Superintendent Update: 11/27/2023

This Tuesday was “#GivingTuesday” nationally and in our community. GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement held every year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. The goal is to encourage people to do good by supporting nonprofits in their community. Our UHS Students accepted the challenge by collecting 1,900 pounds of food with the City of Urbana and the Urbana Police Department for a total of 7,205 pounds. This equals 6,004 meals to support the Eastern Illinois Food Bank Day of Giving Food Drive. Many of the donations collected will directly benefit our food bank, Tiger Market, located at Urbana High School. Thanks to all USD116 students, staff, and families who supported, and UHS PTSA members who coordinated this effort.

If you did not participate in this initiative or are looking for other “Giving” opportunities in our community, other local organizations are still accepting donations. Cunningham Township facilitates Neighbors Helping Neighbors by channeling your charitable donation to their Angel Donor Fund to support local residents' unmet needs. Also, the Township still needs coats, hats, mittens, and gloves. Please drop new or laundered items in the bin in front of their office at any time. The Township is located at 205 W. Green St., across from the Urbana Free Library. Starting next week, there is another upcoming giving opportunity for our CU Early Program: the annual diaper drive. USD116 schools and buildings will collect diapers and wipes to support our families and community. The diaper drive begins next week, Dec. 4-8. Attached are flyers in Spanish, French, and English. Last year’s diaper drive was a big success for the CU Early program, and we hope our community turns out to support us again this year!

I would like to thank the parents and guardians who braved the first cold snap of winter to join our second Family and Community Cafe. Mark your calendars to attend the next Family and Community Cafe on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. The date has also been set for the annual District-wide Young Authors Celebration event for students in grades K-8 on April 23, 2024. Young Authors is a highly anticipated event celebrating our student’s creative writing. If you are interested, students and families will soon receive information directly from your school; flyers (Spanish, French, and English) are linked for more details.

Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting will include several updates from District administration and outside consultants. We look forward to an update from the District’s architect on the Program Concept for the expansion and renovation of the new Sixth Grade Center. There will also be an update from RSP Associates regarding their work thus far on our redistricting initiative. Please tune in to the District’s YouTube Channel to watch the Board of Education meeting in real time.

All my best for a productive week,

Dr. Ivory-Tatum