Superintendent Update

from USD116 Superintendent Dr. Ivory-Tatum

Superintendent Update from USD116 Superintendent Dr. Ivory-Tatum

Feb. 2, 2024 Superintendent Update

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

Greetings, Urbana Families and Friends,

February marks the start of Black History Month. While we highlight the accomplishments and achievements of Black Americans during this time, we encourage our Black students to learn more about the term “Black Excellence 365”, which promotes the continuous recognition of excellence within the Black community. There are many heroes, mentors, and community leaders in our community that we can recognize year-round. Many Black History Month activities will be planned at your student(s) schools. Urbana High School will host its Black History Showcase on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.


Urbana School District celebrates Black Excellence through our National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) activities. This year’s NAAPID activities will occur in our schools on Monday, February 12, 2024. Retired educator and former principal Joe Dulin created NAAPID because parents are among a school’s most important assets. We appreciate all you do and encourage you to contact your school to learn more about this year’s NAAPID Day activities. Remember, all families are encouraged to attend NAAPID activities.


The next District Family Cafe event is scheduled for Tuesday, February 13, at 6 p.m. This quarter focuses on “Ways to Support Your Child’s Academic Success at Home.” The Cafe will be held at Dr. Williams Elementary School. Please join us for ideas and resources on supporting your students.

Congratulations to the Urbana High School students who qualified for the 2024 Scholastic Art Award. The student’s artwork will be displayed at the Springfield Art Association. Congrats to Ms. Lagerstam and all of her students. Achieving this recognition is a great accomplishment for our students.


I look forward to seeing you at any of our activities this month or at the Public Input sessions hosted by our redistricting consultants on February 28 and 29 at Urbana High School.


Dr. Ivory-Tatum

Redistricting: Public Input Sessions

Urbana School District has been working with RSP & Associates on creating a new elementary boundary plan that better reflects our enrollment needs. After months of data collection, they will soon present initial boundary maps for consideration, including the options being considered for the Spanish Dual Language program.


There will be two opportunities for public input on the new boundary plans and recommendations. RSP will lead these meetings on February 28 and 29 at Urbana High School from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This is your opportunity to review the proposed maps and share your thoughts. In order to provide multiple ways for families to engage in this process, an electronic survey will also be shared with all families. We encourage you to participate in this process in the way that works best for you.


RSP will present a final Boundary Plan to the Board of Education on Tuesday, April 2.


We appreciate your support and understanding throughout these discussions. These decisions are made with thorough consideration and research to ensure we provide every student and family with the best possible solutions during this process.

Attendance

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ATTENDANCE MATTERS: Help your student succeed by helping them create good attendance habits.

  • Check on your student’s attendance to be sure absences are not adding up
  • Create a morning routine
  • Seek help from school staff if you need support

2024-25 School Year Calendar

Please see the revised calendar for the 2024-25 school year (next school year):


You can also find the calendar on our website: USD116 School Calendars

Mayoral Recognition Program

UHS Students: If you've spent time volunteering this school year, you can be recognized through the Mayoral Recognition Program!


  • Volunteer at least 30 hours during the school year
  • Enroll by March 22
  • Submit everything by April 5


Learn more: https://usd116.org/mrp-2024/

Good News in the U

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National Anthem Vocalist

Urbana High School student Jaiden Burgess has been selected to sing the National Anthem at the IHSA Boys Basketball Finals next month!


Jaiden was selected out of thousands who auditioned across the state. Jaiden will perform on March 7 and 8. We'd also like to shout out UHS Student, V Bechtel, who came in second.

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Freedom Schools

Students in the Freedom Schools Program gave back to Urbana First Responders as part of their Service Learning Wednesdays. Students baked cookies and delivered them to the Urbana Police Department, Urbana Fire Department and the Juvenile Detention Center.

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Scholastic Art Awards

Urbana High School students won 17 Scholastic Art Awards. Of those, three were named Gold Key Winners. Their work will be sent to New York for national judging. National awards will be announced in March.


Gold Key Winners

  • Ioelle Lee: Total War – Drawing & Illustration
  • Ivy Santeler: The Not So Scenic Route – Painting
  • Mason Hagen: Smear Frame – Photography

Silver Key Winners

  • Mason Hagen: The Transient Self – Mixed Media
  • Mason Hagen: Say Goodbye to Your Two Year Old Self – Photography
  • Moe Ford: Fragile! Handle With Care – Photography
  • Moe Ford: Unified – Photography

Honorable Mention

  • Mei-Lin Hayek: Cycles – Ceramic & Glass
  • Madison Snyder: Neon – Digital Art
  • Nat Schneider: Reaching Out Beyond – Digital Art
  • Mei-Lin Hayek: Snow Day – Digital Art
  • Damien Erickson: Is Love! Is Love! Is Love! – Mixed Media
  • Mason Hagen: Stay in Your Own Lane – Painting
  • Oliver Showerman: Aghast – Photography
  • Moe Ford: Scrappy Self-Portrait – Photography
  • Moe Ford: Reality – Photography
  • Moe Ford: Reading Between the Lines – Photography


Read more: https://usd116.org/scholastic-art-awards-2024/

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UMS AVID

Urbana Middle School was recognized for meeting AVID's implementation expectations last school year. This accomplishment takes the commitment of the entire school. #ProudofU116


#USD116 looks forward to the continued growth of the AVID program and the benefits for our students. #UrbanaBetterTogether

Jurdan Tyler on the podium with other wrestlers
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UHS Girls Wrestling

Congrats to the Girls Wrestling Team that competed at the IHSA Regionals last weekend. They placed 8th overall out of 32 teams! The following students advanced to the IHSA Sectionals:

  • Randi Camp (5th place)

  • Tau’hnisjha Hart (6th place)

  • Ricky Ivy (4th place)

  • Ciana Kalanga (4th place)

  • Jurdan Tyler (1st place)

Upcoming Dates

  • February 6: Board of Education Meeting

  • February 13: Family and Community Cafe

  • February 15: No School UECS-5 | Early dismissal UMS and UHS

  • February 16: No School: Institute Day

  • February 19: No School | President's Day

  • February 28: RSP Redistricting public round tables

  • February 29: RSP Redistricting public round tables

In The News

Community Resources/Events

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

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Dental Clinic

Parkland College Dental Hygiene Clinic, CU-PHD and Illini District Dental Society are hosting a free dental day for kids on Saturday, February 10 from 8 a.m. to noon at Parkland College. No appointments needed.

  • Free Dental Exams & Cleanings
  • Fluoride Treatments
  • Educational Activities


Reminder: Students in kindergarten, second, sixth and ninth grades are required to submit proof of a dental exam prior to May 15, 2024.

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Urbana Little League

Registration is open for Urbana Little League

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