CUSchoolsFoundation

AP Statistics students at Central and Centennial are taking their learning to the next level by publishing peer‑reviewed articles in the Champaign Journal of Research and Statistics. Just like a college STEM department, students create posters that highlight and display their research — and their work is proudly showcased in school hallways. Our young scholars are building real‑world skills in communication, data analysis, and academic writing. Bravo to these emerging researchers! 📊✨

Urbana High Students recently completed an LD50 lab using scales and materials funded through a CUSF grant. They created different salt‑solution concentrations, added duckweed, and tracked changes over 24, 48, and 72 hours to graph real LD50 curves — a powerful way to see how dosage impacts living systems. Earlier this spring, students also used a turbidity monitor to compare water samples from a backyard pond and a school fountain, immediately noticing the difference in sediment levels. Real tools. Real data. Real science in action. 🔬

A big "thank you" to all of our supporters who make these grants possible!

Urbana Rotary adopted King Elementary this January and immediately wrapped the staff in support as the school began building its PTA.

Month by month, they showed up with love:

• January — stocked the lounge
• February — Valentines + chocolates
• March — donuts during conferences + weekly supply collections
• April — classroom volunteers
• May — Teacher Appreciation lunch

Thank you, King teachers — and thank you, Rotary Club , for being such a steady source of encouragement.

Urbana School District #116

Through the CUSF Adopt-A-School program, Webber & Thies has partnered with Central High School's Social Studies department to welcome these future leaders into their office space for a Legal Profession Boot Camp.

These students learned about the educational and professional backgrounds of various attorneys, law clerks, paralegals and the fields in which they practice. They also visited the Champaign County courthouse to witness a sentencing in a complex case, hearing the testimonies of two officers and a detective. Judge Randy Rosenbaum graciously shared his time and wisdom with the group for 45 minutes afterwards to explain his thought process with the sentencing and about the court system in general.

The camp culminated in an inspiring conversation withh retired Chief Justice Rita Garman who now serves as a legal counsel for the firm's litigation group. Her exceptional career on the bench spans 48 years including being the first female judge to serve in Vermilion County and 21 years as Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. Truly inspiring.

Thank you, Webber & Thies, for an enriching experience for all!

If you or if you know of anyone who would like to learn more about the Adopt-A-School program and how to get involved, please feel free to contact us.

Thanks to a Vincent O. Greene Grant, Mrs. Blackmon’s middle schoolers found a new reason to be excited about coming to school — SNACKS.

Food is a huge motivator at this age, and this class quickly became a favorite. Students loved making dishes, sharing them with classmates and staff, and building real life skills along the way.

A major highlight: they became ice cream experts, making more than 12 flavors this year. They were even “hired” to make 100 cups for the school’s NAAPID Day luncheon. 🍦

“My favorite thing we made was Fried Oreos, cookies & cream ice cream and fudge.” — EE

“I learned how to cook things I’ve never cooked before… especially caramel praline ice cream and Hot Cheetos mozzarella sticks.” — AM

Thank you to the donors who made this possible. You helped create a class students couldn’t wait to walk into.

Jeremy Thorpe is a proud Unit 4 graduate and longtime Champaign‑Urbana community advocate who brings a strong background in community engagement, communications, and partnership‑building to his role as Assistant Director. A graduate of Eastern Illinois University and the University of Illinois ,Jeremy has worked across the CU community in roles centered on relationship development, outreach, and collaborative initiatives. Through his work with local nonprofits, schools, and civic organizations, he has focused on expanding opportunities for young people and strengthening connections that support them. He is committed to advancing CUSF’s mission by elevating educator and student stories, fostering meaningful partnerships, and helping grow the resources that fuel innovation across our public schools. Please join us in welcoming Jeremy aboard!

CONGRATULATIONS to these amazing Champaign Unit 4 Schools students!🎉

We love seeing our students shine, and this group absolutely knocked it out of the park on the ACT. Their hard work, curiosity, and commitment to learning make our whole community proud.

Huge shoutout to the teachers, families, and mentors who help lift students up every day — achievements like this don’t happen alone. 💙💛

Through the CUSF Wisdom Network, local professionals and passionate community members can step into classrooms to share their stories, skills, and lived experiences — helping students see what’s possible for their futures. Fill out a quick Google form to be added to a list for teachers to access throughout the school year.

If you believe in lifting up young people and strengthening our schools, we’d love to have you join us. Your voice and experience make a real impact on our students.

📩 Reach out to [email protected] to get involved. Let’s inspire the next wave of leaders together and show students the wide world of careers and inspiration awaiting them!

🌱 Big news from Yankee Ridge Elementary!
Fourth graders assembled a Tower Garden all on their own — following instructions, problem‑solving, and working as a team.

They tested water pH, learned how chemistry shapes plant growth, and cared for their soon‑to‑be harvest. An incredible hands‑on intro to ag engineering, chemistry, and food science.

Proud to support this kind of real‑world learning with IMPACT Grants! 🌿

We’re celebrating Stonecreek Church for an incredible year of partnership, encouragement, and generosity through the Adopt‑A‑School program! Their team showed up for Dr. Preston Williams Elementary in so many thoughtful ways during the 2025–26 school year — from door prizes for our Black History Month celebration, to drinks and treats in the lounge, to a full hot chocolate bar and Valentine’s coffee refresh that brightened everyone’s day.

Stone Creek also provided staff with breakfast and dinner during Parent‑Teacher Conferences, delivered themed snacks and handwritten notes throughout Staff Appreciation Week, and surprised staff with treats delivered across the building all year long. They even helped support a joyful community celebration that brought families and staff together.

We’re grateful for partners like Stone Creek who make our schools feel supported, valued, and connected. Thank you for pouring so much heart into our educators and staff — your impact is felt every single day! 💙📚

Urbana School District #116