Urbana High School Band: Practice During the Week, Performance on Friday

The Urbana High School Band puts in hours of practice each week to prepare for Friday night football games. Students spend rehearsals working on music, marching, formations, and timing to make sure they are prepared when they take the field.

The band is led on the field by student directors Evie Schelle, Emily Hughes, and Elaei Brown, and led down the field by freshman drum major Liam Hardman. The band is under the direction of Mr. David M. Sapp, Director of Bands.

Alongside the band, the Urbana High School Majorettes also spend time practicing their routines and preparing for Friday night performances. Together, the band and Majorettes bring music and movement to the field each week.

This weekend’s performance features three selections. The opener is “Blinding Lights,” followed by the Majorette Feature, “Fireball,” which includes the majorettes twirling fire. The performance will close with “I’m a Believer.” As always, the band will finish the performance with “Fight On Urbana.”

The work students put in during the week is evident on Friday nights. From rehearsing individual parts and routines to practicing as a full group, the band and Majorettes continue to prepare to represent Urbana High School and the community.

Building for the Shake: Urbana Junior High Students Put Earthquake Science to the Test

Students in Mr. Petty’s eighth grade science class at Urbana Junior High School recently put their knowledge of earthquakes into action through an engineering challenge called Stable Structures Lab. After learning about tectonic plates, earthquakes, and seismic activity, students researched earthquake resistant structures and worked collaboratively to design and build structures using limited materials. Students will test their designs on a shake table, record their observations, and use the results to determine what worked, what failed, and how their structures can be improved.

The activity supports Ohio’s 8th grade Earth and Space Science standards while giving students an opportunity to apply science to a real world engineering challenge. Students strengthened their problem solving and collaboration skills while learning how testing and failure can lead to better designs.

Building Community Through the House System at Urbana Junior High School

Since the 2019–2020 school year, Urbana Junior High School has used the House system to build relationships, strengthen community, and create a greater sense of belonging among students and staff. Students are divided into four Houses: Gutridge, Mohawk, Toll Run, and Five Points, named after one room schoolhouses that once operated in Champaign County. Each House is led by a House Dean and a team of teachers who support students in academics, attendance, behavior, and overall success.

Students recently participated in House activities to kick off the school year, giving them an opportunity to build relationships, work together, and begin earning points for their House. Throughout the year, Houses compete in areas such as grade point average, behavior, attendance, and special House challenges designed by the House Deans. Points accumulate throughout the year, with the top performing House ultimately crowned House Champion and awarded the House Cup. More than a competition, the House system helps create connections, celebrate student success, and ensure every student has a place to belong.

Celebrating Our Urbana Alumni

At Urbana City Schools, we are proud to celebrate the many Urbana alumni who have returned to serve as members of our staff.

These individuals have a unique connection to our schools and community. They understand our traditions, value the experiences that make Urbana special, and now have the opportunity to help shape those same experiences for today’s students.

Having former students return as teachers, administrators, coaches, and staff members is something worth celebrating. Their commitment to Urbana is a reflection of the strong connections that make our school community special.

We are proud to have so many alumni continuing to serve Urbana City Schools and investing in the future of our students.

SCHOOL OPENING INFORMATION:

URBANA ELEMENTARY
Kindergarten Screening
August 5th appt. only 937-653-1402

Open House Grades K, 1, & 2 on August 18th
Last Names A-L 4:15 to 5:15 pm
Last Names M-Z 5:15 to 6:15 pm

Open House Grades 3, 4, & 5 on August 18th
Last Names A-L 5:15 to 6:15 pm
Last Names M-Z 6:15 to 7:15 pm

URBANA JUNIOR HIGH
Schedule Pick Up & Open House on August 14th
6th Grade 4:00 to 5:00 pm
7th & 8th Grade 5:00 to 6:00 pm

URBANA HIGH SCHOOL
Schedule Pick Up
Seniors on August 10th 9-11 am & 1-3 pm
Juniors on August 11th 9-11 am & 1-3 pm
Sophomores on August 13th 9-11 am & 1-3 pm
Freshman Parent Meeting & Schedule Pick Up on August 12th 6:00 pm

Curriculum Night – Open House on August 26th 6:00 pm