October 2, 2025
PASTOR APPRECIATION - PENINSULA | October 7
PASTOR APPRECIATION - PEPPER PIKE | October 8
DRESS DOWN DAY (FUNDRAISER) | October 9
HERITAGE U | October 13
BAKE SALE (BOTH CAMPUSES) | October 14–15
ANNUAL PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST | October 20–22
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES | October 22–23
FALL BREAK | October 23–24
ADMISSIONS APPLICATIONS OPEN
Applications for the 2026/2027 school year are open! Due to continued high demand, several classes maintained waiting pools last year, and we anticipate another strong enrollment cycle. Priority Enrollment for current families is available through January 9. We encourage you to submit applications now for your school-age children who are not currently enrolled as students. Log in to your Family Portal, go to “Apply/Enroll,” choose “Application,” and then select “Click Here to Add an Application” on the main screen. Contact our Admissions Director, Laura Calo, at laura.calo@heritageclassicalacademy.org with any questions.
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 brings home. Alternatively, you can find a digital invitation to share for Peninsula here and Pepper Pike here.
DRESS DOWN DAY FUNDRAISER
On Thursday, October 9, both campuses will host a Dress Down Day fundraiser. For a $2 donation, students may wear jeans, sweatpants, fingertip-length shorts, or hoodies. Please note that leggings and pajama pants are not permitted. All proceeds will benefit 7th–10th grade students by helping to offset costs associated with upcoming out-of-state field trips. Thank you for your support!
BAKE SALE
On Tuesday and Wednesday, October 14 and 15, both campuses will host a Bake Sale to support 7th–10th grade students attending out-of-state field trips in the spring. All items will be priced between $1 and $2. Thank you for helping us make these enriching experiences possible!
FALL SPIRIT WEAR AND OUTERWEAR UPDATE
Fall Spirit Wear Fundraiser orders are arriving soon and will be distributed early next week! For families who placed orders through the Griffin Gear online store, please note that webstore orders are processed after the 1st and 15th of each month, with a standard turnaround time of 10–15 business days.
HCA ANNUAL DINNER
We are pleased to invite you to our Annual Dinner on Friday, November 7—an evening that reflects on God’s faithfulness, highlights the impact of your gifts, and inspires continued partnership in cultivating lifelong learners who think and live for Christ. For additional details please visit our Annual Dinner webpage or click here to reserve you tickets or sponsor a table. We look forward to hosting you!
ANNUAL DINNER SPONSORS
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Frank and Malisse Sinito, owners of the Marriott Key Tower and The Millennia Companies, for generously presenting this year’s Annual Dinner. We are also grateful to Emmaus Seminary, our Title Sponsor, for their meaningful support. Your partnership helps make this special evening possible and furthers our mission in powerful ways.
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 Monday, 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 as seats are limited. 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 Mr. Monas, our Athletic Director, to discuss how HCA student-athletes grow in their relationship with Christ through both triumphs and challenges on and off the field. The conversation also includes exciting updates on new sports programs and upcoming student clubs. Click here to listen to this week’s episode.
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.
EARLY CHILDHOOD PLAYGROUND
Due to state regulations, the Early Childhood playground may only be used by HCA Early Childhood classes during school hours. To help us remain in compliance, we kindly ask that families use the playground only when visiting school with their children. Thank you for your cooperation and support.
SAVE THE DATE: MOMS AND MUFFINS
Early Childhood students will enjoy a special morning with their moms on October 13 and 14. Further information to follow from your child’s teacher!
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Conference registration is now open! Please watch for a teacher’s invite and then select a 15 minute time slot using the calendar in the RenWeb Family Portal. These conferences offer 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. Thank you for participating!
LUNCH & RECESS VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP
We are grateful for our Special Lunch volunteers who make Chick-fil-A and Gionino’s days run smoothly! Volunteers help with delivery, setup, distribution, and clean-up, and will receive a list of student orders. A consistent weekly volunteer is especially helpful for both routine and relationships with students. If you’d like to serve, please click the link below. Emily Thompson, our Campus Coordinator, will follow up regarding a quick background check. Thank you for considering this opportunity to bless our school community!
HOT LUNCH
Hot Lunches resume the week of October 6. The hot lunch schedule can be viewed here 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
Please 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 appropriate district 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 and any students not listed on the form will not be placed on the bus after school.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Conference registration is now open! Please watch for a teacher’s invite and then select a 15 minute time slot using the calendar in the RenWeb Family Portal. These conferences offer a valuable opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher and support their academic journey.
LOST & FOUND
Any items in the Lost and Found that are not labeled with a name will be donated at the end of each month. There are many HCA fleeces and jackets among the unclaimed items. If you believe your child may be missing something, please stop by the front desk as soon as possible to check.
MOMS & MUFFINS
Save the date for Moms and Muffins! Early Childhood students will enjoy a special morning with their Mom on October 22. Details to follow from your child’s teacher!
PICTURE DAY
Picture Day for Pepper Pike is on Wednesday, October 15. To order your pictures, please use the new pre-order link below. Further instructions are included in the graphic below!
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: October 10, November 11, December 12, January 9, February 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: October 20, November 17, December 15. Reach out to HCA Mom, Julie Johnson, with questions at prayingparents@heritageclassicalacademy.org
HOT LUNCH
Hot Lunches resume the week of October 6. The hot lunch schedule can be viewed here 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.
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. Thank you for your participation!
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.
5th GRADE FIELD TRIP TO UPPER SCHOOL (WEAR HOUSE SHIRTS AND UNIFORM BOTTOMS) | October 3
FORMAL DAY | October 8
DRESS DOWN DAY (FUNDRAISER) | October 9
BAKE SALE (BOTH CAMPUSES) | October 14-15
PICTURE DAY
Picture Day for Pepper Pike is on Wednesday, October 15. To order your pictures, please use the new pre-order link below. Further instructions are included in the graphic below!
CHRISTIAN COLLEGE FAIR
The Chapel in Green will host a College and 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.
BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER
On Tuesday and Wednesday, October 14 and 15, both campuses will host a Bake Sale to benefit the 7th–10th grade spring field trips. Sign-up links will be emailed to Upper School parents this week. All proceeds will be pooled and applied to students’ Nowak Tours accounts to help offset trip costs.
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.
HOT LUNCH
Hot Lunches resume the week of October 6. The hot lunch schedule can be viewed here 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.
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 from 8:45 to 9:00 a.m. on Thursdays, our late start days. Families are encouraged to plan accordingly to ensure a smooth and timely arrival.
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 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.
POWER OF THE PEN & MOCK TRIAL TEAM
We are excited to introduce two new programs at HCA this fall! Power of the Pen, open to 7th and 8th grade students, provides an opportunity to strengthen creative writing and critical thinking skills while representing HCA in a statewide competition. In addition, our inaugural Mock Trial Team, for students in grades 9–12, will be led by Mrs. Danyella Johnson—Kindergarten teacher, Ohio Bar member, and former Mock Trial team vice president at Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Participants will gain valuable experience in public speaking, legal reasoning, and courtroom advocacy within a framework that reflects HCA’s commitment to excellence and character formation.
To learn more and register, click here for Power of the Pen and here for the Mock Trial Team.
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.
STAY CONNECTED
Join your child’s after-school club on the Band app to receive updates. Didn’t receive an invite? Please email mitchell.monas@heritageclassicalacademy.org.