September 11, 2025
CURRICULUM NIGHT-PENINSULA | September 16
CURRICULUM NIGHT-PEPPER PIKE | September 18
FALL FEST | September 27
NO SCHOOL-TEACHER IN-SERVICE | October 2
FALL FEST 2025
Beginning today, September 11, HCA staff and families may reserve tickets for Fall Fest. A reservation is required for all attendees ages 3 and up. Due to limited parking at the farm, families may choose between two available sessions.
Please note: reservations are currently limited to HCA staff and families. If tickets remain available, extended family and friends may reserve beginning September 21.
We hope you’ll join us on September 27 for an afternoon of family fellowship as we celebrate God’s faithfulness to our school through our capital campaign, A Place to Glorify and Grow.
Click here for full event details and here to reserve your tickets.
NEW PARENT ALERT SYSTEM
We are pleased to introduce the launch of our new FACTS Parent Alert System. Parent Alert, which is designed to keep families informed and connected, will allow us to send out communications via Text, Email, and Voice Messages. You should have received your first text reminder about our late start day last week. If you did not receive this message and would like to be included in future alerts, please ensure your contact information is up to date in the Family Portal.
Another way to ensure that you are able to receive our alerts is to text the keyword “START” to 31706 from your mobile device. Any text alerts from our school will begin with “Parent_Alert: HCA-OH” and calls will show from “330-548-1738”.
We appreciate your partnership in helping us maintain clear and consistent communication.
DRESS DOWN DAY
Students at both campuses are invited to participate in Dress Down Day on Monday, September 15. For a contribution of $2 per individual, students may wear jeans, sweatpants, or finger-tip-length shorts in place of their regular uniform (leggings and pajama pants are not permitted). Proceeds will help defray the cost of the 7th–10th grade class field trips scheduled for May.
CURRICULUM NIGHT 2025
This is a great opportunity for you to “walk in the shoes” of your child(ren), as teachers guide a time through their classroom routines and rhythms. They will additionally provide an overview of your student’s curriculum for the year. We encourage every parent to participate in this evening! Our teachers’ love for your children and their excitement for the coursework will encourage and inspire you. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with you in Classical Christian education. This is a parent-only event.
Peninsula Campus Curriculum Night is Tuesday, September 16, from 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Three 20 minute rotations will provide the opportunity to visit multiple classrooms.
Pepper Pike Campus Lower School Curriculum Night is Thursday, September 18, from 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Three 20 minute rotations will provide the opportunity to visit multiple classrooms.
Pepper Pike Campus Upper School Curriculum Night is Thursday, September 18, from 7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Parents will have time to walk their student’s schedule and visit multiple classrooms.
5TH GRADE PARENT UPPER SCHOOL PREVIEW NIGHT
Please join Associate Head of School Daniel Bond, Head of School David Nees, and Head of Upper School Scott Hatteberg, on Thursday, September 18, at 5:00 p.m. at our Pepper Pike Campus, for a brief Q&A about what awaits in the Upper School at Heritage Classical Academy. To register for this event please click here. As with Curriculum Night, this is a parent-only event.
FALL FEST VOLUNTEERS
We kindly invite you to consider contributing just one hour of your time to support the success of this special event. Your involvement makes a meaningful difference in our school community. To volunteer, please sign up here.
THE GRIFFIN GEAR STORE
We’re excited to introduce The Griffin Gear store, your one-stop shop for SAS-approved outerwear and PE uniforms. Orders are fulfilled twice a month—at the beginning and middle of each month. For example, if you place an order on September 2, it will be processed in mid-September. For now, PE uniforms may be ordered here or through the existing form on the Orientation page. However, beginning January 1, 2026, all PE uniform orders should be placed exclusively through the Griffin Gear store. Click here to shop today!
Note: The new SAS-approved outerwear available in the Griffin Gear store is an addition to, not a replacement for, the Lands’ End uniform outerwear options.
CLASSROOM OUTWEAR AND COATS COLOR POLICY
Previous editions of the SAS allowed gray and black options for certain outerwear items. Moving forward, navy will be the only approved color for all outerwear. We understand that some families may have already purchased gray or black items. These will be grandfathered in and may still be worn. However, we kindly ask that all future outerwear purchases be in navy. Thank you for your understanding and support of this policy change.
MCKIBBEN & MONTE
McKibben & Monte will be returning this year to provide informal Speech & Occupational Therapy assessments. If you would like to sign up for this assessment, please click here to get started.
HERITAGE U
Heritage U returns this year with two special evenings of learning and encouragement:
October 13 – featuring Alistair Begg
February 26 – featuring Tim Challies
We invite you to mark your calendars and join us for these meaningful gatherings as we seek wisdom and fellowship together. This is an adult only event, childcare will not be provided. More information on location and time will be forthcoming.
FAMILY INFORMATION REVIEW PACKETS
Please complete any unfinished Information Review Packets. The details provided in the packet provide Heritage with necessary information in case of an emergency. Follow the instructions linked below to complete your child(ren)'s online packets. These forms were due September 1, we ask that you please complete them before Friday.
THE GRIFFIN RUNDOWN
The Griffin Rundown has returned for Season 3. Tune in every Tuesday for the latest updates about our school and insightful conversations with community leaders on timely, engaging topics.
Stay connected to the life of our school — click here to listen to this week’s episode.
THE GRIFFIN RUNDOWN STUDENT JOKES
If your student would like to record a joke with Mr. Nees for an upcoming episode of The Griffin Rundown podcast, please submit their name by clicking the button below. We would be delighted to include them in a future episode and share a moment of lighthearted fun with our listeners.
HCA APP
Click here to download the HCA app for easy access to class details, lunch orders, directories, the Griffin Rundown podcast, and more.
ATTENDANCE REPORTING POLICY
For all attendance-related communications, including absences, tardies, mid-day appointments, and early pick-ups, please do one of the following:
1) Call the appropriate Attendance Line and leave a message. You will still need to contact your child’s teacher and the nurse (when medical).
Peninsula (330)-548-1738, Ext 1, Ext 1
Pepper Pike Upper School (330)-548-1738, Ext 2, Ext 1
Pepper Pike Lower School (330)-548-1738, Ext 2, Ext 2
2) Send an email to the appropriate Attendance Email address, your child’s teacher, and the nurse (when medical).
All absences, tardies, and mid-day appointments should be communicated by 9:00 a.m. Any end-of-day pick-up changes should be communicated by 1:00 p.m. Please do not contact the Campus Coordinator by email or by phone regarding attendance-related issues. Please continue to share attendance information with your student’s teacher, nurse (when medical), and the Attendance Line or Email.
CURRICULUM NIGHT
Parents of students in Kindergarten through 5th Grade are warmly invited to a parents-only evening on Tuesday, September 16, beginning at 6:00 p.m. This special event offers an opportunity to step into your child’s daily experience, as teachers guide you through classroom routines and rhythms. In addition, faculty will present an overview of the curriculum for the academic year. We look forward to welcoming you.
HERITAGE ASSOCIATION OF PARENTS (HAP)
In keeping with our vision to partner with parents in the development of our students and to impact our community, Heritage relies on parents volunteering their time, gifts, and resources. Please prayerfully consider volunteering during the 2025-2026 school year. We thank you in advance for doing your part to advance classical and Christian education through Heritage Classical Academy.
CAR LINE PROCEDURES
To help ensure that arrival and dismissal run smoothly for everyone, we kindly ask that you review and follow the procedures outlined below.
We ask that you allow your child to get in/out of the car on the side closest to the building.
Cars must come to a complete stop at stop signs before proceeding through intersections.
Parents remain in your vehicles and allow the designated staff to assist students.
Even if your Early Childhood student does not have school on any given day, you will use the same drop-off/pick-up location with your older Academy or Study Center student every day.
We desire to be good neighbors! Please do not block any residential or business driveways.
Please refrain from using cell phones in the drop-off/pick-up lines.
LUNCH AND RECESS VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP
HCA is grateful for the faithful partnership of parents and grandparents who generously volunteer to help supervise lunch and recess. Your presence not only supports our daily routines but also offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with students and be part of their school experience.
To ensure these days run smoothly, we are in need of volunteers to assist with serving. Your time and care make a lasting impact, and we warmly invite you to consider joining us in this valuable role.
If you are interested in serving, please click the link below. Emily Thompson, Campus Coordinator, will follow up via email to assist you with updating your background check—a simple process that takes only a few steps. Thank you for prayerfully considering this opportunity to serve our school community.
AFTERCARE REGISTRATION
Aftercare registration is required for each student who will remain on campus after school hours. This includes students staying due to a sibling’s participation in after-school clubs, lessons, or athletics. Please register by 2:00 p.m. daily to ensure proper supervision and planning. Please note, students who ride the HCA Shuttle do not need to register for aftercare if they will be picked up by 3:45 PM.
DISTRICT BUSSING SIGN UP
Parents are kindly asked to complete daily registration for students who will be riding district bussing after school. Registration must be submitted by 2:00 p.m. each day using the form linked below. Please do not email your campus coordinator or attendance line with bus changes. All updates must be made through the form by the daily deadline. Kindly note, students not listed on the form will not be placed on the bus after school. Click the button below for your district.
CURRICULUM NIGHT
Parents of students in Kindergarten through 5th Grade are warmly invited to a parents-only evening on Thursday, September 18, beginning at 6:00 p.m. This special event offers an opportunity to step into your child’s daily experience, as teachers guide you through classroom routines and rhythms. In addition, faculty will present an overview of the curriculum for the academic year. We look forward to welcoming you.
PRAYING MOMS AND DADS
Heritage Moms and Dads, you are invited to join together for prayer every month.
Praying Dads meets at Heritage Coffee in Solon from 6:30-7:30 a.m. The first meeting is tomorrow, Friday, September 12. Mark your calendar for future dates: Oct 10, Nov 11, Dec 12, Jan 9, Feb 13, March 13, April 10 and May 8. Reach out to HCA Dad, Jason Fruh with questions at fruhjm1@gmail.com
Praying Moms meets Mondays at the Pepper Pike Campus Chapel from 8:30-9:30 a.m. The first meeting is Monday, September 15. Mark your calendar for future dates: Oct 20, Nov 17, Dec 15. Reach out to HCA Mom, Julie Johnson with questions at prayingparents@heritageclassicalacademy.org
CAR LINE PROCEDURES
To help ensure that arrival and dismissal run smoothly for everyone, we kindly ask that you review and follow the procedures outlined below.
To ensure a smooth and efficient flow of traffic we kindly ask parents to pull forward as far as possible and closely align with the vehicle ahead. This practice helps us make full use of available space and move everyone through the car line in a timely manner.
Even if your Early Childhood student does not have school on any given day, you will use the same drop-off/pick-up location with your older Academy or Study Center student everyday.
Please refrain from using cell phones in the drop off/pick up lines.
Please note, to help expedite dismissal, parents must remain in their vehicles, and we ask that car seats be positioned on the side where staff will be loading children. HCA staff will assist students into their cars. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and efficient dismissal process.
HOT LUNCH
Hot lunch starts next week. The hot lunch schedule and ordering instructions can be viewed on the orientation page. Orders must be placed by Sunday night.
HERITAGE ASSOCIATION OF PARENTS (HAP)
In keeping with our vision to partner with parents in the development of our students and to impact our community, Heritage relies on parents volunteering their time, gifts, and resources. Please prayerfully consider volunteering during the 2025-2026 school year. We thank you in advance for doing your part to advance classical and Christian education through Heritage Classical Academy.
LUNCH VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP
HCA is grateful for the faithful partnership of parents and grandparents who generously volunteer to help supervise lunch and recess. Your presence not only supports our daily routines but also offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with students and be part of their school experience.
To ensure these days run smoothly, we are in need of volunteers to assist with serving. Would you consider helping us on Pizza Thursdays? Your time and care make a lasting impact, and we warmly invite you to consider joining us in this valuable role.
Thank you for prayerfully considering this opportunity to serve our school community.
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES
If there is a change to your child’s regular transportation plan for dismissal, please notify the Pepper Pike Attendance Coordinator at pepperpikeattendance@heritageclassicalacademy.org by 1:00 p.m. For students riding to or from school on a local school district bus, please contact the Campus Coordinator immediately to ensure proper arrangements are made.
AFTERCARE REGISTRATION
Aftercare registration is required for each student who will remain on campus after school hours. This includes students staying due to a sibling’s participation in after-school clubs, lessons, or athletics. Please register by 2:00 p.m. daily to ensure proper supervision and planning. Please note, students who ride the HCA Shuttle do not need to register for aftercare if they will be picked up by 3:45 PM.
FORMAL DAY | September 10
FALL THEATER PRODUCTION
HCA is pleased to present this fall’s student theater production, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Directed by Sarah Klein, founder of Novelty Theater Company and former Broadway performer, and stage-managed by Emmy Domzalski, this charming adaptation will be performed in the HCA Chapel at our Pepper Pike campus. Open to students in grades 6–12, this smaller-scale fall production offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the joy of theater—whether onstage or behind the scenes—and sets the stage for a larger spring musical. Auditions and crew interest meeting will be held on September 11 at the HCA Chapel, with auditions scheduled from 3:30–5:30 p.m. and crew meetings from 3:30–3:45 p.m. Rehearsals begin October 7, and performances will take place on November 14 and 15. A participation fee of $20 will be added to your FACTS account if your student is cast or joins the crew. We warmly invite students to take part in this enriching experience. Click here to sign up.
CHRISTIAN COLLEGE FAIR
Rhetoric students are encouraged to begin their college search by attending the upcoming Christian College Fair on Tuesday, September 26, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, Royals Fieldhouse 4687 Wyoga Lake Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44224.
Representatives from over 50 Christian colleges across the nation will be present to share information about academic programs, campus life, scholarships, and financial aid. This is a valuable opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and gather resources for the journey ahead.
RHETORIC MENTORING
We are pleased to announce that our Rhetoric students will participate in mentoring groups during select Thursdays (7th period), beginning September 18. Students will meet in small groups organized by grade and gender. We invite you to join us in prayer for this meaningful time of connection and growth.
SENIOR COLLEGE PLANNING NIGHT
Senior students and their parents are warmly invited to attend an informative evening on the college admissions process, led by Anne Johns, on Thursday, September 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Music Room.
This session will provide valuable guidance on navigating college applications, understanding financial aid, and exploring scholarship opportunities. We encourage all senior families to take advantage of this helpful resource as they prepare for the next chapter.
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES
If there is a change to your child’s regular transportation plan for dismissal, please notify the Pepper Pike Attendance Coordinator at pepperpikeattendance@heritageclassicalacademy.org by 1:00 p.m. For students riding to or from school on a local school district bus, please contact the Campus Coordinator immediately to ensure proper arrangements are made.
LUNCH VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP
HERITAGE ASSOCIATION OF PARENTS (HAP)
In keeping with our vision to partner with parents in the development of our students and to impact our community, Heritage relies on parents volunteering their time, gifts, and resources. Please prayerfully consider volunteering during the 2025-2026 school year. We thank you in advance for doing your part to advance classical and Christian education through Heritage Classical Academy.
ATHLETICS SCHEDULE
Looking to support our teams this weekend? Visit the Athletics Calendar for a full list of games and events. Stay informed, show your school spirit, and cheer on our student-athletes!
FALL SPORTS BANQUET
Join us at Tanglewood Golf Club for an evening of celebration and reflection on the fall sports season. Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 30, from 5:30–7:00 p.m.
STAY CONNECTED
Join your child’s after-school club on the Band app to receive updates. Didn’t receive an invite? Email mitchell.monas@heritageclassicalacademy.org.