Heritage Middle School

10/15/2026

We are so grateful for the generous donation of NEW shoes and clothing for our students at Heritage Middle School from High Peak Baptist. 👟👕

Donations like these make a real difference in the lives of our students and remind us how blessed we are to have a community that cares so much about our kids. Thank you for helping us meet students’ needs and making sure they feel supported, loved, and ready to succeed!

From all of us at HMS, THANK YOU for being part of our Eagle family and helping our students soar! 🦅

10/14/2026

HMS families, just a reminder there is no school for students on Monday, October 19, or Tuesday, October 20, due to teacher workdays. We look forward to welcoming our Eagles back on Wednesday, October 21!

10/12/2026

What if your next career is in a school?

When you think about working in education, you probably think of only teachers. But schools need teachers plus all kinds of other workers to help students learn, grow and succeed.

Join us for the Education Career Expo on Thursday, Oct. 29, at Patton High School and discover what a career in education could look like for you or your student.

Middle and high school students: Get a look at career paths that could start now and continue through college.

College students: Learn about pathways into teaching and other careers in schools.

Adults: Explore meaningful career opportunities, including current job openings, whether you’re considering a career change or looking for a way to make a difference in your community.

You’ll hear from leaders in education, learn about different pathways into the field and have the chance to talk one-on-one with people who can help you figure out where you might fit.

🍔 Free cheeseburger meal starts at 4:30 p.m.

🎤 Keynote speaker: Charles Williams, principal of Draughn High School, at 5:30 p.m.

Then, explore information booths featuring specific education career opportunities, programs and current job openings.

📅 Thursday, Oct. 29
📍 Patton High School
⏰ 4:30 p.m.
📝 RSVP by Oct. 13: https://bit.ly/3ToetKP

Have questions? Call 828-439-4323.

Come curious. You might leave with a whole new idea about what your future could look like.

10/11/2026

Dear Parents,
We have a lot coming up at HMS, and we don’t want you to miss a thing! Please take a few minutes to read this week’s announcements for upcoming events, important dates, and reminders. Thank you for staying connected and supporting our Eagles!
Attendance:
Great job to our 8th graders for having the highest attendance last week of 95.9% but 6th and 7th grade was right on their heels. Our overall attendance was 95.6 which is fantastic! Thank you for making attendance and school a priority!

Benchmark Tests
Our students will take their ELA and math benchmark tests this week. These results help teachers see what students have learned and plan instruction to provide support and challenge where needed.
Please have students at school on time so testing can begin right away. There will be no second-chance breakfast on testing days, but students can eat breakfast when they arrive. Thank you for helping our Eagles start the day ready to do their best!

AIG Nomination Window
Burke County Public Schools is now opening our Academically and Intellectually Gifted nomination window for 3rd-8th graders beginning October 12th, ending on October 23rd. This nomination is for parents and teachers to consider students for placement testing into our county’s AIG program.
If you feel your 3rd-8th grade student should be considered for AIG testing please notify your students' teacher. The deadline to nominate your child is October 23rd.“
Band and Chorus Concert
Join us Monday, October 12, at 7:00 PM for our 8th Grade Band & Chorus Fall Concert! Come enjoy an evening of music and support our talented Eagles. Admission is $1. Performing students should arrive at 6:15 PM in concert attire for warm-up.
Spirit Wear Sale
Show your Eagle pride while supporting HMS! Our schoolwide spiritwear fundraiser includes T-shirts, hoodies, crewnecks, and more. Scan the QR code, or use the link, to shop before the sale ends on November 2!
https://form.jotform.com/262825932248161

Upcoming Dates:
Oct 16th- 1st 9 weeks ends
Oct 19 & 20th- Teacher Workdays (No School)
Oct 26th- Fall Pictures

Upcoming Fall Picture Information:
Carolina Photography will be photographing Fall pictures at Heritage Middle School on
Oct 26. Every student will be photographed!
You have three convenient ways to order your students portraits:
1. Pre-Order Online through picture day: Visit www.carolinaphoto.net and click
“Click Here to Order Photos” then enter your school’s name as the “code” or scan
the QR code below. On a mobile phone, just hold down the QR code to redirect.
2. Day-of Payment: Send the completed flyer with cash or check payment to
school to be handed to the photographer on picture day.
3. After picture day-Proof: Once pre-orders are delivered (approximately two
weeks after picture day), you will receive an individual proof with an online code
for online ordering. There will be a shipping charge to the home.
If you have questions, go to [email protected]

10/09/2026

Sharing for our friends at Burke County Rec:
2026–27 Burke County Youth Basketball Signups

Signup contacts:

Salem: Kristen Carter, 828-430-1285.
Salem: Ashley Jones, 828-695-3579.
Mull: Cody Reid, 828-493-5193.
Mull: Josh Carswell, 828-244-8032.
Oak Hill: Brian Mize, 828-455-6629.
W.A. Young: Forest Duckworth, 828-292-3651.
Glen Alpine: Duran Clark, 828-855-7702.
Glen Alpine: Sandy Clark, 828-855-7715.
Drexel: Lisa Butler, 828-430-1051.
Mountain View: Chelsea Beam, 828-409-1932.
Forest Hill: Nikki Costello, 828-502-9235.
Ray Childers: Mark Stilwell, 828-514-0072.
Ray Childers: Ashley Bryant, 901-530-7526.
George Hildebrand: Rose Cook, 828-244-3511.
George Hildebrand: Josh Watts, 828-764-7501.
Hillcrest: Marquiese Sudduth, 828-334-0758.
East Burke: Eric Eckard, 828-723-0770.
East Burke: Melissa Barnes, 828-723-0770.
Valdese: Jonathan Carter, 828-874-6736.

Key dates:

Friday, November 6 through Monday, November 9: Dick’s Sporting Goods Discount Weekend.
Monday, November 16: Practice can start.
Saturday, December 5: Regular season opener.
Friday, December 11: Last day to add players.
Coaches meeting: Date and time to be determined.

Eligibility and contact information:

Players must live in Burke County or attend school in Burke County. Contact the signup coordinators for registration as soon as possible. For other questions, text or call Wesley at Burke County Parks and Recreation at 828-796-4806.

Age groups:

Ages 5–6: Must turn 5 before August 31, 2026, and cannot turn 7 before August 31, 2026.
Ages 7–8: Must turn 7 before August 31, 2026, and cannot turn 9 before August 31, 2026.
Ages 9–10: Must turn 9 before August 31, 2026, and cannot turn 11 before August 31, 2026.
Ages 11–12: Must turn 11 before August 31, 2026, and cannot turn 13 before August 31, 2026.
Ages 13–15: Must turn 13 before August 31, 2026, and cannot turn 16 before August 31, 2026.

09/22/2026

Heads up for anyone planning on going to the parade this evening!

09/21/2026

Archery info for anyone interested in trying out!

09/20/2026

Good afternoon Eagle Families,
It’s hard to believe that September is half way through and we’re gearing up for October. Here are our announcements for the week of September 20th:

⚽Athletics This Week🏐
Tuesday, Sept 22nd: Soccer vs West McDowell & Volleyball @ West McDowell
Wednesday, Sept 23rd: Football vs Liberty
Thursday, Sept 24th: Soccer at East McDowell & Volleyball vs East McDowell

🏖️Parent Meeting for 8th graders:
There will be a meeting on Monday night, Sept 21st, at 5:30 in the auditorium to discuss the upcoming Crystal Coast trip for our 8th graders.

🚌Bus- Now that bus times are running more consistently, please have your student at their stop on time. When a student is not prepared it can lead to making others wait after their stop.

📢SGA - Applications are now available for those interested in running for SGA office. Your student may get an application outside of Mrs. Lowman’s room (706). Here are important deadlines and dates.
Student Applications Due - 9/28
Students Record Speeches - 10/2
Elections - 10/8

📢HMS is celebrating National GEAR UP Week, September 21–25! GEAR UP helps students explore their interests, prepare for future opportunities, and begin thinking about their college and career dreams.
On Monday, we invite all students to wear a bright or neon-colored shirt as we “Light the Way” toward their futures! Teachers and staff will also wear neon and GEAR UP glow bracelets to show students that we are here to support, encourage, and guide them.
During lunch, students will have an opportunity to share ways they can help “light the way” for themselves and others. Their ideas will be displayed on a special bulletin board for our school community to enjoy.
We hope all of our Eagles will join the fun and help HMS glow on Monday!

📢We also invite you to fill out the Gear Up Family Survey (QR Code) or use this link:
https://appstate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e2PIhyVSouEJoJ8

Your student is a GEAR UP Student! GEAR UP is a federally funded grant that serves many western NC districts and the goal of this grant is to assist students with skills that contribute to their success AFTER they graduate high school. There are many benefits you can expect in this program that include 24/7 online tutoring, field trips to colleges, summer camps, and career exploration events.

And great news…all GEAR UP Services are FREE for your student! In order for this grant to function in a way that is most beneficial for you, GEAR UP requests your assistance by completing this Family Survey. We are so thankful for you taking just a couple minutes to do so!

09/14/2026