September 18, 2025
CURRICULUM NIGHT-PEPPER PIKE | September 18
FALL FEST | September 27
NO SCHOOL-TEACHER IN-SERVICE | October 2
PASTOR APPRECIATION-PENINSULA | October 7
PASTOR APPRECIATION-PEPPER PIKE | October 8
PASTOR APPRECIATION BREAKFAST
HCA will be hosting a Pastor Appreciation Breakfast at Peninsula on Tuesday, October 7 and at Pepper Pike on Wednesday, October 8. Please invite your pastor(s) with the invitation your student will bring home. Alternatively, you can find a digital invitation to share for Peninsula here and Pepper Pike here.
SPIRIT WEAR POP-UP SHOP
Stop by our Spirit Wear Pop-Up Shop this evening during Curriculum Night, located outside the Chapel at the Pepper Pike Campus. We are excited to offer three limited-edition items available for purchase while supplies last. Don’t miss this opportunity to show your Heritage pride!
SPIRIT WEAR DAY
We invite students to show their school spirit every Friday by wearing approved Heritage spirit wear. It is a joyful way to celebrate our community and foster unity across campuses. Regular dress code guidelines still apply for bottoms and footwear.
HCA ANNUAL DINNER
Save the date for the HCA Annual Dinner, taking place on Friday, November 7. This special evening will focus on the second emphasis in our Portrait of a Graduate: Love Others. Join us for a meaningful night of fellowship, celebration, and support for the mission of HCA. More details to come.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
For the most up-to-date event information, please refer to the Academic Calendars available on the Current Families webpage. These calendars are updated throughout the year to reflect any changes or additions.
FALL FEST 2025
Join us for an afternoon of family fellowship and celebration at our Fall Fest on September 27. This year, Fall Fest will highlight God’s faithfulness to HCA through our capital campaign, A Place to Glorify and Grow.
Reservations are currently limited to HCA staff and families. If tickets remain after this initial window, extended family and friends may begin reserving on September 21. A reservation is required for all attendees ages 3 and older. Because parking at the farm is limited, families will be asked to choose between two available sessions. Click here for full event details and here to reserve your tickets.
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.
Pepper Pike Campus Lower School Curriculum Night is tonight, 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 tonight, 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
Current 5th grade parents are warmly invited to join Head of School David Nees, Associate Head of School Daniel Bond, and Head of Upper School Scott Hatteberg, tonight, Thursday, September 18, at 5:00 p.m. at our Pepper Pike Campus. Tonight’s event will feature a message from leadership, a faculty panel, a Q&A session, and a campus tour. To register for this event, please click here. As with Curriculum Night, this is a parent-only event.
FALL FEST VOLUNTEERS
We still need volunteers for Fall Fest. Please 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 are excited to introduce the Griffin Gear store, your online 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.
THE GRIFFIN RUNDOWN
We invite you to listen to this week’s episode of The Griffin Rundown. In this week’s episode Mr. David Nees and Pastor Paul Tautges engage in a thoughtful conversation as they explore the topic of anxiety and how we can anchor our souls in truth. This episode offers encouragement and insight for students, families, and staff alike. 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.
PICTURE DAY
Visualizations Photography is looking forward to a safe and efficient picture day for the Peninsula campus on September 30th and October 1st. To order your pictures, please click this PREORDER link. This link replaces pre-order envelopes of years gone by. Start by typing your student's last name in the box, and you will see them in the drop-down below. Please click the name and then enter your email address.
Please note: If you do not receive confirmation, it is likely the order did not go through. Be sure to watch for the confirmation. Your student does NOT need to bring a copy of the confirmation on picture day. When ordering for more than one student, please place separate orders for each. You will see, across the top - packages and products tab - as you have your choice of any of those items. The link will expire at 11:59p on October 1st. Be sure to pre-order your pictures by the deadline. If you have any questions, please contact Visualizations at joanna@vizphoto.com or 330-923-3686 during business hours. Thank 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.
LUNCH AND RECESS VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP
We are incredibly grateful for our Special Lunch volunteers, who help ensure our Chick-fil-A and Gionino’s lunch days run smoothly! Special Lunch volunteers will be responsible for accepting the food delivery, counting the items to make sure all food is accounted for, setting up the Special Lunch table, and distributing lunches to students. You will receive a detailed list of student names and what they ordered for their lunch. After the final lunch is served, volunteers will also help with clean-up and making sure everything is returned to its proper place. Having a consistent volunteer each week is especially helpful—not only does it make the routine smoother, but it also allows students to enjoy seeing a familiar, friendly face.
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.
HOT LUNCH
Hot Lunch has begun this week! Chick-fil-A (Wednesdays) and Gionino’s (Thursdays). The hot lunch schedule and ordering instructions can be viewed on the Orientation Page. Orders must be placed by Sunday night.
PRAYING MOMS & DADS
Heritage Moms and Dads, you are invited to join together for prayer every month.
Beginning Tuesday, October 7, praying moms gather on the first Tuesday of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the library. Beginning October 10, praying dads gather the second Friday of each month at 6:30am in the library. This is a meaningful opportunity to come together in prayer for our students, families, and 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.
PICTURE DAY
Visualizations Photography is looking forward to a safe and efficient picture day for the Pepper Pike campus on Wednesday, October 15. The ordering link will be shared soon. For those needing retakes, Picture Retake Day will take place on Tuesday, November 18.
CURRICULUM NIGHT
Parents of students in Kindergarten through 5th Grade are warmly invited to a parents-only evening today, 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. 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. 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 has begun this week. The hot lunch schedule and ordering instructions can be viewed on the Orientation Page. Orders must be placed by Sunday night.
THANK YOU
Thank you to the many parents who have generously volunteered their time to help with lunch and recess. Your support has been a tremendous help and is appreciated by our staff and students.
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.
PICTURE DAY
Visualizations Photography is looking forward to a safe and efficient picture day for the Pepper Pike campus on Wednesday, October 15. The ordering link will be shared soon. For those needing retakes, Picture Retake Day will take place on Tuesday, November 18.
UPPER SCHOOL CURRICULUM NIGHT
Parents of students in 9th through 12th Grade are warmly invited to a parents-only evening today, Thursday, September 18, beginning at 7:00 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.
CHRISTIAN COLLEGE FAIR
The Chapel in Green will host a College & Career Fair on Saturday, October 4, from 2:30–4:30 p.m. at 1800 Raber Road, Uniontown, Ohio, 44685. This unique event brings together a wide range of opportunities for students, featuring representatives from numerous Christian colleges, Workforce Training programs, all branches of the U.S. Military, and colleges that specialize in serving students with disabilities. Attendees will have the chance to explore diverse educational and career pathways in a welcoming and informative environment.
RHETORIC FALL EVENT
Mark your calendars for the Rhetoric Fall Event on Saturday, October 18, from 6:45 to 9:00 p.m. This special evening promises meaningful fellowship and engagement. Additional details will be shared next week.
FORMAL DAY
Each Wednesday is Formal Day for Rhetoric students. Please remember to wear dress shoes as part of the formal uniform. Thank you for helping us uphold a culture of excellence and respect.
ARRIVAL TIME
We kindly remind Upper School families that drop-off takes place between 7:45 and 8:00 a.m, with a later window on Thursdays (late start days) from 8:45 to 9:00 a.m. Families are encouraged to plan accordingly to ensure a smooth and timely arrival.
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.
Basketball sign-ups coming soon!
FALL THEATER PRODUCTION
HCA is pleased to present this fall’s student theater production, directed by Sarah Klein. Performances are scheduled for November 14 and 15. Please save the date and join us in celebrating the talent and hard work of our Upper School students.
CROSS COUNTRY
HCA runners proudly competed in the Boardman Invitational on Saturday, September 13—one of the largest and most competitive meets in Ohio. Facing tough competition in the challenging Northeast Ohio section, our athletes delivered impressive performances and placed with distinction. Well done, HCA!
SOCCER
The HCA Griffins came up just short in a closely contested game against Christian Community School, bringing the season series to an even 1–1. Coach Newman expressed pride in the team’s strong start and is focused on building momentum as they prepare for Tuesday’s upcoming matchup at Cornerstone Christian Academy on September 23.
GOLF
With extra time between matches, Coaches Hooper and Steinhoff are making the most of the break to refine the team’s skills on the course. Their focus is on preparation and improvement ahead of the upcoming match against Westside Christian Academy on September 30.
VOLLEYBALL
High school volleyball continues to sharpen its skills, recently battling local rival Laurel in a competitive match. Meanwhile, the middle school team enters the Ohio Christian School Athletic Association playoffs as the No. 1 seed, aiming to defend their state title. View the tournament bracket here.
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.