Superintendent Update: 10/7/22

from USD116 Superintendent Dr. Ivory-Tatum

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

Greetings USD Family and Friends,

October is a busy month in the District. We continue to celebrate Latine Heritage Month, by recognizing, honoring, and learning more about Latine people's contributions across history, science, government, the arts, and more. I hope you have an opportunity to participate in one of the activities in your schools between now and October 15.

The first full week of October is Mental Health Awareness Week. Millions of people in our country are dealing with mental health needs, and this number continues to increase as we recover from the pandemic. Mental health concerns can affect everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends, or colleagues. We realize mental health conditions are important to discuss year-round, but we are highlighting them now to put more emphasis on supporting those who need it the most. Please continue and read the full Superintendent Update for more information about Mental Health Awareness Day, which is being recognized at UHS on Monday, October 10.

The month of October is also designated as National Dyslexia Month. Dyslexia can present itself differently for each individual and may result in difficulties in speech, spelling, or the manipulation of sounds. It is also a genetic disability and may be passed down through generations. One definition is that “Dyslexia is a brain-based type of learning disability that specifically impairs a person's ability to read.” For more information about dyslexia, follow these links For Parents and For Teachers, check out this fact sheet, or reach out to your child’s school for more information.

Lastly, I want to ensure that all families and staff know that next week is our designated School Safety Week in USD116. Urbana Police and the USD116 administration will visit every school campus during School Safety Week for safety drills. Our drills are planned as preventative activities to help us implement the necessary measures needed to stop an emergency from happening or reduce the impact of an incident through drill and practice. As with all safety drills, staff and students will be required to follow established safety procedures and evacuation plans just as they would in a real-life intruder alert situation. These precautions are in keeping with school code 105 ILCS 128/ School Safety Drills in response to acts of violence in schools. Specifically, the School Safety Drill Act requirements specify that schools must complete these drills within the first 90-days of school during each academic year. As always, the safety and security of our students and staff are of utmost importance, and we appreciate the support of the Urbana community during this time of review, drill, and practice. School Safety Week; School Safety Week - SP; School Safety Week - FR

I encourage you to read the rest of this update for more information about October’s Principal Appreciation month, Urbana Fire Prevention Family Day, and the latest Urbana Businesses supporting our teachers and staff through a special appreciation program.

All my best,

Dr. Ivory-Tatum

Urbana Fire Department Family Night - October 9

The Urbana Fire Department is hosting a Fire Prevention Family Night on October 9th from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at the Lincoln Square Mall parking lot across from 400 South Vine Street, Urbana, IL. This event will kick off fire prevention week.

Activities will include: Touch a Truck, the inflatable slide, the Fire Safety House, Bicycle safety games, the University of Illinois Therapy Dog, and many more activities.

Kona Ice will provide 1 free cup of Kona ice per child! Smith Burger and La Mixteca food trucks and a music DJ will be on site. The Urbana High School football team will be volunteering at different stations.

World Mental Health Awareness Day - October 10th

Wear Green to Show Your Support for World Mental Health Awareness Day! Started in 1992 by the World Health Organization, World Mental Health Awareness Day was created to raise awareness of mental health issues worldwide and to mobilize efforts to support mental health.

The 2022 theme is “make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority.” This year Urbana High School will participate in focused activities to help students deal with their stress and recognize those individuals at UHS who can help them with their emotional, social, and mental health needs. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. #YouMatter #YouAreNotAlone

October is Principal Appreciation Month

October is National Principal Month and Principal Appreciation Month! In Illinois, Principal Appreciation Month and Day provides communities and districts an opportunity to publicly recognize the work, commitment, and importance of principals and assistant principals.

This year, the state’s theme for our school leaders is “Leaders of Hope” because our administrators lead with optimism, humility, vision, perseverance, and a deep commitment to doing what is best for their students and staff. I invite all students, parents, teachers, and community members to perform some act of appreciation this month or on Principal Appreciation Day, Friday, October 21, to acknowledge the leadership of your building administrators. Ideas include but are not limited to writing poems, letters, or notes of appreciation, decorating offices, sending thank you messages via email, or just a kind work of appreciation is always welcome.

UHS Homecoming Memories 2022

This week’s Homecoming theme was appropriately named “Let the Games Begin.” We started last week’s celebration with the Junior Varsity football game and more games on Wednesday evening with a spirited game of “Capture the Flag” won by Team Boom. On Friday, we hosted the return of the indoor pep rally and the Tiger parade. The week closed with a fun-filled Homecoming Dance. If you want to relive the week via a few pics, click Homecoming 2022.

Pride Fest 2022: Love Wins

Last week leading up to the Uniting Pride of Champaign County Festival, students learned about prominent and historical LGBTQIA+ figures from Illinois or the US. It was a busy week of learning but also having fun! If you want to view photos from the festival, click here: Pride Parade pics.

#TeachForUrbana

USD116 continues to support and show appreciation for our local Urbana businesses through our new teacher appreciation program.

Here are the #TeachForUrbana teacher & staff appreciation October offers. Shout out to UHS PTSA, and We Love Urbana for this partnership designed for USD116.

Staff, remember you must have your discount card on hand at the time of service.