January 29, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

‘Students were excited to be back’

Heritage High School Principal Corey White said the school’s first day had a typical first day feel, with a few changes.

“Students were excited to be back and teachers were excited to have the students back,” he said.

White said there was some nervousness, which could be attributed to the normal apprehension new students and freshman feel as well as the unknown of the current pandemic.

“I believe after a couple of days of being back in school, the new procedures will be routine and we will have a great school year,” he said.

To start the day, the high school had students socially distance on the football field.
“The outdoor assembly went great,” White said. “At our teacher institute on Monday, I gave our teachers an option of how to do the assembly.  I knew the weather was supposed to be nice today so I said we could do our assembly by Zoom or use the football field.  The teachers unanimously said to use the football field.”

White said this enabled him to share more information with as many students as possible.
White said the students did a good job with social distancing and wearing their masks.

“Even during the assembly outside, 90% of our students chose to leave their masks on even though they could remove them,” he said.  “We posed a challenge to our students, especially our seniors, that if they want to have the normal school year experiences, our staff needs their help to make sure everyone is following the policies we have in place.”

in Schools
Banner
Related Posts

St. Joseph Middle School 8th Grade Honor Roll

November 2, 2021

November 2, 2021

Barrowman, Kylie Barrowman, Lexie Blackburn-Kelley, Timera Blackburn-Kelley, Timothy Carlson, Jacob Chaudhary, Rudra Clark, Joshua Ericksen, Katherine Getty, Camden Haley, William...

Harper finds positive outlet in music

December 10, 2019

December 10, 2019

St. Joseph-Ogden sophomore Lauren Harper loves to sing. That is why she loves the choir. “It’s basically the time where...

Live at SJO School Board, Dec.19, 2023

December 19, 2023

December 19, 2023

It’s time for the Ag Curriculum review. These are always really interesting and showcase what strong academic programs SJO has....

St. Joseph Middle School 8th grade Honor Roll

November 14, 2023

November 14, 2023

FIRST NAME LAST NAME Kira Aase Miles Atwood Lucas Barton Coleton Beckett Draven Black Blake Cavanaugh Hunter Cler Alivia Combs...

Prairieview-Ogden first quarter 7th and 8th grade honor roll

October 21, 2024

October 21, 2024

Highest Honors (GPA greater than or equal to 3.7) Sydney Abernathy Reagan Blakey Allie Bott Chloe Bressner Ava Buhr Kolbie...

Sexton uses love of music as motivation

May 1, 2019

May 1, 2019

Joshua Sexton loves band so much he plans on continuing it in college. “It’s one of my passions,” he said....

SJO Honors Night Winners- 2022

May 12, 2022

May 12, 2022

National Merit Scholarship (commendation) – Mara Burkhalter and Payton Jacob IPC Scholar Athlete/ IHSA Scholar Athlete award- Ava Knap and...

St. Joseph Grade School to stay on hybrid schedule through end of school year

March 11, 2021

March 11, 2021

St. Joseph Grade School Superintendent Todd Pence said he is recommending the grade school and middle school keep their hybrid...

SJO Drama department is ‘All Shook Up’

April 5, 2019

April 5, 2019

“All Shook Up” has been almost a year and a half in the making. St. Joseph-Ogden Drama Director Chandler Dalton...

Get to know Dan Thompson

March 21, 2025

March 21, 2025

Dan Thompson is running for St. Joseph Grade School Board. What motivated you to run for school board? I was...

Live at St. Joseph-Ogden High School Board

February 27, 2023

February 27, 2023

I am here so you don’t have to be. Tonight they are discussing facilities updates. They are discussing a new...

PVO Junior High 8th grade honor roll

November 8, 2023

November 8, 2023

8th Grade Highest HonorsTyler BonnyGaby ChimalIsabella FrerichsCasen GoffGeorge HaleKellyn IrwinRoyce LoschenLane McKinneyConnor McMahonAtleigh MillerLeah PruittAirin RashKeegan RobertsKorinne TravisEvelyn ValentineLucas Waters...

St. Joseph Middle School 5th grade honor roll

June 7, 2023

June 7, 2023

LAST NAME FIRST NAME Bigelow Avery Carter Avery Cruz Kolton Dalton Kinley Daly Cameron Damler Tenley Downes Alice England Wesley...

Live at SJO School Board, Nov. 22

November 22, 2021

November 22, 2021

I am here along with the business department for the school board meeting. Consent agenda- approval. Going over bills. SJO...

PVO 4th Quarter honor roll

July 8, 2023

July 8, 2023

This post is sponsored by Fisher Yard Barns. 7th Grade Highest Honors (3.7-4.0) Tyler BonnyIsabella FrerichsCasen GoffGaby GomezKellyn IrwinRoyce LoschenLane...

Comments
Leave a Reply