Superintendent's Message

Dear Students, Families and Friends,

As we begin April after what seems to have been a very long winter period, having completed ISAT assessments at the elementary and middle school levels, we now look forward to the Prairie State Achievement Exam at the high school.

My thoughts are lingering on other areas, outside of the paper and pencil assessments that have become so much of our educational experience. I'm thinking about what I believe makes our occupation so much more than passing out assessments and counting scores. Please don't misunderstand, these achievement tests are currently necessary, but I don't believe that these tasks are what make us unique. I'm speaking of what I call the "caring spirit." The spirit that educators utilize every day to show how much we do care about what happens to each and every one of our students - those students who are exceptionally gifted and also those students who have yet to discover their educational purpose.

Each time that I walk into a school I notice those exceptional teachers and staff members that are willing to demonstrate that "caring spirit" to our students with their words and deeds.

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Teachers Are Always Students

District 116 Offers Many Chances for Teacher Professional Development

Students love inservice days. It means a day off from school for them. However, for teachers, it's a chance to go back into the classroom and learn to hone their craft. Urbana School District #116 administrators strongly believe that teachers should constantly be learning to be better teachers and be learning new ways to teach students. continued

More news

Urbana School District #116 Showing Gains in Academic Achievement
According to benchmark test data, students in all grades are learning what they are supposed to learn and showing improved academic scores compared to the start of the school year.

First-Annual Urbana Middle School Science Fair Inspires Future Researchers
Approximately 30 sixth-grade students at UMS displayed their mastery of the Scientific Method during the first-annual science fair March 12.

Urbana Middle School Band, Volleyball Programs Enjoy Successful Month of March
UMS bands received high marks and praise at a regional competition, and the volleyball team advanced to the Sectional Championship.

Urbana High School Music Students Take Home Awards in State Competition
The UHS music department enjoyed great success in the Illinois High School Association's State Solo and Ensemble Contest on March 1.

Urbana School District Uses Own Equipment for Background Checks
The District streamlined its background check process by acquiring an in-house electronic fingerprinting machine, saving time and money.

Announcements

April
Calendar

Tues., April 1
Board of Education Study Session - 7:30 p.m. at 205 North Race, Urbana

Wed., April 2
End of Third Quarter (43 student attendance days)

Fri., April 11
Staff Development Day Activities –No School for Elementary Students,
Early Dismissal UMS: 1:15 p.m. UHS: 12:26 p.m.

Tues., April 15
Board of Education Business Meeting - 7:30 p.m. at 205 North Race, Urbana

Tues., May 6
Board of Education Study Session - 7:30 p.m. at 205 North Race, Urbana

Fri., May 16
Half-Day Inservice - Early Dismissal Elem: 12:45 p.m.
UMS: 1:15 p.m. UHS: 12:26 p.m.

Tuesday, May 20
Board of Education Business Meeting - 7:30 p.m. at 205 North Race, Urbana

Monday, May 26
Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL

full 2008 calendar