Nov. 29, 2023

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Stay tuned for upcoming events with our District website calendar available here.

• Saturday, Dec. 2: Unite U-46 Community Engagement Session. Details here.

• Monday, Dec. 4: U-46 Board of Education meeting. Details here.

As we enter the holiday season and near the end of 2023, please remember that it is extremely important that our students are in school and on time to class every day, right up until the end of the school day.

Every day in school counts and helps build the foundation for your child’s academic success. It is an important opportunity for students to learn as well as collaborate with their peers on rigorous, standards-aligned tasks that require critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication. When your child is absent, they miss out on this collaboration.

Extended absences and/or vacations during the school year are discouraged and considered unexcused absences. The only approved vacation periods for U-46 occur during Thanksgiving and winter recess, spring recess, and summer vacation. Thank you, as always, for your support and cooperation.

For our Student Attendance Guidelines as part of our Student Handbook, please visit u-46.org/attendance.

U-46 is launching a group for families who have arrived in the United States from another country. It’s called the Newcomer Parent Support Group, and its first meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. at the U-46 Welcome Center, 1019 E. Chicago St., Elgin.

During the meeting, parents will learn about School District U-46 and the various ways that families can keep in touch with the District, principals, and teachers. They will also get a better understanding of their role in their children’s education and how they can support their children’s academic journeys, as well as helpful community resources that are available. Childcare will be provided.

The sessions will be interpreted in Gujarati, Hindi, Panjabi, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, and Urdu. Those families that do not speak these languages are also welcome to attend as we will offer an alternative way for them to engage in the session.

Those interested should save the date for the next two sessions - Thursday, February 15, 2024, and Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The sessions are being organized by the Multilingual and Multicultural Education Department, and questions can be directed through Let’s Talk.

If yours is a newcomer family, don’t miss this great opportunity to connect with other newcomer parents and to gain valuable knowledge and skills that will help you support your children’s academic success. We’re here to support your journey!

The next meeting of the Community Advisory Council, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, will follow a roundtable format, allowing our parents and community members to meet Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Johnson, members of her Cabinet, and members of the U-46 Board of Education. There will be time to ask questions and learn about new initiatives and plans.

The meeting is being held virtually, and breakout rooms will be offered in English and Spanish. To help with planning and a unique Zoom link, we ask for advance registration at info.u-46.org/CACDec23.

The CAC’s December meeting always follows a roundtable format, allowing a unique and relaxed setting for U-46 parents and community members to learn more about the mission of the CAC and talk to U-46 leaders. For more information, please visit the CAC website.

The next meeting of the U-46 African American Advisory Council is Thursday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m. It will be held virtually via Zoom.

The meeting will feature a presentation from members of U-46’s Specialized Student Services department, and the team will discuss IEPs, 504 plans, and the resources offered by U-46’s Health Services.

The latter portion of the meeting will be dedicated to a continuing discussion of “Punished for Dreaming: How School Reform Harms Black Children and How We Heal” as part of the council’s “One Book, One Community” project.

All are welcome at the African American Advisory Council meetings and are asked to register in advance here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. For questions, please use Let’s Talk.

A South Elgin High School senior is serving on the Illinois State Board of Education's Student Advisory Council for the 2023-24 school year - one of only 20 students chosen for the council from across the state.

Emma Greenberg is passionate about education and plans to become a high school math teacher. Emma plays the clarinet and bass guitar and serves as the head drum major for the Marching Storm. She also leads the Future Teachers Club, National Honors Society, and Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica at South Elgin High School. We’re #U46Proud of Emma!

The U-46 Planetarium is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Watch this video to learn about the history of the Planetarium and Observatory and how these unique buildings have inspired students over the decades.

Attention all young artists! Gail Borden Public Library is hosting an art contest tied to its current special exhibit, “Alebrijes - Creatures of a Dream World.” Alebrijes stem from Mexican folklore, and embody characteristics from many animals to create fantastical creatures. The library is asking for students to create their own dream animal - they can even include a story about it if they wish. The contest will run through Sunday, Dec. 10. Artwork can be emailed to photos@gailborden.info. There will be periodic drawings for prizes.

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.

Each week, Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Johnson shares a message with U-46 employees and community members. You can read the latest message here.