October 1, 2026
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES | October 1
NO SCHOOL - TEACHER IN-SERVICE | October 2
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES | October 8
ANNUAL STATE OF THE SCHOOL MEETING | October 13
PASTOR APPRECIATION BREAKFAST - PENINSULA CAMPUS | October 13
BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER | October 13
PASTOR APPRECIATION BREAKFAST - PEPPER PIKE CAMPUS | October 14
DRESS DOWN DAY FUNDRAISER ($2) | October 15
PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST | October 19-20
ANNUAL DINNER | November 6
FIRST ANNUAL STATE OF THE SCHOOL MEETING
Heritage families and friends are warmly invited to join us for our first Annual State of the School Meeting on Tuesday, October 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the Pepper Pike Chapel. This special evening will be an opportunity to give thanks for the Lord’s continued faithfulness to Heritage, reflect on significant milestones from the past year, and look ahead with hope and purpose to the opportunities before us. Daniel Bond, Head of School, will share his heart for Heritage and the vision for the school’s future. John Zaller, Board Finance Chair, will also provide a brief review of the past year’s financials, offer perspective on the school’s stewardship, and share a glimpse of several initiatives for the coming year.
Please RSVP here to help us prepare for the evening. We hope you will join us for this special gathering in the life of our school.
PASTOR APPRECIATION BREAKFAST
HCA will be hosting a Pastor Appreciation Breakfast at Peninsula on Tuesday, October 13 and at Pepper Pike on Wednesday, October 14. Please invite your pastor(s) with the invitation your student will bring home. Alternatively, you can find a digital invitation to share with your pastor here.
BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER
Help support our seventh and eighth grade students by contributing to the upcoming Bake Sale on October 13, with remaining treats available on October 14. Sales will take place at the Peninsula Campus and at both the Lower and Upper Schools at Pepper Pike. Proceeds will help offset a portion of the cost of the seventh and eighth grade out-of-state field trips in May.
Students in grades 7–8 are especially encouraged to bake, but contributions from all HCA families are warmly welcomed. Peninsula families of younger students are particularly encouraged to participate to help ensure there are plenty of treats for our Peninsula students to enjoy.
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
This week on The Griffin Rundown, Mr. Bond sits down with Dr. Austin Shaw, pastor of Providence Church, to discuss our 2026–2027 chapel theme, The Doctrine of God’s Providence. Together, they reflect on the comfort, hope, and peace found in knowing that the one true God is sovereign over all things and faithfully accomplishes His purposes.
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.
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.
Please note: Chick-fil-a is not served every 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.
THE ANNUAL DINNER
Please join us for the HCA Annual Dinner on Friday, November 6, at the Marriott Key Tower in downtown Cleveland. This special evening will feature a panel discussion centered on the Portrait of the Graduate ideal “Love Learning,” along with an opportunity to support HCA’s mission through giving.
The Annual Dinner is a meaningful opportunity for our HCA community to gather in fellowship, celebrate the work God is doing through our school, and give thanks for His continued faithfulness. Tickets and table sponsorships are available through October 17. Please click here to reserve your place.
To learn more about partnering with HCA through this event, please contact Senior Development Officer Rick Eimers at rick.eimers@heritageclassicalacademy.org.
We look forward to gathering with our community for an evening of fellowship, gratitude, and celebration.
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
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held this evening October 1 and October 8 from 4:00–7:00 p.m. These evenings are a wonderful opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher, hear early observations from the classroom, and begin the school year with a strong partnership between home and school.
Please check your email for details and a link to sign up for a conference time. We look forward to connecting with you!
PICK-UP REMINDER
Thank you for your patience as we have transitioned to Pikmykid. We are pleased that the afternoon pick-up lines are now moving more quickly and efficiently.
As a reminder, pick-up ends at 3:25 p.m. Please plan to arrive in the pick-up line by that time. Families arriving after 3:25 p.m. will need to enter the school and sign their child out of Aftercare in the library. Thank you for helping us keep dismissal running smoothly!
PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST
Our Pumpkin Decorating Contest is coming soon! Pumpkins may be dropped off on October 19 or 20 and picked up on October 21. Entries will be judged in two categories: Favorite Book and Favorite Sport. Look for additional information coming home next week.
BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER
Support our seventh and eighth grade students by purchasing a sweet treat at our Bake Sale on Tuesday, October 13. Baked goods will be available for purchase during lunchtime, with proceeds helping to offset the cost of the Grades 7–8 spring trip. This is a one-day-only event, so be sure to stop by and enjoy a treat.
SPELLING BEE
Our Annual Spelling Bee will take place on November 17. Practice spelling lists were sent home with students last week, giving participants plenty of time to prepare. Study Center students are also invited to participate and may sign up if they would like.
CONSUMER NOTICE
The HCA Peninsula recently completed its standard drinking water testing for lead and copper. We are pleased to report that the results were excellent and well below the established maximum thresholds. This notice is being shared in accordance with EPA requirements. View the official EPA notice here.
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:
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. Our first meeting will be held on Friday, October 9. 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. Our first meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 6.We hope you will join us as we lift up our children, teachers, and school in prayer throughout the year.
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held this evening October 1 and October 8 from 4:00–7:00 p.m. These evenings are a wonderful opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher, hear early observations from the classroom, and begin the school year with a strong partnership between home and school.
Please check your email for details and a link to sign up for a conference time. We look forward to connecting with you!
PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST
Our Pumpkin Decorating Contest is coming soon! Pumpkins may be dropped off on October 19 or 20 and picked up on October 21. Entries will be judged in two categories: Favorite Book and Favorite Sport. Look for additional information coming home next week.
BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER
Support our seventh and eighth grade students by purchasing a sweet treat at our Bake Sale on Tuesday, October 13. Baked goods will be available for purchase during lunchtime, with proceeds helping to offset the cost of the Grades 7–8 spring trip.
MORNING DROP-OFF REMINIDER
To better accommodate our growing campus community, Lower School families should continue through the entire Maynard parking lot during morning drop-off. After passing the stop sign, please remain in the right-hand lane and proceed behind Maynard before continuing along the drop-off route.
Following this traffic pattern helps keep carline moving efficiently and prevents traffic from backing up onto Lander Road. For a complete overview of arrival and dismissal procedures, please review our September 11 email here.
DRESS FOR THE WEATHER
As the seasons change, please remember to send students to school with appropriate clothing for the weather. Fresh air and time outdoors are an important part of the school day, and students go outside in a variety of weather conditions.
Even when weather limits outdoor recess, students may still spend time outside during dismissal, and our 4th and 5th grade students take a brief walk outdoors to reach their classrooms. Please help ensure your child is prepared and dressed comfortably for the day’s conditions.
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.
SPELLING BEE
Our Annual Spelling Bee will take place on Tuesday, November 17. Practice spelling lists were sent home last week with students to help them begin preparing.
We look forward to seeing our students put their spelling skills to the test!
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.
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.
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.
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. We hope you will join us as we lift up Heritage together in prayer.
NO SCHOOL - TEACHER IN-SERVICE | October 2
PSAT | OCTOBER 8
HOUSE EVENTS | October 9
BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER | October 13-14
PASTOR APPRECIATION BREAKFAST | October 14
DRESS DOWN DAY FUNDRAISER (2$) | October 15
RHEOTRIC MENTORING | October 15
RHETORIC FALL DANCE | OCTOBER 16
PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST | October 19-20
PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST
Our Pumpkin Decorating Contest is coming soon! Pumpkins may be dropped off on October 19 or 20 and picked up on October 21. Entries will be judged in two categories: Favorite Book and Favorite Sport. Look for additional information coming home next week.
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
Upper School Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held this evening, October 1 and October 8. Because appointment times are limited, conferences will be scheduled by request only. Teachers have already contacted families with whom they would like to meet.
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s progress or would like to connect with a specific teacher, please email the teacher directly. They will work with you to arrange a conference time.
BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER
Help support our seventh and eighth grade students by contributing to the upcoming Bake Sale on October 13, with remaining treats available on October 14. Sales will take place at the Peninsula Campus and at both the Lower and Upper Schools at Pepper Pike. Proceeds will help offset a portion of the cost of the seventh- and eighth-grade out-of-state field trips in May.
Students in grades 7–8 are especially encouraged to bake, but contributions from all HCA families are warmly welcomed. Peninsula families of younger students are particularly encouraged to participate to help ensure there are plenty of treats for our Peninsula students to enjoy.
SPELLING BEE
Our Logic School Spelling Bee will take place on November 17. Practice word lists will be sent home soon with students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades to help them prepare.
We look forward to seeing our students rise to the challenge and put their spelling skills to work!
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.
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.
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. The cost of this event is $25 per student. Click here to reserve your ticket. The deadline to purchase your ticket is Friday October, 9.
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.
BASKETBALL
Registration is now open for HCA 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.
We look forward to another exciting season and hope many of our students will join us on the court!
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.
VOLLEYBALL
The Griffins have a full week of volleyball ahead! Be sure to check the Athletics Calendar and find a match to attend as we cheer on our Griffins throughout the week.
GOLF
The Griffins return to the course on Wednesday, October 7, at 4:00 p.m., as they take on Westside Christian at Whiskyville Golf Club. We wish our golfers well as they compete with skill, focus, and sportsmanship. Go Griffins!
CROSS COUNTRY
The Griffins are ready to hit the course! High School Cross Country will compete in the George Gross Invitational at Cuyahoga Heights High School at 4:35 p.m. Best of luck to our runners!
FALL SPORTS BANQUET
Join us as we celebrate our fall sport athletes and give thanks for a season marked by growth, teamwork, and faithful effort. The Fall Sports Banquet will be held on Tuesday, October 27, at 5:00 p.m. at Tanglewood Golf Course. We look forward to honoring our student-athletes and expressing our gratitude to the coaches and families who have encouraged and supported them throughout the season.
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.