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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

In the Franklin Middle School library, board games help students connect, collaborate, problem‑solve, and build social skills — all while having an awesome time together. It’s community‑building disguised as play, and we love to see it!

Thank you to the donors who make IDEA Grants possible and help make innovative learning moments like this possible for our students!

Happy Summer, CU Schools! ☀️

Another year in the books! Congratulations on your last day today, Urbana School District #116, and Champaign Unit 4 Schools on Tuesday. CU Schools Foundation is grateful to support, honor and celebrate the educators, staff, students and alumni in both districts. What a gift.

Stay tuned for CUSF updates and family-friendly community events throughout the next few months. Have a safe and fabulous summer!😎

Over the last week, we celebrated the Class of 2026 across Urbana School District #116 and Champaign Unit 4 Schools — from Urbana’s ceremony last Thursday to Centennial and Central's graduations last night. To every graduate: you did it. Your hard work, resilience, and heart brought you to this moment, and your community is so proud of you! Congratulations, Class of 2026 — we can’t wait to see what you do next!! 🎓✨

📸: School District #116 and Champaign Unit 4 Schools

Last week, Franklin STEAM Academy in Champaign surprised their librarian with the Mann-Hankel Teaching Excellence Award. Kayla Leitschuh had no idea she was nominated and everyone else affirmed she was so deserving. This award recognizes those that exemplify the "Teacher of Excellence Traits" -- Dedication, Integrity, Commitment to every student, Service and Excellence.

One nominator states, "Wherever students are at in their personal lives and adolescent journeys, Kayla makes a sincere effort to curate a collection of books that reflect and honor students’ lived experiences."

Another said, "Uniquely scaffolded lessons and activities are a core aspect of Kayla’s library, making sure that an accessible and equal opportunity education is provided to all users within the school."

Speaking of her students, Kayla says, “I get to see them grow and develop and change into the little future humans they’re going to be. It’s super exciting.”

Congratulations, Kayla! We are grateful for all you do to shape this future generation of leaders and scholars. 👏