On Monday, April 19, the District held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new track at Heritage. Work will begin soon and continue throughout the summer so that the track is ready for next school year. This will be a six-lane track with a soccer field in the middle. This will allow us to continue to grow our track and soccer programs at Heritage as well as providing us the ability to host games and events. This is an exciting enhancement to the our school district that will only get better in the years to come.
Sunnybrook is Recognized for Excellence
Sunnybrook School District 171 is proud to be recognized as a recipient of the 2025–2026 Bilingual Education Award (BEA), honoring our strong commitment to English Learners and bilingual education. This recognition is based on student achievement and growth on ACCESS, progress toward English proficiency, and effective use of Title III resources. The award provides additional funding to enhance newcomer programs, strengthen social-emotional supports, and expand bilingual and dual language instruction. This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff, students, and families in supporting all learners.
Registration Reminder
Just a reminder that registration is open for all students for the 2026 - 207 school year. Please log into PowerSchool and complete the registration process as soon as you can as it truly is a big help to the district. If any additional information is needed, your child's main office will reach out to you. Should you need any technical assistance, please email support@sd171.org.
Nathan Hale Updates:
Pre-K Took Their First Field Trip
Pre-K went on their first community field trip, which took place at the Glenwood-Lynwood Library! The students were able to take a tour of the library, participate in story time, create a craft, and partake in some fun musical outdoor time. For some students, this was their first time on a school bus and for them, it was magical. Everyone had an amazing time! We made connections with one of our neighborhood libraries and look forward to more activities and events with them. Thank you so much, Glenwood-Lynwood Library, for having us and welcoming our students with open arms.
Kindergarten at Play
Mrs. Lee class is in full effect of learning through play as we are exploring through centers learning about farm but having a ball at the same time! We are incorporating Math throughout the day using "pop Its" and Ducks with numbers in our water table as well.
Heritage Updates:
Student Council's Trip to Convention
Heritage Middle School Student Council members recently attended the 67th Annual Illinois Association of Junior High Student Councils (IAJHSC) Convention in Springfield, Illinois on April 17–18, 2026. The event brought together student leaders from across the state for a weekend of collaboration, leadership development, and school spirit.
A special highlight of the trip was the leadership of HMS delegate and NEL District Representative, Treasure Brown. She did an outstanding job conducting Convention plans alongside her fellow District Representatives. Treasure also served her role with dedication during the 2025–2026 school year, representing HMS with pride.
Overall, Convention was a rewarding and memorable experience for the HMS Student Council. Delegates also brought home an Honor Council award for demonstrating citizenship, school service, community service, and student involvement. Students returned home with new ideas, strengthened leadership skills, and lasting connections—making it a great trip for everyone involved.
NJHS Shows Up for Service and Citizenship
Ten NJHS students showed their citizenship by participating in the annual Lansing Clean Up Day. They walked along the ditch from Heritage to Erfert Park picking up garbage all the way. Mr. De La Torre, Camila’s father, and her siblings also came out to help. The result was thirteen full bags of garbage. From Erfert Park, the group walked to Fox Pointe for a free meal of burgers, hot dogs, chips, and soda. Many community members thanked the students for their hard work. It was a job well done!
Meet the Heritage Soccer Team
Coach Torres (Pep Guardiola of middle school soccer) and Mr. Sprudzs are truly excited about our second soccer season. We believe that we have chosen an exceptional group of young men to represent Heritage. Our second season began on Thursday, April 16, when the team played at Manteno High School. We will represent Heritage with pride and passion.
Vamos! Nacionales!
Volleyball Celebrations
The seventh and eighth-grade volleyball teams celebrated their successful seasons with a pizza and award night that included watching a men’s volleyball game at Lewis University. On April 2, students traveled by bus to Villa Nova Pizza, where they enjoyed a pizza dinner and were awarded with plaques, certificates, and gift bags. From there, they went to Lewis University, where they enjoyed exciting men’s volleyball games. The players checked out Coach Pasko’s name on the “Wall of Fame” for her championship seasons in basketball and volleyball. Everyone enjoyed the energy and the Lewis victory.
The seventh-grade awards included: Imani Robinson for All Around Player, Virginie Akli for Pride, Hustle, Determination, and Makayla Porche for Most Spirited. The eighth-grade awards included:Kailah Simmons for Most Improved, Demani Ambrose for All Around Player, and Sanaa Moore for Team Captain.
The seventh grade took second place in their season play in the Cal-Ridge Conference. The eighth grade took first in conference and won their Regional Championship! Congratulations to all players for their sportsmanship and determination.
House of Valentia - Swag Night
Students had a “swag”tacular time “swagging” their shirts, jackets, and journal covers to Valentia pride. Yellow was hitting the spot with butter popcorn, lemonade, along with lion cutouts and letter iron ons.
Heritage Student Council Spring Spirit Week
HMS Student Council kicked off Spring Spirit Week (April 20–24) with a lineup of fun themes, including Untruths Day, Nerds vs. Jocks, Jersey Day, Emo vs. Preppy Day, and Generations Day. Students and staff brought great energy to the halls all week with their creative outfits.
The week wrapped up with a spirited pep rally, where all grade levels came together to recognize club participants and spring athletes, enjoy dance performances, and compete in grade-level challenges. A highlight of the day was watching staff members get pied in the face in support of our State Service Project, Camp GRANADA!
HMS continues to shine with talent, school spirit, and community pride. Thank you to everyone who participated!
