Superintendent Update

Welcome to the 24-25 School Year! The new year is officially underway. The schools have had positive energy and excitement this week, from Opening Day and Staff Institute to the first days of student attendance. It is a special time to be part of Urbana School District 116. Last year was very busy for Urbana Schools, and this year will be the same, with many district initiatives, special programs, and community engagement opportunities and activities around a new strategic plan.

This year, we will introduce a new literacy curriculum at our elementary and secondary schools. Our staff and administrators have spent many hours this summer reviewing, planning, and attending multiple training and professional development offerings to prepare to roll out the new language arts curriculum aligned with the Science of Reading approach. This summer, we spent time planning for our new co-teaching model at UECS and elementary while strengthening co-teaching in grades 6-12.

Last week, I had the pleasure of welcoming our new teachers and staff members. District leaders warmly greeted and celebrated our 50 new hires during New Teacher Orientation. We are proud to have assembled a diverse group, each bringing unique experiences, personalities, talents, and backgrounds to the USD116 family. Among them are first-year teachers, individuals transitioning to teaching as a second career, and teachers returning to their roots in Urbana. Regardless of their experience level, they are all eager to join their committed and dedicated colleagues across the district. Please extend a warm welcome to these new staff members!

As we begin this new year, I encourage you to visit the District’s website often and follow our social media for important events and information throughout the year. For our new families, I regularly provide updates and reports to the Urbana community through my Superintendent and Board of Education Updates and communications via email and texts. Our district utilizes a School Messenger system to deliver text messages to your mobile phone with important information about safety alerts, school closings, events, etc. You can participate in this service by texting "Y" or "Yes" to our school's code number, 67587. You can opt out anytime by replying to one of our messages with "Stop." Also, please check your information in Skyward Family Access to ensure your contact information (e.g., email and phone numbers) is correct. Stay tuned for more information throughout the year regarding the District's priority goals to improve student attendance and decrease chronic absenteeism. In September, we will share many activities and ideas to increase student achievement by reducing absenteeism. Our students are not learning when they are not in school.

This year’s theme is “U-Nite Urbana!” Join us throughout the year for activities geared toward unifying our school community and ensuring we empower and equip all USD students on their chosen college, career, or trade path. We know we are better and stronger as a District when we unite and work together to help our students reach their full potential and personal greatness.

All my best for a fantastic school year,

Dr. Ivory-Tatum