DYK: Stratton Academy of the Arts is recognized as a Point of Pride on the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail, not only for its impact today, but for the legacy behind its name. The school honors Kenneth O. Stratton. He was a dedicated Champaign Unit 4 educator and administrator, the first Black City Council member in Champaign, as well as a member of the Champaign Education Association.

Mr. Stratton was also deeply involved in the civil rights movement, helping organize efforts for integrated schools, fair housing, and equitable hiring practices. He participated with community organizations like the Champaign Education Association, the Urban League, United Way, and the Frances Nelson Health Center.

4 months ago, Unit 4 Schools
Kenneth Stratton
A group of elementary students stand with two adults in a school hallway, smiling in front of a colorful solar system display. The students wear backpacks and casual clothing, representing a diverse group of learners at Stratton Academy of the Arts.
Elementary students gather around a table during a hands-on classroom activity, examining artwork or learning materials displayed on cards. The students lean in with curiosity and focus, collaborating as they explore and discuss the materials together.
Stratton Academy of the Arts sign and outside of building.
Stratton staff in front of a colorful mural.
Kenneth Stratton
Unit 4 schools celebrate Black History Month. This is a time to honor and reflect on the achievements, contributions, and resilience of Black Americans who have shaped our history and continue to shape our future.

Throughout the month, we’ll be highlighting stories, voices, and moments from our students, staff, and community members as they share what Black history means to them. Follow our feed throughout the month to learn, reflect, and celebrate with us.
4 months ago, Unit 4 Schools
Black History Month
Bottenfield Elementary was buzzing when Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski dropped by to read to students. She is supporting the attendance campaign: #EveryStudentEveryday!
4 months ago, Unit 4 Schools
Tracy Parsons, Nikki Budzinski, Kendra Bonam
Nikki Budzinski reading to elementary school students
Nikki Budzinski reading to elementary school students
Nikki Budzinski reading to elementary school students
Nikki Budzinski with elementary school students
The 2026–2027 Unit 4 School Calendar is now available! Plan ahead for key dates like the first day of school, breaks, and holidays.

View the full calendar at: www.champaignschools.org/27calendar
4 months ago, Unit 4 Schools
Unit 4 Calendar featuring school days and days off
A list of all days off and early dismissal days
Reminder that the first set of school building tours are tonight! Don't miss this great opportunity to explore your child’s future classroom, meet staff, and learn what makes Unit 4 schools shine. See the graphic or visit champaignschools.org/enroll for dates and locations.
4 months ago, Unit 4 Schools
Graphic titled “Kindergarten School Tour Dates!” with a blue background and orange border. Two columns list schools and dates. Left column header reads “Barkstall, Carrie Busey, Bottenfield, IPA, Kenwood, Robeson” with dates “Tuesday, January 27, 2026” and “Thursday, February 5, 2026.” Right column header reads “Booker T. Washington, Dr. Howard, Garden Hills, South Side, Stratton, Westview” with dates “Thursday, January 29, 2026” and “Tuesday, February 3, 2026.” Centered text below the table reads “Tours will be offered from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.” Bottom section shows a photo of a smiling young student seated at a classroom table waving, with a “Ready 4 Registration” logo on the left and a QR code on the right labeled “SCAN ME.” Yellow text along the bottom reads “Use this QR code to learn more.” The Unit 4 School District logo appears in the lower right corner.
(Spanish)
(French)
A big thank you to Unit 4’s O&M Staff! We are grateful for our Operations and Maintenance team for ensuring the sidewalks and parking lots are clear and that our buildings are operational and ready for students and staff to return on Tuesday.
4 months ago, Unit 4 Schools
A big thank you to Unit 4’s O&M Staff! We are grateful for our Operations and Maintenance team for ensuring the sidewalks and parking lots are clear and that our buildings are operational and ready for students and staff to return on Tuesday.
Spanish
French
Champaign Unit 4 Schools will be back in person on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. All school buildings and District offices will be open. Please make sure your student dresses warmly. We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow.
4 months ago, Unit 4 Schools
Unit 4 Schools is Open Tuesday January 27, 2026 Champaign Unit 4 Schools will be back in person on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. All school buildings and District offices will be open. Please make sure your student dresses warmly. We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow.
(French)
(Spanish)
Due to the continued inclement weather, Monday, January 26th will be an E-Learning Day.

Families and staff, please check your email for more information.
4 months ago, Unit 4 Schools
E-Learning Day Monday, January 26 Due to inclement weather, Monday, January 26th will be an E-Learning Day. Families and staff, please check your email for more information.
Journée d'apprentissage en ligne : lundi 26 janvier En raison des intempéries, le lundi 26 janvier sera une journée d'apprentissage en ligne. Familles et personnel, veuillez consulter vos courriels pour plus d'informations.
Jornada de aprendizaje electrónico, lunes 26 de enero Debido al mal tiempo, el lunes 26 de enero será un día de aprendizaje electrónico. Familias y personal, por favor revisen su correo electrónico para obtener más información.
Due to the forecasted inclement weather, Unit 4 Schools will be closed on Friday, January 23rd.

Families and staff, please check your email for more information.
4 months ago, Unit 4 Schools
Unit 4 Schools Closed Friday, January 23rd Due to inclement weather, Champaign Unit 4 School District will be CLOSED on Friday, January 23, 2026. Families and staff, please check your email for more information.
Unit 4 Schools Closed Friday, January 23rd Due to inclement weather, Champaign Unit 4 School District will be CLOSED on Friday, January 23, 2026. Families and staff, please check your email for more information.
Unit 4 Schools Closed Friday, January 23rd Due to inclement weather, Champaign Unit 4 School District will be CLOSED on Friday, January 23, 2026. Families and staff, please check your email for more information.
Incoming Unit 4 Kindergarten families are invited to join us for school building tours to explore your child’s future classroom, meet staff, and learn what makes Unit 4 schools shine. See the graphic or visit champaignschools.org/enroll for dates and locations.
4 months ago, Unit 4 Schools
Graphic titled “Kindergarten School Tour Dates!” with a blue background and orange border. Two columns list schools and dates. Left column header reads “Barkstall, Carrie Busey, Bottenfield, IPA, Kenwood, Robeson” with dates “Tuesday, January 27, 2026” and “Thursday, February 5, 2026.” Right column header reads “Booker T. Washington, Dr. Howard, Garden Hills, South Side, Stratton, Westview” with dates “Thursday, January 29, 2026” and “Tuesday, February 3, 2026.” Centered text below the table reads “Tours will be offered from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.” Bottom section shows a photo of a smiling young student seated at a classroom table waving, with a “Ready 4 Registration” logo on the left and a QR code on the right labeled “SCAN ME.” Yellow text along the bottom reads “Use this QR code to learn more.” The Unit 4 School District logo appears in the lower right corner.
(Spanish)
(French)
Future Freshman Night tonight!
4 months ago, Unit 4 Schools
SAUE THE DATE FUTURE CHARGER NIGHT! Mark your calendars now! Join us to learn more about your life" as a future Charger! Academics. Athletics. Clubs, & More! JAN. 20, 2026 6:30-7:45 PM OENTENNIAL S AUDITORIUM

Reminder to all incoming Kindergarten families! Join us for Kindergarten Information Night at Stratton Academy TONIGHT from 5:30–7:30 pm.

https://www.wcia.com/news/champaign-county/champaign-schools-to-host-kindergarten-info-night/

4 months ago, Unit 4 Schools
Poster promoting a Kindergarten Information Night at Stratton Academy, located at 902 North Randolph Street in Champaign, on January 15, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., featuring a smiling kindergarten student seated at a classroom table and a QR code to scan for more registration information.
Cartel que anuncia una sesión informativa sobre kínder en la Academia Stratton, ubicada en 902 North Randolph Street en Champaign, el 15 de enero de 2026 de 5:30 p. m. a 7:30 p. m., con la imagen de una niña sonriente sentada en un salón de clases y un código QR para obtener más información sobre la inscripción.
Affiche annonçant une soirée d’information sur la maternelle à la Stratton Academy, située au 902 North Randolph Street à Champaign, le 15 janvier 2026 de 17 h 30 à 19 h 30, avec une photo d’une jeune élève souriante assise à une table en classe et un code QR à scanner pour plus d’informations sur l’inscription.
Champaign Unit 4 Schools will be closed on Monday, January 19, as we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
4 months ago, Unit 4 Schools
Graphic reads “MLK Day 2026” and “I Have a Dream,” with text stating “Unit 4 Schools will be closed on Monday, January 19th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day,” featuring an illustrated portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Champaign Unit 4 School District logo.
Gráfico que dice “Día de MLK 2026” y “Tengo un sueño,” con el texto “Unit 4 Schools estarán cerradas el lunes 19 de enero en conmemoración del Día de Martin Luther King Jr.,” junto a un retrato ilustrado de Martin Luther King Jr. y el logotipo del distrito escolar Champaign Unit 4.
Affiche indiquant “Journée MLK 2026” et “J’ai un rêve,” avec le texte “Unit 4 Schools seront fermées le lundi 19 janvier en raison du jour férié en l’honneur de Martin Luther King Jr.,” accompagnée d’un portrait illustré de Martin Luther King Jr. et du logo du district scolaire Champaign Unit 4.
The Unit 4 School Board proudly stood together to show their support for the Every Student, Every Day attendance campaign. The Champaign County Community Coalition is leading the charge to address absenteeism across our community. Regular school attendance matters. Students being present helps them build strong relationships, stay engaged in learning, and access the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. We’re asking families, students, and community members to join us in making attendance a priority. Encourage them to show up! Together, we can make a difference--one school day at a time.
4 months ago, Unit 4 Schools
Dan Casillas, Justin Michael Hendrix, Dr. Grace Kang, Christie Arnold, Amy Armstrong, Betsy Holder, Fatima Ahmed, Tony Bruno
Do you love working with kids? Come learn how you can become a Teacher Aide with Champaign Unit 4! No experience is necessary to come talk to us—we provide application assistance right on the spot.
Job Fair Details: 📅 Thursday, Jan 15 🕙 10:00 am – 2:00 pm 📍 703 S. New Street (Mellon Building)
Why join us?
Help students succeed every day.
Competitive starting pay of $18.57/hr.
Great work-life balance with school-year schedules.
We’ve got a job 4 you! 🍎✨
4 months ago, Unit 4 Schools
Do you love working with kids? Come learn how you can become a Teacher Aide with Champaign Unit 4! No experience is necessary to come talk to us—we provide application assistance right on the spot. Job Fair Details: 📅 Thursday, Jan 15 🕙 10:00 am – 2:00 pm 📍 703 S. New Street (Mellon Building) Why join us? Help students succeed every day. Competitive starting pay of $18.57/hr. Great work-life balance with school-year schedules. We’ve got a job 4 you! 🍎✨
Thank you to Fighting Illini Women's Gymnastics for visiting Robeson Elementary this morning and teaching our students valuable life lessons from an athletic perspective!
4 months ago, Unit 4 Schools
Illini Women's Gymnastics Team
Presentation from Illini Women's Gymnastics
REMINDER! Central High School Future Freshmen Night is Tonight!

Unit 4 is excited to welcome incoming high school students and their families to learn more about academics, athletics, activities, and student life.

Join us at Central as we welcome families, offer building tours, and share information about academics, athletics, activities, and more.
January 12
6:00–8:00 PM
Central High School

We look forward to welcoming our future high school students and families.
4 months ago, Unit 4 Schools
large_Future_Freshmen__5_12_Page_1
Huge thank you to the Champaign-Urbana Elks Lodge for donating $500 to our Kids Plus program! Your generosity to our students is greatly appreciated.
4 months ago, Unit 4 Schools
Elks Lodge donating $500 to Kids Plus in front of a step and repeat Unit 4 banner.
Four Unit 4 athletes competed last month at the Illinois Special Olympics State Bowling Tournament, taking on some of the best bowlers in the state. Not only did they represent Unit 4 with incredible skill, but they each also brought home GOLD medals! Congratulations to:

Darris H. – Centennial High School
Rory G. – Franklin STEAM Academy
Summer N. – Unit 4 Alum
Bryan T. – Unit 4 Alum

To reach the state level, athletes must earn Gold at both Regionals and Sectionals, making this a clean sweep at every level. With more than 5,800 athletes statewide participating in Special Olympics bowling, this achievement is truly remarkable.

The Firecrackers spared no effort and struck their way to the top, proving that when hard work meets heart, the results are right up their alley.
4 months ago, Unit 4 Schools
Pictured from Left to right: Darris Horton, Summer Nagele, Rory Gordon
Champaign Unit 4 School District is growing our District Finance Committee. This Committee generally meets once a month on the 4th Wednesday at 5:30 pm at the Mellon Building. They review topics related to our District’s budget and expenses. They also discuss upcoming contracts and large facility, technology and instructional projects.

We are looking for a diverse group of community members, parents, staff, and business members to join this committee. If you’re interested, please complete the application and email it to Linda Matkowski at matkowli@u4sd.org.

https://5il.co/3stqq
4 months ago, Unit 4 Schools
Flyer titled "Unit 4 Schools Seeking Finance Committee Members" with the text "Help guide smart financial decisions, large and small! Champaign Unit 4 Schools invites you to join our Finance Committee. We are seeking community members to help guide the vision and planning for District finances. INTERESTED IN JOINING US? Email Linda Matkowski at matkowli@u4sd.org," featuring a child putting coins in a jar and the Campaign Unit 4 School District logo.
Prospectus intitulé « Unit 4 Schools recherchant des membres pour leur comité des finances » avec le texte « Aidez-nous à prendre des décisions financières judicieuses, petites et grandes ! Le district scolaire Champaign Unit 4 vous invite à rejoindre son comité des finances. Nous recherchons des membres de la communauté pour nous aider à définir la vision et la planification des finances du district. VOUS SOUHAITEZ NOUS REJOINDRE ? Envoyez un e-mail à Linda Matkowski à matkowli@u4sd.org », illustré par un enfant mettant des pièces dans un bocal et le logo du district.
Folleto titulado "Unit 4 Schools buscan miembros para el Comité de Finanzas" con el texto "¡Ayúdenos a tomar decisiones financieras inteligentes, grandes y pequeñas! Las Escuelas de la Unidad 4 de Champaign le invitan a unirse a nuestro Comité de Finanzas. Buscamos miembros de la comunidad para ayudar a guiar la visión y la planificación de las finanzas del Distrito. ¿INTERESADO EN UNIRSE A NOSOTROS? Envíe un correo electrónico a Linda Matkowski a matkowli@u4sd.org", incluyendo una imagen de un niño con un frasco de monedas y el logo del distrito.