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
FALL PLAY - ANNE OF GREEN GABLES | November 20-21
THANKSGIVING BREAK | November 23-27
CHRISTMAS CONCERT - EARLY DISMISSAL 2PM | December 9
THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE
This Thanksgiving season, Heritage is partnering with Goodness Grows, a ministry of NEOS Hope, to provide Thanksgiving food boxes for children and families throughout Cleveland while sharing the hope of the Gospel. We invite you to join us in serving our community and helping make Thanksgiving a season of both provision and encouragement for local families in need.
There are three simple ways for Heritage families to participate and make a meaningful impact. Donations may be dropped off at the Pepper Pike or Peninsula campuses November 16-20. Please click here to view the flyer and learn how you can get involved.
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.
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, we are taking a short pause from new interviews and bringing you a Griffin Rundown Rewind. Join us as we revisit a previous conversation in which Mr. David Nees and Mr. Bond discuss The Anxious Generation and its timely insights into the challenges facing today’s students and families. 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.
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT WEAR SALE
The Christmas season is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate school spirit while supporting Heritage students. Be sure to explore the HCA Christmas Spirit Wear Store, featuring new apparel and gift ideas perfect for the holiday season. All proceeds benefit Heritage Classical Academy students, and orders will be delivered in time for Christmas. The store closes November 20, so don't wait to place your order. Order here today.
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.
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.
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
THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE
This Thanksgiving season, Heritage is partnering with Goodness Grows, a ministry of NEOS Hope, to provide Thanksgiving food boxes for children and families throughout Cleveland while sharing the hope of the Gospel. We invite you to join us in serving our community and helping make Thanksgiving a season of both provision and encouragement for local families in need.
There are three simple ways for Heritage families to participate and make a meaningful impact. Donations may be dropped off at the Pepper Pike or Peninsula campuses November 16-20. Please click here to view the flyer and learn how you can get involved.
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.
DROP OFF & PICK-UP REMINDER
To help keep traffic moving safely and efficiently, please ensure your child is ready to exit the vehicle at drop-off. Coats, backpacks, water bottles, and lunches should be organized and within reach before arriving in the drop-off line.
For the safety of all students, please remain in your vehicle during both drop-off and pick-up. Faculty and staff will assist students as they enter and exit vehicles. Kindly share this reminder with anyone who may be dropping off or picking up your child.
SPELLING BEE
Our annual Spelling Bee will be held on November 17. Students are encouraged to begin reviewing and practicing their word lists at home in preparation for the event.
For Study Center families whose students have registered to participate, please note the following schedule:
Grades 1–3: Begins at 9:00 a.m.
Grades 4–5: Begins at 10:00 a.m.
Participants should arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled start time. Parents are welcome to wait in the library during the competition. We look forward to celebrating our students' hard work and love of learning.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE AT THE PENINSULA CAMPUS
There are several meaningful opportunities to serve and support the 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 role, please contact Rene Porchowsky at rene.porchowsky@heritageclassicalacademy.org.
We are also seeking a Campus Assistant, Long-Term Substitute Teachers, and Substitute Teachers to join our team. Training is available for these positions. Those interested in learning more about employment opportunities may contact Heidi Butts at heidi.butts@heritageclassicalacademy.org.
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 tomorrow 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
Mothers are warmly invited to join Praying Moms on Tuesday, December 1, in the Peninsula Campus Library beginning at 8:30 a.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to gather in fellowship and prayer for our children, school, and community. Younger children are welcome to attend. We hope you will join us.
THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE
Please see the school-wide section for details about our Thanksgiving Food Drive. We are grateful to partner with Goodness Grows, a ministry of NEOS Hope, to provide Thanksgiving food boxes for children and families throughout Cleveland while sharing the hope of the Gospel.
We encourage all Heritage families to participate as we work together to serve our community and bless local families this Thanksgiving season.
SPELLING BEE
The Spelling Bee is just around the corner on November 17! Students are encouraged to continue studying their word lists at home as they prepare for the competition. Teachers will also provide opportunities for practice in the classroom over the coming days.
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.
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
HOUSE LUNCH | November 20
FALL PLAY - ANNE OF GREEN GABLES | November 20-21
THANKSGIVING BREAK | November 23-27
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING | December 2
6TH GRADE FIELD TRIP - PLAYHOUSE SQUARE | December 3
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.
Be sure to see the All-Campus section for complete Dine to Donate details. This is a simple and enjoyable way to support Heritage while helping raise funds for our Upper School out-of-state field trips.
When participating, please remember to bring the event flyer with you, as Heritage receives credit only when the flyer is presented. Thank you for supporting these valuable educational opportunities for our students.
THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE
Please see the All-Campus section for complete details about our Thanksgiving Food Drive. Donations may be dropped off in the Wade Administration Lobby during the week of November 16-20.
Thank you for partnering with us as we serve families in our community and help make Thanksgiving a season of generosity and hope.
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.
THEATER
The curtain rises next week on Heritage Classical Academy’s production of Anne of Green Gables. Performances will be held on Friday, November 20, and Saturday, November 21, at 7:00 p.m. at the Simon and Rose Mandel Theatre on the Cuyahoga Community College Eastern Campus.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, and free for children under 2. Tickets are available online only through the ticket link provided below.
A special thank you to our dedicated theater volunteers, including Jerry Canfield and Angie McClenahan, for their work on the set, including the train station clock and fireplace details. Their creativity and generosity have helped bring the world of Anne Shirley to life on stage.
We look forward to seeing you there for an evening of delightful storytelling and memorable performances.
VOLLEYBALL
Congratulations to our Varsity Volleyball team on an outstanding season and a third-place finish at the OCSAA Final Four held at Ohio Christian University. Following their impressive NCSAA National Runner-Up finish, the team continued to demonstrate excellence, perseverance, and sportsmanship throughout the season. We are incredibly proud of these Griffins and all they have accomplished.
BASKETBALL
Griffin basketball is off to a strong start. On November 7, our 5th Grade Girls opened their season with an impressive 30–7 victory, while the 5th Grade Boys battled hard in a narrow 38–35 season opener. The 6th Grade Boys split their games, earning their first win with a 25–16 victory. Meanwhile, our remaining teams continue to prepare diligently for competition following Thanksgiving break.
Looking ahead to Saturday, November 14, the 5th Grade Girls will face the Rittman Indians at 10:00 a.m. at Nordonia Middle School. The 6th Grade Boys will take on Copley-Gulas at 2:00 p.m. at the Longwood YMCA in Macedonia, and the 5th Grade Boys will play Rootstown Rovers-Shipman at 2:00 p.m. and Copley at 3:00 p.m. at Glen Oak High School in Canton.
We invite you to come support our student-athletes and cheer on the Griffins as the season continues.
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.