December 18, 2025
HALF DAY OF SCHOOL (NOON DISMISSAL, NO AFTERCARE) | December 19
CHRISTMAS BREAK | December 22 - January 2
DRESS DOWN DAY ($2) | January 7
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM HCA
As we conclude this semester, we rejoice in the gift of our Savior and the hope His birth brings to the world. May your Christmas break be filled with peace, joy, and time to reflect on God’s faithfulness to His people. The next edition of the Griffin Gazette will be published on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Until then, may the Lord bless and keep you during this Christmas season.
PARENT PARTNERSHIP FORM REMINDER
At Heritage, we believe strong partnerships are essential to maintaining a vibrant, Christ-centered community. As part of this covenant relationship, we ask each family to prayerfully review the expectations for parental involvement, as well as our foundational documents—Mission and Vision Statement and Statement of Faith—and affirm these guiding principles. This commitment reflects our shared desire to cultivate students’ hearts and minds at school, at home, and at church.
If you have not yet completed your Parent Partnership form, please take a moment to do so today.
Click here to fill out this form.
CHRISTMAS RAFFLE
We are thrilled to share that, thanks to your support, we raised $15,187 for the Annual Fund! Your contributions help strengthen our mission and provide meaningful opportunities for our faculty and students.
Thank you for your generosity. Together, we are cultivating lifelong learners who think and live for Christ.
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, as Mr. Nees sits down with Sandy Trado, a seasoned CPA and proud HCA grandparent, for an insightful conversation about the Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) tax credit. Together, they explore how this program transforms state tax dollars into meaningful scholarships for HCA students. Sandy offers practical guidance on how donors can participate, outlining simple steps to redirect tax liability toward educational opportunities. Tune in and discover how you can turn your taxes into an opportunity for students to thrive. 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.
GIVE A GIFT THAT LASTS BEYOND CHRISTMAS
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.
If there is a specific section of the Gazette you would like to view, please select it from the menu below.
PENINSULA CAMPUS
PEPPER PIKE CAMPUS - LOWER SCHOOL
PEPPER PIKE CAMPUS - UPPER SCHOOL
ATHLETICS AND CLUBS
STUDY CENTER SPECIALS
Registration for second semester Study Center Specials is officially open! Please register by January 2, using the link below:
Study Center Specials
Fill out the form today and join us for an exciting semester ahead!
CHRISTMAS SHIRT DAY
Students may wear festive Christmas tops (excluding Santa-themed designs) with uniform bottoms on Friday, December 19.
WINTER BREAK REMINDER
Please ensure all personal items are taken home before Friday, December 19. This includes snow gear, boots, lunch boxes, sweaters, and coats. No personal belongings should remain at school over winter break.
PRAYING MOMS
Please join HCA moms to pray for our school, teachers, students, and each other. The next gathering is Tuesday, January 6 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.
WINTER BREAK REMINDER
Please ensure all personal items are taken home before Friday, December 19. This includes snow gear, boots, lunch boxes, sweaters, and coats. No personal belongings should remain at school over winter break.
CHICK-FIL-A STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to the December Chick-fil-A Students of the Month!
Benjamin Blank
Leo Ku
Rylee Leavens
Shelah Stubbs
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 January 9. Mark your calendar for future dates: Feb. 13, Mar. 13, Apr. 10, and May 8. 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 January 12. Mark your calendar for future dates: Feb. 9, Mar. 9, Apr. 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 choice 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
Chick-fil-A (Wednesdays) and Gionino’s (Thursdays), are back the first week of January! Don’t forget to place your orders by Sunday night. For your convenience, you can order for the remainder of the school year. Please note the dates on which you order lunch for your child as this service is not available each week.
LUNCH VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP
Will you consider serving in the lunchroom? We would love your help!
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 in need of additional volunteers to serve pizza on Thursdays. If you are willing to help, please click here to sign up.
PENINSULA WINTER CLUB REGISTRATION
Registration is now open for our 2026 Winter Clubs at the Peninsula Campus for students in 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.
HCA Winter Basketball Club for 1st–5th graders at the Peninsula campus is now full.
COURT OF DREAMS T-SHIRT
Purchase your HCA Court of Dreams T Shirt here to support the HCA Basketball Teams!
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS COURT OF DREAMS
Ticket sales are now closed.
If you purchased tickets, you will receive an email in January that includes your tickets and parking/entrance information.
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.
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.