Chapter 1 – School Profile
Table of Contents
1.1 Mission Statement
1.2 Lab Mission
1.3 Accreditations
1.4 Who's Who At Uni
1.5 Handling Concerns
1.6 Uni Traditions
1.7 Student Involvement
1.8 Uni Traditions
1.9 Student Involvement
1.10 Parental Involvement
1.1 Mission Statement
As a catalyst for educational innovation, University Laboratory High School seeks to spark the creative fervor and high aspirations of talented young people; to inspire them to excellence; to challenge them through traditional and experimental strategies; to ignite their potential for active, responsible involvement in the adult world; and to influence positively the larger educational community.
1.2 Lab Mission
As a public laboratory high school, Uni serves as a center for research and development for the improvement of public secondary education. Uni is involved in projects designed to improve curriculum, instruction, and learning practices. Such projects may include:
- Testing of new instructional procedures and practices;
- Diagnostic testing to assess instructional outcomes;
- Development and testing of new curricula;
- Classroom observation by trained observers;
- Audio or video recording of classes and laboratories;
- Testing of new classroom and school management practices.
The lab mission is an essential part of the school’s mission to serve “as a catalyst for educational innovation.”
1.3 Accreditations
Uni is certified as a public school by the Illinois State Board of Education and is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Uni is a member of the National Association of Laboratory Schools and The College Board.
1.4 Who's Who At Uni
Main Office Staff - The staff at Uni is here to help your parents and you. In the Main Office you will find several individuals to help you with the day-to-day happenings at the school. The receptionist is responsible for monitoring attendance, processing grades, admissions, distributing locker notes to students, and is in charge of immunization and physical exam records. The Main Office staff take care of registration, school mailings, and faculty clerical needs. They provide valuable information to faculty and student leaders on how to get things done at Uni.
Student Services Office Staff - New students at Uni quickly become acquainted with the Student Services Office. The Student Services Office secretary keeps track of student records, maintains class schedules, and serves as the school Registrar. The Guidance Counselors advises students about course enrollment and monitors their academic and personal progress; assists with the new student orientation programs; oversees the Early Assistance Program for students experiencing academic difficulties; monitors academic progress of students on probation; and specializes in social and emotional counseling. The Director of College Counseling advises juniors and seniors about the college admissions and financial aid application processes; and trains Peer College Counselors who are in charge of disseminating information about careers, colleges, scholarships, standardized tests, and opportunities for summer and volunteer activities. The special education coordinator works with students, families and teachers in addressing academic concerns.
Teachers - Teachers are responsible for student learning and achievement. Teachers are accessible outside of regular class time so that students may receive additional instruction, if needed. In addition to instructional responsibilities, teachers are expected to contribute to the laboratory mission of the school. Teachers also play an integral part of student life here at Uni by sponsoring and chaperoning student activities.
Executive Teachers - Each department at Uni has an Executive Teacher. The Executive Teachers coordinate each department’s curriculum and provide instructional leadership. They handle concerns about enrollment in courses and grievances regarding department members. The executive teacher for the Physical Education Department is also the Athletic Director who oversees the administration of the athletic program and IHSA-sanctioned activities.
Librarian - The Librarian plays a critical role in the everyday life of students. In addition to overseeing the library, the librarian works directly with students and teachers on research projects.
Director of Development and Alumni Affairs - The Director of Development and Alumni Affairs raises money for the school and publishes newsletters to keep parent(s)/guardian(s) and alumni in touch with the school.
Assistant Director - The Assistant Director and the Director/Principal are Uni’s school administrators. The Assistant Director is responsible for student life at Uni, which includes supervision and care of the building, monitoring the academic and personal progress of students, overseeing student activities, and enforcing the student code of behavior. The Assistant Director also serves as the Director of Admissions.
Director/Principal - The Director/Principal is responsible for attracting and retaining talented faculty, developing an innovative and challenging curriculum, directing lab mission work, fund raising, and overseeing the budget.
Associate Provost and Provost - The University of Illinois Laboratory High School is an independent administrative unit of the University of Illinois and reports directly to the Provost’s Office. The Associate Provost serves as the Provost’s liaison with the school and advises the Director/Principal. The Provost oversees the operation of University Laboratory High School.
1.5 Handling Concerns
The interests of students and their care are at the center of our enterprise. Uni High School communicates with parent(s)/guardian(s) of students via the school newsletter U’n’I, through various special mailings, and via quarterly grade reports.
In addition, parent(s)/guardian(s) will be contacted when their students incur an unexcused absence, and may be contacted any time a student is experiencing academic, disciplinary, or social problems. Parent(s)/guardian(s) will be contacted any time a student’s medical condition warrants.
Students and parent(s)/guardian(s) may schedule conferences with any faculty member or administrator any time, and two parent-teacher conference days are scheduled each year. Classroom concerns should first be voiced to the teacher. If concerns persist, students and parent(s)/guardian(s) are requested to consult with the department’s Executive Teacher before taking the problem to an administrator. The Provost’s Office will intervene only if concerns were not satisfactorily addressed by the school’s chain of command.
1.6 Uni Traditions
New Student Orientation - Upper class students known as Subbie Buddies and Transfer Buddies work with faculty, counselors, and the administration to help the transition of new students into Uni High. During the orientation, new students receive survival kits, move into their lockers, learn their daily class routine, tour campus town, and hear advice about joining the Uni community.
Orientation Picnic - The Parent-Faculty Organization (PFO) kicks off the school year with an all-school potluck. Everyone is welcome.
Subbie Retreat & Advisory Program - Subbies celebrate the end of their first week at Uni by going on a retreat planned for them by their Subbie Buddies and advisers. Subbies continue to meet weekly during 1st quarter in advisory groups that help with adjustment to Uni’s academic expectations and social life.
Student Lounge - The lounge promises an inviting atmosphere in which to sleep, talk, study or listen to music in a place where students are welcome. Use of the lounge is a privilege and plays an integral role in the daily lives of a large percentage of the student body. Historically, only students in grades 9-12 have been allowed to use the lounge.
Dances and Social Events - All Uni High dances (excluding Prom) are open to all students of the school. A nominal fee may be charged for admission to many dances. This fee is used as either a fund raiser for a class/organization, or to help offset the cost of organizing the dance.
Dances Guests - Uni students must accompany and sign in guest to a Uni Dance. Guests are expected to follow Uni rules. Invited guests must be in 7-12th grades. No one 19 years or older will be admitted as a guest. Invited guests may be asked to show a school ID. Uni students must accompany the guests and are responsible for the guest.
Below are some of the main dances held each year at Uni High, the sponsoring group, and the times:
- Howdy Hop: The Howdy Hop is the first official dance of the year. It provides an opportunity for students to get better acquainted. (Student Council, 8-11 p.m.)
- Winter Formal: The Winter Formal is the first major dance of the year, and is often held off campus. It is often a semi-formal dance. (8:30-11:30 p.m.)
- Spring Fling: The Spring Fling is a major social event at Uni High. Sometimes it is a formal dance, other times it is semi-formal or informal. (8:30-11:30 p.m.)
- Prom: Prom, held at the end of the year, is sponsored by the junior class in honor of the departing senior class. It is a formal/semi-formal affair and is open to juniors and seniors and their guests only. It should be noted that school sponsorship of Prom ends with the conclusion of the dance. (8:30-11:45 p.m.)
- Other Dances: Other dances occur throughout the school year. These dances are held as fund raisers and are sponsored by classes or clubs within Uni High. Some examples in past years have been the Halloween Dance, the Turkey Trot, a Salsa Dance, the Valentine’s Dance, and a Charity Ball. Parent(s)/guardian(s) are notified of these dances in the monthly calendar.
Winter Party - Just before winter break, the PFO and school host the “surprise” winter party. The madrigal singers serenade the school community, passing through each hallway to lead students and teachers to the party.
Spirit Week - Student Council designates a week each year to build school spirit. In the past, activities have included theme dress days, music in the hallways, and an assembly.
Agora Days - During a week in the spring the regular Uni high curriculum is replaced with courses generated and taught by students, teachers, parent(s)/guardian(s), and community professionals. These courses, submitted in outline form between September and January and approved by the Agora Committee, are categorized as Academic, Cooking, Games, Sports, Fine Arts, Movies, or Miscellaneous; they range from Chaos Theory and Koine Greek to volleyball and Medieval cooking. Classes begin on the hour and last fifty minutes. Students must take at least two academic classes out of the six required (300 minutes per day). The Agora tradition introduces new topics and experiences, socialization across grade levels, and the opportunity to exercise and appreciate good teaching skills.
X-Week and Big Show - X-Week activities raise money for a designated charitable cause. Each class contributes to the fund-raising effort. In the past, X-Week activities have included raffles, bake sales, contests, auctions, and Big Show. Big Show is Uni High’s student-run comedy/talent show, which in the past has consisted of everything from rock bands to comedy skits. Co-chairpersons are chosen by Student Council. Big Show is the major fundraising activity for X-Week.
Student Awards Program - The Annual Student Academic Awards Program is held near the end of the school year. The program features the recognition of notable student achievements, and the presentation of prizes and academic awards.
Senior Supper - Before graduation, the seniors’ rite of passage to “alumnihood” begins with a candlelight supper. Seniors exchange their Last Words in a souvenir publication and leave their mark on the school with hand printing in the student lounge.
Disorientation Picnic - The Disorientation Picnic is sponsored by Student Council and is the last social event of the year. It is a great way to remember the year.
Graduation - Uni’s commencement ceremony is planned by and for the seniors in conjunction with their class sponsor and the school administration. The unique choice of music and the format provide a memorable event for all.
Reunions - The Uni High Alumni Association is an ad hoc collection of all Uni High student attendees and graduates and all current and former faculty members. No annual dues are charged. Occasionally, all-alumni gatherings such as the Uni High Grand Reunion in 1985 and Re•Uni•on 75 held in 1996 are planned for the purposes of engendering fellowship, renewing acquaintances and building links between alumni and current students. In addition, classes of Uni High Alumni are encouraged to hold reunions in five-year intervals.
1.7 Student Involvement
Uni students feel a strong sense of ownership and take responsibility for supporting the school. In addition to planning activities, they voice their opinions about the welfare of the school through participation in the following governance organizations.
Student Council - Uni High’s Student Council represents the student body and organizes school-wide events such as the orientation and disorientation picnics, Spirit Week, and X-Week. Student Council distributes funds from the student activity fees and various other sources to council organizations. Student Council is composed of three class officers per grade, plus a president, vice-president, and secretary-treasurer of the student body. Elections take place in the spring of the preceding year except for the incoming class. In case of ties, run-off elections are scheduled.
Class Officers and Their Duties - The duties of class officers are as follows:
- President: Presides over class meetings and organizes fund raisers.
- Vice-President: Reports the council’s activities to fellow classmates and takes student opinions and problems to Student Council meetings for consideration.
- Secretary-Treasurer: Keeps books for class expenditures and keeps the minutes at class meetings.
Any class member may run for a class office and all class members are eligible to vote. Class meetings are held at the discretion of the class president in consultation with the class sponsors to plan special events (dances, community service projects, school spirit activities).
No class meeting may be held unless a sponsor is present.
Student-Faculty Advisory Committee (SFAC) - The Student-Faculty Advisory Committee consists of representatives of the student body, the faculty, and the administration. Members of the committee propose solutions to concerns that directly affect the student and faculty bodies of the school. The committee serves as a forum for student-faculty discussion and to monitor student-faculty interactions. SFAC meetings are open to all students and faculty. Student Council elects a student representative to serve as a liaison between Student Council and SFAC. The representative is not voting member of either Student Council or SFAC
PCCs - Peer College Counselors are selected during the Spring semester junior year and serve as PCCs during their senior year (under the direction of the Director of College Counseling). One of the most beneficial aspects of the PCC program is the individualized attention given to junior students. PCCs are assigned a junior caseload. Each PCC works with approximately nine junior students throughout the school year – in small groups and individual meetings, when necessary, preparing them for the formalized college counseling process which begins during the spring semester. PCCs also offer a variety of “Brown Baggers” (lunch-time seminars), teach a variety of courses during Agora Week, and are assigned various “areas of specialty” for which they are primarily responsible (i.e., testing, scholarships, career guidance, Web sites, editor of newsletter(s), student-athlete information, etc.).
Subbie Buddies - Subbie Buddies are selected upperclassmen who help the incoming subfreshmen and upper grade new students with their transition to Uni High. Subbie Buddies organize and coordinate the New Student Orientation and the annual “Subbie Retreat,” plan and conduct Advisory Meetings, and assist the younger students with their social and academic adjustments to Uni High.
Student Publications - Gargoyle is the student newspaper at Uni High and is produced as part of the journalism class. The newspaper is issued at the discretion of the student editors and adviser. While Gargoyle staff members are currently enrolled in the Uni journalism class, any student in the school is encouraged to write, take photos or draw cartoons for the paper.
Unique is the school literary magazine. It is made up of student contributions — creative writing, short stories, poems, etc. As with Gargoyle, everyone is encouraged to contribute.
Yearbook is produced as part of a class. As part of the process, seniors submit color photos, favorite quotes, wills, and baby photos. A supplement comes out the following fall. The staff welcomes photos of life at Uni.
1.8 Parental Involvement
Parent-Faculty Organization (PFO) — Membership in the Parent-Faculty Organization is open to all parent(s)/guardian(s) of Uni High students as well as to the faculty of the school. All parent(s)/guardian(s) pay annual dues as part of their students’ fees. The level of dues is determined by the PFO on recommendation of the PFO Board of Directors. The PFO Board of Directors includes two representatives from each of the five classes and two at-large representatives who have students enrolled in any grade level. Meetings of the Board, open to all parent(s)/guardian(s) and faculty, usually are held on the third Wednesday of the month in Room 109 of the school. Those attending are asked to enter through the north door.
- Purposes: The purposes of the PFO are to preserve and support University Laboratory High School; to facilitate communication among School administration, teachers, parent(s)/guardian(s), students, the University and local communities; to encourage parent/guardian involvement; to foster and maintain the School’s tradition of academic excellence; and to promote the welfare of students.
- Board Elections: All parent/guardian representatives except for the Subfreshman representatives are elected at the Spring PFO General Meeting. An election committee of previous-year board members invites and develops a list of individuals interested in serving on the board to form a ballot. This ballot is voted on at the Spring General Meeting. Newly elected Board members assume their duties on the last day of the school year and serve for one year. Subfreshman representatives are elected in a similar fashion at the Fall General Meeting.
Four faculty representatives to the Board are elected via secret ballot by fellow faculty members who are eligible to vote at faculty meetings before the end of the spring semester. The Director/Principal, Assistant Director and Director of Development serve as ex-officio members of the board.
PFO Board officer positions, held by parent/guardian members, include a president, a vice-president, secretary and treasurer. Officer slots may be filled by one person or a pair of individuals sharing one office, and officers are elected by majority vote at the first Board meeting of the year, usually held in June.
For additional information on the PFO, please refer to the by-laws most recently amended in 1997. A copy is available for review in the Main Office.
Other Ways for Parent(s)/Guardian(s) to be Involved — Parent(s)/guardian(s) are encouraged to get involved with life at Uni by visiting the school, chaperoning special events and volunteering. Parent(s)/guardian(s) can sign up for chaperoning duties at the Orientation Picnic at the beginning of the year. Parent(s)/guardian(s) interested in volunteering in the school should contact the Assistant Director or the Director/Principal.
FAILURE TO READ THE STUDENT HANDBOOK DOES NOT MEAN THAT STUDENTS AND PARENTS WILL NOT BE HELD TO THE HANDBOOK PROVISIONS.
