The Heritage Herald

This newsletter, The Heritage Herald, will be sent out twice a month and will also be posted on our website and social media pages. Please read all information, and feel free to contact the school with any questions.

I look forward to having a great year with you and your children!

Mrs. P. Malone

Principal, HMS

pmalone@sd104.us

708-458-7590

8/15 ~ Back To School Bash (see below for information)

8/19 ~ First Day of School (LATE START & EARLY DISMISSAL)

9/7 ~ LABOR DAY--NO SCHOOL

9/10 ~ HMS CURRICULUM NIGHT - 6:00-7:30

9/25 ~ Fall Picture Day

If you are not able to make the walkthrough, do not worry! Teachers will be assisting students with finding their way around the building and with lockers during the first weeks of school.

All students and parents can check PowerSchool for student schedules. If there were any changes made to your child's schedule, they will be reflected on PowerSchool.

On the first day of school, students will line up near the back parking lot at the following doors. Students who arrive early for breakfast will be sent to their grade level door after breakfast.

6th Grade: Door 16

7th Grade: Door 12 (7th Grade will dismiss from door 1 each day.)

8th Grade: Door 13

*REMINDER: THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL IS A LATE START & EARLY DISMISSAL DAY.

📢 Attention Incoming 6th Grade Families!

There are multiple opportunities to help your child complete the required health requirements before school starts.

🩺 Option 1: District 104 Back to School Bash – FREE Vaccine Clinic
CIMPAR will be providing required school vaccinations at no cost during our Back to School Bash.

📅 Vaccine Clinic: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
✅ Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-registration is encouraged to secure a spot.

Register here:
https://portal.reya.net/registration/idph/pod/6917c3dc92481d41fb643d09/event/6a2707ccb29aed656379883d/product-selection

🚐 Option 2: Ronald McDonald Care Mobile – August 24
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile will be at Graves/HMS on August 24 offering school physicals, immunizations, sports physicals, and select lab testing for children ages 4–18 who are uninsured or covered by a state-funded insurance plan (such as Medicaid). Please call your child's school office to schedule an appointment.

If your child still needs their 6th grade physical, required immunizations, or both, we encourage you to take advantage of one of these free opportunities, so they are ready for school.

School District 104 provides bus transportation for students who live more than 1.5 miles from their home school or need to cross a dangerous intersection to get there. Transportation is not available for students living within walking distance, less than 1.5 miles from their home school. Families must register each student for bus service every school year through our online form.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Check the Bus Schedule

The bus schedule is available separately and can be viewed via the link below.

2. Review the Bus Policy

Parents must review, share with their students, and agree to the busing policy. The bus policy can be accessed through the link below.

3. Register for the Bus Service

For the 2026–2027 school year, families can sign up using the district’s online bus registration form linked below.

4. Be Timely at the Bus Stop

Students should arrive at the designated bus stop 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. Early delays are common, especially during the first weeks of school, bad weather, or heavy traffic.

5. Register Early to Avoid Missing Service

All bus riders must be registered officially; students without registration will not be allowed to ride the bus.

It is extremely important that you follow this flow of traffic so that we keep all students safe. Please pull all the way ahead, and allow your child to walk back to their door.

In an effort to keep all students safe and to create a positive learning environment, we expect all of our HMS students to follow the rules and expectations that are detailed in the student handbook. If you have any additional questions, please call us.

UNIFORM AND GRADE LEVEL SHIRTS CAN BE PURCHASED IN THE HMS OFFICE NEXT WEEK FROM 9:00-1:00.

ON FRIDAYS, STUDENTS MAY WEAR SCHOOL APPROPRIATE JEANS (NO RIPS/TEARS THAT SHOW SKIN).

HOODIES

PER OUR STUDENT HANDBOOK, "NO HOODIES MAY BE WORN EXCEPT FOR RECOGNIZED SCHOOL SPIRIT WEAR."

STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE ORDER FORMS FOR SPIRIT WEAR HOODIES AND SWEATSHIRTS IN THE COMING WEEKS.

October 13, 2026 ~ Administrative Center
November 10, 2026 ~ Heritage Middle School (HMS Spotlight)
December 8, 2026 ~ Administrative Center (Pre-K Spotlight)
January 12, 2027 ~ Walker Elementary School (Walker Spotlight)
February 9, 2027 ~ Administrative Center
March 9, 2027 ~ Walsh Elementary School (Walsh Spotlight)
April 13, 2027 ~ Administrative Center
May 11, 2027 ~ Graves Elementary School (Graves Spotlight)

June 8, 2027 ~ Administrative Center