Proud Hawk Community-December 2025

Hello, Proud Hawk Community!

The first semester of the 2025–2026 school year has been a time of growth, connection, and shared success across Heritage CUSD #8. As you will find in our newsletter, we have much to celebrate! Throughout the semester, our students demonstrated academic achievement, leadership, and resilience. Our staff continued to inspire through their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. We are also grateful to our families and community members for their ongoing support, engagement, and partnership.

As we move into the second semester, we do so with a strong sense of momentum and pride in the work happening each day across our schools. Together, we will continue fostering a positive, supportive learning environment where students can thrive.

Thank you for being an essential part of the Heritage community. Heritage is strong because of each of you!

Happy Holidays!

Dr. Norton

At the December Board of Education meeting, the Board approved several important action items that support long-term planning and student opportunities across Heritage CUSD #8. Approved items included the Tax Levy, the SOARS Intergovernmental Agreement with the Regional Office of Education, and the implementation plan for a 7–12 secondary school model beginning in the 2027–2028 school year. In addition, the Board continues to explore a potential football cooperative agreement with Villa Grove, with an update expected at the January 20 Board of Education meeting.

We are excited to announce that Mr. Danny Calloway will be joining Heritage CUSD #8 as our new Supporting Opportunities for Achievement and Resilience (SOAR) Attendance Liaison, beginning in January, through our partnership with the Regional Office of Education (ROE). He will be working with students in grades 4-12 that are experiencing attendance or academic challenges.

This role reflects our continued commitment to student success by strengthening attendance supports, building relationships with families, and proactively addressing barriers that impact regular school attendance. Danny will work closely with students, families, and staff to promote consistent attendance, connect families with resources, and support positive school engagement.

We look forward to welcoming Danny to the Heritage community and to the positive impact this role will have in supporting our students.

🤩 95%+ Average Daily Attendance at Both Schools...Every Month!

🏆 Two Commendable Schools

⭐ Mrs. Shonkwiler-News Gazette Teacher of the Week

🏃Cross Country LPC Champs & Special Mention to Clark Roland State Cross Country

🏀HS Girls Basketball Comet Classic Champs-Thanksgiving Tournament

🎵Atticus Ashbrook selection to ILMEA All-State Honors Choir

📚Colby Schrock selection to the Blue Ridge Tournament All-Tournament Team for Scholastic Bowl

🎤Brenley Sands, Atticus Ashbrook, Halo Banton & Isaac Lyons- ILMEA District 3 Choir

🎶Brenley Sands, Eli Denmark, Ethan Lyons, Atticus Ashbrook-Millikin Vocal Festival

🏴Color Guard 2nd at Every Competition This Year!

As we close this newsletter, we extend our sincere gratitude to a generous anonymous donor whose genuine act of kindness reflects the true spirit of this season and extends well beyond it. These funds will be used to enrich student experiences and support our Parent & Student University initiatives, creating meaningful opportunities for learning and connection. We are deeply thankful for this quiet generosity and the lasting impact it will have on our school community.