Lake County Gazette

United Township High School District 30 has announced several updates and opportunities for students as the new school year begins.

The district, which serves Rock Island and Henry counties, continues to offer a variety of meal options in its cafeterias. Students can choose from Southwest Mac & Cheese or Chicken Strips, both served with a whole grain dinner roll, along with baby carrots, peas, and assorted fresh fruit.

In partnership with the East Moline Public Library, students have access to limited edition UT library cards during September’s Library Card Sign Up Month. These special cards are available only to East Moline Library cardholders who apply either in person or online starting September 1. Questions about the program can be directed to the library at 309-755-9614.

Students interested in international travel are invited to an informational meeting about the Europe Trip 2026 on Wednesday, September 10th at 6 p.m. in the UTHS library. The trip will include visits to Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary with stops in Prague, Krakow, Budapest, Berlin’s historic sites—including WWII locations—and Auschwitz.

For seniors preparing for graduation or college applications, Ms. Eden DeTombe from ISAC is available today from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Students can sign up in the Guidance Office for FAFSA assistance. Seniors wishing to retake the ACT can do so on October 17th at UTHS by registering in the counseling office by September 26th.

The first-ever UTHS College Fair is scheduled for October 23rd from 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Gym B. The event is open to all seniors and juniors as well as sophomores enrolled in college prep and accelerated classes.

Volunteer opportunities are also available for students seeking community service hours at the Silvis Hispanic Heritage Festival on Saturday, September 13th.

The district marks its fifth year of after-school activities supported by the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center grant. Clubs beginning on September 8th include E-Sports Club, Peer Mentoring Club, STEM Club, UTime Club, Gearheads Club, Multicultural Club, Health Occupations Preparation for Excellence (HOPE), Zero Hour Tutoring/Credit Recovery programs and Black Hawk Adult Education Courses.

AP testing sign-ups are underway; students enrolled in AP classes should register through their teachers while others may sign up via the counseling office.

Sports updates include an open softball workout scheduled for Wednesday afternoon on the varsity field.

Club meetings this week feature Latinos Unidos gathering after school Wednesday in room 256N; Hope Club will not meet this week but plans to reconvene next Wednesday; Student Council meets Friday morning at 7:30 a.m.; Gamer's Club meets Friday afternoon from 3–5 p.m.

According to data from the Illinois State Board of Education (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/), United Township High School District 30 employs a total of ninety-six teachers earning an average salary of $65,666 before pension contributions; nearly half are women and just over half are men; no teacher had more than ten absences last year.

Demographic information shows that United Township High School District 30 is composed of approximately fifty-one percent White students; sixteen percent Black; twenty-five percent Hispanic; and almost three percent Asian (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In terms of finances,the district spent $19,622 per student in fiscal year 2020, totaling $33 million across all expenditures.