March 21, 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

Live at SJO school board, Oct. 24, 2022

October 24, 2022

October 24, 2022

It’s the special education department and me here at the school board. They are doing a curriculum review. (I seriously...

SJO board approves back to school plan

July 27, 2021

July 27, 2021

St. Joseph-Ogden High School has created a plan for the 2021-22 school year. A plan that is subject to change....

Live at Heritage High School Board March 15, 2021

March 15, 2021

March 15, 2021

I am here at Heritage School Board. My dog ate my computer charger so I’m on chromebook instead of my...

SJO FFA holds petting zoo

February 21, 2019

February 21, 2019

An annual tradition is taking place at St. Joseph-Ogden High School today—the SJO FFA petting zoo to celebrate National FFA...

SJO 4th quarter honor roll

July 11, 2023

July 11, 2023

FRESHMENAden, CarolineAtwood, McKenzieBell, AdalynClark, WadeCoffey, ChristopherCrozier, CadeDaly, NathanDwyer, CalebFitch, ParkerFranklin, WilliamGoodwin, BrandonHale, CharlesHardimon, EricaHollingsworth, BraydenHood, BryannaHouchens, BrysonJackson, NickJohnson, JordanKates, MalachyMcComas,...

2021 SJO honors night

May 13, 2021

May 13, 2021

On Wednesday St. Joseph-Ogden High School announced the winners of scholarships. The winners are listed below. National Merit Scholarship (commendation)...

St. Joseph Middle School 6th grade honor roll

June 7, 2023

June 7, 2023

LAST NAME FIRST NAME Arnold Ramsay Barnett Callie Beeler Henry Bello Adam Blacker Teagan Blakley Bailey Brown Tabbitha Butts Logen...

Live at SJO school board

September 23, 2019

September 23, 2019

We are here at SJO school board. They are discussing the insurance group they belong to and their options. An...

Closing address by Garren Meeker

May 19, 2021

May 19, 2021

I would like to thank everyone for coming to the graduating ceremony of the class of 2021. Whether that be...

SJO third-quarter high honor roll

March 30, 2022

March 30, 2022

FreshmenBeckett, EJBenoit, AudreyBesson, WillBonny, SarahBrown, LandonClampitt, MadisonDavenport, AerolynDietiker, EllaDitchfield, LukeEnnis, JacksonFranzen, SavannaFunk, AddisonGerdes, TaytonGetty, OliviaHamilton, MakennahHarris, LaurenHesterberg, HaleyHouston, MaebreeKearney, SaraKindle,...

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....

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...

SJO honors night recipients announced

May 27, 2019

May 27, 2019

The following students were honored in mid-May by St. Joseph-Ogden High School during the high school honors night. • EIU...

SJO honor roll

July 9, 2019

July 9, 2019

Fourth quarter honor rollFreshmenBarton, Jaden Bensyl, Alanna Besson, Ella Burnett, Kennedi Fulk, Mackenzie Hamilton, Alyssa Ingram, Kailyn Klotz, Olivia Lannert,...

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...

Comments
Leave a Reply