Superintendent Update: 12/15/2023

from USD116 Superintendent Dr. Ivory-Tatum

Superintendent Update: 12/15/2023 from USD116 Superintendent Dr. Ivory-Tatum

Dec. 15, 2023 Superintendent Update

To view past superintendent updates, please visit District Updates on our website.

Greetings, Urbana Family and Friends,

As the holiday season unfolds, I can hardly believe we are closing the semester and mid-way through the 23-24 school year. I want to take a moment again to express my gratitude and warmest wishes of appreciation. Whether you are a parent, an educator, or a community supporter, your partnership and efforts have not gone unnoticed. In the midst of the many challenges that we as a District continue to face and address, we need your passion and commitment to help us focus on fostering learning and student growth moving forward.


As you know, there are many initiatives in progress that will help us improve outcomes for all USD116 students. I am eager to address upcoming conversations regarding redistricting and the resolution of many long-term projects and discussions. Spanish Dual Language is one of those discussions. The Administration and the Board have agreed to put an official vote on the January 9th BOE agenda to decide whether USD116 will move forward with planning for a one-school Spanish Dual language program. If approved, RSP Associates, our redistricting consultants, will guide us in the weeks to come through the process to determine which building will house the program. Here is a timeline with linked notes and presentations from previous Spanish Dual Language conversations with the Board. On December 5, there was also a brief Board conversation regarding the French Dual Language Program. In response to questions and concerns shared with the Board and Administration, a letter was sent to Yankee Ridge’s French Dual Language families to address rumors that the program was being discontinued. The Letter to French Dual Language Families includes dates for teachers, staff, and families to engage in upcoming conversations regarding the next steps for the program.


If you are interested in hearing the discussion regarding the upcoming January 9th vote, the comments about French Dual Language, and the update from RSP Associates regarding their work thus far on redistricting, you can view the Board meeting on the District’s YouTube Channel or view the meeting from the Board of Education Update linked here: Dec. 5 BOE Update.


Another initiative that will soon culminate is our work to adopt a research-based, evidenced-based literacy curriculum grounded in the science of reading. In the next few weeks, the district will announce the English Language Arts (ELA) and Spanish Language Arts (SLA) curriculum to be selected for the 24-25 school year. Adopting a new ELA/SLA curriculum will allow us to improve our instructional practices for all students, specifically struggling readers and writers, students with dyslexia, and students with other related learning needs. We have offered several opportunities for our staff to interact with consultants and the materials from different curricula being considered. We would also like to provide an opportunity for parents and families to preview the materials as well. Please see the linked document for the preview dates and more information via links on the logos.


As evidenced by the many initiatives happening in the district, we are working hard to create a thriving learning environment and improve student achievement. We are also looking forward to an opportunity to rest and rejuvenate. During this holiday season, may you find moments of joy, reflection, and well-deserved relaxation.


Wishing you and your loved ones a season filled with warmth and love.


With heartfelt gratitude,


Dr. Ivory-Tatum

Winter Break

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Reminder: Winter break for students begins on December 20. School resumes January 4, 2024 (K-12) and January 5 for UECS.


District offices will be closed on December 25 and 26 and January 1 and 2.

Urbana Aquatic Center Winter Break Hours

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The Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center will be open special hours over winter break.


  • Public Swim will be Monday-Friday* from 1:30-5 p.m.
  • Lap Swim will be Monday-Friday* 6-8 a.m. and 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

*Closed December 25 and January 1.

Inclement Weather

As we head into the winter months, please take a few minutes to make sure your information in Skyward is correct.


Urbana School District utilizes the contact information in Skyward to communicate information to families, including weather-related alerts that impact the school day and possible school closures. Depending on the situation, we will utilize any of the following modes of communication with you: email, text message, and/or phone call.


For those who do not already receive text alerts from USD, you can sign up by texting “Y” to 67587. You must opt-in to receive text messages from the Urbana School District.


Thank you for helping us improve our ability to communicate with all families.

Good News in the U

USD Students Shop with a Cop

Several USD116 students participated in Shop With A Cop this week. Dick's House of Sports hosted the event and gave each student a voucher to shop with an Urbana Police Officer. The students were selected for good citizenship, grade improvement or social/emotional improvement.

picture of the students who will play in the all-state conference
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UHS students headed to the ILMEA All-State Conference

The following UHS students have been selected for the Illinois Music Education Association's (ILMEA) All-State Conference. The All-State Conference will be held in Peoria, Illinois, January 25-27. We are proud of our musicians!


  • V Bechtel - Chorus - Alto II
  • Jaiden Burgess - Chorus - Tenor II
  • Samantha Christman - Orchestra - Trumpet
  • John Lee - Chorus - Bass II
  • Ioelle Lee - Orchestra - English Horn
  • Theodore Nevins - Orchestra - Tuba
  • Ian Peters - Band - Contra-Alto Clarinet
  • Declan O'Connor - Future Music Education Seminar
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Art Show

Congrats to the following students who have work displayed in the 14th Annual FAA High School Art Exhibit. The exhibit is on display in Link Gallery of the Krannert Art Museum through January 14.


  • Sabrina Babcock
  • Hannah Baer-Shapiro: Honorable Mention
  • Adriana Belen
  • Jonathan Carr: Honorable Mention
  • Damien Erickson: Honorable Mention
  • Moe Ford: Honorable Mention
  • Elli Graves
  • Mason Hagen: Honorable Mention
  • Nathan Hall
  • Cameron Hamilton
  • Skylar Hartley
  • Mei-Lin Hayek: Honorable Mention
  • Juniper Jones: Honorable Mention
  • Ioelle Lee: Honorable Mention
  • Jimmy McCumber
  • Jalen Nixon
  • Claudia Paisley
  • Satee Panchal: Honorable Mention
  • Cheyenne Recio: Honorable Mention
  • Zaylen Sanchez
  • Ivy Santeler: Honorable Mention
  • Nat Schneider
  • Oliver Showerman
  • Makayla Smith
  • Taijon Thomas: Judge’s Choice
  • Dominic Urban
  • Roxie Warbritton
  • Brandon White
  • Kyle Whitted
  • Nas Wylie
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Thank You

Thank you to everyone who donated to the UECS/CU Early Diaper Drive. Together #USD116 collected 3,375 diapers.

Upcoming Dates

  • December 20-January 3: No School - winter break

  • January 4: School resumes (K-12)

  • January 9: Board of Education Meeting

  • January 15: No School

  • January 23: Board of Education Meeting

Community Resources/Events

The organizations & events listed below are not sponsored by or affiliated with USD116.

Urbana Girls Summer Softball

Urbana Girls Softball is having open registration for the 2024 summer season. Those interested should visit their website and fill out the online registration form.

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