Illinois schools have to offer a vegan lunch if a student request it in advance. Urbana schools go one step further.
Since the fall of 2023 a state law requires all Illinois school districts to provide vegan lunches if requested by a student in advance. Urbana School District 116 goes one step further and offers vegan lunches every day.
New UIUC signs honor early Black students, promotes inclusion
The African American Heritage Trail, established in 2020, is a series of memorial signs that chronicle the history of African Americans throughout the county. Recently, two new displays have been added to the trail. These are dedicated to William F. Earnest and Maudelle Tanner Brown Bousfield. The new signs are located on First street in […]
Local schools educate eligible students on voting ahead of general election
While voting may be a familiar opportunity to most adults, it will be a new experience for those turning 18 ahead of the November 5th election. Rob Meagher is an American Government and Civics teacher at Centennial High School in Champaign. Meagher told IPM News Reporter David Pierce the school collaborates with the local chapter of […]
Hundreds celebrate the life of STEM educator William Patterson
Patterson is survived by his wife, Lori, three children, a grandchild, and a sister.
Yankee Ridge Elementary School to become Urbana’s first fully multilingual school
The Urbana District 116 Board of Education voted 4-3 on Tuesday to convert Yankee Ridge Elementary School into a fully multilingual school.
C-U Schools Foundation honors late UIUC Professor for his contribution to local communities
Patterson was one of several alumni from Champaign or Urbana public schools to be honored.
Champaign Unit 4 school board unable to vote in new members because of protests by current members
Eight candidates showed up to the Champaign Unit 4 school board meeting Tuesday to interview for two empty seats. Because board members Amy Armstrong and Betsy Holder were absent in protest, there weren’t enough members to hold the meeting.
Mentee reflects on life purpose discovered following UIUC professor’s death
CHAMPAIGN-Prior to his death, University of Illinois professor, Dr. William Patterson, inspired Champaign residents to build new things. For some, it was a new life. Miquel Smoot told IPM Reporter, David Pierce, that he was living in Champaign and was unsure of what he wanted to do with his life. Then one day in 2020, […]
UIUC Graduate to Become First Black Professor Teaching Manga in the U.S.
Kofi Bazzell-Smith is an MFA candidate in the School of Art and Design at University of Illinois Champaign Urbana. His last art exhibition will be held at The Krannert Art Museum on view from April 6 – April 20, 2024. For more information, visit here
Champaign Urbana and University of Illinois communities mourn beloved educator William Patterson
William Patterson, Ph.D. passes away suddenly at the age of 58.
Resignations, walkouts and protests mark Champaign Unit 4 school board meetings this spring
CHAMPAIGN — Two school board members walked out of Monday’s Champaign Unit 4 Board of Education meeting, preventing the others from taking any action. This follows the resignation of two other board members, including Jamar Brown, earlier in March. “After my first term, I dubbed that experience as the best thing that I never wanted […]
Illinois helps schools weather critical teaching shortage, but steps remain, study says
The study Tuesday by the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools shows 90% of schools have at least a serious shortage, struggle to find substitutes and face fewer than five candidates for open positions.
Does your child have a podcast idea? Here’s how to enter the NPR student podcast challenge.
The Contest is a podcast submission contest where 4th – 12th grade teachers can submit an audio file created by their student(s) for an opportunity to have the Grand Prize-winning podcasts discussed in a news segment that will appear on an episode of NPR’s All Things Considered or Morning Edition.
U of I dean Ruby Mendenhall is preparing to share a lifetime of writing as Urbana’s poet laureate
IPM’s Reginald Hardwick talked with Mendenhall about her family, her gift and she shared one of her poems.
Capitol Briefs: Lawmakers push bills addressing water quality, free school meals
State’s largest teachers union releases annual education report.