At Uni High, we strive to foster an environment where everyone, inclusive of race, color, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, political beliefs, disability, language, and religion, will feel welcome, visible, and heard.

In Islam, Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, reflection and prayer. This year, Ramadan is from February 18 to March 19. On March 10, the Muslim Students Assosciation will be hosting a fast-a-thon at Uni to help facilitate understanding of Ramadan and fasting! All students and staff are invited to participate. We will provide suhoor (the morning meal) and iftar boxes (the evening meal) to participants. The abbreviated fast will start at about 8 a.m. and last through the end of the school day. Sign up here!

There are still spots open for students and staff to sign up to attend our Black History Month "Tiny Desk Concert" (inspired by the NPR series)! Sign up today! The event will feature live performances by UIUC Voice faculty Dr. Alonza Lawrence and his choral students, who have backgrounds in genres including gospel, jazz, R&B, and classical.
With the "Tiny Desk" format, space at the event will be limited to 25 attendees, so please RSVP by completing this form if you'd like to attend. Lunch from Neil St. Blues will be provided for attendees.
Please email Dr. O'Brien (vobrien2@illinois.edu) with questions.

We are about halfway there to finding enough families and spaces to host the 20 French students that will be here March 24-April 1. I thank the families who have offered and I am hoping that I can appeal to the Uni Community spirit of welcoming families to help finish finding spots for all these excited students. You can find more information at this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TgxJ10sjjnXOHQz3Z-iPD-W1bRa9aohbDAqGKfKfCyQ/edit?usp=sharing

Do you like to read picture books and make crafts with kids? Uni High is participating in the Read Across America on March 7 at the Lincoln Square Mall from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. We are looking for volunteers to read and make crafts with young kids during one-hour shifts. You can volunteer with your club, grade level, friend group, or individually. If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please complete this form If more students sign up than there are spots available, volunteers will be selected based on this interest form was completed. 
Reach out to Mrs. Rodems or Dr. O'Brien with questions.

Do you love to bake? Do you love to eat yummy baked goods?  Either way, you should come to the Sprabitat Bake-Off in Uni Gym on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at Lunch! 
• Bakers: Sign up using this webform and bring your food on Tuesday for a chance to win prizes and glory!
.• Tasters: Come on Feb. 24 with $5 and get to taste lots of yummy food and vote on the winner
This is a PTSA-sponsored fundraiser, and all proceeds will be donated to Fuller Center for Housing in Clarksdale, MS.

The Uni Athletics Booster club merchandise fundraiser web store is now open. It closes at midnight on Feb 23. All orders are either picked up at Dixon Graphics or shipped to you. Proceeds go toward team senior nights and other team needs. Thanks in advance for your support! Alison Smith Booster President aliso22@gmail.com
https://dixon-graphics.com/uni_high/shop/home

Uni's second Saturday workshop--hosted by Uni arts clubs and supported by an Urbana Arts & Culture Grant--will be on Feb. 28, 12-2 p.m. We invite Uni families (or other families you may know) with a 4th-6th grader to participate. Attendees will participate in collaborative art activities, including creating a flower garden inspired by Kehinde Wiley's work, and learn about what it’s like to study the arts in middle/high school. RSVPs are required to attend. Lunch will be provided for attending students and caregivers. Please see the sign-up form for more details. If you know local 4th-6th graders, please help us spread the word!

Are you interested in law?  Do you want to be a lawyer?  The SSO is partnering with University of Illinois Law School to answer all your questions. Join us on Monday, February 23 during Uni Period to ask questions and learn about all things law. To help facilitate this discussion, please complete this survey.  https://forms.gle/7pkfBnxJdivbfBEf7
We will hold a follow up session on March 23rd during Uni Period where lawyers from different specialty areas will join us.

We're seeking 10 more student volunteers to support NAHS's Saturday lunch arts workshop for 4th-6th graders on Feb. 28. Visiting students and families will learn the meanings of colors & flowers; engage in colorful, floral art activities; and meet Uni High students. Join us for this fun opportunity to connect with community members and represent Uni High! Lunch will be provided for volunteers.
Please fill out this form to sign up volunteer for the February session. More information will be sent to volunteers soon. Contact Max Wang (maxzw2@illinois.edu) with questions.

Spring Athletics start March 2 for Boys Tennis, Girls Soccer and outdoor track & field.  Subbie Track starts March 23.  Questions concerning those seasons please reach out to head coaches.  Tennis: Luke Bronowski- lukejb@illinois.edu, Soccer: Cora Messick -cjmcjm98@gmail.com, Track: Casie Pierce -pierceca@u4sd.org. To sign up please call the school office 217-333-2870.  

On Monday, Apr. 20, Uni High will be holding a day-long outreach event at Booker T. Washington STEM Academy. We're seeking proposals for 40-minute activities for grades K-5 related to water, Earth Day, or the scientist St. Elmo Brady. Activities may be proposed by Uni faculty, students (independently or on behalf of a club), or parents. Activity proposals do not need to be STEM-focused. To learn more or submit a proposal, please visit https://forms.gle/6tDdrVH4qNy8PyYx8.

Nominate a person or a group who has done something hyper-creative, brilliantly zany, or inspiringly forward thinking for the legendary Wylde Q. Chicken award today! Self-nominations are welcome. What is the WQC award? the Wylde W Chicken FAQ's Page explains all the details.Click HERE to submit your nomination. The deadline for Wylde Q Chicken award nominations is Wednesday April 1, 2026. Contact Dr. Majerus for more information.

The Subbie Buddies are hosting a Family Feud night with the subbies! We’d love it if you can help with the survey responses by filling out this form. It should only take 2-3 minutes. The form can be filled out by anyone. If you feel like a question does not apply to you, just leave it blank.
Click here to fill out the form!

The PE department wanted to remind everyone that the Illinois Marathon 5k will be on Friday, April 24. Students are required to participate in a 5k as part of their final for class. Running a 5k has been a part of the PE curriculum for over 40 years! Students have already been registered for the race. Please take a look at this google doc for details and email us with any questions. Spring sport athletes are exempt from participating in the 5k. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1e-89yL9sMRqwFuu7jPQYL66YMZeIFzWVaK9HUbSAcfE/edit?usp=sharing

Scott Solomon, Uni Alum (Class of 1996), will be at The Literary this week for an author talk and book signing. Becoming Martian focuses on how living in space will affect future generations—and what the potential unintended consequences of space settlements are. Click here to see the flyer.

The Eric Show is a big community high school art show held in the Spring at the Illini Union organized by 40 North.  Uni can submit up to eight art pieces for display.  Media is open, but 2D art preferred.  Submit your physical art entry to Ms. Evans by Wed., 2/25 with the following information printed clearly on the back: Name, Title, Medium, Price (or Not for Sale), and Locker Number.

The PTSA will be hosting our annual Spring Conference Meal for Teachers on Thurs., March 12, from 3-5 p.m. in Uni Kitchen.  The PTSA will provide plates, napkins, and table service, and we are asking families to donate a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods.  There are so many ways you can help!  Please follow this link for details on how to donate food and/or time to the event: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0445AEA92AA64-62451233-spring
Questions?  Contact Mary Kate Arend at uniptsa2021@gmail.com.  Thanks in advance for your help!

Expanding on last week's attendance reminders:
Excused Absences: 
Please report absences before they occur when at all possible. If you are aware in the morning of an absence that day (sick, etc.), call or email as soon as possible for clarity in the office and with classes. 
Documented Absences:
Documented Absence Requests are to be submitted AT LEAST ONE WEEK in advance for approval. We are having most requests only a couple of days before and many are the day of or even after!
You may request a documented absence by using: Documented Absence Request Form. You will be notified of approval status by email following the request. 

For students interested in beginning their college experience at Parkland College and later transferring to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Parkland Pathway is an ideal option. They'll receive personalized academic counseling, access to Illinois instruction, and opportunities exclusive to our students as they work toward guaranteed admission to Illinois as a junior-level transfer student.
U. of I. Admissions is offering NEW virtual information sessions where you can learn more about the program and ask questions live, and Parkland College is hosting an in-person open house. 
Click on the links above for dates, times, and signups. 

We are continuing to have a high level of illnesses, including respiratory and other potentially contagious illnesses. 
As respiratory virus season continues, please remember to:

• Stay home when sick.
• Wear a mask if symptomatic or recovering from a respiratory illness.
• Continue other hygiene practices like washing hands thoroughly and covering coughs.
  Also, help us communicate rises in illnesses specific to our Uni community by submitting to the self-reporting form if you test positive for illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza, or strep to help us track any patterns of contagion.
  Additional details are available in the contagious illness policies.