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
The countdown to an amazing school year begins now! Join us as we celebrate School Year's Eve and kick off the 2026-2027 school year together.
❤️ Aim High. Soar Higher.
📅 Wednesday, August 12, 2026
🏫 Heritage Elementary/Junior High Open House (Grades K–8)
🕟 4:30–6:00 PM
📍 512 W. First Street, Homer
Meet your teachers, find your classroom, set up your desk or locker, reconnect with friends, and get excited for a fantastic year ahead!
A special thank you to Homer New Life Church of Faith for providing school supplies for our K–8 students. We are incredibly grateful for their continued support of our students and families!
Be sure to stop by the PTC table to:
🎒 Learn about opportunities to get involved
🍪 Enjoy a special treat
🦅 Shop for Heritage Hawk apparel
🎓 Heritage High School New Student & Freshman Orientation
🕠 5:30–7:00 PM
📍 206 E. Diller Avenue, Broadlands
New to Heritage High School? Join us to explore the building, meet staff, and get ready for a successful year.
We can't wait to welcome our students and families back as One Proud Hawk Community!
❤️ Together We Learn.
🤍 Together We Grow.
💙 Together We Soar.
#HeritageCUSD8 #ProudHawkCommunity
❤️ Aim High. Soar Higher.
📅 Wednesday, August 12, 2026
🏫 Heritage Elementary/Junior High Open House (Grades K–8)
🕟 4:30–6:00 PM
📍 512 W. First Street, Homer
Meet your teachers, find your classroom, set up your desk or locker, reconnect with friends, and get excited for a fantastic year ahead!
A special thank you to Homer New Life Church of Faith for providing school supplies for our K–8 students. We are incredibly grateful for their continued support of our students and families!
Be sure to stop by the PTC table to:
🎒 Learn about opportunities to get involved
🍪 Enjoy a special treat
🦅 Shop for Heritage Hawk apparel
🎓 Heritage High School New Student & Freshman Orientation
🕠 5:30–7:00 PM
📍 206 E. Diller Avenue, Broadlands
New to Heritage High School? Join us to explore the building, meet staff, and get ready for a successful year.
We can't wait to welcome our students and families back as One Proud Hawk Community!
❤️ Together We Learn.
🤍 Together We Grow.
💙 Together We Soar.
#HeritageCUSD8 #ProudHawkCommunity
School Fee Payment Is Now Live in TeacherEase
Online fee payment for the 2026-2027 school year is now available in TeacherEase.
Simply log in to your TeacherEase account to view and pay your student's fees.
If you experience any issues, please contact Dr. Kimberly Norton at norton.kimberly@heritage8.org or 217-896-2041 ext. 132.
Thank you for your partnership as we prepare for another fantastic school year. We look forward to welcoming our students back soon! ❤️💙
#HeritageCUSD8
#ProudHawkCommunity
The June Heritage CUSD #8 Newsletter is now available!
Inside you'll find important back-to-school dates, online registration reminders, district and strategic plan updates, introductions to our new principals, summer facility improvements, and information regarding school physicals and immunizations.
📅 Online registration closes July 2.
If you need assistance completing registration, please contact me at norton.kimberly@heritage8.org. We are happy to schedule a time and complete the process together.
Read the newsletter here:
https://app.smore.com/n/9cy31x
Thank you for being part of our Proud Hawk Community, and enjoy the remainder of your summer!
Dr. Norton
Inside you'll find important back-to-school dates, online registration reminders, district and strategic plan updates, introductions to our new principals, summer facility improvements, and information regarding school physicals and immunizations.
📅 Online registration closes July 2.
If you need assistance completing registration, please contact me at norton.kimberly@heritage8.org. We are happy to schedule a time and complete the process together.
Read the newsletter here:
https://app.smore.com/n/9cy31x
Thank you for being part of our Proud Hawk Community, and enjoy the remainder of your summer!
Dr. Norton
Calling all girls entering 6th-8th grade for the 2026-2027 school year! Join us this summer for Heritage Jr. High Open Gyms and get ready for an exciting season of basketball and volleyball.
🏀 Girls Basketball Open Gyms
📅 August 3 & August 6
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Heritage Jr. High Big Gym
➡️ Please use the north doors on the back side of the gym for entry and exit.
🏐 Volleyball Open Gyms
📅 July 13 & July 17
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Heritage Jr. High Multipurpose Room Gym
➡️ Please use the bussing doors on the west side of the multipurpose room for entry.
These open gyms are a great opportunity to build skills, meet teammates, and have fun while preparing for the upcoming school year!
📧 Questions? Contact Crystal Hurley at crystal.hurley@heritage8.org
#ProudHawkCommunity #HeritageCUSD8 ❤️💙
🏀 Girls Basketball Open Gyms
📅 August 3 & August 6
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Heritage Jr. High Big Gym
➡️ Please use the north doors on the back side of the gym for entry and exit.
🏐 Volleyball Open Gyms
📅 July 13 & July 17
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Heritage Jr. High Multipurpose Room Gym
➡️ Please use the bussing doors on the west side of the multipurpose room for entry.
These open gyms are a great opportunity to build skills, meet teammates, and have fun while preparing for the upcoming school year!
📧 Questions? Contact Crystal Hurley at crystal.hurley@heritage8.org
#ProudHawkCommunity #HeritageCUSD8 ❤️💙
🥎 Heritage Junior High Softball Parents & Players! 🥎
If your student will be in grades 5–8 and is interested in playing softball this fall, please plan to attend our Parent Meeting:
📅 June 24
🕡 6:45 PM
📍 Junior High Ball Fields
🥎 Before the 8:00 PM Major Girls Game
This meeting will cover important information for the upcoming season and provide an opportunity to ask questions.
Can't attend but your child plans to play? Contact:
📧 ashley.knowles@heritage8.org
📧 megan.desmond@heritage8.org
#HeritageCUSD8 #ProudHawkCommunity 🥎❤️💙
If your student will be in grades 5–8 and is interested in playing softball this fall, please plan to attend our Parent Meeting:
📅 June 24
🕡 6:45 PM
📍 Junior High Ball Fields
🥎 Before the 8:00 PM Major Girls Game
This meeting will cover important information for the upcoming season and provide an opportunity to ask questions.
Can't attend but your child plans to play? Contact:
📧 ashley.knowles@heritage8.org
📧 megan.desmond@heritage8.org
#HeritageCUSD8 #ProudHawkCommunity 🥎❤️💙
Dear Heritage Families,
Good News! We’re down to approximately 80 students who have not yet completed registration for the 2026-2027 school year!
Need assistance with registration, or know someone who does? We're happy to help!
Returning families can register by logging into TeacherEase on a computer and selecting Miscellaneous → Online Registration.
New to Heritage? Contact Dr. Kimberly Norton at norton.kimberly@heritage8.org or 217-896-2041 (132)for enrollment information.
Thank you for helping us prepare for a great school year!
Dr. Norton
📚 Want a Clean Slate for Summer? ❤️💙
Take a few minutes to complete your child’s 2026-2027 registration and cross one more item off your summer checklist!
Completing registration now helps us finalize staffing, transportation, schedules, and planning for a great year ahead.
🏥 Need a school or sports physical? ROE #9 is offering FREE school and sports physicals on select dates TODAY and throughout June for students entering grades K-12. No insurance is required, and a parent/guardian must be present. See the flyer below for details.
✅ Complete registration
✅ Take advantage of a free school or sports physical if needed
✅ Enjoy your summer knowing you’re ready for the new school year
Thank you to everyone who has already completed registration. We are so close and appreciate your help in preparing for another great year at Heritage!
