other relevant data to provide the Board with the best information to finalize recommendations for an elementary boundary plan that would determine which school will house the Spanish Dual Language program. To better focus the boundary plan resources and public input, administration asked the Board to consider removing Dr. Williams from consideration as the DL school. The Board considered all the information presented, and the majority agreed to continue working with RSP on two DL options, Thomas Paine and Yankee Ridge.

Instead of focusing on Dual Language at DPW, we want to shift our focus on uniting the East Urbana community, eliminating barriers, increasing a sense of belonging and pride, and positively improving outcomes for the whole community and the neighborhood. Eliminating Dr. Williams as a possible Dual Language school will allow USD to work with RSP to create a boundary plan that would allow us to place as many DPW students as possible back at their home school of Dr. Williams.

View the Boundary Options Presentation

Q: When will maps be released to the public? Will we have tentative maps before April?

A: RSP's response is that they typically post maps right before the public input session and surveys in February.

Q: Do Thomas Paine and Yankee Ridge have the capacity and space for both the Spanish and French DL Programs?

A: Yes, and they have the capacity for some growth

We are aware of some concerning activity at Urbana Middle School:

• UMS has recently experienced a sudden increase in small and medium sized knives being confiscated from students
• UMS has recently experienced an increase in vape use
• UMS has recently experienced an increase in marijuana use

Plan of Action

• Three metal detectors to be placed at Door 1 for every day use
• One detector will be used randomly 1-2 times a week at Doors 2 and 4
• UMS will have different metal detectors than the ones used at UHS -- this will require students to remove all metal from their person (keys, phones, large belts, watches with metal bands) and bags and coats will be searched by staff
• We will have a grace period once implemented to allow students to learn the new routine and get to their locker and class on-time.
• Vape sensors have been installed at UHS and UMS. These detect vaping, smoking and potential threats.
  
• The District will work with outside facilitators to provide information to families on social media, drug use and vaping
  
• Work with outside agencies to provide substance abuse support
• Family meetings will be scheduled about these changes

Support for students:

• The District will share information about the metal detectors
• We will create a video about the process prior to the first day of use
• Work with social workers to create activities during advisory

Other changes:

• Students will not be allowed to carry bags/backpacks or large coats to class. These items must be kept in their locker
• Students will be asked to use a zipper binder (with handles/straps) during the day. UMS will have binders available for students unable to provide their own.
• We will work with staff to educate students on navigating this process.

View the presentation

Q: What happens when you catch students vaping/smoking?

A: We are working with UMS to add additional supports for those students who need it. We want to help them, not punish them.

Q: How many staff will you need at each door?

A: Four to six people depending on how many kids are going through. There will be training for staff.

Q: Have the detectors at UHS even been used at UMS?

A: No

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. Dyslexia is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities.

• Estimated 15-20% of all people have some form of dyslexia and it may be inherited
• All students with dyslexia will need some special accommodations and/or specialized instruction. Some will qualify for IEP (special education) services, some will need services under a 504 plan
• Without proper remediation, students with dyslexia are less likely to complete high school and join programs of higher education.
• Each child suspected of having dyslexia or identified as dyslexic shall be referred for an [special education] evaluation in accordance with the requirements of IDEA.

ISBE Dyslexia Handbook

Full Dyslexia Presentation

13.4 Approval of Updated/Revised 2024-2025 Calendar APPROVED

View the updated calendar

Dr. Ivory-Tatum's Superintendent Report is available here: January 23, 2024

Highlights:

• UHS Winter Guard is headed to the State Finals next month
• The USD Black History Month celebration is Sunday

The Student Ambassador Report is available here: January 23 Student Ambassador Report

Highlights:

• Juniors at the Urbana High School can apply for the Executive Internship Program
• FFA Strawberry sale going on now
• UHS Trivia Night Fundraiser is Jan. 24