SILENT AUCTION BEGINS | October 30
PICTURE RETAKES - PEPPER PIKE | November 2
PICTURE RETAKES - PENINSULA | November 4
DRESS DOWN DAY FUNDRAISER | November 5
ANNUAL DINNER | November 6
BAKE SALE - PEPPER PIKE | November 10-11
BAKE SALE - PENINSULA | November 10
VETERANS DAY CELEBRATIONS | November 11
SPELLING BEE | November 17
DINE TO DONATE - CHICK-FIL-A NORTHFIELD | November 18
DINE TO DONATE - CHICK-FIL-A HARVARD PARK | November 19
SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK
Thank you for partnering with us in the work of classical Christian education. If you have not yet completed the October Parent Survey, we encourage you to take a few moments to share your feedback. Your insights help us continue to learn, grow, and serve our families well. Please note: The survey closes October 30.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Save the date for our Christmas Concert on December 9. Additional details will be shared soon. We look forward to celebrating the season together!
VETERANS DAY CELEBRATIONS
We are grateful for the veterans in our Heritage community and invite you to join us for our Veterans Day celebrations on Wednesday, November 11. Veterans are welcome to attend a special program at either campus, followed by a complimentary breakfast in appreciation of your service and sacrifice.
Pepper Pike Campus Celebration begins at 8:10 a.m.
Peninsula Campus Celebration begins at 8:40 a.m.
Please register using the links below:
Pepper Pike Sign-Up
Peninsula Sign-Up
We look forward to honoring and celebrating those who have faithfully served our country.
SAVE THE DATE - DINE TO DONATE
Join us for two upcoming Dine to Donate events at Chick-fil-A Northfield on November 18 and Chick-fil-A Harvard Park on November 19. Enjoy a meal while supporting Heritage Classical Academy and connecting with our community. Additional details will be shared soon. We hope you'll save the date!
THE GRIFFIN RUNDOWN PODCAST
This week on The Griffin Rundown, we are pleased to share the audio recording of Heritage Classical Academy’s Annual State of the School Meeting. Whether you were unable to attend or would like to revisit the presentation, this episode offers an opportunity to hear updates on the life, mission, and future of our school. As always, you will also find the latest happenings around campus and enjoy our weekly Joke of the Week. We invite you to listen and stay connected to all that is taking place in the Heritage community.
Click here to listen to this week’s episode.
ADMISSIONS SEASON HAS OFFICIALLY BEGUN
It’s hard to believe, but we are already looking ahead to the 2027–2028 school year! Admissions season is officially underway, and we are excited to begin welcoming prospective families who are seeking a classical Christ-centered education for their children.
Applications for the 2027–2028 school year are now available on the HCA website. We encourage our current families to invite friends, neighbors, and other families who may be missionally aligned with HCA to learn more about our school. Prospective families can explore the HCA website, sign up for an upcoming Admissions event, and even submit their application online.
A reminder for current HCA families: If you have a child who does not currently attend HCA and you are interested in applying for the 2027–2028 school year, please use your existing FACTS Family Portal to submit the application. There is no need to create a new FACTS account through the application link on our website.
If you have questions about enrollment for the 2027–2028 school year, or would like to inquire about switching campuses or tracks, please contact Laura Calo, Admissions Director, at laura.calo@heritageclassicalacademy.org.
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.
BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER
Our Upper School students are preparing for the another Bake Sale on November 10, with remaining treats available on November 11. Sales will take place at the Peninsula Campus and at both the Lower and Upper Schools in Pepper Pike. Proceeds from the sale will help offset the cost of the ninth through twelfth grade out-of-state field trips this May.
Students in grades 9-12 are especially encouraged to contribute baked goods, and donations from all HCA families are warmly welcomed. Thank you for supporting our students as they work toward these valuable educational experiences. Click below to sign- up.
JOIN THE HERITAGE TEAM
Heritage Classical Academy is currently seeking qualified and mission-minded individuals to join our growing team. If you are passionate about partnering with families, cultivating lifelong learners, and advancing Christ-centered classical education, we invite you to explore our current employment opportunities. View available positions and learn more about working at HCA by visiting our Employment Page.
THANK YOU TO OUR ANNUAL DINNER SPONSORS
We extend our sincere thanks to our Annual Dinner Partners, Clinical Performance Group and Hudson Wealth; our Dessert Sponsors, Landes Eye Associates and Tone of Life; our Floral Sponsor, Rigsby Ranch; and our Bronze Sponsors, Savour Hospitality, Spartan Stormshield, and VanDevere Inc.
Thank you for investing in the mission of Heritage Classical Academy and in the lives of the students and families we serve. Your generosity makes a lasting impact!
HCA ANNUAL DINNER SILENT AUCTION AND RAFFLE
We are excited to introduce something new to this year’s HCA Annual Dinner—the HCA Silent Auction, benefiting the HCA Annual Fund!
Beginning tomorrow, October 30, HCA families and friends can bid on a variety of exciting experiences and items, with bidding open through the Annual Dinner on Friday, November 6. This year’s offerings include tickets to a Cleveland Browns game, a lakefront weekend getaway in Geneva wine country, an HCA Performing Arts package, and more!
Your dream getaway could be just one raffle ticket away! With only 100 tickets available, your odds are an incredible 1 in 100. One winner will choose ONE of several unforgettable travel experiences for two. Airfare and additional travel expenses are not included. Please note: Raffle ticket purchases are not tax-deductible. Click here to learn more.
Whether you are attending the Annual Dinner or participating from home, we invite you to join in the fun and help support the Annual Fund, which provides important resources that strengthen the HCA experience for our students and faculty.
Would you like to learn more about the Silent Auction or have something you would like to donate for consideration? Please contact Elizabeth Joyce, Director of Advancement, at elizabeth.joyce@heritageclassicalacademy.org.
We hope the Silent Auction will be a fun new addition to our Annual Dinner and another meaningful way for HCA families and friends to enjoy and support the work we share together.
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PENINSULA CAMPUS
PEPPER PIKE CAMPUS - LOWER SCHOOL
PEPPER PIKE CAMPUS - UPPER SCHOOL
ATHLETICS AND CLUBS
LOWER SCHOOL DRESS CODE UPDATE
Beginning November 1, shorts will no longer be permitted for Lower School students. All students must wear pants or leggings under skirts and dresses. As we continue to take children outside for recess throughout the fall and winter months, it is important that students are dressed appropriately for the weather. Please ensure your child comes to school prepared for outdoor activities. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students safe and comfortable.
SPELLING BEE
Our annual Spelling Bee will be held on November 17. We encourage students to begin reviewing and practicing their spelling words at home as they prepare for this cherished academic tradition. Consistent study and practice will help students grow in confidence and be ready to do their best on the day of the competition. We look forward to an enjoyable and engaging event for all participants.
PICK-UP REMINDER
To help keep dismissal running safely and efficiently, please follow the designated traffic pattern for pick-up. Families picking up in the front of the school must use Bronson Street, while families picking up in Early Childhood or the back of the school must use Emerson Street. We are experiencing delays at the four-way stop, and your cooperation helps keep traffic moving smoothly. Please be sure to share this information with anyone who may be picking up your child.
Additionally, please do not exit your vehicle during drop-off or pick-up. Faculty and staff are available to assist students as they enter and exit vehicles. Following these procedures helps ensure the safety of all students and allows dismissal to proceed as efficiently as possible. Thank you for your partnership and support.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE AT THE PENINSULA CAMPUS
There are several opportunities to support our Peninsula campus. We are currently seeking volunteers to assist our Student Services Department by proctoring tests in individual and small-group settings. If you are interested in serving in this way, please contact Rene Porchowsky via email, rene.porchowsky@heritageclassicalacademy.org.
We are also looking for Substitute Teachers to join our team. Training is available, and those interested may contact Heidi Butts via email, heidi.butts@heritageclassicalacademy.org for more information.
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. Our next meeting will be held Friday, November 13. All HCA dads are warmly invited to join us as we lift up our campus, our children, and their teachers in prayer.
PRAYING MOMS
Please join us every first Tuesday of the month for Praying Moms. We will be meeting in the Library again this year after drop off. Our next meeting is Tuesday, November 3.
PICTURE RETAKES
Picture retakes will be held on Wednesday, November 4. If your student needs a retake or was absent on the original picture day, please plan accordingly.
LOWER SCHOOL DRESS CODE UPDATE
Beginning November 1, shorts will no longer be permitted for Lower School students. All students must wear pants or leggings under skirts and dresses. As we continue to take children outside for recess throughout the fall and winter months, it is important that students are dressed appropriately for the weather. Please ensure your child comes to school prepared for outdoor activities. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students safe and comfortable.
SPELLING BEE
Our annual Spelling Bee will be held on November 17. We encourage students to begin reviewing and practicing their spelling words at home as they prepare for this cherished academic tradition. Consistent study and practice will help students grow in confidence and be ready to do their best on the day of the competition. We look forward to an enjoyable and engaging event for all participants.
TARDIES & MID-DAY APPOINTMENTS
A reminder regarding late arrivals and early dismissals: PikMyKid is used only for end-of-day (3:05 p.m.) dismissal changes.
For late arrivals, mid-day appointments, or early dismissals, please follow the usual attendance process:
Email pepperpikeattendance@heritageclassicalacademy.org and copy your child’s teacher.
For medical-related appointments, please also copy nurse.pp@heritageclassicalacademy.org.
Include the date and expected arrival or dismissal time in your email.
Upon arrival, please visit the front desk to sign your child in or out.
All end-of-day dismissal changes should continue to be made through PikMyKid.
LOST & FOUND
Please remember that our Lost & Found is cleared at the end of each month. Uniform items are transferred to the Uniform Exchange, while non-uniform items, such as water bottles, binders, jackets, and other personal belongings, are donated.
If your child is missing an item, we encourage you to stop by and take a look before the month ends. Families are welcome to sign in as a visitor at the front desk and check the Lost & Found. Thank you for helping us keep unclaimed items to a minimum!
LOST ITEMS
To help us quickly return misplaced items, please ensure that all clothing, water bottles, lunch boxes, and other personal belongings are clearly labeled with your child’s name. A few moments spent labeling items can go a long way in helping lost belongings find their way back home. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our Lost & Found manageable and organized.
SINGLE-RIDE BUS PASS
We understand that families may occasionally need transportation on short notice. For the 2026–2027 school year, Heritage will be offering a limited number of single-ride bus seats on the shuttle, as space allows.
Single-ride passes are $5 per ride and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Families must provide at least 48 hours’ notice when requesting a ride. Because availability depends on capacity, transportation for occasional riders cannot be guaranteed. Click here to request a single-ride pass.
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.
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.
PRAYING DADS
Fathers are warmly invited to join Praying Dads for a time of fellowship and prayer as we lift up our students, families, faculty, and school community. Meetings are held at Heritage Coffee in Solon at 6:30 a.m. on the second Friday of each month.
Whether you are a regular attendee or joining for the first time, we encourage you to come and be part of this meaningful gathering. Our next meeting will be November 13. Please see the dates below and consider joining us as we pray together for Heritage Classical Academy and the year ahead.
PRAYING MOMS
Please join us every first Monday of the month for Praying Moms. We will be meeting in the Chapel after drop off. Our next meeting is Monday, November 2.
PICTURE RETAKES
Picture retakes will be held on Monday, November 2. If your student needs a retake or was absent on the original picture day, please plan accordingly.
HOUSE CHAPEL - PRUDENS AND FORTIS | October 30
PICTURE REATAKES | November 2
DRESS DOWN DAY | November 5
HOUSE COMPETITION | November 6
HOUSE LUNCH | November 6
BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER | November 10 & 11
VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION | November 11
RHETORIC SEMINAR | November 12
HOUSE CHAPEL - IUSTUS AND TEMPERANS | October 30
SPELLING BEE (6th-8th GRADE) | November 17
BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER
Our Upper School students are preparing for the another Bake Sale on November 10, with remaining treats available on November 11. Sales will take place at the Peninsula Campus and at both the Lower and Upper Schools in Pepper Pike. Proceeds from the sale will help offset the cost of the ninth through twelfth grade out-of-state field trips this May.
Students in grades 9-12 are especially encouraged to contribute baked goods, and donations from all HCA families are warmly welcomed. Thank you for supporting our students as they work toward these valuable educational experiences. Click below to sign- up.
SPELLING BEE
Our Logic School Spelling Bee will take place on November 17. We look forward to seeing our students rise to the challenge and put their spelling skills to work!
SPECIAL LUNCH VOLUNTEERS
We are seeking volunteers to help serve Special Lunches throughout the school year. In particular, we have several Thursdays in November and December where additional assistance is needed. Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve our students and support our school community. Click the button below to view available dates.
PIKMYKID
Please remember to update your student’s dismissal plans in PikMyKid each day by 2:24 p.m. Accurate dismissal information helps ensure a smooth end to the school day and allows all students to reach their destinations safely and on time. Thank you for your partnership in this important process.
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.
LOST & FOUND
We have had an increase in misplaced items on campus and would like to encourage families to clearly label their children’s belongings. With so many similar items such as sweatshirts, jackets, lunch boxes, and water bottles, a name label is often the quickest way to reunite lost items with their owners.
Because items may be found in different areas of campus, they do not always make their way to the correct division immediately. When an item is found, we first check for a name before placing it in the Lost & Found. We encourage students to check the Lost & Found regularly, as it is emptied at the end of each month.
A simple label can go a long way in helping lost items find their way home.
SINGLE-RIDE BUS PASS
We understand that families may occasionally need transportation on short notice. For the 2026–2027 school year, Heritage will be offering a limited number of single-ride bus seats on the shuttle, as space allows.
Single-ride passes are $5 per ride and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Families must provide at least 48 hours’ notice when requesting a ride. Because availability depends on capacity, transportation for occasional riders cannot be guaranteed. Click here to request a single-ride pass.
FALL SPORTS BANQUET
Due to the continued postseason success of our Volleyball and Cross Country teams, the Fall Sports Banquet has been rescheduled for Monday, November 2, at 5:00 p.m. The banquet will still be held at the Tanglewood Golf Club Banquet Hall.
Please join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of our student-athletes, honor our seniors, and present season awards. Families are encouraged to attend, including siblings, grandparents, and other relatives. Please note that no food will be served, and all basketball practices will be canceled that evening.
We look forward to celebrating another memorable fall sports season together!
ANNE OF GREEN GABLES
Stage crew rehearsals for Anne of Green Gables began this week, and we are grateful for the many students serving faithfully behind the scenes. From managing props and costumes to supporting technical and production needs, these students play an essential role in bringing the performance to life. We look forward to watching their hard work and dedication contribute to a memorable production this spring.
Tickets are selling quickly for Heritage Classical Academy’s production of Anne of Green Gables! Join us for an evening of heartfelt storytelling and classic theatre on Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21 at 7:00 p.m. at the Simon and Rose Mandel Theatre, Tri-C Eastern Campus.
Seating is first come, first served, and tickets are available online only. We encourage families and friends to purchase tickets early to reserve their place for this beloved production.
VOLLEYBALL
The Griffin varsity volleyball team is enjoying an exciting postseason, earning playoff victories and advancing to the NCSAA National Tournament at Cedarville. We are incredibly proud of our athletes and coaches for their hard work and perseverance throughout the season. Please join us in praying for safe travels and strong competition as the team represents Heritage Classical Academy on the national stage.
BASKETBALL
Our basketball season is underway, with games beginning in December. Be sure to check the SportsEngine app regularly for the latest schedules and updates.
SOCCER
The Griffin soccer season came to a close this week. Congratulations to Grace Sulzer, who scored all three Griffin goals in the final match, with two assists from Eli Sulzer. Thank you to our players, coaches, and families for a season marked by dedication, perseverance, and teamwork. We look forward to celebrating together at the end-of-season party on Friday, October 30
CROSS COUNTRY
The Griffin cross country team will compete in the Christian School State Championships on Friday, October 30, at Amann’s Park in Galion. Runners will be dismissed at noon as they prepare for the season’s final meet. We also look forward to celebrating our two seniors at the team’s Senior Spaghetti Dinner on Thursday. Best of luck to our runners as they finish the season strong.
CLUBS
Our Power of the Pen and Mock Trial students continue to meet on Wednesdays after school, developing their skills as thoughtful writers, critical thinkers, and persuasive speakers. We are grateful for their hard work and growth.
VOLLEYBALL CLUB
Thank you for the tremendous response to our After-School Volleyball Club for 3rd-5th grade girls! Registration filled in less than three hours and is now closed. We look forward to a wonderful season of learning, teamwork, and fun on the court.
SKI CLUB
Hit the slopes with friends this winter through the HCA Ski Club at Boston Mills Ski Resort! Open to skiers and snowboarders ages 7–18, Ski Club offers five consecutive Friday evenings of fun, learning, and fellowship on the mountain.
The club will meet on January 8, 15, 22, 29, and February 5, 2027, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. New lessons begin every half hour throughout the evening until 7:00 p.m. A variety of package options are available, including lift tickets, rentals, and lessons. Most students will participate in the Slope Days Package for $359, which includes rentals, a one-hour lesson, and a lift pass for all five Ski Club dates.
Registration closes November 30, 2026. To register, click here. For questions, contact Amy Rhoads at amymrhoads@gmail.com, or view the Ski Club FAQ sheet here.
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.