Proud Hawk Community Update

Dear Families and Community Members,

This month, our character focus is gratitude, and I can think of no better time to reflect on what this truly means for us as a community. As we embrace the season of thankfulness, I want to share my deep appreciation for the many reasons we can be proud as members of the Hawk community.

First and foremost, I am profoundly grateful for our dedicated teachers, staff, and principals who consistently go above and beyond to create meaningful learning experiences for every student. Their commitment is evident in the recent service projects led by our students, such as Caps for Cancer, the Penny Drive, the North Carolina Relief Fund, and heartfelt cards for veterans organized by the Junior High Student Council. These initiatives showcase the power of what can be achieved when individuals come together for a common cause, making a lasting impact both within and beyond our community.

To our families, thank you for your partnership and trust in our schools. Your involvement plays an essential role in your children’s education and strengthens the foundation of our district. Whether attending parent-teacher conferences, concerts, games, or special events like the Staff vs. Harlem Wizards game or Meet the Player Night, your support makes a difference. From volunteering to cheering on the sidelines, your engagement is invaluable, and we appreciate all you do.

I am especially proud of our students, whose curiosity, resilience, and enthusiasm remind us every day why we are here. They are the heart of our district, and their growth and achievements are the greatest reward for our efforts. We often remind our students to “Chase 100”—to give their best even when they’re not feeling at their best—and their dedication to this mindset inspires us all.

As Thanksgiving approaches, let us come together in gratitude for the bonds that unite us as a community and the opportunities we have to support one another. Whether through acts of kindness, participation in service projects, or simply spending meaningful time with loved ones, I encourage us all to embrace the spirit of the season.

On behalf of our district, I wish you and your family a joyful Thanksgiving filled with warmth, togetherness, and peace. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our schools.

With gratitude,

Dr. Kimberly Norton
Superintendent
Heritage CUSD #8

This past weekend, several of our Board members, along with Dr. Norton, attended the Illinois Joint Annual Conference for School Boards. The conference provided valuable support and insight on district policy, helping us stay informed about best practices and emerging trends in education.

One of the highlights of the conference was learning more about the Illinois Framework Vision 2030 Plan, which outlines key priorities for the future of education in our state. This strategic plan focuses on four key pillars:

1. Keeping Students Safe – Ensuring a safe, supportive learning environment for all students.
2. Keeping High-Quality Educators in Front of Students – Fostering a strong and stable teaching workforce.
3. Enhancing Post-Secondary Success – Preparing students for success beyond high school, whether in college, trade school, or the workforce.
4. Improving the Measurement of What is Working – Developing better ways to assess and track the effectiveness of educational strategies.

The conference was a great opportunity to engage with other districts, share ideas, and gather insights that will help us continue to improve our schools and maximize opportunities for our students.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our strategic plan survey! Additional opportunities to provide in-person feedback will be available. If you're interested in joining these efforts, please email Dr. Norton at norton.kimberly@heritage8.org.

If you didn't get your Hawk Nation wear, there is still time to order this week: http://www.whitedesignsshop.com

Also, Heritage Booster Club is needing more members to help the year go smoothly. We want to welcome any parent/guardian that would be interested in helping out! You can email heritagehawks.booster@gmail.com to be put on the email list.

Meet Addi and Rylan-our three point shoot out champs!

Thank you to students, parents and community for attending the Harlem Wizards GameIf you are looking for ways to get involved, email heritageptc@gmail.com to join our email list or for help finding our FB page!

Future Events:

• 12/4-6-Secret Santa! Kids have an opportunity to shop at school for loved ones. They experience the joy of giving while also learning to budget their money. We need a lot of volunteers, please sign up here https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0F45A5A62CA13-52635463-secret
• 1/29-Crime Scene Science assembly at the Homer building
• 2/24-3/1-Theater Week! Missoula Children's Theater will return to help select K-8 students perform "The Wizard of Oz." Two shows will be available 3/1 at Heritage High School
• 5/23-Fun Day!

Please reach out if you are able to help with any of these events! heritageptc@gmail.com

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to an anonymous donor whose generous contribution has made a significant impact on our students. This donation has enabled us to offer scholarships to students who participated in IHSA events and activities, providing them with invaluable opportunities to grow and succeed.

Your kindness and commitment to supporting our students’ educational and extracurricular pursuits are truly appreciated. Thanks to your generosity, many of our students will be able to continue their involvement in these important activities, enhancing their high school experience and paving the way for future success.

We are incredibly grateful for your support and your belief in the potential of our students. Thank you for making a difference at Heritage High School!

Elem/Jr High Attend the Illini Girls Basketball Game

All Serious in Turkey Bowling...🤭

Hello Heritage Elementary and JH Families!

As we finish up October and now November, we have a lot of exciting updates and accomplishments to share. First, our JH sports teams are in full swing! Our JH girls’ basketball team finished the season.Our JH 7th grade girls went to the second round in regionals in Martinsville over this past week. Just as the girls finished their season the JH boys’ teams and JH girls’ volleyball are starting theirs. We look forward to see how our teams shine on the courts.

In our commitment to enhancing student support, we have introduced and are implementing new RtI (Response to Intervention) interventions and designated times specifically for k-5 students. These initiatives aim to ensure that every child receives the tailored assistance they need to succeed academically.

Looking ahead, we are also in the process of reviewing new math curriculum to be implemented in the upcoming school year. Our goal is to provide our students with engaging and effective math instruction that meets their diverse learning needs.

We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of our students! Our PTC Hawk Walk winners enjoyed a special movie outing as recognition for their hard work and dedication. Additionally, our students made an impressive showing at the PTC-sponsored Wizard game earlier this month and had the opportunity to attend an Illinois girls’ basketball game last week. I believe this showcases our commitment in supporting our student’s involvement in community activities and sharing with them new experiences.

A special shout-out to Cindy Happ and the Homer Library for organizing an amazing day for all families in the area with the local authors opportunity at the library. Our students benefited both by having our NHS students from the HS come and share a story with them and by having the opportunity to share a special day at the library. Their dedication to fostering a love of reading in our students in commendable.

Finally, our student body came together to honor Veterans Day with a heartfelt concert dedicated to our local Veterans and community. It was an outstanding display of gratitude and respect for the brave individuals who have served our country.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. We look forward to an exciting month ahead!

Mrs. Sanders and the Faculty and Staff of Heritage Elem./JH school

Thank you to Our Veterans!

Gratitude has been at the forefront of our minds at Heritage this month! With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we took time to really think about all of the people and things, both big and small, that we have to be grateful for. Our students spent some time creating different types of writing or artwork that showed off some of the many things they are grateful for. Among those things were ones we all easily think of, such as friends and family members, but also the smaller luxuries we appreciate like a new pair of socks, a warm, cozy bed, and a safe place to learn. We focused on the art of appreciating what we have, rather than always wanting something more.

Our 4th graders have been learning about the importance of positive self-talk. We worked on strategies to tune out negative, intrusive thoughts and create positive ones for ourselves and others. At the end of the month they decorated inspirational signs that were hung throughout the school to remind all of our staff and students how amazing they are, and to stay positive when life's challenges come our way.

Our 5th-8th grade students ended the month with a special treat: popcorn and an episode of CBS's Kindness 101: Gratitude. The broadcast segment highlighted 4 different stories of how people have shown gratitude towards others who have made a difference in their lives. At the focal point of our conversations was the idea that gratitude is not just a feeling, it's an action. The more grateful we are and more often we show it, the happier we become!

Our K-5 Character Strong celebration activity wasTurkey Bowling! The students had a blast celebrating great behavior by knocking down those pins and tenderizing my family's turkey!

Beginning Construction of MouseTrap Cars

At the High School, we have been participating in a drive to help the victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. The original goal was to have 250 items donated, but on the 2nd day of the drive, we surpassed the goal. We then created 2 new goals of 500 items and 1000 items. Once again our students stepped up and reached their goals. As a result, on Tuesday, November 26th, students will be treated to activities, movies, pizza, hot chocolate and ice cream. Thank you to all that donated and thank you to the NHS, Student Council, FCCLA and FFA for organizing the event.

Student Council has also been very active in KDASC District events including hosting the Halloween Dance and attending the Fall Retreat. The FFA attended the National Convention in Indianapolis. Many students were able to attend trips to help with their future. Students attended Illinois State University to tour the campus and also a group went for the Future Teachers Conference. Other students went on an Apprenticeship Workshop.

The Chorus participated in the Lincoln Prairie Conference Choral Festival, where our students made up 1/4 of the group. Meet the Player was held to introduce the Winter Sports and Activities and also recognize the Fall Sports and Activities. In conjunction with Meet the Player Night, FCCLA held a Bake Sale the same night as well as all week.

Finally, our student of the month for November is Addison Hopper for our topic of "Thankful They are Reliable."

-Mr. White

November 26th Celebration

FCCLA had a very full November with FCCLA Bake sale and fall section rally in Charleston with 8 surrounding schools. Students attended workshops such as seeing what opportunities that LIFT in Mattoon offers, A career panel that they were able to ask questions to and, a Charcuterie board demonstration. They also made cards for the Ronald Mcdonald house.

The Scholastic Bowl team played 7 competitive games at the Blue Ridge Tournament. Colby Schrock makes the all tournament team as the 4th highest scorer overall.

For the K-5 Winter Program on 12/13, we are asking families to let us know your transportation plans for EVERY child in K-8. That way, when the program ends and we have a huge crowd to dismiss and people in every corner of the building, every teacher will confidently know the correct dismissal plan for each student.

Since Junior High is in the building, we need to know the plan for them, as well.

Please fill out one per child at https://forms.gle/KeYuxQ1QHvBWJCJo8

Thank you Kim, Karen, and Sheila for preparing our Thanksgiving feast! We are grateful for all of you!