Superintendent Update

from USD116 Superintendent Dr. Ivory-Tatum

SuperintendentUpdatefrom USD116 Superintendent Dr. Ivory-Tatum

Dear USD116 Families,

I want to thank our students, staff, and families for what you have done this semester and what you will continue to do for the rest of the year to make student learning a priority! As we enter the holiday season and plan for a new year, this is a great time to reflect on the challenges we experienced in 2020 and how we persevered while Learning and Growing Together. I am convinced that we will be Stronger Together as we continue to work together to safely return more students to our schools later in January.


This is my last weekly update for the year. While this message is a little longer than usual, it is full of important information. I hope you will take the extra time to read through the entire Weekly Update and explore the links provided from our recent Board meeting on Tuesday, December 15, as well as recent communications shared with elementary families. To view this week’s Superintendent Report 12-15-20 Board Meeting click here.


I hope everyone is able to take time to enjoy the holidays in whatever traditions are near and dear to your families. Enjoy our Tiger Marching Band as they play out 2020 and help us usher in 2021 with On Urbana!! I wish you all Happy Holidays and a Joyous New Year!


Be safe and be well,

Dr. Ivory-Tatum,
Superintendent

3rd Quarter Return Plan

Elementary families, please take a few minutes to complete your school-specific survey via the links provided below to indicate your thoughts about returning to in-person instruction for the 3rd quarter.


Using county transmission data metrics, guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health, and positive stakeholder input, we plan to prioritize in-person learning space for those students who need more support engaging with remote learning or those whose families want them to return. We hope to provide a transitional in-person learning experience for our students who need our assistance the most. Students will be invited into the elementary buildings in small groups for in-person instruction during their synchronous learning block time from 8:10-11:00 a.m. If you missed Tuesday’s Board Meeting, then the full presentation and additional information are linked below. The District will follow all safety protocols, policies, and practices for cleaning, sanitizing, social distancing, PPE, etc., as outlined in the Back to School Safety Plan.


In-person learning spaces will be prioritized while we remain in Phase 4, and under Tier 3 mitigations, class sizes will be capped. The number of students may also be impacted by class capacity and staffing availability.


If you do not wish to return in person, you may still complete the Request for Full-Time Remote Learning from Home form. If you plan to return in-person, Monday, January 4 will be your last opportunity to opt-in. The January 4th deadline allows us time to develop class lists, plan for instruction, and ensure all safety protocols are in place. If you have additional questions, please contact your school’s main office.



School Specific Survey Links:


Frequently Asked Questions - 3rd Quarter FAQ’s


New Online Tool - Go Guardian

As part of our in-person model for the 3rd quarter, our district has purchased an online screener to help keep our students safer and more focused while receiving instruction online. We have adopted online services provided by GoGuardian. This tool will help support teachers while teaching both their in-person students and students still learning from home, especially at the elementary level.

The GoGuardian screener provides alerts to teachers and administrators when students are viewing harmful and inappropriate online material. Teachers may intervene when necessary by only allowing district resources and approved sites that are being used during instructional time. This online tool provides teachers with the ability to assess students’ progress towards class assignments and allows specific feedback from teachers to students during the learning process.


UECS Car Parade

Urbana Early Childhood had 69 families visit their Holly Jolly Drive-Thru Party on Wednesday, December 16. Students were able to see their teachers, pick up fun activities, a yummy treat, and a wrapped present all from right from their cars. If you want to share in their fun, click on this link to see photos of the event!

UECS Enrichment Night

UMS hosted their 2nd Quarter Remote Only Enrichment Celebration on Wednesday, December 16. All of the students that participated signed up for this extra challenge and independent study opportunity. Students were able to pace themselves and work independently on their enrichment projects. To view a full overview of the projects

Click here to visit the UMS Q2 Enrichment Project website!

UHS Choir

Say Goodbye to 2020 (at last!): Music from Urbana High School Sunday, December 20 at 4 pm on the Urbana Free Library Facebook page. Enjoy the virtual performance by ensembles as well as solo performances. Please join them on The Urbana Free Library Facebook page to watch this event.

Give Back This Winter!

Want to do your part in helping local families have a warm and cheerful winter break? One first grade classes at Yankee Ridge Elementary are partnering with Salt & Light to give back to our community by collecting new or clean/gently used hats and mittens starting Friday, December 11. If you would like to donate, please bring all donations to the main entrance of Yankee Ridge School (off of Mumford St., Door #1) until Thursday, December 24. #UrbanaBetterTogether