September 25, 2025
FALL FEST | September 27
NO SCHOOL-TEACHER IN-SERVICE | October 2
PASTOR APPRECIATION-PENINSULA | October 7
PASTOR APPRECIATION-PEPPER PIKE | October 8
HERITAGE U | October 13
ANNUAL PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST | October 20-22
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES | October 22-23
FALL BREAK | October 23-24
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 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.
FALL FEST 2025
Fall Fest tickets are still available! Join us on September 27 for an afternoon of family fun as we celebrate community and reflect on God’s faithfulness to our school through the A Place to Glorify and Grow capital campaign.
All attendees age 3 and older require a ticket reservation. Enjoy delicious offerings available for purchase, including food trucks, Luther’s Farm grass-fed beef burgers, fresh donuts, and more. We look forward to welcoming you! Click here for full event details and here to reserve your tickets.
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.
PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST
The Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest is back! A beloved tradition among our students, the Pumpkin Decorating Contest will be held on October 20–22. We invite all participants to showcase their creativity and school spirit. Click here for full details, including contest categories and the entry form. We look forward to seeing your festive creations!
HERITAGE U
Join us on October 13 at 6:45 p.m. at the Pepper Pike campus for an enriching evening with guest speaker Alistair Begg, as he shares biblical wisdom on Parenting In A Broken World.
Heritage U is a special series designed for HCA parents, recognizing the unique challenges of raising families in today’s world. Through these gatherings, we aim to equip and encourage parents with guidance rooted in God’s Word.
Throughout the school year, HCA will host several evenings featuring respected pastors and teachers speaking on topics relevant to Christian parenting.
Please click here to register. We look forward to seeing you there.
THE GRIFFIN RUNDOWN
We invite you to listen to this week’s episode of The Griffin Rundown. In this week’s episode, Mr. Nees sits down with two key leaders in our academic community: Mr. Nolan Grame, Academic Dean of the Upper School, and Mrs. Tracy Villers, Director of Curriculum for the Lower School.
Discover how their roles shape the learning experience at HCA and support our mission to glorify God through excellence in education. 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.
Next week’s newsletter will include a schedule by teacher so you’ll know which day your child(ren) is/are scheduled for pictures.
If you have any questions, please contact Visualizations at joanna@vizphoto.com or 330-923-3686 during business hours. Thank you!
MOMS AND MUFFINS
Save the date for Moms and Muffins. Early Childhood students will enjoy a special morning with their Mom on October 13 and 14. Further information will be coming from your child’s teacher.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Be on the lookout for Parent-Teacher Conference invitations arriving in the coming week. Parents will be able to sign up for a 15 minute time slot using the calendar in the Renweb Family Portal.
These conferences provide a valuable opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher and support their academic journey.
HERITAGE ASSOCIATION OF PARENTS (HAP)
In keeping with our vision to partner with parents in the development of our students, 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
There are no Hot Lunches next week. Hot Lunches return the week of October 6. The hot lunch schedule and ordering instructions can be viewed on the Orientation Page. Orders must be placed by Sunday night. We kindly ask that you please note the dates on which you order lunch for your child as this service is not available every week.
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.
THE CLASSICAL CORNER
We are pleased to introduce Mrs. Larison’s Classical Corner, a monthly newsletter dedicated to highlighting the foundational principles of classical education and sharing encouraging updates from the Lower School.
Each edition will offer insight into the rich traditions that shape our academic approach, along with stories and moments that reflect the joy of learning in a classical Christian environment.
Click here to view this month’s edition.
CHICK-FIL-A STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to our September Chick-fil-A Students of the Month!
Mary-Jane Jamison
Matthew Rhoads
Brooklyn Leimeister
Thorin Piasecki
MOMS AND MUFFINS
Save the date for Moms and Muffins. Early Childhood students will enjoy a special morning with their Mom on October 22. Further information will be coming from your child’s teacher.
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.
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
There are no Hot Lunches next week. Hot Lunches return the week of October 6. 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.
UPPER SCHOOL CHAPEL | September 26
CHICK-FIL-A LEADERSHIP ACADEMY | September 29
HOUSE CHANT COMPETITION (WEAR HOUSE SHIRTS AND UNIFORM BOTTOMS) | October 1
5th GRADE FIELD TRIP TO UPPER SCHOOL (WEAR HOUSE SHIRTS AND UNIFORM BOTTOMS) | October 3
HOUSE CHANT COMPETITION
On Wednesday October 1 the Upper School will be participating in a House Chant Competition for the Lower School. Students will not wear formal wear and are encouraged to wear their house shirts with uniform bottoms.
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.
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 DANCE
Mark your calendars for the Rhetoric Fall Event on Saturday, October 18, from 6:45–9:00 p.m. This special evening promises meaningful fellowship and engagement. Click here for a copy of the email that went out today.
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, tonight, 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.
HOT LUNCH
There are no Hot Lunches next week. Hot Lunches return the week of October 6. The hot lunch schedule and ordering instructions can be viewed on the Orientation Page. Orders must be placed by Sunday night.
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!
POWER OF THE PEN
We are pleased to bring Power of the Pen to our academy for the very first time. This esteemed program offers 7th and 8th grade students a meaningful opportunity to cultivate their creative writing abilities, sharpen critical thinking skills, and represent HCA in a respected statewide competition.
To learn more and register, please click here.
MOCK TRIAL TEAM
We are pleased to announce the formation of HCA’s inaugural Mock Trial Team, open to students in grades 9–12. Under the leadership of Mrs. Danyella Johnson—Kindergarten teacher, member of the Ohio Bar, and former Vice President of the Mock Trial Team at Case Western Reserve University School of Law—students will engage in a rigorous and rewarding experience.
Participants will develop essential skills in public speaking, analytical thinking, legal reasoning, and courtroom advocacy, all within a framework that reflects HCA’s commitment to excellence and character formation.
To learn more and register, please click here.
CROSS COUNTRY
High school and middle school cross country athletes had a standout performance in the National Christian School Athletic Association meet—a national meet featuring Christian schools from across the country. Middle School boys placed #1 overall, Middle School girls placed #1 overall, and Mariah Harris placed #2 as an individual. Congratulations on a tremendous performance in the NCSAA championship! Go Griffins!
SOCCER
The Griffins had a strong showing against Cornerstone Christian Academy this past week! The team is entering the home stretch of the season with a match against Kingsway Christian on Monday, September 29. The next home game is Monday, October 6 against Open Door. Mark your calendars and come support your HCA Griffins!
GOLF
With extra time between matches, Coach Hooper and Coach 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 playing against 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.