September 3, 2026
LABOR DAY - NO SCHOOL | September 7
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - 2 DAY AND 5 DAY EARLY CHILDHOOD | September 8
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - 3 DAY EARLY CHILDHOOD | September 9
CURRICULUM NIGHT - PENINSULA | September 15
CURRICULUM NIGHT - PEPPER PIKE | September 17
5th GRADE PARENT MEETING AND TOUR - PEPPER PIKE | September 17
FALL FEST | September 26
CURRENT FAMILIES WEBPAGE
We encourage families to visit the new Current Families webpage (password: griffins2627), where you will find key resources such as school supply lists, academic calendars, and student appearance standards.
FALL FEST
Mark your calendars for Fall Fest on Saturday, September 26, at Luther’s Farm! This beloved Heritage tradition is a wonderful opportunity for families to gather in fellowship and celebrate the start of another school year.
Ticket sales will open on September 10 for all HCA immediate families and staff. Watch for a ticket purchase link to be sent that day. If tickets remain available, sales will open to extended family and friends on September 19.
We look forward to a day of community, fun, and autumn festivities. Be sure to save the date and watch for additional details in the coming weeks!
HCA APP
Click here to download the HCA app for easy access to class details, lunch orders, directories, the Griffin Rundown podcast, and more.
GRIFFIN RUNDOWN PODCAST JOKE OF THE WEEK
Does your student have a great joke to share? Students who would like to record a joke for The Griffin Rundown podcast with Mr. Bond should submit a note including their full name, grade, and teacher's name (for students in K-5th grade). If possible, please include the joke as well. Notes may be delivered to your campus coordinator. We look forward to hearing from our aspiring comedians!
PENINSULA CAMPUS CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
Construction is currently underway to improve waterproofing around the basement, helping protect the building’s foundation and essential equipment. We are also fortifying portions of the masonry to strengthen the foundation and improve the overall integrity of the building and windows. In addition, parking lot improvements will enhance water drainage and provide additional parking spaces for our families.
As these improvements continue, portions of the building exterior will remain active construction areas. For everyone’s safety, please keep children away from fenced work zones and other construction areas. Families may continue to enter through any school entrance located outside of the restricted areas. We appreciate your patience as this important work is completed!
PIKMYKID REMINDER
If you have not already, please download the PikmyKid app on your cell phone. PikmyKid is now used for student dismissal at all HCA campuses. Click here to access the email with instructions on downloading the app.
When you register, be sure to turn on location services. This allows the app to recognize you when you arrive on campus to pick up your student and helps make dismissal as smooth and efficient as possible.
A few important things to know:
PikmyKid information is pulled directly from our FACTS Family Portal, so please make sure your information there is up to date.
No data is transmitted out of the PikmyKid system, and the app is not used to track your student.
After-care registration for both campuses will be through your PikmyKid app.
If you have questions regarding your default pickup mode or need assistance with a pickup mode change, please contact your campus coordinator. We are grateful for your partnership as we work together to provide a safe, orderly, and efficient dismissal process for all students.
THE HCA CLASSIC GOLF OUTING
We are thrilled to share that all foursomes for the HCA Classic are officially sold out! Thank you to our HCA families, friends, and supporters for making this annual event such a beloved tradition and for your enthusiastic support.
A few sponsorship opportunities are still available for those who would like to support the event. Proceeds from the HCA Classic benefit the Annual Fund, helping provide important support for our teachers and students throughout the school year.
Interested in supporting the HCA Classic? Click here to learn more about the remaining sponsorship opportunities.
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE ANNUAL DINNER
Please save the date for this year’s HCA Annual Dinner on Friday, November 6, at the Marriott Key Tower in downtown Cleveland. This special evening is an opportunity for our HCA community to gather, celebrate the work God is doing through our school, and give thanks for His faithfulness.
Additional details, including registration information, will be shared in the coming weeks. If you are interested in learning more about ways to partner with HCA through the event, please contact our Senior Development Officer, Rick Eimers, at rick.eimers@heritageclassicalacademy.org. We look forward to celebrating together!
ED CHOICE
If you have not already, you will receive your EdChoice acceptance letters soon from the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce. If you completed your acceptance through our Google Form, no further action is required! If you have not completed the Google Form, please submit your acceptance letter using the link below.
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
EARLY CHILDHOOD HEALTH FORMS
All Early Childhood families are required to submit their student's Immunization Form or approved Exemption Form as soon as possible if it has not already been turned in. These records are required for school attendance and should be submitted directly to the school nurses at your earliest convenience.
LUNCH & RECESS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
One of the many blessings of our school community is the partnership between families and faculty. We are grateful for parents and grandparents who generously give their time to help supervise lunch and recess, providing valuable support to our students and staff.
If you would like to serve in this meaningful role, we invite you to sign up using the link below. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with students and be part of daily life at HCA. Once you express interest, Emily Thompson, Campus Coordinator, will contact you with information about updating your background check, a simple process that takes just a few minutes.
Thank you for prayerfully considering how you might partner with us in serving our students this year.
SPECIAL LUNCH VOLUNTEERS
We are currently seeking volunteers to assist with our Special Lunches throughout the school year. Each week, volunteers help our Special Lunch days run smoothly by assisting with Chick-fil-A on Wednesdays and Gionino's on Thursdays. Responsibilities may include receiving lunch deliveries and helping distribute meals to students. Whether you are available to serve regularly or only on occasion, we would be grateful for your support.
CLINIC MEDICATION PROCEDURES & REQUIREMENTS
Now that the school year is underway, please ensure that all medications and required health forms are turned in to the nurse. Medication authorization forms for both prescription and over-the-counter medications are available in the school app and on the website under the Orientation section.
Students who require inhalers, EpiPens, or seizure medications must also provide a physician-signed action plan. These forms can be found in the app under Resources, or your healthcare provider's form may be used.
Please note the following requirements:
All forms must be dated for the current school year and signed by both a parent/guardian and healthcare provider.
Forms must include the medication name, dosage, and administration instructions.
All medications must be in their original, properly labeled containers and must not be expired.
The clinic cannot administer medication until both the medication and all completed forms have been received.
A parent or guardian must deliver medications and paperwork to the nurse. For student safety, medications may not be transported to school in student backpacks.
Questions may be directed to the clinic at nurse@heritageclassicalacademy.org.
HERITAGE ASSOCIATION OF PARENTS (HAP)
The Heritage Association of Parents (HAP) plays a vital role in supporting our school community and advancing the mission of classical Christian education. In partnership with faculty and staff, parent volunteers generously share their time, talents, and resources to enrich student life and strengthen the Heritage community.
As we look ahead to the 2026-2027 school year, we invite you to prayerfully consider opportunities to serve through HAP. Whether through event support, hospitality, fundraising, or other volunteer efforts, your involvement makes a meaningful difference in the life of our school.
TRAFFIC FLOW & DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP REMINDERS
To help ensure a safe and efficient arrival and dismissal process, please follow all posted signs, traffic cones, and directions from campus staff and officers. For both drop-off and pick-up, the Lower School line will loop behind the Maynard Building and through the side parking lots once the main line reaches Maynard. Lower School families should remain in the inner lane, while Upper School families should use the outer lane.
For the safety of all students and to keep traffic moving smoothly, please remain in your vehicle during drop-off and pick-up. Staff members will assist students with entering and exiting vehicles and can help younger students with buckling if needed. If you would prefer to assist your child personally, please pull forward and safely off to the right. We also ask that these procedures be shared with any family members or other approved drivers.
Junior Kindergarten families are welcome to walk their children into the building on the first day of school. After the first day, students should enter with their classmates and be welcomed by our staff as they begin developing their daily school routines.
FIRST DAY PHOTO BOOTHS
First-day photo booths will be available outside the lower school drop-off circle prior to the start of school for Jr. Kindergarten families. We encourage you to arrive a few minutes early to capture a few memorable photos.
PIKMYKID
It has been a joy to welcome students back to campus! We are also pleased to report that the transition to PikMyKid has gone better than expected. As families and staff become more familiar with the system, dismissal times will continue to improve and lines will move even more efficiently.
To help ensure a smooth dismissal experience, please take a moment to review the following reminders:
Download the PikMyKid Parent App and ensure grandparents or other authorized pickup delegates have the app as well.
Turn on Auto Announce in the app settings.
Enable location services so Auto Announce functions properly.
If you are not using Auto Announce, tap "Announce" when you enter campus.
For the first few weeks, we recommend opening the app upon arrival to confirm that you have been announced.
Verify that your child's Default Pickup setting is accurate and reflects your family's regular dismissal plan.
If someone other than a parent will be picking up your child, be sure to add them as an approved delegate within the app. Families can also access the PikMyKid Parent User Guide and Delegate Guide for additional support and instructions.
If you log in and do not see one of your students in the app, please first verify that your phone number is correct in FACTS/RenWeb. If you continue to experience issues, please contact Adam Continenza at adam.continenza@heritageclassicalacademy.org for assistance.
For questions regarding pickup procedures, default pickup settings, or dismissal changes, please contact Kristine Greene (ext. 1029, kristine.greene@heritageclassicalacademy.org) or Pam Larison (ext. 1006, pam.larison@heritageclassicalacademy.org).
Thank you for your patience and partnership as we work together to provide a safe, orderly, and efficient dismissal process for all students.
CLINIC REMINDERS
As we begin the school year, please note a few important health and medical reminders:
If your child requires medication during the school day, a medication authorization form signed by both a parent and physician must be on file. Click here to access the prescription medication form. Click here to access the OTC medication form. All medications should be delivered to the school by an adult and must remain in their original pharmacy packaging.
Early Childhood families who have not yet submitted their student's immunization records or exemption documentation should do so as soon as possible. These forms should be turned in directly to the school nurse.
Questions regarding student health records, medications, or clinic procedures may be directed to the nursing staff at nurse.pp@heritageclassicalacademy.org.
Thank you for your partnership in helping us maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for all students.
LUNCH AND RECESS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
One of the joys of our Heritage community is the partnership between Parents and Faculty. Parents are invited to join us during lunch and recess as volunteers, providing a wonderful opportunity to spend time with students and support our daily routines.
Volunteers assist with simple tasks such as helping younger students open lunch containers, serving as an extra set of eyes on the playground, and helping maintain an orderly environment. HCA teachers and staff will always be present and responsible for leading lunch and recess, while volunteers provide valuable support and encouragement.
If you would like to serve in this way, we would be grateful for your help. Sign up below.
ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
To help ensure accurate attendance records, please direct all attendance-related communications, including absences, tardies, and midday appointments, to pepperpikeattendance@heritageclassicalacademy.org. Please also copy your child’s teacher and, when the absence is medical in nature, the school nurse.
All absences, tardies, and midday appointments should be reported by 9:00 a.m. Your communication should include your child’s full name, the date, and the reason for the absence. For end-of-day transportation changes, including bussing, carpool, or After Care, please update PikMyKid by 2:14 p.m.
Please note that attendance-related matters should not be communicated directly to the Campus Coordinator by phone or email. Thank you for helping us maintain clear and timely communication.
HOUSE INITIATION | SEPTEMBER 4
RHETORIC SEMINAR | SEPTEMBER 10
HOUSE MEETINGS | SEPTEMBER 11
PICTURE DAY | SEPTEMBER 22
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS VISIT - HILLSDALE COLLEGE | SEPTEMBER 22
CVCA COLLEGE FAIR | SEPTEMBER 22
RHETORIC FALL DANCE | OCTOBER 16
HOUSE INITIATION DAY
Tomorrow, Friday, September 4, students will celebrate House Initiation Day. Current students should wear their House T-shirt with uniform bottoms. New HCA students and sixth-grade students will be formally welcomed into the House system, receive their House assignments, and be presented with their House T-shirts.
This special tradition marks the beginning of a student's participation in one of HCA's Houses and the friendships, fellowship, and friendly competition that accompany it throughout the year.
CLINIC REMINDERS
As we begin the school year, please note a few important health and medical reminders:
If your child requires medication during the school day, a medication authorization form signed by both a parent and physician must be on file. Click here to access the prescription medication form. Click here to access the OTC medication form. All medications should be delivered to the school by an adult and must remain in their original pharmacy packaging.
Questions regarding student health records, medications, or clinic procedures may be directed to the nursing staff at nurse.pp@heritageclassicalacademy.org.
PIKMYKID
Because Upper School students often have a variety of after-school schedules and transportation arrangements, we encourage families to communicate any questions or changes promptly. For assistance with after-school activities, student drivers, or pickup changes, please contact Michelle Mannino at ext. 1039 or Michelle.Mannino@heritageclassicalacademy.org. Clear communication helps us ensure a smooth and safe dismissal process for all students.
RHETORIC FORMAL DAYS
Rhetoric Formal Days will be held on Tuesdays, beginning later in September. Young men should plan to wear the approved Lands’ End tie or bow tie in the classic navy and dark crimson stripe pattern as part of the formal dress uniform. Additional details regarding the start of Formal Days will be shared as the date approaches.
P.E. UNIFORMS
If your uniform has not arrived by your first scheduled P.E. class, students should wear a comparable outfit consisting of a gray T-shirt and navy shorts of appropriate length (at least fingertip length) until they receive the official uniform. Thank you for helping students come prepared and ready to participate in class.
HERITAGE ASSOCIATION OF PARENTS
The Heritage Association of Parents (HAP) plays a vital role in supporting our school community and advancing the mission of classical Christian education. In partnership with faculty and staff, parent volunteers generously share their time, talents, and resources to enrich student life and strengthen the Heritage community.
As we look ahead to the 2026-2027 school year, we invite you to prayerfully consider opportunities to serve through HAP. Whether through event support, hospitality, fundraising, or other volunteer efforts, your involvement makes a meaningful difference in the life of our school.
LUNCH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
One of the many ways parents can support our school community is by serving during our weekly special lunch program. Volunteers have the opportunity to interact with students, assist with meal service, and help ensure that lunchtime runs smoothly and efficiently.
Volunteers may assist with tasks such as preparing serving areas, distributing meals, and helping students as needed. HCA staff will always be present and oversee the lunch period, while volunteers provide valuable support that helps make these meals possible.
If you are looking for a meaningful way to serve the Heritage community, we would be grateful for your partnership. Thank you for helping us care for our students and foster a joyful school culture.
FALL RHETORIC DANCE
Rhetoric students are invited to the Fall Dance on Friday, October 16, from 6:00-10:00 p.m. at Chagrin Falls Town Hall. Mark your calendars for an evening of fellowship, music, and celebration with friends. Additional details and registration information will be shared in the coming weeks.
CHRISTIAN COLLEGE FAIR
Rhetoric students may take part in the Christian College Fair on Tuesday, September 22 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. This event is hosted by Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy and sponsored by the North American Coalition of Christian Admission Professionals. This event provides an excellent opportunity to meet representatives from a variety of Christian colleges and universities, learn about academic programs, and explore future educational opportunities.
Pre-registration is not required; however, students who register in advance may receive additional information from participating colleges by mail or email. To pre-register, visit www.findyourchristiancollege.com.
ANNE OF GREEN GABLES
Stage Crew sign-ups are now open! Students interested in serving behind the scenes and helping bring this school production to life are invited to join the Stage Crew. This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to our theatrical productions while developing valuable skills in teamwork, organization, and production support. Click the link here to find out more information.
ATHLETICS-PIKMYKID
To help ensure a smooth and timely dismissal, families of student-athletes are asked to update their PikMyKid account to “After School – Fall Sport” on any day their student has a practice or game. Please also be sure to designate who will be responsible for picking up your student from school and transporting them to their activity.
Keeping this information current allows our staff to safely and efficiently dismiss students at the end of the school day. Thank you for your partnership and support as we begin another exciting fall sports season.
Please note: All Sports Early Dismissals will be handled by the office.
STAY CONNECTED
Join your child’s after-school sport or club on the SportsEngine App to receive updates. Didn’t receive an invite? Please email leah.hooper@heritageclassicalacademy.org.