❤️💙 Student Spotlight: Sharing His Story
Heritage exchange student Andrii Bilyi was recently featured by WCIA as he reflects on the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine four years later and shares his personal experience.
His story highlights resilience, courage, and the powerful perspectives exchange students bring to our school community.
A special thank you to Darin and Gail Riggs and their family for welcoming Andrii and supporting him during his time at Heritage. Your generosity reflects the very best of our community.
Read and watch his story here:
👉 https://www.wcia.com/news/champaign-county/4-years-later-champaign-co-student-recalls-russias-invasion-of-ukraine/
#HeritageCUSD8
#ProudHawkCommunity
Heritage exchange student Andrii Bilyi was recently featured by WCIA as he reflects on the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine four years later and shares his personal experience.
His story highlights resilience, courage, and the powerful perspectives exchange students bring to our school community.
A special thank you to Darin and Gail Riggs and their family for welcoming Andrii and supporting him during his time at Heritage. Your generosity reflects the very best of our community.
Read and watch his story here:
👉 https://www.wcia.com/news/champaign-county/4-years-later-champaign-co-student-recalls-russias-invasion-of-ukraine/
#HeritageCUSD8
#ProudHawkCommunity
Heritage Boys play tonight in the IHSA semifinals vs Casey-Westfield at Casey-Westfield High School @ 6pm. Come out to cheer on your Hawks!
#HeritageCUSD8
#ProudHawkCommunity
📣 VGH Football Cheerleading Tryouts
VGH is excited to welcome students interested in joining the VGH Football Cheerleading team.
Clinic Dates (VG Big Gym | 6–8 PM):
• Thursday, March 12
• Monday, March 16
• Tuesday, March 17
• Monday, March 23
• Tuesday, March 24
✅ Participants must attend at least 3 clinics and have a current physical on file to try out.
⭐ Tryouts:
🗓 March 29 | 6–8 PM
📍 Villa Grove High School
This is a great opportunity to build skills, show school spirit, and be part of a team.
Questions can be directed to the coaching staff or school office.
🏈 VGH Football Meet & Greet
Families and interested athletes are invited to join us for an opportunity to meet the VGH Football coaching staff and learn more about the upcoming season.
📅 March 4, 2026
⏰ 6:15 PM
📍 Heritage High School
This is a great opportunity to connect with coaches, ask questions, and hear about expectations, communication, and plans for the season.
We look forward to seeing you there and supporting our student-athletes as we prepare for the year ahead.
❤️💙 Final Invitation : Parent & Student University (March 3)
We are looking forward to Parent & Student University on March 3 and the opportunity for families, students, and staff to learn together, connect, and explore the many experiences happening across Heritage.
Thank you to the students and families who have already signed up early. Students who registered early will receive a Smith Burger voucher for a burger and fries as a thank-you for their commitment and involvement.
Smith Burger will also be available during the evening for attendees.
If you have been considering joining us, there is still time to register. We would love to have you there as we highlight student opportunities and welcome our incoming principals.
Your presence is always appreciated, and we understand schedules are busy. If you are able to attend, please sign up below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScuyhnugQrmKFkXHHB2LuI9DDH2_daEgRjaUpBTa4WONuD_ww/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=103280557002505093308
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our students.
Hope to see you at Heritage Elementary/Junior High!
Enjoy your day!
Dr. Norton
We are looking forward to Parent & Student University on March 3 and the opportunity for families, students, and staff to learn together, connect, and explore the many experiences happening across Heritage.
Thank you to the students and families who have already signed up early. Students who registered early will receive a Smith Burger voucher for a burger and fries as a thank-you for their commitment and involvement.
Smith Burger will also be available during the evening for attendees.
If you have been considering joining us, there is still time to register. We would love to have you there as we highlight student opportunities and welcome our incoming principals.
Your presence is always appreciated, and we understand schedules are busy. If you are able to attend, please sign up below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScuyhnugQrmKFkXHHB2LuI9DDH2_daEgRjaUpBTa4WONuD_ww/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=103280557002505093308
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our students.
Hope to see you at Heritage Elementary/Junior High!
Enjoy your day!
Dr. Norton
🚜🌽 FFA Farmers Breakfast🥞🥓
Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning for the Heritage FFA Farmers Breakfast. It was wonderful to see our community come together to support our students and celebrate agricultural education.
A special thank you to our FFA members, families, and Advisor, Mrs. Magsamen for their hard work in planning, preparing, and serving a delicious breakfast. Events like this showcase student leadership, teamwork, and the strong connection between our schools and community. 💙💛
#HeritageCUSD8
#ProudHawkCommunity ❤️💙
Second grade students in Mrs. Struck and Mrs. Izard’s class recently connected virtually with Mr. Frost’s Industrial Technology students to learn about the many hands-on opportunities available in high school. High school students shared their projects, answered questions prepared by the second graders, and demonstrated tools, design work, and welding processes from the shop classroom.
This experience allowed our youngest learners to see real examples of creativity, problem solving, and career skills in action while building excitement for future learning pathways. Thank you to Mrs. Struck, Mrs. Izard, and Mr. Frost for collaborating to create meaningful connections that bring learning to life across our district.
🎥 Watch the experience here:
https://bit.ly/4tS68wk
#HeritageCUSD8
#ProudHawkCommunity
This experience allowed our youngest learners to see real examples of creativity, problem solving, and career skills in action while building excitement for future learning pathways. Thank you to Mrs. Struck, Mrs. Izard, and Mr. Frost for collaborating to create meaningful connections that bring learning to life across our district.
🎥 Watch the experience here:
https://bit.ly/4tS68wk
#HeritageCUSD8
#ProudHawkCommunity
Hello!
I hope you are enjoying your weekend. We are close to reaching our 5Essentials Parent Survey goal but still need about 10% more responses to meet the threshold needed to receive feedback.
Please take a few minutes today:
https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois
Thank you for your support. ❤️💙
Dr. Norton
I hope you are enjoying your weekend. We are close to reaching our 5Essentials Parent Survey goal but still need about 10% more responses to meet the threshold needed to receive feedback.
Please take a few minutes today:
https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois
Thank you for your support. ❤️💙
Dr. Norton
We’re hiring coaches!
Heritage CUSD #8 has multiple coaching opportunities available. If you’re passionate about supporting students, building teamwork, and creating positive experiences, we would love to connect.
See current openings and apply:
https://www.heritage8.org/page/employment
#HeritageCUSD8
#ProudHawkCommunity
Heritage CUSD #8 has multiple coaching opportunities available. If you’re passionate about supporting students, building teamwork, and creating positive experiences, we would love to connect.
See current openings and apply:
https://www.heritage8.org/page/employment
#HeritageCUSD8
#ProudHawkCommunity
Dear Heritage Families and Community,
Our February Heritage Newsletter is now available and filled with celebrations, important updates, and upcoming opportunities for students and families.
In this edition you will find:
• Student achievements and highlights across the district
• Updates on activities, athletics, FFA, FCCLA, and student leadership
• Information about upcoming events including Parent and Student University
• A welcome to new educators and important district updates
• Opportunities for family engagement, including the Illinois 5Essentials Parent Survey
February has been a busy and meaningful month at Heritage, and this newsletter reflects the learning, growth, and strong sense of community that makes our Proud Hawk Community so special.
You may view the newsletter here:
https://app.smore.com/n/pv7zy
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
Dr. Kimberly Norton
Superintendent
Heritage CUSD #8
Our February Heritage Newsletter is now available and filled with celebrations, important updates, and upcoming opportunities for students and families.
In this edition you will find:
• Student achievements and highlights across the district
• Updates on activities, athletics, FFA, FCCLA, and student leadership
• Information about upcoming events including Parent and Student University
• A welcome to new educators and important district updates
• Opportunities for family engagement, including the Illinois 5Essentials Parent Survey
February has been a busy and meaningful month at Heritage, and this newsletter reflects the learning, growth, and strong sense of community that makes our Proud Hawk Community so special.
You may view the newsletter here:
https://app.smore.com/n/pv7zy
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
Dr. Kimberly Norton
Superintendent
Heritage CUSD #8
❤️💙 Parents and Guardians : Your Voice Matters! 💙❤️
Heritage families are invited to participate in the Illinois 5Essentials Parent Survey, an important opportunity to share your thoughts about your child’s school.
This statewide survey, administered by UChicago Impact at the University of Chicago on behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education, helps schools understand how they are performing in five key areas that support student success:
• Effective Leaders
• Collaborative Teachers
• Involved Families
• Supportive Environments
• Ambitious Instruction
Your feedback is completely confidential and helps us better understand the conditions in each of our schools so we can continue improving for our students.
Currently, participation is at 2% at the high school and 6% at the elementary/junior high. When at least 20% of Heritage parents participate, we receive a detailed parent report that guides our school improvement efforts.
👉 Please take the survey here:
https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/
Thank you for partnering with us and helping us grow stronger together.
Dr. Norton
Heritage families are invited to participate in the Illinois 5Essentials Parent Survey, an important opportunity to share your thoughts about your child’s school.
This statewide survey, administered by UChicago Impact at the University of Chicago on behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education, helps schools understand how they are performing in five key areas that support student success:
• Effective Leaders
• Collaborative Teachers
• Involved Families
• Supportive Environments
• Ambitious Instruction
Your feedback is completely confidential and helps us better understand the conditions in each of our schools so we can continue improving for our students.
Currently, participation is at 2% at the high school and 6% at the elementary/junior high. When at least 20% of Heritage parents participate, we receive a detailed parent report that guides our school improvement efforts.
👉 Please take the survey here:
https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/
Thank you for partnering with us and helping us grow stronger together.
Dr. Norton
❤️💙 Welcome to Our Incoming Heritage Principals! 💙❤️
We are excited to officially welcome Mr. Michael Gourley as Principal of Heritage High School and Mrs. Kristin Shanks as Principal of Heritage Elementary/Junior High School beginning July 1, 2026.
Both leaders bring extensive experience, student-centered leadership, and a deep commitment to collaboration and excellence. We are confident they will help guide our schools forward while building on the strong traditions that make Heritage such a special place.
Families will have an opportunity to meet Mr. Gourley and Mrs. Shanks at our upcoming Parent & Student University on March 3, 2026, at Heritage Elementary/Junior High.
Please review the program and sign up here:
https://bit.ly/4aVVs8q
We look forward to introducing them to our Proud Hawk Community!
#HeritageCUSD8
#ProudHawkCommunity
Our Lady Hawks wrapped up their Regionals tonight, what a season!
They showed heart, grit, and true Hawk pride all year long. We are so proud of their growth and dedication.
A huge thank you to our pep band for doing an outstanding job and bringing the energy to support our girls! 🎶🏀
Thank you to our players, coaches, and fans for an unforgettable season. ❤️💙
#ProudHawkCommunity
#HeritageCUSD8
Join us at home tonight to cheer on our girls in their first round of Regionals!! ❤️🏀💙
#HeritageCUSD8
#ProudHawkCommunity
🏀 Regional Game Night! 🏀
The Heritage Hawks Girls Basketball Team will compete in the IHSA 1A Regional Tournament Monday night at 7:30 PM.
Games begin at 6:00 PM, but our Hawks tip off at 7:30 PM.
Let’s pack the gym and bring the energy!
❤️💙
#ProudHawkCommunity
Our Heritage Junior High and High School Cheerleaders participated in Night to Shine last evening and we could not be more proud. 💙❤️
They represented Heritage with kindness, energy, and servant hearts by cheering, dancing, and helping make the night unforgettable for every guest.
Thank you for shining your light and showing what it truly means to be a Hawk.
#ProudHawkCommunity
#HeritageCUSD8
Congratulations to Coach White on your final home game coaching Heritage High! 🏀
Thank you for your dedication, leadership, and the countless hours you’ve poured into our student-athletes and our program. Your commitment to Heritage High School has made a lasting impact.
And what a way to close it out with a WIN over Blue Ridge! ❤️💙
We are grateful for the memories, the lessons, and the pride you’ve helped build in our #ProudHawkCommunity
Come out to Heritage High School tonight and pack the gym for the boys’ last home game of the season! 🏀
Tonight is also Mr. White’s final home game as Heritage High School’s basketball coach. Help us celebrate his leadership, dedication, and the countless hours he has poured into our student-athletes over the years.
Game time is 5:30 PM...let’s make it loud, proud, and unforgettable!
❤️💙
#HeritageCUSD8
#ProudHawkCommunity
Tonight is also Mr. White’s final home game as Heritage High School’s basketball coach. Help us celebrate his leadership, dedication, and the countless hours he has poured into our student-athletes over the years.
Game time is 5:30 PM...let’s make it loud, proud, and unforgettable!
❤️💙
#HeritageCUSD8
#ProudHawkCommunity
Hi Hawks Families,
You're invited to come run (or walk) our hallways tomorrow evening at Heritage Elementary/Junior High, Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 6:15 PM! As part of the Heritage Digital Detox 5K, we're welcoming Hawks and their families to complete 16 laps inside the school, the equivalent to a 5K. No sign up is required. Signs are posted in the hallways to direct you on the route, and you can tally your laps on the whiteboard just inside the west entrance. Please see the flyer for more details!
Light refreshments will be provided. :)
We hope you come join us for an evening of exercise, and a break from screens.
🎉🏀 Senior Night at Heritage! 🎺📣
Join us as we celebrate our Boys Basketball, Cheer, and Pep Band Seniors and the families who have supported them every step of the way!
Come out and pack the gym as the Hawks take on the Cerro Gordo Broncos.
Let’s show up loud and proud for our seniors! ❤️💙
#HeritageCUSD8
#ProudHawkCommunity
