November 20, 2025
THANKSGIVING BREAK | November 24-28
CHRISTMAS CONCERT AND EARLY DISMISSAL (NO AFTERCARE) | December 10
DRESS DOWN DAY | December 11
HALF DAY OF SCHOOL (NOON DISMISSAL, NO AFTERCARE) | December 19
SOMETHING SPECIAL IS COMING!
Get ready for our Christmas Raffle supporting the Annual Fund! The raffle item will be revealed on December 1—and trust us, you will not want to miss it. For every $5 donation to the Annual Fund, you’ll receive one raffle entry. Your generosity helps support our teachers and students. Mark your calendars and start thinking about your entries. This is your chance to give back and win big.
Stay tuned for the big reveal on December 1!
ADMISSIONS APPLICATIONS OPEN
Admissions season is in full swing, and we are accepting applications for the 2026–2027 school year. Do you know a family whose values align with HCA’s mission? Please direct them to the HCA website where they can learn more about our mission, schedule a tour at one of our campuses, and submit their application.
Please note: Current students are automatically re-enrolled for the next school year; no action is required to maintain their enrollment.
Priority Enrollment for current families is available through January 9. If you wish to apply for a sibling who is not currently enrolled, please log in to your existing FACTS Family Portal account (do not create a new account). From there, go to “Apply/Enroll,” choose “Application,”and then select “Click Here to Add an Application” on the main screen. For any questions, contact our Admissions Director, Laura Calo, at laura.calo@heritageclassicalacademy.org.
THE GRIFFIN RUNDOWN
We invite you to listen to this week’s episode of The Griffin Rundown. In this week’s episode of The Griffin Rundown, we bring you a special recording from our Annual Dinner held on Friday, November 7th. Hear from Dr. Jason Valley, HCA Upper School teacher and keynote speaker for the evening, as he shares inspiring insights on the theme “Love Others.” Join us for this meaningful message that reflects the heart of our community and mission. Click here to listen to this week’s episode.
HCA CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Please join us on Wednesday, December 10, for the 2025 Heritage Classical Academy Christmas Concert. This year, we will return to Parkside Church for a one-night concert event featuring both campuses.
The Peninsula Campus Choir will perform at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Pepper Pike Campus Choir at 7:00 p.m.
We look forward to celebrating the season together through music and fellowship in this special setting.
HCA APP
Click here to download the HCA App for easy access to class details, lunch orders, directories, the Griffin Rundown podcast, and more.
CONVERT YOUR OHIO TAX DOLLARS TO HCA SCHOLARSHIP
The state of Ohio’s Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) tax credit allows donors who contribute to K–12 student scholarships through a certified SGO to receive a dollar-for-dollar reduction in their state taxes—up to $750 per individual or $1,500 per couple. We encourage families to prayerfully consider a gift to the OCEN SGO to support scholarship funding for HCA students, knowing their contribution will be returned to them through this tax credit. Learn more here.
PRAYING MOMS
Please join HCA moms to pray for our school, teachers, students, and each other. The next gathering is Tuesday, December 2 at 8:30 a.m. in the library.
STUDENT PICK-UP REMINDERS
Please call or email the attendance line for any carpool changes. For afternoon dismissal, kindly keep your pick-up name tag sign visible throughout the entire pick-up line. As always, thank you for driving slowly and exercising caution when dropping off and picking up your student. Your cooperation helps keep everyone safe!
SPELLING BEE
Congratulations to our 2025 top finishers in this year’s Spelling Bee: Owen Boettcher, Micah Justus, Malachi Mantel, Levi Smith, Cooper Atkins, Malakai Herceg, Alistair Pheneger, Jake Owen, Colette Chen, Juliana Spacek, Benjamin Warren, Simon Easterling , Landon Skifstad, NanaKow Kittoe, Hadley Eernisse, Elliott Kozy, Mia Herceg, Elliott Fritzler, Jocelyn Mears, Anna Cole, Margot Hawkins, Audrey Rockwood, Julia Leukhardt, Lindsay McDougal, Calvin Cooley, Henry Schoeffler, Ella Crocker, Hope Tan, Judah Fritzler, Clara Valley
HOT LUNCH
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 note the dates on which you order lunch for your child, as this service is not available every week.
LUNCH & RECESS VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP
We are grateful for our Special Lunch volunteers! Volunteers serve Chick-fil-A and Gionino’s and assist with delivery, set up, 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 would like to serve, please click on the link located 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.
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 p.m.
DISTRICT BUSSING SIGN-UP
Please complete daily registration for students who will be riding district buses 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. Any students not listed on the form will not be placed on the bus after school.
SPELLING BEE
Congratulations to our 2025 top finishers in this year’s Spelling Bee: Victoria Lambert, Samson Wilson, Goldie Johnson, William Allerman, Calder Walker, Amelia Blickensderfer, Maverick Gerycz, Joshua Bowman, Brayden Pence, Cordell Fant, Luke Derebensky, Caleb Bowman, Lily Blank, Thorin Piasecki, Mckenzie Clifton, Leo LaConte, Clayton Gerycz, Owen Pence, Kinley Law, Phoebe Hartman, Karys Lee
CHICK-FIL-A STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to our November Chick-fil-A Students of the Month!
Makaio Higashi
Matthew Lupica
Sophia Kot
Kimmy Geho
LOST & FOUND
Our Lost and Found is currently holding a number of HCA-branded fleeces, water bottles, and sweaters. To help ensure these items are returned to their rightful owners, we kindly ask families to check for any missing belongings. Items not labeled with a name will be donated at the end of each month. If you believe your child may have misplaced something, please visit the front desk at your earliest convenience.
HOT LUNCH
The hot lunch schedule can be viewed here, and ordering instructions are available on the Orientation Page. Orders must be placed by Sunday night. We kindly ask that you note the dates on which you order lunch for your child, as this service is not available every week.
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? Thank you for prayerfully considering this opportunity to serve our school community.
CHAPEL| November 21
6th GRADE TRIP TO PLAYHOUSE SQUARE| December 4
6th GRADE CHRISTMAS CAROL REHERSAL| December 5
DRESS DOWN DAY| December 11
SPELLING BEE
Congratulations to our 2025 top finishers in this year’s Spelling Bee: Louie Verlinger, Margaux Steinhoff, Elijah Rothermel, Aiden Smith, Noah Valley, Lilly Larison, Elijah Graham, Will Donaldson.
Winter Clubs Sign-Ups Begin in December!
SKI CLUB
Ski Club is back and ready for a winter full of fun on the slopes. It’s a fantastic way to make the most of the season while enjoying time with friend. Please click here to view the full email with additional details. The deadline to sign up is November 30.
BASKETBALL
We are excited to share that additional spectator tickets and full event details for our Cavs Court of Dreams game will be released on December 4. Stay tuned!
Game Schedule – Monday, January 26
First Baptist Christian School vs. HCA
High School Girls: 1:30 PM
High School Boys: 2:15 PM
These will be exhibition games with modified quarters to fit the event time slot. This is an incredible opportunity for our students to play on the Cleveland Cavaliers court!
Beginning December 4, all spectators must purchase a $44 Cavs game ticket (Cavs vs. Magic that evening). This ticket grants admission to both the HCA games and the Cavs game. HCA will have a reserved seating section: first come, first served.
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.