December 11, 2025
HALF DAY OF SCHOOL (NOON DISMISSAL, NO AFTERCARE) | December 19
CHRISTMAS BREAK | December 22 - January 2
DRESS DOWN DAY ($2) | January 7
CHRISTMAS RAFFLE
Today is the last day to support the Annual Fund and enter to win! For every $5 donated using the QR code on the left, you will receive one raffle ticket to place toward your choice of a Fount Korie Tote Bag in Onyx and/or Courtside Cleveland Cavaliers tickets.
You may enter—and win—both drawings. The raffle will run from December 1–11, and winners will be notified on December 12.
Thank you to FOUNT Leather and our anonymous ticket donor for sponsoring this Christmas raffle! All donations will go to the Heritage Annual Fund, which supports tuition assistance and teacher benefits.
Your generosity makes a difference.
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. If you wish to request a campus or track change during priority enrollment, please notify our Admissions Director, Laura Calo, at laura.calo@heritageclassicalacademy.org. For any other questions, contact Laura directly.
SPEECH MEET
Our Annual Speech Meet will be held on February 10, 2026. Teachers will share information and speech selections with students before Christmas Break. Students must make a selection and inform their teacher of their choice when they return to school in January. Click here to read all information regarding the Speech Meet.
THE GRIFFIN RUNDOWN
We invite you to join us for this week’s episode of The Griffin Rundown, featuring a conversation with Mrs. Liz Fruh, our new Director of Finance. In this episode, Mr. Nees sits down with Mrs. Fruh to talk about her background, her vision for the role, and what she’s most excited about as part of our community. You will not want to miss it. 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.
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.
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PENINSULA CAMPUS
PEPPER PIKE CAMPUS - LOWER SCHOOL
PEPPER PIKE CAMPUS - UPPER SCHOOL
ATHLETICS AND CLUBS
MORNING DROP-OFF
To ensure a safe and efficient morning drop-off, we kindly ask that students are prepared with all belongings before entering the designated drop-off zone. For safety, students should exit on the building side of the vehicle. Please note that students do not need to wait for a staff member to exit the car before proceeding.
CHRISTMAS SHIRT DAY
Students may wear festive Christmas tops (excluding Santa-themed designs) with uniform bottoms on the last day before break.
Study Center: Thursday, December 18
Academy: Friday, December 19
PRAYING DADS
Please join HCA dads to pray for our school, teachers, students, and each other. The next gathering is Friday, December 12 at 8:30 a.m. in the library.
SPEECH MEET
Our Annual Speech Meet will be held February 10, 2026. Teachers will share information and speech selections with students before Christmas Break. Students must make a selection and inform their teacher of their selection when they return to school in January. Click here to read all information regarding the Speech Meet.
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.
CHRISTMAS SHIRT DAY
Students may wear festive Christmas tops (excluding Santa-themed designs) with uniform bottoms on Friday, December 19.
PRAYING MOMS AND DADS
Heritage moms and dads, you are invited to join together for prayer every month.
Praying Dads meet at Heritage Coffee in Solon from 6:30–7:30 a.m. The next gathering is tomorrow, December 12.
Questions? Contact HCA dad Jason Fruh at fruhjm1@gmail.com.
Praying Moms meet Mondays at the Pepper Pike Campus Chapel from 8:30–9:30 a.m. The next gathering is December 15. Mark your calendar for future dates: Jan 12, Feb 9, March 9, April 13, May 4.
Questions? Contact HCA mom Julie Johnson at prayingparents@heritageclassicalacademy.org.
SPEECH MEET
Our Annual Speech Meet will be held on February 10, 2026. Teachers will share information and speech selections with students before Christmas Break. Students must make a selection and inform their teacher of their choic when they return to school in January. Click here to read all information regarding the Speech Meet.
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.
6th GRADE FIELD TRIP TO PENINSULA CAMPUS | December 18
7th GRADE FIELD TRIP TO OHMAN FAMILY LIVING AT HOLLY | December 18
8th GRADE FIELD TRIP TO OHMAN FAMILY LIVING AT BRIAR | December 18
UPPER SCHOOL NOON DISMISSAL | January 26
6th GRADE SPEECH MEET
Our Annual Speech Meet will be held on February 10, 2026. Teachers will share information and speech selections with students before Christmas Break. Students must make a selection and inform their teacher of their choice when they return to school in January. Click here to read all information regarding the Speech Meet.
COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS
Parents of students in grades 7–11 are invited to attend an informational College Credit Plus meeting on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. in the HCA Chapel. This session will provide important details about earning college credit while in high school.
College Credit Plus is Ohio’s dual credit program, allowing students to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously, often at little or no cost to families. This program is designed to encourage rigorous academic pursuits and provide expanded opportunities for college-ready students.
Representatives from Cedarville University, the University of Akron, and Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) will be present to answer questions and provide guidance. For additional information, please contact HCA’s College and Career Counselor, Mrs. Anne Johns, at anne.johns@heritageclassicalacademy.org.
SPECIAL LUNCH VOLUNTEERS
We are seeking additional volunteers to assist with serving pizza during our Thursday special lunches. If you are available to help, please click here to sign up.
SEMESTER EXAMS FOR GRADES 9-12
Semester exams will be held on Thursday, December 18, from 9:10 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (late start) and Friday, December 19, from 8:10 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Students are dismissed for the day following their exams.
Please arrange transportation for 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 18. On Friday, December 19, early dismissal applies to all grades, and the Peninsula shuttle will depart at noon.
Parents, your child received an email with their specific exam schedule.
PENINSULA WINTER CLUBS
Registration is now open for our 2026 Winter Clubs at the Peninsula Campus for students in Junior Kindergarten through 5th grade. Clubs will begin the week of January 5, offering engaging opportunities such as Craft, Violin, and Trivia.
Registration closes Friday, January 3, or when clubs are full.
Submit one form per child using the link.
Each club has limited spots and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fees will be billed to your FACTS account.
Each participant will receive a club t-shirt.
Click here to register. We look forward to a fun and creative winter with your students!
Please note: There are currently no additional after-school clubs offered at the Pepper Pike campus.
We’re excited to announce that registration is now open for our HCA Winter Basketball Club for 1st–5th graders at the Peninsula campus! Click here to register.
Led by Coach Ashley Smith
January 7–February 11
Wednesdays, 3:30–4:30 p.m. in the Peninsula Gym
No club on days school is not in session
BASKETBALL
This Saturday, December 13, the Griffins take the court for a full slate of basketball action at Kingsway. The day begins with our Junior High team at 11:15 a.m., followed by the Girls’ game at 12:30 p.m., and concluding with the Boys’ matchup at 2:00 p.m. These games promise to showcase the hard work, dedication, and team spirit that define our Griffins. We invite all families, friends, and supporters to come out, fill the stands, and cheer on our athletes as they compete with passion and pride. Go Griffins!
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS COURT OF DREAMS
Spectator tickets are now on sale!
All spectators can purchase a $44 Cavs game ticket (Cavs vs. Magic). This ticket grants admission to both the HCA game and the Cavs game. HCA will have a reserved seating section—first come, first served.
The Upper School will be dismissed at noon to attend the games and cheer on their classmates. Students are responsible for their own transportation. Students who do not attend the game will also be dismissed at noon.
Game Schedule – Monday, January 26
First Baptist Christian School vs. HCA
High School Girls: 1:30 p.m.
High School Boys: 2:15 p.m.
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.
Click here to purchase your tickets today! Tickets must be ordered by December 17th.
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.