Heritage Community Unit School District #8

Heritage CUSD #8 | 2025–2026 Parent Information & Policy Updates

🔷 Bullying Prevention & Reporting

Policy Reference: Board Policy 7:180 – Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment

Heritage Schools are committed to maintaining a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students. Bullying, harassment, and intimidation—whether in-person or online—are strictly prohibited.

Key Definitions:

• Bullying: Severe or pervasive behavior causing physical or emotional harm, disrupting academic performance, or interfering with school operations.

• Cyberbullying: Any form of bullying conducted through electronic means, including text messages, websites, or social media.

• Restorative Measures: Alternatives to suspension or expulsion that focus on repairing relationships and resolving conflict.

Where Bullying Is Prohibited:

• On school property, during school-sponsored activities, on buses, or at any school event.

• Through any electronic communication if it substantially disrupts the learning environment, regardless of whether the device is school-owned.

How to Report:

Students, parents, and staff are encouraged to report bullying promptly. Anonymous reports are also accepted.

Nondiscrimination Coordinator
Patti Knott, HS Counselor
📍 206 E. Diller Ave., Broadlands, IL
📞 217-834-3392 | 📧 patti.knott@heritage8.org

Complaint Managers
Corey White, HS Principal – 📧 corey.white@heritage8.org | 📞 217-834-3392
Kristi Sanders, K-8 Principal – 📧 kristi.sanders@heritage8.org | 📞 217-896-2421

🔷 PaCE Career & Postsecondary Readiness Framework

Implementation Deadline: July 1, 2025

Heritage CUSD #8 has adopted the Illinois PaCE Framework to guide students in grades 6–12 through career and postsecondary readiness planning.

Focus Areas:

• Career Exploration & Development

• Postsecondary Education Preparation

• Financial Aid & Literacy

PaCE expectations will be posted in schools and integrated into academic and counseling programs.

🔷 E-Learning for Emergency Days

In the event of inclement weather or other emergency closures, Heritage will implement E-learning days to maintain instructional continuity and avoid extending the school year.

• E-learning days will be announced via phone, website, and social media.

• Students will receive grade-level appropriate instruction.

• No student will be penalized due to internet or access issues.

• Up to 5 E-learning days may be used per school year.

🔷 Student Data Privacy & Protection

Heritage CUSD #8 adheres to all federal and state data privacy laws to ensure the protection of student information.

Key Laws:

• SOPPA: Protects the privacy of student data shared with educational technology vendors.

• FERPA: Grants parents rights over access and control of their child’s educational records.

• COPPA & CIPA: Regulate the collection and use of data by online tools used by students.

• HIPAA: Protects health records where applicable.

🔷 Asbestos Management Notification

Heritage Schools comply with all EPA and IDPH asbestos regulations. Inspection and management plans are available at the District Office by appointment.

🔷 Additional Annual Notifications

• Faith’s Law Code of Conduct & Reporting Guidance

• Health Education Opt-Out & Notification Letters

• Teen Dating Violence Prevention Policy – Board Policy 7:185

• AED Training Video Notification – IHSA Requirement

🔷 Section 504 – Student Services

Students who do not qualify for an IEP may still receive support under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 if they:

• Have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities,

• Have a documented history of such an impairment, or

• Are regarded as having such an impairment.

Support services may include accommodations, modifications, or auxiliary aids to ensure equal access to education.

🔷 Suicide Prevention Resources for Parents

If you or someone you love is struggling, help is always available.

📞 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or Text: 988
Available 24/7 — Free, confidential support for people in distress or crisis.

For Parents & Caregivers:
If you're concerned about your child’s mental health or emotional well-being, visit 988lifeline.org for age-appropriate resources and guidance tailored to youth and families.

Additional Resources:

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): www.nami.org

The Jed Foundation (JED): www.jedfoundation.org — Focused on protecting emotional health and preventing suicide in teens and young adults.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to a school counselor or mental health professional if you need support navigating these resources. Your child’s safety and well-being are our top priority.

If you have any questions about the updates or would like to request printed copies of any documents, please contact:

Dr. Kimberly Norton
Superintendent, Heritage CUSD #8
📧 norton.kimberly@heritage8.org
📞 217-896-2041, ext. 132