Oct. 2, 2024
The weekly newsletter of School District U-46
In yesterday’s Unite U-46 Session Key Summary message, we mistakenly provided an incorrect completion date for the new middle school in Bartlett. We apologize for any confusion and wish to clarify that the correct completion date for the new middle school in Bartlett will be in time for the 2025-26 school year with 7th grade only. We are committed to keeping you informed and appreciate your understanding. Linked here is the updated Unite U-46 Session Key Summary message.
National School Bus Safety Week is observed every year in October, and so this month’s “Safety Tuesday on Wednesday” will focus on this important topic. School bus drivers do everything they can to keep students safe, but drivers and parents play a critical role, too. Violating school bus safety laws in Illinois can result in a fine, citation, or loss of driver’s license. Please remember the following:
Stop for School Buses: If you are traveling behind a school bus, please follow at a safe distance, because the vehicles make frequent stops. When you see a school bus slowing down or stopping, make sure to be aware of not only the bus but also the surrounding area. Children are likely nearby, waiting to board or crossing the street to board or after exiting.
Passing Buses: In Illinois, it is illegal for you to pass a school bus while the stop-arm is extended and the red lights are flashing. This applies to highways, streets, private roads, and school property, including when school buses are in parking lots or in a drop-off or pick-up lane at school. The Illinois State Police offer more information here.
School Bus Lights: Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. You should slow down and prepare to stop your vehicle. Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. You must stop your car and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving, before you can start driving again.
If you love the music and energy of marching bands, you won’t want to miss the U-46 Marching Band Showcase being held on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at Streamwood High School’s Millennium Field. This popular annual event features the marching bands from all five of the District’s comprehensive high schools. Admission is free of charge. The public will be admitted starting at 6:30 p.m. and the event will get underway at 6:30 p.m. with the National Anthem, followed by 15-minute performances by the high school marching bands.
Students who are fascinated by fossils will love the STEM Expo Kick-Off event being held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, via Zoom.
The featured guest will be U-46 graduate and Bartlett native Carrie Levitt-Bussian, who serves as the paleontology collections manager at the Natural History Museum of Utah. She will share stories about her daily life and experiences as a paleontologist and bring some items to display as well. She'll be available to answer questions at the end of the session. To sign up to receive the webinar link, fill out this form.
The STEM Expo Kick-Off events are designed to inspire U-46 students to start thinking about a project they can present in the spring at the U-46 STEM Expo. Learn more here. If you have questions about the STEM Expo or the kick-off events, please write stemexpo@u-46.org.
The next Public Sky Show at the U-46 Planetarium is Wednesday, Oct. 16, and the theme will be “What's So Super about the Moon?” There will be two hourlong shows beginning at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Doors will open at 4 p.m., and seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission for the 2024-25 school year is free. The Planetarium is located at 312 Watch Street in Elgin, and there is free parking at Raymond Street and National Street, one block away. Find more information here.
It’s now officially fall, and time to think about all the events, activities, and foods that come with the season. Fortunately, the El Trote de las Calacas (the Skeleton Trot) can offer a heap of autumn fun.
The Skeleton Trot, being held on Saturday, Nov. 2, in Elgin, is a certified 5K race. Individual participants will receive a bag with their race t-shirt and bib, in addition to all the goodies that come at the finish line – including churros and champurrado (hot chocolate). Winners in each age group will receive a special Dia de los Muertos-themed treat!
If you have four or more friends, co-workers, or family members, who want to participate together, you can sign up as a team and enjoy a lot of the same treats and swag but with a $20 discount per person on the entry fee. (Team participants don’t receive a t-shirt but are encouraged to adopt a fun theme or costume!)
Don’t delay! Registration ends on Oct. 18.
The event is being sponsored by the U-46 Educational Foundation and the Gail Borden Public Library District Foundation.
Weekly Message from Dr. Johnson
Each week, Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Johnson shares a message with U-46 employees and community members. You can read the latest message here.
Board of Education
The Board of Education meetings are streamed on the District’s YouTube channel and via Zoom. Written highlights from the meetings, as well as presentations delivered to the Board, can be found here.
Care Solace
Care Solace is a complimentary and condential service provided by School District U-46 to help locate a provider for mental health care or substance use treatment. It’s available to U-46 students, staff, and their family members. Learn more here.
Community
Visit our U-46 Online Backpack to find information on community events, activities, and resources for our U-46 families and students.