IPA hosted its first-ever career fair, Panteras Empoderadas: Charlas de Carrera / Career Talks! Over 25 parent presenters inspired 4th–8th graders with stories from a wide range of careers. With 85+ attendees, the event wrapped up with pizza, treats, and excitement for next year!
Operation Hope participated in Parkland College's 2025 Spring Open House. Our students toured the campus as well as visited representatives from the following departments: Natural Sciences, Health Professions, Arts Media and Social Sciences, Humanities, Business and Computer Science, Agriculture, Math, Applied Sciences and Technologies,and Aviation.
Happy Paraprofessional Appreciation Day!
Today, we celebrate the dedication, compassion, and hard work of paraprofessionals who support and inspire students daily. Thank you for making a difference!
Due to the impending weather this evening, all practices and games are canceled.
Carrie Busey's John Odum's artwork was named the signature piece at the Boneyard Arts Festival. Congratulations, Mr. Odum!!
https://www.news-gazette.com/opinion/columns/bob-asmussen-carrie-busey-teachers-work-is-everywhere-by-design/article_310ec959-33ce-4f46-8d1c-eabe72c39ae5.html
We had a fantastic turnout at the Martens Center registration event! 🎉 Thanks to our amazing registration team and bilingual teachers, we registered 32 new students and 65 returning students. For more information on student registration, visit champaignschools.org/enroll. #Ready4Registration
Spring holiday, Monday March 31, school and administrative buildings will be closed.
In-person student registration is available tomorrow, March 26, from 4-7 PM at the Martens Center! Open to all new students and returning K-8 students. Don’t miss this opportunity to get registered for the new school year! Bilingual support will be available for French and Spanish-speaking families. #Ready4Registration
Reminder that the Touch, See & Explore Sensory-Friendly Science Fair is this afternoon!
📍 Marketplace Mall (Near the Food Court, across from JD Sports)
🗓 Today, March 25 | ⏰ 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Enjoy inclusive, hands-on activities like arts & crafts, water tables, bubble blasters, makers' stations, and music & dance. A fun, welcoming space for all learners to explore and create! ✨
Reminder that tomorrow is the Touch, See & Explore Sensory-Friendly Science Fair!
📍Marketplace Mall (near Food Court)
🗓 Tues, March 25 | ⏰ 4:30-6:30 PM
Enjoy hands-on fun with arts & crafts, water tables, bubbles, makers' stations & music! ✨
We are so proud of our Unit 4 students for successfully defending their Division 2 State Title for the second year in a row! 🏆👏 Special shoutout to Darris, our leading scorer, who also earned the "Spirit of the Game" award for outstanding sportsmanship and leadership!
Congratulations to Edison student Zi’Quaia Gregory for placing second in the Illinois Special Olympics in individual basketball skills! 🏀👏 Your hard work and dedication are inspiring.
Do you have a student with a disability who loves science? Join us for a Sensory-Friendly Science Fair!
📍 Marketplace Mall (Near the Food Court, across from JD Sports)
🗓 Tuesday, March 25 | ⏰ 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Enjoy inclusive, hands-on activities like arts & crafts, water tables, bubble blasters, makers' stations, and music & dance. A fun, welcoming space for all learners to explore and create!
Spring Break has sprung, but our employees are hard at work during our professional development days. Yesterday's PD at Edison featured a session titled Positive Psychology at Work to show how positive psychology can influence and affect the workplace.
Our IT Department was also hard at work training our office staff on our new Student Information System for next school year.
Centennial Charger, Jay Macedo, and Principal Sara Sanders attended the Illinois State Board of Education 2025 Student Advisory Council Summit! Jay is one of the student representatives. They were greeted by State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders.
Unit 4 is Celebrating Women's History Month!
Today, we spotlight Tracey Jones, who is finishing 39 years with Unit 4 Schools—the only place she’s ever worked. Her dedication and commitment to our students, families and staff is truly inspiring!
The person she finds inspiration in is River Jones. Tracey said, "River Jones inspires me for her resilience, heart, and sheer determination. From completing her undergraduate degree during COVID and taking science lab classes online to having only 2 months left of an intensive Physicians Assistant Masters program, she is the epitome of a growth mindset. She has such a compassionate heart for all people and has become an amazing woman of science!"
Here’s to the incredible women who inspire us every day!
Last week, a group of seventh and eighth grade mentees and their mentors toured six U of I Facilities and Services shops. They explored careers in the grounds area, machine shop, lock shop, insulation shop, mill shop, and operating engineers shop—learning about job roles, qualifications, and pay in the trades. A great hands-on experience for future career exploration!
Unit 4 families, we want to hear from you! The Illinois 5Essentials Survey gathers feedback on leadership, teaching, and family engagement to help improve our schools. Your input shapes our School Improvement Plan. Take 10 minutes to share your thoughts: https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/
Mark your calendars!
Spring Break: March 17-21 — No school.
Parent-Teacher Conferences: March 13-14 — No school for students.
We hope everyone enjoys a restful break and quality time with family.
Carrie Busey Elementary Assistant Principal, Brian Alexander, was the recipient of the Difference Maker Award from the United Way of Champaign County. Thanks for all you do to make our community a better place!
