June Edition-Proud Hawk Community

Dear Heritage Families and Community,

Although the school year has come to a close, summer remains a busy and important season for Heritage CUSD #8. Across the district, our team is hard at work preparing for the 2026-2027 school year and ensuring our students and staff return to safe, welcoming, and well-prepared learning environments this fall.

Throughout the summer, several facility improvement projects will take place across our campuses, including parking lot, elementary/junior high track improvements, office and classroom renovations, technology updates, and routine maintenance projects. These investments help preserve our facilities while creating spaces that support student learning and success.

Please register online by July 2 if you have not already done so. Completing registration helps us finalize class sections, staffing, transportation, and schedules for the upcoming school year. Please email norton.kimberly@heritage8.org. We are happy to schedule a time and complete the process together.

Summer is also a time for planning. Our staff members have been participating in summer academic planning sessions, while students have been taking part in cheerleading and basketball open gyms.

One of the most exciting changes for the upcoming year is the addition of new building leadership. Beginning in July, Mrs. Kristin Shanks will serve as Principal of Heritage Elementary/Junior High School and Mr. Michael Gourley will serve as Principal of Heritage High School. Both leaders bring valuable experience, a student-centered focus, and a commitment to building strong relationships with students, staff, and families.

Thank you for your continued support of Heritage CUSD #8. We look forward to partnering with you as we prepare for another outstanding school year. Until then, I hope you and your family enjoy a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer.

With appreciation,

Dr. Norton

The Heritage CUSD #8 Board of Education met on Monday, June 15, to review district progress and prepare for the upcoming school year.

Highlights from the meeting included:

• Review of the district's 2025–2030 Strategic Plan progress update
• Approval of the FY26 amended budget
• Renewal of the district's three-year E-Learning Plan
• Approval of an amended 2026–2027 school calendar, making Election Day a regular student attendance day
• Approval of a transfer to support district technology investments
• Adoption of updated PRESS Board Policies
• Approval of Board Protocols, Board-Superintendent Communication Expectations, and a Board Self-Evaluation process

The Board also received updates on online registration, facilities improvements, and technology initiatives underway across the district.

We appreciate our Board of Education members for their continued commitment to student success and responsible stewardship of district resources.

At the June Board of Education meeting, Heritage CUSD #8 reviewed progress on the district’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan and celebrated significant accomplishments across all five focus areas. Highlights include a graduation rate of 95.2% in 2025, the highest in the past three years, an increase in Ninth Grade On Track to 92% in 2025, and continued improvements in chronic absenteeism at both the elementary/junior high and high school levels. The district also expanded academic, extracurricular, and career opportunities for students, secured $65,000 in external funding for facility improvements, strengthened financial stability through strategic investments, and continued building strong partnerships with families and community organizations.

Heritage CUSD #8 remains committed to continuous improvement through annual reviews, data-informed decision-making, and collaboration to ensure every student is prepared for success. We anticipate even greater advancements as additional 2025-2026 school report card data becomes available later this fall, providing a more comprehensive picture of student growth and district progress. We are doing preliminary calculations and are expecting continued growth! To view the full Strategic Plan and progress update, visit our website or scan the QR code included in the infographic.

Hello Heritage Families, Students, and Staff,

I hope everyone is having a fabulous summer!

I am thrilled to introduce myself and officially join the Heritage family. As I prepare for this exciting new chapter, I wanted to take a moment to say hello and share how excited I am to become part of such a wonderful school community.

From everything I have heard and seen so far, Heritage is a special place filled with caring people, dedicated staff, supportive families, and incredible students. I feel truly fortunate to be joining the Heritage family and look forward to working with all of you in the months and years ahead.

I will be spending time in the building beginning in late July and am eager to start meeting students, families, and staff. One of the things I enjoy most about education is building relationships, and I can't wait to learn more about the people, traditions, and experiences that make Heritage such a special place.

Please feel free to reach out at any time to kristin.shanks@heritage8.org with questions, ideas, or simply to introduce yourself. My inbox is always open, and I would love the opportunity to connect with you.

Thank you for all of the warm welcomes so far. I am excited to join the Heritage family, and I look forward to an amazing year of learning, growth, collaboration, and celebration together.

Enjoy the rest of your summer, and I look forward to seeing everyone soon!

Warmly,

Mrs. Shanks

Dear Heritage Students, Families, and Staff,

Summer provides a valuable opportunity to slow down, spend time with family and friends, pursue personal interests, and celebrate accomplishments and growth. While it’s a good time for reflection, we also look ahead with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming school year. New opportunities, new experiences, and new goals await us. I am eager to welcome everyone back and continue building on the strong foundation that has been established. I look forward to meeting and getting to know each of you throughout the 2026-27 school year. I will be in the building starting in mid-July, so feel free to reach out by phone or e-mail (michael.gourley@heritage8.org), or stop by if you are in the building. I hope you all are enjoying a fun and relaxing summer break.

Best regards,

Mr. Gourley