Today, October 15, is the last day for the first quarter, and it is time for parent-teacher conferences. Conferences are scheduled for Thursday, October 28 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. and Friday, October 29 from 8:00-11:00 a.m. USD116 staff will be in person at their schools for those interested in an in-person conference. The virtual conference format was so successful last year that we have decided to continue to offer a virtual format for families who prefer this to an in-person meeting. Our conferences will continue to be led by your student(s); therefore, it is essential that your student is present for the conference either in person or virtually. Please read on in the full update for more specific information from your school(s).
Wednesday, October 13, Urbana High School hosted the 29th Academic Monogram Program for our high school scholars. We want to applaud the efforts of our students whenever we can, especially when we recognize their academic excellence and accomplishments. The entire program is linked - HERE and a photo album from the event is linked - HERE. Thank you to all who attended in-person and those who support our young scholars on their path to greatness!
As we are mid-way through October, I want to remind everyone that October is National Principal 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. In these challenging times, we must take a moment to acknowledge the hard work and dedication our principals and assistant principals are giving every day. I invite all students, parents, teachers, and community members to perform some act of appreciation this month or on Friday, October 29, to acknowledge the leadership of your building administrators. The District surprised administrators with a small token of appreciation with a “Power of U” billboard at Vine and Main St. in downtown Urbana.
Last week the Equity Task Force shared some of their ongoing work to redefine our systems and structures through an equity lens. In the event you have not had an opportunity to review the document, you can do so via this link, proposed Educational Equity Policy. I also ask that you take time to preview the full presentation and the Board’s discussion via youtube. A written synopsis of the Board of Education’s October 5 Board Update is also available. If you have questions or comments, please email me or the District at contactusd@usd116.org.
As part of our #UrbanaBetterTogether efforts, I would like to encourage members of the USD116 family interested in receiving a booster vaccine to take advantage of the many community options available to you. The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) has expanded eligibility for Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine boosters to all eligible individuals who completed their initial series at least 6 months ago and meet the following criteria:
Many of our fully vaccinated staff who received Pfizer are taking advantage of these opportunities, and I would encourage you to do the same. As a school community, we appreciate your efforts to keep our whole community Safer and Stronger Together.
Be safe and stay well,
Dr. Ivory-Tatum,
Superintendent
