September 17, 2026
CURRICULUM NIGHT - PEPPER PIKE | September 17
4th & 5th GRADE PARENT MEETING AND TOUR - PEPPER PIKE | September 17
PICTURE DAY - PEPPER PIKE | September 22
DRESS DOWN DAY FUNDRAISER ($2) | September 24
PICTURE DAY - PENINSULA | September 29 - 30
FALL FEST | September 26
FALL FEST
Fall Fest is only one week away! Join us 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.
Volunteers are needed! Please sign up here to help make this special event a success. If you have any questions, please contact Ana Frock-Herceg at afherceg@gmail.com
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:
THE GRIFFIN RUNDOWN PODCAST
The first episode of the new school year is here, and it marks a significant moment in the life of Heritage. In this week’s episode of The Griffin Rundown, we are honored to welcome Mr. Nees for one final conversation as he passes the torch to Mr. Bond, Heritage’s new Head of School. Together, they discuss the school’s mission, the blessings of the past, and the vision that will guide Heritage into the future. Click here to listen to this week’s episode.
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.
DRESS DOWN DAY FUNDRAISER
Students are invited to participate in a Dress Down Day Fundraiser on September 24 for $2. Students may wear jeans, sweatpants, hoodies, and fingertip-length shorts. Please note that leggings and pajama pants are not permitted.
All proceeds from this fundraiser will help support Upper School students participating in the year-end out-of-state educational trips. Thank you for supporting these valuable opportunities for learning, fellowship, and discovery beyond the classroom.
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
Thank you for your patience and encouragement as we continue implementing the PikMyKid system. Traffic flow has improved significantly, and we are grateful for everyone’s cooperation as we refine our afternoon dismissal procedures.
To help ensure a smooth and efficient pickup each day, please remember the following:
Open the PikMyKid app when you arrive on campus.
Select “Pick Up” and confirm that your student has been announced. If not, tap the green “Announce” button.
Any delegate or pickup changes should be made before 2:24 p.m.
Thank you for partnering with us as we work to provide a safe, orderly, and efficient dismissal process for all of our 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 Portrait Partner sponsors listed below for their investment in the life and work of Heritage Classical Academy.
Bronze Sponsors:
Advance Capital Management
Derek Mantel of Edward Jones
Fairway Wealth Management
Huntington Bank
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!
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
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 tonight 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.
PICTURE DAY
Picture Day will be held on Tuesday, September 29 and Wednesday, September 30. We are pleased to welcome Visualizations Photography to Heritage Classical Academy's Pepper Pike campus. This is a wonderful opportunity to capture a lasting memory of the school year, and families are encouraged to place their photo orders in advance.
Online ordering opens September 21 at:
https://ospgo.com/118935
To place an order, simply search for your student by last name, select their name from the list, and complete the purchase using your email address.
Please note that all orders must be submitted online, and the preorder window closes at 11:59 p.m. on September 30. Families with multiple students should complete a separate order for each child. After ordering, be sure to watch for a confirmation email, as this serves as verification that your order has been successfully received.
Should you have any questions regarding photographs or orders, please contact Visualizations Photography at joanna@vizphoto.com or 330-923-3686 during business hours.
We look forward to another memorable Picture Day and the opportunity to preserve this special season in your student's Heritage journey.
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:
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 2:24 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:
Please make sure you have chosen the correct default line for each child (Early Childhood midday and afternoon is separate from the back pickup line).
If you are using Auto Announce, please go in and click “Allow all the time” in your phone setting (not in the app) and make sure your app is open before heading to school. (To turn on Auto Announce click the Account button in the lower right corner of your screen, find “Auto Announce” and toggle to turn it on).
If you are not using the Auto Announce, click the ‘Pickup’ button at the bottom of the homescreen then tap the green “Announce” button once you reach the Post Office.
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.
SPECIAL LUNCH VOLUNTEERS
We are currently seeking volunteers to assist with our Special Lunches throughout the school year. 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.
PRAYING DADS
Praying Dads is a wonderful opportunity for Heritage fathers to come together in prayer for our students, faculty, staff, and school community. Through fellowship and faithful prayer, dads can play a meaningful role in supporting the mission of Heritage and encouraging one another. The group meets in the HCA Peninsula Library from 6:30-7:30 a.m. on the second Friday of each month. All HCA dads are warmly invited to join us as we lift up our campus, our children, and their teachers in prayer.
PRAYING MOMS
Mothers are warmly invited to join us for Praying Moms, a monthly time to gather in prayer for our students, faculty, staff, and school community. This gathering provides an opportunity to support of the work God is doing at Heritage. Praying Moms meets on the first Tuesday of each month in the Library following morning drop-off. We hope you will join us as we lift up our children, teachers, and school in prayer throughout the year.
CURRICULUM NIGHT
Parents are invited to join us for Curriculum Night tonight, 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.
CAR LINE REMINIDER
To help our dismissal process run smoothly and efficiently throughout the school year, please keep your car sign displayed on the passenger-side visor, facing outward, whenever you are in the pickup line. Having car signs clearly visible allows our staff to quickly identify arriving vehicles and have students ready when you reach the pickup area.
Thank you for your assistance in helping us maintain a safe, orderly, and efficient dismissal for all Heritage families.
PICTURE DAY
Picture Day will be held on Tuesday, September 22, and we are pleased to welcome Visualizations Photography to Heritage Classical Academy's Pepper Pike campus. This is a wonderful opportunity to capture a lasting memory of the school year, and families are encouraged to place their photo orders in advance.
Online ordering opens September 14 at:
https://ospgo.com/118925
To place an order, simply search for your student by last name, select their name from the list, and complete the purchase using your email address.
Please note that all orders must be submitted online, and the preorder window closes at 11:59 p.m. on September 22. Families with multiple students should complete a separate order for each child. After ordering, be sure to watch for a confirmation email, as this serves as verification that your order has been successfully received.
Should you have any questions regarding photographs or orders, please contact Visualizations Photography at joanna@vizphoto.com or 330-923-3686 during business hours.
We look forward to another memorable Picture Day and the opportunity to preserve this special season in your student's Heritage journey.
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 tonight, 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.
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. 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 2:24 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.
DRESS DOWN DAY FUNDRAISER
Students are invited to participate in a Dress Down Day Fundraiser on September 24 for $2. Students may wear jeans, sweatpants, hoodies, and fingertip-length shorts. Please note that leggings and pajama pants are not permitted.
All proceeds from this fundraiser will help support Upper School students participating in the year-end out-of-state educational trips. Thank you for supporting these valuable opportunities for learning, fellowship, and discovery beyond the classroom.
PRAYING DADS
Praying Dads will resume this fall at Heritage Coffee in Solon. Fathers are invited to gather on the second Friday of each month at 6:30 a.m. for a time of fellowship and prayer as we lift up our students, teachers, and the Heritage community before the Lord.
Whether you are a regular attendee or joining us for the first time, we welcome you to be part of this encouraging ministry. Upcoming gatherings will be held on October 9, November 13, and December 11. We hope you can join us as we begin the day together in prayer.
PRAYING MOMS
Praying Moms will resume on Monday, October 5, at 8:30 a.m. in the HCA Chapel. Mothers are warmly invited to gather on the first Monday of each month for a time of prayer for our students, faculty, staff, and school community.
Please mark your calendars for October 5, November 2, and December 7. We hope you will join us as we lift up Heritage together in prayer.
CURRICULUM NIGHT - PEPPER PIKE | September 17
CHAPEL | September 18
PICTURE DAY | SEPTEMBER 22
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS VISIT - HILLSDALE COLLEGE | SEPTEMBER 22
CVCA COLLEGE FAIR | SEPTEMBER 22
DRESS DOWN DAY FUNDRAISER ($2) | September 24
RHETORIC SEMINAR | September 24
HOUSE MEETINGS | September 25
HOUSE CHANT COMPETITION | September 30
PSAT | OCTOBER 8
RHETORIC FALL DANCE | OCTOBER 16
CURRICULUM NIGHT
Parents are invited to join us for Curriculum Night tonight, 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.
DRESS DOWN DAY FUNDRAISER
Students are invited to participate in a Dress Down Day Fundraiser on September 24 for $2. Students may wear jeans, sweatpants, hoodies, and fingertip-length shorts. Please note that leggings and pajama pants are not permitted.
All proceeds from this fundraiser will help support Upper School students participating in the year-end out-of-state educational trips. Thank you for supporting these valuable opportunities for learning, fellowship, and discovery beyond the classroom.
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 have begun on Tuesdays. 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.
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 6:45-9:00 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.
BASKETBALL
Registration is now open for 5th Grade Basketball! This is a wonderful opportunity for students to develop their skills, enjoy friendly competition, and represent Heritage alongside their classmates.
Families interested in participating may register here.
Families can also look forward to basketball registration for additional grade levels opening soon. Please watch for more information in the coming weeks!
We look forward to another exciting season and hope many of our 5th grade students will join us on the court!
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
It was an exciting week for Griffin Volleyball! Varsity earned a hard-fought victory over Christian Community School on Tuesday, while JV competed with determination in a strong showing. Earlier in the week, Junior High battled Laurel in two closely contested sets, demonstrating perseverance and teamwork throughout the match.
Neon Night is this Friday! Come cheer on all four Griffin volleyball teams as they take on Wooster at home at The Edge. Wear your brightest neon colors and help fill the gym with Griffin spirit as we rally behind our athletes for an evening of exciting competition. Go Griffins!
SOCCER
The Griffins earned an impressive victory over Parma Heights Christian on Friday before facing a tough challenge against Open Door on Monday. With a current record of 2-3-1, the team continues to grow and compete with determination throughout the season.
The Griffins return to action at home this Friday as they take on Wooster at the Ursuline College Soccer Field. Come out and support our student-athletes as they represent Heritage with skill, sportsmanship, and perseverance.
GOLF
The Griffins continued their strong season with another victory on September 11, earning a win over First Baptist. Following an impressive start, the team faced its first loss of the season on September 14 after a closely contested and hard-fought match.
Golf returns to Tanglewood Golf Club this Friday at 4:30 p.m., where both the Varsity and JV teams will take on Westside Christian. We invite you to come out and support our golfers as they compete.
CROSS COUNTRY
The Griffins delivered a strong performance at the Pat Ritchie Cross Country Invitational at Walsh on September 12. The Middle School boys earned an impressive 4th-place team finish, while the High School girls continued their outstanding season with five runners placing in the top 20 overall. Congratulations to all of our runners for their hard work and determination.
Cross Country returns to competition on September 19 at the Boardman Invitational. We invite our Heritage community to come out and support the Griffins as they continue an exciting season.
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.