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 MACEDONIA | November 18
DINE TO DONATE - CHICK-FIL-A HARVARD PARK | November 19
DRESS DOWN DAY FUNDRAISER ($2) | November 19
CHRISTMAS CONCERT - EARLY DISMISSAL 2PM | December 9
HCA SILENT AUCTION
The HCA Silent Auction is open, HCA families and friends have just a short time left to 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!
HCA RAFFLE
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.
TIN CAN COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER
We are excited to partner with Tin Can Communities for a special fundraiser benefiting Heritage Classical Academy! Tin Can offers simple, kid-friendly communication devices designed to help children stay connected with family while avoiding the distractions of smartphones.
Families can receive discounted pricing on Tin Can phones, and 10% of net sales will be donated back to HCA. The community order window is open October 29 through November 28, with orders placed by December 11 arriving in time for the holidays. The more families who participate, the greater the savings for everyone. Visit the HCA community page by clicking here for details and ordering information.
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.
DINE TO DONATE
Enjoy dinner while supporting HCA! Join us on Wednesday, November 18 at Chick-fil-A Macedonia from 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. and Thursday, November 19, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Chick-fil-A Harvard Park for Spirit Nights to benefit HCA. Fifteen percent of qualifying purchases will support our Upper School out-of-state field trips.
Please see the event flyers for complete details on how your purchase can benefit HCA. Click here for Macedonia and here for Harvard Park. As an added bonus, the Harvard Spirit Night coincides with the Fall Play dress rehearsal, making it a convenient dinner option for participating families and supporters. Please note that dining instructions and times are different for each location.
THE GRIFFIN RUNDOWN PODCAST
This week on The Griffin Rundown, Mr. Bond and Mr. Grame, Upper School Academic Dean, discuss the vital role of Rhetoric School in a Classical Christian education. Tune in to learn how HCA prepares students to think deeply, speak persuasively, and engage the world faithfully
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.
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 Valet Sponsor, Crawford Law; our Gold Sponsors, Romanin Concrete and MAI Capital Management; our Legacy Partner, In His Steps; and our Title Sponsor, Truth for Life.
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!
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
RECESS & OUTDOOR TIME
As the weather turns colder, please ensure your child comes to school with appropriate outdoor attire, including a warm coat, hat, gloves, and boots as needed. At Heritage Classical Academy, students enjoy outdoor recess throughout the year in a variety of weather conditions. To help misplaced items find their way back home, we also encourage families to clearly label all clothing and outerwear. Thank you for helping your child be prepared for the season.
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.
PICK-UP & DROP OFF REMINDER
To help ensure a safe and efficient dismissal, please follow our traffic procedures carefully. Families picking up in the front of the school must use Bronson Street, while families picking up in Early Childhood or at the rear of campus must use Emerson Street. We kindly ask that you share these directions with anyone authorized to pick up your child.
For the safety of all students, please remain in your vehicle during drop-off and pick-up. Staff members are available to assist children as they enter and exit vehicles.
Finally, please note that school doors do not open until 7:25 a.m. If your child is arriving early to meet a bus sibling, please do not send them to the doors before that time. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and orderly campus.
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.
DRESS CODE REMINDER
As a reminder, shorts are no longer permitted for Lower School students. Students should now arrive in uniform pants or leggings worn under skirts and dresses. As we continue to enjoy outdoor recess throughout the fall and winter months, please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. Thank you for helping keep our students comfortable and prepared for outdoor activities.
CHICK-FIL-A STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to our September and October Chick-fil-A Students of the Month! These students were selected by their teachers in recognition of their outstanding and consistent growth in Christ-like character. We are grateful to Chick-fil-A Harvard Park for generously providing each honoree with a gift card and gift bag.
First Grade: Bree Beck, Amos Watson, Leo Lee, and Nora Neal
Fourth Grade: Ezra Sulzer, Hannah Valley, Samuel Neal, and Lydia Warnky
We commend these students for the example they set and the virtue they display both in and out of the classroom.
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.
PIK MY KID
To help keep our dismissal process running smoothly, please open the pick-up app as soon as you arrive on campus. Even if Auto-Announce is enabled, your student will not be announced until the app is opened. Thank you for helping us ensure an efficient and timely pick-up for all families.
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.
HOUSE COMPETITION | November 6
HOUSE LUNCH | November 6
BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER | November 10 & 11
VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION | November 11
RHETORIC SEMINAR | November 12
HOUSE TREBUCHET COMPETITION | November 13
SPELLING BEE (6th-8th GRADE) | November 17
DINE TO DONATE - CHICK-FIL-A MACEDONIA | November 18
DINE TO DONATE - CHICK-FIL-A HARVARD PARK | November 19
DRESS DOWN DAY ($2) | November 19
HOUSE CHAPEL - IUSTUS AND TEMPERANS | November 20
CHRISTMAS CONCERT - EARLY DISMISSAL 2PM | December 9
DINE TO DONATE
Enjoy dinner while supporting HCA! Join us on Wednesday, November 18 at Chick-fil-A Macedonia from 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. and Thursday, November 19, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Chick-fil-A Harvard Park for Spirit Nights to benefit HCA. Fifteen percent of qualifying purchases will support our Upper School out-of-state field trips.
Please see the event flyers for complete details on how your purchase can benefit HCA. As an added bonus, the Harvard Spirit Night coincides with the Fall Play dress rehearsal, making it a convenient dinner option for participating families and supporters. Please note that dining instructions and times are different for each location.
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.
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.
ANNE OF GREEN GABLES
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
Congratulations to our Varsity Volleyball team on an outstanding performance at the NCSAA National Tournament, where they finished as National Runners-Up! The Lady Griffins battled their way to the championship match before falling to Christian Community School in the final set.
The season continues as the team advances to the OCSAA Final Four at Ohio Christian University on Friday, November 6, at 5:00 p.m. We invite the Heritage community to cheer them on by watching the match live through the OCSAA YouTube channel. Go Griffins!
BASKETBALL
Basketball season is underway, and we are excited to cheer on our Griffins as competition begins! Our 5th Grade Boys, 5th Grade Girls, and 6th Grade Boys teams will tip off their seasons this Saturday, November 7. We wish our student-athletes a strong start to the season and look forward to watching them grow in skill, teamwork, and perseverance throughout the months ahead.
CROSS COUNTRY
Congratulations to our Griffin Cross Country teams for an outstanding performance at the Christian School State Championships! Our Middle School Boys claimed the State Championship, while the High School Girls and Middle School Girls each earned runner-up finishes. Our High School Boys also had a strong showing, finishing third overall.
Special recognition goes to our top individual finishers: Grady Mantel (2nd place), Joseph Schvartz (3rd place), and Mariah Harris (3rd place). We are proud of all our student-athletes for their dedication, perseverance, and excellent representation of Heritage Classical Academy.
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.
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.