Superintendent's Message

Dear Students, Families and Friends,

This summer has reached a fever pitch and so has the work in our buildings. The maintenance crew is working hard to complete repairs and upgrades for our facilities. The summer school programs have been extremely popular this year, and because of state funding, we are able to offer students breakfast and lunch at several sites throughout Urbana School District #116. We have also been selected to participate in the USGBC-Chicago Chapter’s Adopt-A-School Program. The U.S. Green Building Council-Chicago Chapter has selected Prairie Elementary School as a participant in the process for gaining LEED certification for Existing Buildings. This promises to be an exciting and innovative journey for Prairie and the District.

The Champaign County Board passed the 1% facility assessment last week, and it will take effect on January 1, 2010. This will give all public school districts within Champaign County much needed resources to reduce some of the facility challenges that we all have with additional resources. It was only possible with the help of so many individuals within the county as a whole.

Please take the time to enjoy the summer and your families and take some time for yourself. Enjoy July!

Dr. Preston Williams
Superintendent

Urbana School District Creates Curriculum from Ground Up
The District spends hundreds of hours in discussion and research before the curriculum taught to students makes it to the classroom. more

More news

District Teachers Attend U of I Chancellor’s Academy
Thirty-eight Urbana teachers learned about teaching philosophies at a professional development seminar at U of I Chancellor’s Academy.

U of I Research Program Helps Urbana Students Stay Fit
The Project Fit Kids Afterschool Program will meet for the next 2 years every day for 2 hours to research the link between exercise and academic achievement.

Prairie Students End School Year with Play
Students in Michelle Bailey’s 3-4 class at Prairie ended the school year by performing Little Late Riding Hood.

Technology for Kids Program Concludes with Open House
Before the end of school, the Prairie and King students in this pilot program held an open house to show their families their new computer skills.

UMS Says Goodbye to Two Deans
Long-time District 116 employees Terry Morgan and Jeremy Darnell are leaving UMS to become principals out of district.

Healthy Tips: Stretch Yourself Out!

Announcements

2009-10 Calendar

Tues., Aug. 4 & Wed., Aug. 5, 2009
Central Registration for ALL students
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Urbana Middle School

Th., Aug. 6
Central Registration for ALL students
2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Urbana Middle School

Th., Aug. 13
Central Registration for ALL students
9 a.m. - Noon
"Make-up Day" Registration
Urbana Middle School

Wed., Aug. 26
First Day of Student Attendance for Grades 1-9; Washington EC - New Student/Parents Orientation

Th., Aug. 27
All High School in Attendance, Washington EC begin & 1/2 of Kindergarten Students Attend

Fri., Aug. 28
1/2 of Kindergarten Students Attend

Mon., Aug. 31
All Students in Attendance

Entire 2009-10 calendar