Good afternoon, Heritage Families!
As we prepare for the start of the school year, we are updating and testing all of our communication platforms to make sure families are receiving important information from the district, your child’s school, and our transportation system.
Yesterday, a test communication was sent via text message and email. Today, families of bus riders should receive a notification from Viafy, our transportation app.
Please take a moment to make sure you are receiving the communications that apply to your family. If you did not receive yesterday’s district test message, or if your child is a bus rider and you do not receive today’s Viafy notification, please let us know so we can verify your contact information.
As we test and update our systems, we apologize if you receive a duplicate message or receive a communication even though your child is no longer a Heritage student. We appreciate your patience as we work through these updates.
If you need changes to a specific form of communication, please email me at norton.kimberly@heritage8.org, and we will make the appropriate update.
More back to school information may be found here: https://bit.ly/3TO81g7
Thank you for your patience as we prepare for the new school year. We are looking forward to a great year and a strong partnership with our Heritage families!
Dr. Kimberly Norton
Superintendent
Heritage CUSD #8
❤️💙 #HeritageCUSD8 #ProudHawkCommunity
Transportation Update 🚌
Dear Heritage Families,
Thank you for your patience as we work through the final bus route changes for the upcoming school year. We hope to have all routes finalized by the end of the day on Tuesday, August 11. Updated route information will be shared with families as soon as it is available.
The VIAFY Transportation Portal and Parent App will provide families with a convenient way to access bus route information, real-time bus tracking, schedules, and important transportation updates.
The graphic below includes information for downloading the VIAFY Parent App. We encourage families to download the app and become familiar with its features as we prepare for the start of school.
You can also watch a brief overview of VIAFY:
Spanish Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEuTHwc57LU
English Link: https://youtu.be/Jx6Cx_dGxDk
We appreciate your patience and flexibility during these final preparations. Thank you for partnering with us to help provide safe and reliable transportation for all Heritage students. We are looking forward to a great start to the 2026–2027 school year! ❤️💙
#HeritageCUSD8 #ProudHawkCommunity #AimHighSoarHigher
Dear Heritage Families,
Thank you for your patience as we work through the final bus route changes for the upcoming school year. We hope to have all routes finalized by the end of the day on Tuesday, August 11. Updated route information will be shared with families as soon as it is available.
The VIAFY Transportation Portal and Parent App will provide families with a convenient way to access bus route information, real-time bus tracking, schedules, and important transportation updates.
The graphic below includes information for downloading the VIAFY Parent App. We encourage families to download the app and become familiar with its features as we prepare for the start of school.
You can also watch a brief overview of VIAFY:
Spanish Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEuTHwc57LU
English Link: https://youtu.be/Jx6Cx_dGxDk
We appreciate your patience and flexibility during these final preparations. Thank you for partnering with us to help provide safe and reliable transportation for all Heritage students. We are looking forward to a great start to the 2026–2027 school year! ❤️💙
#HeritageCUSD8 #ProudHawkCommunity #AimHighSoarHigher
Today we’re celebrating a very special member of our Proud Hawk Community. Happy Birthday to our Head of Maintenance, Mr. Tom Wolf! 🎉❤️💙
So much of what keeps our schools at their best happens behind the scenes and Tom is always there, attentive to the needs of our students and staff, ready to lend a hand, solve a problem, and greet everyone with a smile.
We appreciate all you do for Heritage each and every day. Happy Birthday, Tom! We hope you have a fantastic day! 🎂🎈
#ProudHawkCommunity #HeritageCUSD8
So much of what keeps our schools at their best happens behind the scenes and Tom is always there, attentive to the needs of our students and staff, ready to lend a hand, solve a problem, and greet everyone with a smile.
We appreciate all you do for Heritage each and every day. Happy Birthday, Tom! We hope you have a fantastic day! 🎂🎈
#ProudHawkCommunity #HeritageCUSD8
Our Proud Hawk Community introductions continue today with Mrs. Laura Struck! ❤️💙
Laura has already been a great addition to Heritage, stepping in to support our students and staff when needed throughout the past year. We’re excited to have her return and start the school year with us, serving students at both Heritage Elementary/Jr. High and Heritage High School.
Laura will begin the year covering Art during Mrs. Hermosillo’s maternity leave, and we know her creativity and familiarity with our students will make for a great start to the year.
We’re grateful to have Laura back with us and appreciate her willingness to step in wherever she’s needed. Welcome back, Laura!
#ProudHawkCommunity #HeritageCUSD8 #AimHighSoarHigher
Laura has already been a great addition to Heritage, stepping in to support our students and staff when needed throughout the past year. We’re excited to have her return and start the school year with us, serving students at both Heritage Elementary/Jr. High and Heritage High School.
Laura will begin the year covering Art during Mrs. Hermosillo’s maternity leave, and we know her creativity and familiarity with our students will make for a great start to the year.
We’re grateful to have Laura back with us and appreciate her willingness to step in wherever she’s needed. Welcome back, Laura!
#ProudHawkCommunity #HeritageCUSD8 #AimHighSoarHigher
Our celebration of Proud Heritage Alumni continues today with Mr. Mason Wyant! ❤️💙
Please join us in welcoming Mr. Mason Wyant back to Heritage! A 2021 Heritage graduate, Mason officially joins our team as our Physical Education teacher, but he's already been making a positive impact. Last year, Mason became a familiar face by substituting in our classrooms and assisting with our Heritage High School Baseball program.
Throughout the summer, Mason continued preparing for the year ahead by completing additional coursework and earning his Driver Education endorsement.
In addition to teaching Physical Education and Driver's Education, Mason will assist with our Junior High and High School Baseball programs and serve as the Assistant Coach for Heritage High School Girls Basketball.
We're excited to welcome Mason back home and look forward to the energy, enthusiasm, and Hawk pride he'll bring to our students. Welcome home, Mason!
#ProudHawkCommunity
#HeritageCUSD8
#AimHighSoarHigher
Please join us in welcoming Mr. Mason Wyant back to Heritage! A 2021 Heritage graduate, Mason officially joins our team as our Physical Education teacher, but he's already been making a positive impact. Last year, Mason became a familiar face by substituting in our classrooms and assisting with our Heritage High School Baseball program.
Throughout the summer, Mason continued preparing for the year ahead by completing additional coursework and earning his Driver Education endorsement.
In addition to teaching Physical Education and Driver's Education, Mason will assist with our Junior High and High School Baseball programs and serve as the Assistant Coach for Heritage High School Girls Basketball.
We're excited to welcome Mason back home and look forward to the energy, enthusiasm, and Hawk pride he'll bring to our students. Welcome home, Mason!
#ProudHawkCommunity
#HeritageCUSD8
#AimHighSoarHigher
Our Proud Heritage Alumni series continues today! ❤️💙
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Lynnae Struck back to Heritage! A Heritage graduate, Lynnae returns home to teach 5th and 6th Grade English Language Arts, where she will help students strengthen their reading, writing, and communication skills.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Lynnae is entering her second year as the Heritage High School Cheerleading Coach, continuing to build school spirit and mentor our student-athletes.
We're excited to welcome Lynnae back home and look forward to the positive impact she'll have both in the classroom and on the sidelines. Welcome back, Lynnae!
#ProudHawkCommunity
#HeritageCUSD8
#AimHighSoarHigher
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Lynnae Struck back to Heritage! A Heritage graduate, Lynnae returns home to teach 5th and 6th Grade English Language Arts, where she will help students strengthen their reading, writing, and communication skills.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Lynnae is entering her second year as the Heritage High School Cheerleading Coach, continuing to build school spirit and mentor our student-athletes.
We're excited to welcome Lynnae back home and look forward to the positive impact she'll have both in the classroom and on the sidelines. Welcome back, Lynnae!
#ProudHawkCommunity
#HeritageCUSD8
#AimHighSoarHigher
📣 Updated Student Council Kickoff Flyer!
Please note that the Student Council Kickoff meeting has an updated ending time. The meeting will now be from 11:00 AM–2:00 PM. Please refer to the updated flyer below! 📚
Please note that the Student Council Kickoff meeting has an updated ending time. The meeting will now be from 11:00 AM–2:00 PM. Please refer to the updated flyer below! 📚
Our Proud Heritage Alumni series continues today! ❤️💙
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Kacie Roberts back to Heritage! A 2020 Heritage graduate, Kacie returns home after gaining valuable classroom experience teaching Kindergarten and First Grade. She will serve as our Title I Reading Teacher, supporting literacy and helping students build strong reading foundations. Kacie is also currently working toward her Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Kacie will serve as our new Junior High Cheerleading Coach, helping inspire Hawk pride both academically and athletically.
We're excited to welcome Kacie back home and look forward to the positive impact she'll have on our students. Welcome back, Kacie!
#ProudHawkCommunity
#HeritageCUSD8
#AimHighSoarHigher
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Kacie Roberts back to Heritage! A 2020 Heritage graduate, Kacie returns home after gaining valuable classroom experience teaching Kindergarten and First Grade. She will serve as our Title I Reading Teacher, supporting literacy and helping students build strong reading foundations. Kacie is also currently working toward her Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Kacie will serve as our new Junior High Cheerleading Coach, helping inspire Hawk pride both academically and athletically.
We're excited to welcome Kacie back home and look forward to the positive impact she'll have on our students. Welcome back, Kacie!
#ProudHawkCommunity
#HeritageCUSD8
#AimHighSoarHigher
Some of the educators we'll be featuring over the next several days are no strangers to Heritage, they're proud Heritage alumni who have chosen to come home and invest in the next generation of Hawks. ❤️💙
First up is Mr. Brodie Meneely! A 2022 Heritage graduate, Brodie returns to Heritage after studying chemistry and conducting undergraduate research at the University of Illinois. This summer, he was already making an impact by supporting our Marching Band Camp.
This fall, Brodie will teach AP Chemistry, co-teach Chemistry, teach Physics, and provide daily science exploration/enrichment opportunities for students in grades 3-8. He will also serve as our Heritage High School Assistant Scholastic Bowl Coach.
We're excited to welcome Brodie back home and look forward to the enthusiasm, knowledge, and Hawk pride he'll bring to our classrooms. Welcome back, Brodie!
#ProudHawkCommunity
#HeritageCUSD8
#AimHighSoarHigher
First up is Mr. Brodie Meneely! A 2022 Heritage graduate, Brodie returns to Heritage after studying chemistry and conducting undergraduate research at the University of Illinois. This summer, he was already making an impact by supporting our Marching Band Camp.
This fall, Brodie will teach AP Chemistry, co-teach Chemistry, teach Physics, and provide daily science exploration/enrichment opportunities for students in grades 3-8. He will also serve as our Heritage High School Assistant Scholastic Bowl Coach.
We're excited to welcome Brodie back home and look forward to the enthusiasm, knowledge, and Hawk pride he'll bring to our classrooms. Welcome back, Brodie!
#ProudHawkCommunity
#HeritageCUSD8
#AimHighSoarHigher
Today, we're excited to introduce another new member of our Proud Hawk Community! ❤️💙
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Bella Dudley to Heritage! Bella joins our Heritage Elementary/Junior High team as a member of our Special Education Department and will also lead our Heritage High School Girls Basketball program as head coach.
We are excited to have Bella supporting our students both in the classroom and on the court. Welcome to Heritage, Bella, we're glad you're part of the Hawk family!
#ProudHawkCommunity
#HeritageCUSD8
#AimHighSoarHigher
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Bella Dudley to Heritage! Bella joins our Heritage Elementary/Junior High team as a member of our Special Education Department and will also lead our Heritage High School Girls Basketball program as head coach.
We are excited to have Bella supporting our students both in the classroom and on the court. Welcome to Heritage, Bella, we're glad you're part of the Hawk family!
#ProudHawkCommunity
#HeritageCUSD8
#AimHighSoarHigher
🏀 UPDATE: 2026 Heritage Junior High Girls Basketball 🏀
Please note an important update to our Junior High Girls Basketball schedule!
Open gyms will be held:
📅 August 25 | 6:00-7:30 PM
📅 September 9 | 6:00-7:30 PM (updated to avoid conflicts with other sports practices)
Parents are invited to attend a parent meeting immediately following the September 9 open gym at 7:30 PM.
Open to all girls entering 6th–8th grade this school year. We look forward to seeing everyone as we prepare for the season, which begins September 12.
#HeritageCUSD8
#ProudHawkCommunity
#AimHighSoarHigher
For the next introduction in our Welcome to the Proud Hawk Community series, we’re excited to feature Mr. Nick Smith!
Nick has already been a wonderful addition to Heritage! He and Pat have been instrumental in getting Heritage Elementary/Jr. High ready to welcome our students and staff back for another great year. Thanks for your hard work behind the scenes, Nick!
#HeritageCUSD8
#ProudHawkCommunity
#AimHighSoarHigher
Nick has already been a wonderful addition to Heritage! He and Pat have been instrumental in getting Heritage Elementary/Jr. High ready to welcome our students and staff back for another great year. Thanks for your hard work behind the scenes, Nick!
#HeritageCUSD8
#ProudHawkCommunity
#AimHighSoarHigher
Tonight, the Heritage Marching Band gave families and supporters a preview of their 2026 competition show, Sky Full of Stars, demonstrated their parade marching skills, and performed several new pep band tunes!
This season is especially exciting as the addition of Villa Grove students has enhanced the size, sound, and energy of the band. We appreciate the collaboration of Villa Grove Band Director Mr. Eric Verplaetse in helping make this partnership a success while Mr. Lee continues to lead our outstanding marching band program.
A special thank you to Mr. Lee, the camp staff, our band families, and everyone who supported camp this week. We are looking forward to an incredible marching band season!
#HeritageCUSD8
#AimHighSoarHigher
#ProudHawkCommunity
Good Afternoon, Heritage Families!
We hope everyone is having a great week!
As you continue planning for August, we wanted to share our August Events Calendar and School Menus:
https://www.heritage8.org/documents/calendars-%26-menus/2026-2027/20402710
Thank you to everyone who has already completed registration! We have had an outstanding response this year and we truly appreciate your partnership in helping us prepare for a smooth start to the school year.
As a reminder, Tuesday, August 4, from 1:00–6:00 p.m., district staff will be available in the Band Room at Heritage Elementary/Junior High to:
Assist with student registration
Accept in-person registration fee payments (to avoid the online convenience fee)
If you prefer, registration and fee payments may also be completed online through TeacherEase.
Carle Mobile Health Services will also be on-site from 1:00–5:00 p.m. to provide school physicals and immunizations.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me at norton.kimberly@heritage8.org.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back soon!
Dr. Kimberly Norton
Superintendent, Heritage CUSD #8
We hope everyone is having a great week!
As you continue planning for August, we wanted to share our August Events Calendar and School Menus:
https://www.heritage8.org/documents/calendars-%26-menus/2026-2027/20402710
Thank you to everyone who has already completed registration! We have had an outstanding response this year and we truly appreciate your partnership in helping us prepare for a smooth start to the school year.
As a reminder, Tuesday, August 4, from 1:00–6:00 p.m., district staff will be available in the Band Room at Heritage Elementary/Junior High to:
Assist with student registration
Accept in-person registration fee payments (to avoid the online convenience fee)
If you prefer, registration and fee payments may also be completed online through TeacherEase.
Carle Mobile Health Services will also be on-site from 1:00–5:00 p.m. to provide school physicals and immunizations.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me at norton.kimberly@heritage8.org.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back soon!
Dr. Kimberly Norton
Superintendent, Heritage CUSD #8
Dear Heritage Families,
As we prepare for the start of the school year, we encourage you to log in to TeacherEase to finalize your student's registration and pay any remaining registration fees. Completing these items before the first day of school will help ensure a smooth and efficient start to the year.
If you have already completed your student's registration and fees, thank you! Please disregard this reminder.
If you need assistance with registration, please contact me at norton.kimberly@heritage8.org or 217-896-2041 ext. 1035.
We look forward to welcoming our students back soon!
As we prepare for the start of the school year, we encourage you to log in to TeacherEase to finalize your student's registration and pay any remaining registration fees. Completing these items before the first day of school will help ensure a smooth and efficient start to the year.
If you have already completed your student's registration and fees, thank you! Please disregard this reminder.
If you need assistance with registration, please contact me at norton.kimberly@heritage8.org or 217-896-2041 ext. 1035.
We look forward to welcoming our students back soon!
On July 25, our Heritage Junior High Baseball team kicked off the season with a fun team trip to Peoria! The Hawks enjoyed watching the Peoria Chiefs take on the Lakeland Flying Tigers in an exciting game that came down to the wire. Along the way, everyone enjoyed a classic ballpark meal of hot dogs and popcorn while spending time together as a team.
Here’s to a season of hard work, growth, and great memories. Go Hawks! ❤️💙
#HeritageCUSD8 #ProudHawkCommunity #AimHighSoarHigher
🏃❤️💙 Calling all Heritage Hawks in grades 5–8! 💙❤️🏃
Cross Country season is almost here, and there's still time to join the team! Whether you're an experienced runner or just looking to try something new, we'd love to have you soar with us this fall.
📅 Season Begins: August 10
👟 First Practice: 3:30 PM (West doors of the Homer building)
👨👩👧 Parent Meeting: Immediately following practice at 4:30 PM
Check out the attached flyer for all the details and help us spread the word to any students who may be interested!
👕 Rep the Hawks! Cross Country apparel is available now. Order here:
https://campusink.printavo.com/merch/64316-heritage-hawks-jh-xc-2026-online-store
⏰ Apparel orders close Wednesday, August 6, at 11:59 PM (CST).
#AimHighSoarHigher ❤️🦅💙
Cross Country season is almost here, and there's still time to join the team! Whether you're an experienced runner or just looking to try something new, we'd love to have you soar with us this fall.
📅 Season Begins: August 10
👟 First Practice: 3:30 PM (West doors of the Homer building)
👨👩👧 Parent Meeting: Immediately following practice at 4:30 PM
Check out the attached flyer for all the details and help us spread the word to any students who may be interested!
👕 Rep the Hawks! Cross Country apparel is available now. Order here:
https://campusink.printavo.com/merch/64316-heritage-hawks-jh-xc-2026-online-store
⏰ Apparel orders close Wednesday, August 6, at 11:59 PM (CST).
#AimHighSoarHigher ❤️🦅💙
❤️💙 Heritage High School Cross Country spent the past few days in Tennessee putting in the miles, enjoying time together, and preparing for the season ahead.
Keep working hard, Hawks!
#AimHighSoarHigher #HeritageCUSD8 #ProudHawkCommunity
Please note that the dates for the Heritage Jr. High Girls Basketball Open Gyms have changed.
📅 New Dates: August 3 & 4
🕕 Time: 6:00–7:30 PM
We look forward to seeing all girls entering 6th–8th grade there! ❤️💙 #HeritageCUSD8. #ProudToBeAHawk
📅 New Dates: August 3 & 4
🕕 Time: 6:00–7:30 PM
We look forward to seeing all girls entering 6th–8th grade there! ❤️💙 #HeritageCUSD8. #ProudToBeAHawk
Join our team! We currently have two employment opportunities available for the 2026-2027 school year:
🎣 High School Bass Fishing Coach/Sponsor
🚌 Pre-K Bus Aide: Assist with transportation for our Pre-K students attending St. Joseph and Spectrum.
If you’re passionate about supporting students and becoming part of the Heritage family, we’d love to hear from you!
To learn more about these positions and apply, please visit our Employment Page:
https://www.heritage8.org/page/employment or feel free to contact Dr. Norton at Norton.kimberly@heritage8.org
Come help make a difference in the lives of our Hawks! ❤️💙
#HeritageCUSD8
#ProudHawkCommunity
