Heritage CUSD #8
Dear Heritage Families and Community,
October has been another exciting and productive month at Heritage CUSD #8! As we move further into the school year, I continue to be encouraged by the dedication of our students and staff, the support of our families, and the pride our community takes in our schools. There is so much to celebrate across our district!
One of our continued district priorities is improving student attendance, and I am pleased to share some very encouraging progress! At Heritage High School, chronic absenteeism has decreased from 44% in 2024 to 33.1% last year and now to 25.2%. At Heritage Elementary/Junior High, chronic absenteeism has decreased from 21.3% in 2024 to 19.3% last year and now to 17.9%. These improvements represent meaningful progress! While we know there is still work to do, consistent attendance provides students with more opportunities to learn, build relationships, and experience success. Thank you to our families for making school attendance a priority and to our staff for creating welcoming environments where students feel connected and supported. We are also grateful for our continued partnership with the Regional Office of Education (ROE), the SOAR Program, and Mr. Callaway for their collaboration and support in our attendance improvement efforts.
Our Student Ambassadors continue to demonstrate tremendous leadership by sharing thoughtful perspectives and recommendations for improving the student experience at Heritage. Through regular conversations with district leadership and the Board of Education, these students are helping us better understand what is working well and where we have opportunities to grow. Their willingness to advocate for their peers and contribute to meaningful discussions is something we are very proud of. We are also continuing our work with student confidence surveys and other measures that help us better understand how students view themselves as learners. Academic achievement is important, but so are confidence, belonging, resilience, and the belief that success is possible.
One wonderful example of student leadership was a recent presentation by our Student Alliance Club. I was personally invited by Will Ballard to attend, and I am so glad I had the opportunity! Will and Faith Chesnut delivered an outstanding presentation focused on Healthy Coping Mechanisms and the importance of managing and reducing stress in positive, healthy ways. Their preparation, confidence, communication skills, and ability to engage their audience were truly remarkable. I can say without hesitation that it was one of the very best presentations I have witnessed from students or adults in a very long time! What made it especially meaningful was seeing students take ownership of such an important topic and share strategies that can benefit their peers and our entire school community. Will and Faith are wonderful examples of the leadership, compassion, and potential we see in our Heritage students.
Our teachers and administrators continue to focus on strengthening instruction and supporting student growth. Through classroom walkthroughs, collaboration, professional development, and analysis of student learning data, we are working to ensure that every student has opportunities to succeed. October also brought Parent-Teacher Conferences, providing another important opportunity for families and teachers to connect. Thank you to everyone who participated. Strong partnerships between home and school make a tremendous difference in student success.
During Principal Appreciation Week, we also celebrate Mrs. Kristin Shanks and Mr. Michael Gourley for their dedication and leadership. Their work extends far beyond the school day, and we are grateful for the care and commitment they bring to our students, staff, and families.
Our students continue to give us plenty of reasons to celebrate! Our cross-country athletes have enjoyed an outstanding season, including a Lincoln Prairie Conference boys' championship, individual honors, and numerous personal records. Volleyball has also brought exciting milestones, including Bre Ploense reaching 1,000 career assists. We are equally proud of the accomplishments of our football cooperative team with Villa Grove and the many students representing Heritage through athletics, fine arts, clubs, and other activities.
Beyond competitions and awards, some of the most meaningful moments happen in our classrooms every day: students encouraging one another, demonstrating kindness, persevering through challenges, and discovering new interests and talents.
As we prepare for November, our district remains focused on the priorities outlined in our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan: student achievement and growth, strong school and community relationships, effective district operations, and preparing students for future success. Our commitment to continuous improvement remains at the heart of our work as we build on the progress we are seeing throughout the district.
I often reflect on what makes Heritage special, and the answer is always the same: our people. From the staff members who go above and beyond, to the families who support our schools, to the community members who cheer on our students and contribute in countless ways, each of you plays a role in our success.
As we approach November and the season of gratitude, please know how thankful I am to serve a district filled with people who genuinely care about children and one another. Thank you for your continued partnership, encouragement, and support. Together, we are making a difference, one student and one day at a time.
With gratitude,
Dr. Kimberly Norton
Will and Faith Leading the Student Alliance Club
Cross Country-Conference Champs-Second Year In A Row
Bre Ploense-1000 Career Assists!
The Heritage CUSD #8 Board of Education met on October 19 to review district progress, financial stability, and ongoing initiatives. The Board received the FY2026 audit report, which reflected strong financial management, clean audit opinions, and no significant findings. The district continues to maintain the state's highest financial designation of Recognition. Encouraging student achievement and attendance data were also shared, including continued reductions in chronic absenteeism at both buildings. The Board reviewed the district's 2027 health insurance renewal and efforts to secure the most competitive coverage amid rising costs.
Our Student Ambassadors continue to make a meaningful difference by sharing student perspectives and identifying opportunities to improve the school experience. During the October Board meeting, students provided thoughtful feedback on school facilities, student needs, and areas for continued improvement. We are happy to report that the the restroom latch and panel repairs they advocated for are already in the works! Their efforts demonstrate the importance of student voice and the positive impact students can have when they actively participate in improving their schools. We appreciate their leadership, thoughtful recommendations, and continued partnership in making Heritage an even better place for everyone!
Mrs. Lowe’s and Mrs. Friedmann’s classrooms transformed into spooky houses for a frightfully fun writing experience! Our first graders explored the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of a haunted house, using their senses to spark creativity and imagination. Students then brought their spooky adventures to life through descriptive writing, incorporating sensory details to help their readers experience the thrills and chills!
Our young authors had a boo-tiful time combining creativity, imagination, and writing skills in this engaging Halloween-inspired activity!
Lights, Camera, Improv! 🎭
Heritage High School sophomores, juniors, and seniors enjoyed a fun and interactive acting and improvisation workshop with Mizzou Children’s Theatre! Through a variety of creative games and exercises, students explored the art of thinking on their feet, building confidence, collaborating with others, and embracing their creativity. The workshop encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, express themselves, and let their silly sides shine! What a wonderful opportunity to bring learning to life beyond the traditional classroom!
Our Heritage community came together in an incredible show of generosity and compassion during our recent Pink Night events!
At Heritage High School, over $3,500 was raised! A special thank-you to Mrs. Hooker and our high school FCCLA students for their outstanding efforts in organizing and supporting this meaningful event.
The spirit of giving continued at Heritage Junior High, where an additional $500 was raised during the junior high girls' basketball game! Thank you to Mrs. Hooker, Mrs. Stierwalt, and our junior high students and families for making this event such a success.
We also want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Arcola High School, whose generosity went beyond competition. Following their Pink Night volleyball game against Heritage, Arcola graciously shared their proceeds with the Lewis family. What a beautiful example of sportsmanship, kindness, and communities supporting one another!
Together, Heritage raised over $4,000 through our Pink Night events! We are incredibly proud of our students, staff, families, and neighboring communities for demonstrating that some victories extend far beyond the scoreboard.
This is what community is all about! 💗
Heritage High School FFA members recently traveled to Indianapolis for the National FFA Convention & Expo, enjoying two exciting days of learning, leadership, and memorable experiences!
During their Wednesday and Thursday visit, students attended two convention sessions, explored the College and Career Expo, and learned about educational opportunities and career pathways in agriculture and related industries. They also enjoyed the excitement of the FFA Rodeo and wrapped up their trip with some friendly competition at Topgolf!
The experience provided our students with opportunities to connect with fellow FFA members, explore future possibilities, and celebrate the importance of agricultural education.
We are proud of our Heritage FFA members for representing our school and community while making memories that will last well beyond high school!
It's been a busy and exciting week in the Heritage High School welding shop, where students are putting their skills to work through hands-on, real-world learning experiences!
When a student needed an exhaust repair, our welding students turned the opportunity into a practical learning experience! After rearranging the shop to accommodate the vehicle, Aron Cunningham, Tyler Lisanby, Alex Bensyl, and Bryson Warren put their MIG and TIG welding skills to work. Coltin Shanks assisted with securing the exhaust clamps underneath the vehicle, while Waylon Young and Jett Bledsoe were also part of the experience. It was a great opportunity for students to apply their technical skills while working together to solve a real-world problem.
Meanwhile, all welding classes have begun practicing overhead T-joints, their final welding submissions before moving on to new projects. Advanced Welding students are constructing a manual plasma cutting table and a larger quench tank, while Welding I students will soon learn MIG welding techniques to create custom tow hitch covers.
This is career and technical education at its best! Our students are developing valuable skills in welding, fabrication, problem-solving, and teamwork while gaining hands-on experience that connects classroom learning to real-world applications.
We are proud of the creativity, initiative, and craftsmanship our Heritage students are demonstrating in the welding shop!
Remembering September 11: Teachers Mark the 25th Anniversary in Their Classrooms
In recognition of the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, teachers at Heritage took time to help students understand the significance of the tragic day and honor those whose lives were forever changed. Across grade levels, educators tailored lessons and activities to their students’ ages, creating opportunities for reflection, learning, and meaningful conversation. In elementary classrooms, teachers focused on the importance of helping others and recognizing the heroes who responded to the attacks. Kindergarten students explored the true story Fireboat, which highlights the efforts of those who came to the rescue on September 11. Second graders learned about Patriot Day, watched an age-appropriate video, participated in a moment of silence, and created a collaborative poster to honor and remember the victims and heroes. Other elementary classrooms incorporated children’s books, videos, and group discussions to help students understand the events in an accessible and thoughtful way.
For older students, the anniversary provided opportunities to examine September 11 through firsthand accounts, historical resources, and personal reflection. Some classes viewed videos from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and listened to survivors share their experiences. Students in health class explored survivor stories and made connections between the tragedy and concepts related to social health, while other students read and analyzed firsthand accounts of how people experienced the attacks. In American literature, juniors examined President George W. Bush’s address following the attacks, analyzing its rhetorical strategies and exploring stories of individuals affected by the tragedy. Teachers also incorporated resources from StoryCorps and other educational programs to help students connect with the people and experiences behind the historical event. Through journaling, class discussions, and written analysis, students were encouraged to consider the personal, family, and national consequences of September 11.
Perhaps the most powerful moments came when teachers shared their own memories of that day. Several educators recounted where they were when the attacks occurred, how they responded alongside their colleagues, and the emotions they experienced in the days and years that followed. One teacher shared a personal account of teaching junior high students in Mount Vernon, Illinois, while another reflected on visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and the overwhelming emotions of that experience. These personal stories helped bridge the gap between a historical event and the lived experiences of those who remember it firsthand. Whether through a moment of silence, a children’s book, a survivor’s testimony, or a teacher’s personal recollection, Heritage educators demonstrated the importance of remembering September 11 with sensitivity and purpose. Their efforts helped students recognize not only the tragedy of the day, but also the courage, compassion, and resilience that emerged in its aftermath.
Harlem Wizards vs. Heritage Staff
Saturday November 7 at 7:00 PM
The Harlem Wizards are coming back to Heritage High School! Get ready for an exciting night of basketball as the Wizards take on our very own Heritage staff! It’s sure to be a night full of laughs, entertainment, and plenty of fun for the whole family.
Tickets are available now:
Purchase Harlem Wizards tickets
Want to be part of the action behind the scenes? Volunteers get in free! Sign up to help with the game and enjoy the fun!
Sign up to volunteer for the Wizards game
Thank you to all of our families, staff, and community members who continue to support our students and make these experiences possible. We can’t wait to see you there! Please follow our Facebook page for the most up to date information!