I hope the first few weeks of school continue to be an excellent start to the new year for you and your child(ren). As we move through this memorable school year with enthusiasm and a positive outlook, I plan to show my appreciation and gratitude to others throughout the year. I would like to show my appreciation to our substitutes as this is Substitute Appreciation Week. We appreciate and depend on our amazing substitutes every day. Whether they sub for a teacher, a teaching assistant, a specialist teacher, in the lunchroom or whatever role they support, our subs are invaluable to our District. We are thankful they are a part of the USD116 Family. Please take a moment to thank a Substitute this week and in the coming days. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming part of our family as a substitute, please apply here: https://usd116.org/employment/.
I also want to highlight our new USD116 Staff Appreciation Program that started under the leadership of Urbana High School’s PTSA. Thanks to our amazing Urbana Business Community, Urbana High School PTSA, and We Love Urbana, USD116 now has a Teacher Appreciation Program! All staff received a discount card with “September’s Offers” from local businesses. Please check out the UHS PTSA website for more details. If other Urbana businesses would like to participate in this campaign, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/MumV9VxYDqSir5d38. Staff, please remember you must present your card to the business at the time of purchase to receive the discount!
Next week marks the start of Latine Heritage Month (pronounced la·ˈti·nā, historically known as Hispanic Heritage Month). USD116 uses the term Latine as a more inclusive term to note people of Latin descent. From September 15 to October 15, we will celebrate and honor the culture, contributions, histories, and traditions of individuals from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. This recognition, which began in 1968, starts in the middle of the month because it coincides with the national independence days of several Latin American countries. In honor of Latine Heritage Month, the District and our schools will provide resources and information to our school community. Stay tuned for more starting next week!
Several individuals have inquired whether the District will host a vaccination clinic for the new Bivalent booster. The new Bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine has additional requirements for who is eligible to receive it and the wait periods between vaccines for different age groups. These requirements, in addition to individuals who do not have all of their previous proof of vaccinations, not being able to verify who has tested positive in the last 90 days, and limited staffing, have made it difficult for us to offer an internal vaccine clinic at this time. The following link provides information on where staff and students can receive a vaccine. Staff at those sites can also advise individuals on eligibility for a vaccine/booster, https://www.c-uphd.org/covid-vaccinations.html. CUPHD will be hosting upcoming COVID-19 Bivalent vaccination clinics. We will update you on when CUPHD will offer the bivalent vaccine to wider groups and age ranges.
Saturday, September 10, 2022, is World Suicide Prevention Day. We can all help prevent suicide; help is available! Dial 9-8-8 to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline! Please share.
Be safe and stay well,
Dr. Ivory-Tatum
