Proud Hawk Community

Hello, Hawk Families!

Online Registration is Now Open!

We’re excited to welcome all of our Heritage families back for the 2025–2026 school year! Online registration is open now through August 8, and we encourage returning families to complete the process early to help us prepare for a smooth start. This includes confirming student information, updating emergency contacts, and completing required forms. If you need help, feel free to reach out to your school office.

🗓️ In-Person Registration for New Families will be held on Wednesday, August 6 at Heritage Elementary/JuniorHigh School, with staff available to assist from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM and 2:00–6:00 PM. This event is ideal for families new to the district or anyone who prefers to register in person.

To help you get ready, we’ve included helpful links below to our school calendar, supply lists, and back-to-school information:

📅 View the 2025–2026 School Calendar
🎒 Registration & Supply Lists

We can’t wait to welcome our Hawks back! Stay tuned to our website and social media for more updates as we gear up for another great year at Heritage.

At the July Board of Education meeting, several key topics were presented for discussion:

The Board reviewed a first reading of the district’s proposed Balanced Technology Use Policy. This policy aims to support student well-being, focus, and academic engagement by setting clear expectations for personal device use during the school day.

Transportation Update:Viafy is our new parent transportation app for bus transportation. Please check your email for instructions on how to download and set up the app, be sure to check your spam or junk folder in case it was filtered there.The Android version is in the process of being updated.

Technology -Phone System: An update was provided on the district-wide phone system replacement for both schools which will improve reliability and streamline communication to be finalized before school begins.

Facilities Update:Final roofing work at Heritage Elementary/Junior High is scheduled for the week of August 4th and will be completed prior to the start of school. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we wrap up this important improvement to ensure a safe and well-maintained learning environment for our students and staff.

PRESS Plus Board Policy Updates:The Board is currently working with the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) to develop a more user-friendly and accessible district policy manual. Updates and revisions will be made over the coming weeks to ensure alignment with current law and best practices.

Board Governance Application: The Board discussed participation in the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) School Board Governance Recognition program and is in the process of finalizing the application. School boards that demonstrate effective governance practices, engage in ongoing professional development, and align their work with IASB’s Foundational Principles of Effective Governance.

Rooted in Community, Growing Together: Why Showing Up Matters

Showing up every day helps students thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. Here’s how daily attendance supports our shared goal of connection and growth:

✅ Missed Lessons = Missed Opportunities
Each day builds on the last. Missing even one class can mean missing key learning moments, collaborative activities, and meaningful discussions.

📈 Present Today, Prepared for Tomorrow
Consistent attendance is one of the strongest predictors of growth and long-term success. It helps students stay on track and opens doors for future opportunities.

💪 Growth Through Grit
Daily attendance strengthens habits like responsibility and perseverance—skills that help students grow both in school and in life.

🧩Rooted in Connection
Being present allows students to build strong friendships and feel a sense of belonging in our school community.

🧠 Routines that Support Wellness
A steady routine supports both mental and physical health—for students and families alike.

Need help with attendance?

We’re here to partner with you. If your child is struggling to come to school, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Kelsi Walters, Social Worker at Heritage Elementary/Junior High at kelsi.walters@heritage8.org or call 217-896-2421. For high school support, reach out to Patti Knott, School Counselor at Heritage High School at patti.knott@heritage8.org or call 217-834-3392.

Let’s make 2025–2026 a year where we show up, grow together, and stay rooted in what matters most...community and learning.

Dear Heritage Families,

We’re excited to announce that your child's credentials to access the transportation portal should have been emailed to you.. The following link will help you stay informed and connected to your child’s bus schedule and important updates. By selecting this link, you will be able to review your child's bus route and make any requests. Please reach out if you can't find the credentials that were emailed to you from Viafy. They were sent again July 22nd. To download the Viafy Parent App review these options:

1. Download the app on the App Store or Google Play to obtain real time bus information

2. App Store

3. Google Play

Please review the brief overview videos below to get familiar with the app’s capabilities and check your email with the credentials to download the app. The Android version should be updated in the next couple weeks.

Thank you for partnering with us to ensure safe and reliable transportation for all Heritage students!

Spanish Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEuTHwc57LU

English Link: https://youtu.be/Jx6Cx_dGxDk

My name is Mary McGarigle and I am the new Athletic Director for Heritage School District, as well as High School Physical Education and Health teacher.

I have been teaching for the past 13 years and going on year 14. I am very excited about this new adventure and looking forward to finally working close to home in the same district that I reside in. I can’t wait to be a part of the Hawk community!

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, staying active, traveling, scrapbooking and doing yard work outside of our home.

My name is Brandy George. My greatest accomplishments will always be my children. Two of which have graduated from Heritage, and my youngest will be in 8th grade. We spend our time at Michael’s sporting events or working on our little farm. When time allows, I enjoy crafting and refinishing furniture.

I’m so excited to be a part of the Heritage crew! I look forward to assisting the teachers and students this coming school year!

Thank You to Our Community Sponsors!

We are excited to recognize our first community sponsors for the 2025–2026 school year—Heritage Sports Commission (HSC) and Loman Ray Insurance. Thanks to their generous support, we’re able to provide Hudl access to our entire Heritage community!

What is Hudl?
Hudl is a digital platform that allows us to record, stream, and share important school events. While it's widely used for athletics, we’ll also use it to capture and share school celebrations, assemblies, and special moments throughout the year. Please note: some performances, such as school plays, may not be viewable due to copyright restrictions.

How to Access Hudl:

1. Download the Hudl app from the App Store or Google Play.

2. Or visit www.hudl.com on your computer.

3. Create a free account and follow Heritage Hawks to view available videos and livestreams.

We are thrilled to offer this opportunity to our families and community—and extend our heartfelt thanks to HSC and Loman Ray Insurance for making it possible!

Heritage CUSD #8 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for New & Returning Families

1. How do I create a TeacherEase account?

To set up your TeacherEase account:

• Visit www.teacherease.com

• Click “Parent Sign Up” and follow the prompts using the email address you provided during registration.

• If you need help or did not receive an invite, please contact your school office:

  • Heritage Elementary/Jr. High: (217) 896-2421

  • Heritage High School: (217) 834-3392

Once your TeacherEase account is set up:

• Log in at www.teacherease.com

• Select Fees > Meal Transactions to view balances

• Click “Add Funds” to deposit money using a card or e-check

Need assistance? Call your school office:

• Elementary/JH Office: (217) 896-2421

• High School Office: (217) 834-3392

3. How do teachers communicate with parents?

While many teachers use platforms like ClassDojo, others may use email or TeacherEase messaging.

We encourage all teachers to communicate consistently, and we recommend checking with your child’s teacher at the start of the year for their preferred method.

4. Are field trips always communicated to parents?

For field trips outside of district grounds, parents will always receive a permission slip.
For local or in-district trips (e.g., walking to the library or park), permission may be covered by a general consent form signed during registration.
If you have questions, please contact your child’s teacher or the school office.

5. Where can I find the lunch menu, student handbook, and other documents?

All key resources are available on our district website:

• Visit: www.heritage8.org

• Go to the “Documents” tab for quick links to:

  • Informations for Parents (registration, supply lists, student handbook)

  • Calendars/Menus

Classroom teacher assignments (for elementary and junior high) are viewable via TeacherEase as registration is finalized. Attend School Year's Eve to meet your child's teachers!

Making 2025–2026 a Year of Endless Possibilities!

Join us as we kick off the school year with excitement and opportunity at...

Heritage Elementary/Junior High and Heritage High School!

When: Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Time: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM (Elementary/Junior High Open House)
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (High School New Student & Freshman Orientation)

Heritage Elementary/Junior High
512 W. First Street, Homer, IL 61849
Dreaming big for our futures! Come meet your teachers, find your classroom, set up your desk or locker, and reconnect with friends!

Heritage High School
206 E. Diller Avenue, Broadlands, IL 61816
New to HHS? Freshman or transfer student? Join us for orientation to explore the building, meet staff, and get ready for a year full of endless possibilities!

We can’t wait to see you there and start the year together!