Heritage Community Unit School District #8

03/12/2026

As we head into Spring Break, we hope all of our Heritage students, staff, and families have the opportunity to rest, relax, and recharge.

Spring Break runs March 13 - March 22 and school will resume on Monday, March 23.

Whether you are traveling, spending time with family, enjoying the outdoors, or simply taking time to unwind, we wish everyone a safe and refreshing break!

Thank you for the hard work and dedication you bring to our each day. We look forward to welcoming everyone back ready for a strong finish to the school year!

❤️💙 Enjoy your break, Hawks! 💙❤️

03/10/2026

We are proud to share that Mr. Frost was one of four educators from our region selected to serve on a panel at the Future Teacher Conference held today. His participation highlights the great work happening at Heritage and the leadership our educators provide in supporting the next generation of teachers.

In addition, several of our Heritage students attended the conference to learn more about the teaching profession and gain valuable insight into what it means to pursue a career in education.

Thank you to Mr. Frost for representing Heritage so well, and to our students for taking the time to explore future opportunities in education!

03/10/2026

Congratulations to our Third Quarter Heritage High School Breakfast Club Honorees! 🎉

We are proud to recognize these students for their hard work, positive attitude, and commitment to our school community.

Keep up the great work!

03/09/2026

The Heritage Music Department had 47 entries perform at the IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest at Mattoon HS on Saturday, March 7.

Of those 47 entries, 30 received a 1st Division rating, and 17 received a 2nd Division rating!

Additionally, senior Brenley Sands was recognized as 'Best of Day' in one of the vocal rooms, for his solo "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" from the Broadway musical, Les Misérables!

Congratulations to all performers on an excellent day, and a special thanks to Angie Ruwe and Jodi Wakefield for accompanying!

03/09/2026

We have a couple additions... We’re hiring coaches!

Heritage CUSD #8 has multiple coaching opportunities available. If you’re passionate about supporting students, building teamwork, and creating positive experiences, we would love to connect.

See current openings and apply:
https://www.heritage8.org/page/employment

We’re hiring coaches!

Heritage CUSD #8 has multiple coaching opportunities available. If you’re passionate about supporting students, building teamwork, and creating positive experiences, we would love to connect.

See current openings and apply:
https://www.heritage8.org/page/employment

03/09/2026

Mrs. Cramer's 6th grade science classes just wrapped up the Popsicle Tower project, in which they built 3 story popsicle towers that needed to withstand an earthquake table at light, moderate, and extreme levels.

11 towers were completed, 5 survived the first two levels, and just one - the tower in the picture w/Peyton Bonds, Shea Ray, and Caedyn Harper - survived the extreme level.

Mr. Lee was the Grim Reaper who shook the earthquake table, and is pictured with this year's surviving tower and team.

Great job, everyone!

03/07/2026

Our hearts are heavy as we share the sad news of the passing of a Chrisman High School student. We extend our deepest condolences to the student’s family, friends, and the entire Chrisman community during this incredibly difficult time.

Students and staff who wish to show their support are encouraged to wear red or black on Monday as a sign of unity and remembrance.

Please keep the Chrisman community in your thoughts as they face this heartbreaking loss. ❤️

03/07/2026

Congratulations to these Hawks on being named to the Lincoln Prairie Conference All-Conference Team!

🏀 1st Team: Rylan White
🏀 2nd Team: Brayden Jones
🏀 Honorable Mention: Clark Roland

We are proud of the dedication, hard work, and leadership these student-athletes demonstrated throughout the season. Your commitment represents Heritage High School and the in a great way.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

03/06/2026

🏆 Congratulations to Colby Schrock and the Heritage High School Scholastic Bowl Team! 🏆

We are proud to recognize Colby for an outstanding Scholastic Bowl season. Colby finished as the leading scorer and earned First Team All-Conference honors, and he was also selected to the IHSSBCA All-Sectional Team for the Blue Ridge Sectional, an impressive recognition of his performance this year.

The Heritage HS Scholastic Bowl Team also had an incredible season, finishing 2nd in the conference tournament and capturing the Masonic Sectional Championship that Heritage hosted on February 21. The team went an amazing 7-0 on the day, earning the school’s first-ever sectional title.

The team will compete March 7 in Bloomington for the State Championship.

👏 Congratulations to Colby and the entire team on a great season, and best of luck at state!

03/06/2026

A free screening of the documentary Left Behind, which explores the dyslexia advocacy movement and the impact on students and families, will be held on Tuesday, March 31 from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Campus Instructional Facility at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

The evening will also include a panel discussion with literacy experts and complimentary dinner. This event may be helpful for parents, educators, and community members interested in learning more about dyslexia and literacy support. See the flyer below for additional details and registration information.

Seats are limited -Register today by scanning the QR code or using this link (https://tinyurl.com/bdhrn5hw)

🎬 You’re Invited: Free Documentary Screening – Left Behind

Join ROE SchoolWorks, the Illinois Council on Teacher Education, and Reading Horizons for a powerful evening exploring the dyslexia advocacy movement and the reality of the “hidden” disability affecting 1 in 5 individuals.

📅 Tuesday, March 31, 2026
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Campus Instructional Facility, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Stay after the screening for a live expert Q&A panel featuring:
• Dr. Deborah MacPhee (Illinois State University)
• Dr. Amber Ray (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)
• Donell Pons (Host, Literacy Talks Podcast – Reading Horizons)

Whether you’re a parent seeking resources, an educator looking to strengthen your impact, or a community member wanting to better understand dyslexia, this event is for you.

✔️ Complimentary dinner provided
✔️ 18+ event (no childcare available)

Seats are limited — Register today by scanning the QR code or using this link (https://tinyurl.com/bdhrn5hw)

03/05/2026

Flag orders are scheduled to be delivered today. Once sorted through, they will go to the appropriate school for pick up. If you have a student in the building, they will go home with your student.

Thanks for your support!

03/05/2026

Congratulations to Heritage Junior High School’s Michael George on being selected to the All-State Classic Tournament! 🏀

Michael will be traveling to Lincoln, Illinois this weekend (March 7–8) to compete at Lincoln Junior High School. This is a great honor and a reflection of his hard work and dedication throughout the season.

Good luck, Michael...the Proud Hawk Community is cheering you on!