Urbana students earn Seal of Biliteracy; district spotlights arts and peer‑tutoring achievements

District staff used the May board meeting to honor student academic and extracurricular achievements and to explain the state Seal of Biliteracy process used to recognize multilingual graduates.

Joe Wielt, director of secondary multilingual programs and alternative education, described the Seal of Biliteracy and Commendation pathways and the assessments Urbana uses to qualify students (AP exams, STAMP 4S and the SAT for English). "The seal then is designated on the student's high school diploma," Wielt said, and he noted that the recognition can translate into college credit at Illinois public universities. He reported the district had about 40 students combined who earned the seal or commendation this year and that some results were still pending.

The board also heard presentations across the arts and student supports: Cara Mizzy, elementary Fine Arts coordinator, presented a cross‑district collection of student work and made the case that dance, music, drama and visual art contribute to cognitive and social development. Coaches and administrators recognized Urbana Middle School track athletes who qualified for sectionals and state and credited staff collaboration and student dedication.

Angie Armstrong and student leader Eve described the district’s peer‑tutoring pilot: twelve high‑school tutors worked weekly in middle‑school classrooms during an eight‑week run that produced positive feedback from teachers and tutors. Armstrong noted the program will continue under student leader Mia Schroeder next year.

Administrators emphasized that these recognitions are part of ongoing efforts to support multilingual students, preserve arts instruction, and build student leadership opportunities. The board applauded students and staff and encouraged continued community support.