September 10, 2026
CURRICULUM NIGHT - PENINSULA | September 15
CURRICULUM NIGHT - PEPPER PIKE | September 17
4th & 5th GRADE PARENT MEETING AND TOUR - PEPPER PIKE | September 17
PICTURE DAY - PEPPER PIKE | September 22
PICTURE DAY - PENINSULA | September 29 - 30
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.
Tickets are now on sale for all HCA immediate families and staff. Click here to reserve your tickets. 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.
HCA APP
Click here to download the HCA app for easy access to class details, lunch orders, directories, the Griffin Rundown podcast, and more.
SPIRIT WEAR FRIDAYS
Fridays are a time to show our HCA Griffin spirit! Students may wear approved Heritage spirit wear in place of their standard uniform shirt while maintaining the rest of the school uniform dress code. We look forward to seeing our students proudly display their Griffin pride each Friday throughout the school year.
Please visit one of our spirit wear shops by clicking on the links below:
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!
HOT LUNCH
We are pleased to welcome back our Chick-fil-A and Pizza Hot Lunch programs for the school year! Families who wish to participate should remember that all hot lunch orders must be placed by Sunday evening each week.
For your convenience, please use the links below:
Thank you for helping us ensure meals are ordered and prepared on time for our students. We look forward to another delicious year of hot lunches!
PIKMYKID
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.
SPONSORS OF THE HCA CLASSIC GOLF OUTING
We extend our sincere gratitude to the sponsors of this year's Heritage Golf Classic. Through their generous support, this event continues to strengthen our mission and provide meaningful opportunities for our students and school community.
We are thankful for the businesses and individuals who have partnered with Heritage in this way and helped make this year's Golf Classic a success. Please join us in recognizing and thanking these sponsors listed below for their investment in the life and work of Heritage Classical Academy.
Hole Sponsors:
Kings Cross Church
DRG Mortgage
Petros Homes
Flemming Insurance Agency
True North Accounting & Tax
Team Recovery
London Automation
Specialty Lubricants Corporation
Event and Specialty Sponsors:
Moreland Connect
The Finelli Foundation
Chad & Sarah Thompson
West Side Roofing Co.
Michelle's Joyful Journeys
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!
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PENINSULA CAMPUS
PEPPER PIKE CAMPUS - LOWER SCHOOL
PEPPER PIKE CAMPUS - UPPER SCHOOL
ATHLETICS AND CLUBS
CURRICULUM NIGHT
Parents are invited to join us for Curriculum Night on Tuesday, September 15. Teachers will share an overview of this year’s curriculum and discuss how their classrooms support Heritage's mission and vision.
Two identical 30-minute sessions will be offered at 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., allowing families with multiple children to attend more than one classroom as needed.
Please note: this event is intended for parents only. We kindly ask that children not attend. We look forward to partnering with you as we begin another year of learning and growth.
PREPARING FOR UPPER SCHOOL
Parents of 4th and 5th grade students are invited to join our Head of School, Daniel Bond, and Interim Head of Upper School, Scott Hatteberg, for a special Upper School Preview on Thursday, September 17, at 5:00 p.m. in the Chapel at our Pepper Pike Campus, immediately prior to the Pepper Pike Campus Curriculum Night.
As students prepare for the transition from Lower School to Upper School, this parent-only gathering will provide an opportunity to learn more about the vision, academics, student life, and daily rhythms of Upper School at Heritage. The evening will include a brief presentation, a question-and-answer session with leadership, light refreshments, opportunities to speak with Upper School faculty, and an optional tour of the Pepper Pike campus.
This event is designed to help families better understand how Upper School continues Heritage’s mission of cultivating lifelong learners who think and live for Christ through rigorous academics, Christ-centered mentorship, and the pursuit of wisdom and virtue.
Please click here to RSVP so we can plan accordingly. We look forward to spending this time with you and sharing what lies ahead for your student’s Heritage journey.
ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
To help ensure accurate attendance records, please direct all attendance-related communications, including absences, tardies, and midday appointments, to peninsulaattendance@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.
PIKMYKID
Thank you for your cooperation and patience as we continue to improve our dismissal process. Each week, our pick-up lines are moving more efficiently, and your partnership plays an important role in that success.
To help ensure a smooth dismissal experience:
If you use Auto Announce, please select “Allow All the Time” for location access and make sure location services are enabled on your device. You may also wish to verify that the app is open as you approach campus. Auto Announce can be enabled by selecting Account in the lower right corner of the app and toggling on Auto Announce.
If you are not using Auto Announce, please press the “Announce” button when you reach the Post Office.
During the first few weeks of school, we encourage families to open the app upon arrival to confirm that they have been announced successfully.
Please ensure that all delegated drivers have the PikMyKid app installed and are logged into the correct account.
Additionally, please keep your car rider sign displayed on your visor throughout the school year to help expedite dismissal. Signs should be displayed on the driver’s side for the Back Line and the passenger side for the Front Line and Early Childhood Line.
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. Special Lunches begin September 16 and 17, and each week volunteers help these 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. Click the button below to sign up and serve alongside us this year.
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.
CURRICULUM NIGHT
Parents are invited to join us for Curriculum Night on Thursday, September 17. Teachers will share an overview of this year’s curriculum and discuss how their classrooms support the mission and educational vision of Heritage.
Two identical 30-minute sessions will be offered at 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., allowing families with multiple children to attend more than one classroom as needed.
Please note: this event is intended for parents only. We kindly ask that children not attend. We look forward to partnering with you as we begin another year of learning and growth.
PREPARING FOR UPPER SCHOOL
Parents of 4th and 5th grade students are invited to join our Head of School, Daniel Bond, and Interim Head of Upper School, Scott Hatteberg, for a special Upper School Preview on Thursday, September 17, at 5:00 p.m. in the Chapel at our Pepper Pike Campus, immediately prior to the Pepper Pike Campus Curriculum Night.
As students prepare to transition from Lower School to Upper School, this parent-only gathering will offer an opportunity to learn more about the vision, academics, student life, and daily rhythms of Upper School at Heritage. The evening will include a brief presentation, a question-and-answer session with leadership, light refreshments, opportunities to speak with Upper School faculty, and an optional tour of the Pepper Pike campus.
This event is designed to help families better understand how Upper School continues Heritage’s mission of cultivating lifelong learners who think and live for Christ through rigorous academics, Christ-centered mentorship, and the pursuit of wisdom and virtue.
Please click here to RSVP so we can plan accordingly. We look forward to spending this time with you and sharing what lies ahead for your student’s Heritage journey.
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.
UNIFORM EXCHANGE
Our Uniform Exchange is a wonderful resource for Heritage families, offering gently used uniform items and HCA spirit wear donated by our community. Families are welcome to stop by the front desk to browse the current selection or donate clean, gently used items that are no longer needed.
Thank you for helping us steward resources well and support fellow Heritage families throughout the school year.
PIKMYKID
Thank you for your continued cooperation and patience as we work together to improve the efficiency of our dismissal process. We are seeing great progress and appreciate your partnership in helping pick-up run smoothly each day.
As we look to the week ahead, please keep the following reminders in mind:
Verify that the default pick-up location is correct for each of your students. Families with both Upper and Lower School students will need to confirm settings for each child individually.
If Auto Announce is enabled, location services are set to “Always,” and the app is open on your device, your student’s teacher will automatically be notified to send them out for dismissal.
Families who prefer not to use location services set to “Always” will need to manually announce their arrival each day through the app.
If you receive a notification stating that you are “Not on Campus,” this message only applies to families using manual announcement and may be disregarded when using Auto Announce.
If another individual will be picking up your child, please remember to delegate that driver in PikMyKid before dismissal.
For additional guidance, including instructions for delegating pick-up responsibilities, please refer to the PikMyKid Parent User Guide and Delegate Guide linked below.
Thank you for helping us maintain 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
Thank you to the many parents and grandparents who have already joined us for lunch and recess this year. It has been a joy to see families partnering with our faculty in this meaningful way and spending time with students during the school day.
We still have volunteer openings in the coming weeks. Volunteers assist with simple tasks such as helping students open lunch containers, serving as an extra set of eyes on the playground, and helping maintain an orderly environment. HCA teachers and staff are always present and responsible for leading lunch and recess, while volunteers provide valuable support and encouragement.
Special Lunches begin September 16 and 17, making this a wonderful opportunity to get involved. If you would like to serve our school community in this way, please click the button below to sign up.
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.
SUMMER READING CHALLENGE
Congratulations to the 84 students who completed our Summer Reading Challenge and earned Chick-fil-A gift cards and “I Love to Read” bracelets! We are delighted to celebrate their commitment to reading and the habits of curiosity and perseverance that will serve them well throughout the school year.
A special thank you to our parents for encouraging and supporting a love of reading at home. Your partnership helps cultivate lifelong learners and fosters a deep appreciation for good books and great ideas.
RHETORIC SEMINAR | SEPTEMBER 10
RHETORIC FORMAL DAY | SEPTEMBER 15
HOUSE MEETINGS | SEPTEMBER 11
PICTURE DAY | SEPTEMBER 22
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS VISIT - HILLSDALE COLLEGE | SEPTEMBER 22
CVCA COLLEGE FAIR | SEPTEMBER 22
PSAT | OCTOBER 8
RHETORIC FALL DANCE | OCTOBER 16
CURRICULUM NIGHT
Parents are invited to join us for Curriculum Night on Thursday, September 17 at 7:00 p.m. Parents will have the opportunity to walk through their student's schedule, follow the daily rhythm of classes, and meet teachers in each subject area. This session is designed to provide a clearer understanding of your student's Upper School experience and the flow of the school day.
Please note: This event is intended for parents only. We kindly ask that children not attend. We look forward to partnering with you as we begin another year of learning and growth.
PSAT
Students in 10th and 11th grade will take the PSAT on Thursday, October 8, from 9:10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. To ensure students have the best opportunity to focus and perform well, parents are kindly asked to avoid scheduling appointments or other absences during testing hours.
Students will be dismissed at 12:00 p.m. upon completion of the exam. Anne Johns will share additional details and testing information in the coming weeks. Thank you for your support as students prepare for this important assessment.
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. An adult must deliver all medications to the school, and they 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 varied 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 September 15. 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.
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, 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.
MOCK TRIAL
Registration is still open for Mock Trial for students in 9th-12th grade. This engaging program provides students with the opportunity to develop critical thinking, public speaking, and legal reasoning skills while working collaboratively as part of a team.
Mock Trial will begin during the first week of October and will not interfere with fall sports schedules, making it a great opportunity for students to participate in both activities.
Interested students may register by clicking here. We encourage all eligible students to consider joining this rewarding and challenging experience.
RUNNING CLUB UPDATE
We are grateful for the strong interest in Peninsula's Running Club. At this time, registration has reached capacity and the club is now full.
To provide a safe, enjoyable, and well-organized experience for all participants, enrollment must be limited to numbers that can be effectively supervised by our club leaders. We appreciate the enthusiasm shown by our students and families and regret that we are unable to accommodate additional participants at this time.
Thank you for your understanding and support. We look forward to future opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities.
VOLLEYBALL
Our volleyball teams continue to enjoy a strong season! On Tuesday, September 8, the Junior High Volleyball Team earned a two-set victory over Horizon Lorain, while the Varsity Team also secured a win.
We invite our Heritage community to come out and support the teams in their upcoming matches. The 5th-6th Grade Team and Junior High Team will compete at Laurel Christian School on Monday, September 14. The JV and Varsity Teams will be at home at The Edge on Tuesday as they take on Community Christian School.
Congratulations to our athletes and coaches on their hard work and success. Go Griffins!
SOCCER
The Griffin Soccer Team has two upcoming away matches and would love your support. The team will travel to Parma Heights Christian School on Friday, then return to the field on Monday for an away match against Open Door.
GOLF
The Griffin Golf Team remains undefeated this season and continues to build on an impressive start. The team will travel to Wiskyville Golf Club on Friday, September 11, for an away match against First Baptist.
Join us on Monday, September 14, for a home match as we also celebrate James Haile during Senior Night. We invite the Heritage community to come out and support our golfers as they honor their senior teammate and continue their outstanding season.
Congratulations to the team on their success so far.
CROSS COUNTRY
Our Griffin Cross Country athletes delivered an outstanding performance at the Avon Lake Earlybird Invitational on September 5. Mariah Harris captured 1st place overall in the high school girls race with an impressive time of 21:26.1. Charlotte Eimers and Olivia Dunay also earned top-10 finishes in the high school girls division, while Grandy Mantel placed in the top 10 in the middle school boys race.
Congratulations to all of our runners on their hard work and excellent results. We are proud of the way they continue to represent Heritage with determination and excellence.
Be sure to cheer on the Cross Country Team as they compete next at the Boardman Invitational on Saturday, September 19.
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.