October 22, 2026
FALL BREAK | October 22-23
PICTURE RETAKES - PEPPER PIKE | November 2
PICTURE RETAKES - PENINSULA | November 4
ANNUAL DINNER | November 6
VETERANS DAY CELEBRATIONS | November 11
SPELLING BEE | November 17
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.
STATE OF THE SCHOOL MEETING
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Heritage Classical Academy's inaugural Annual State of the School Meeting. At the meeting we introduced Heritage's inaugural Annual Stewardship Report, which provides a closer look at several topics discussed during our meeting, including our 2026–2027 budget, financial priorities, and investments intended to strengthen Heritage's mission for generations to come. Click here to view the Report. Click here to view the recording of the event.
We also shared our commitment to listening to and learning from the families we have the privilege to serve. Your perspectives, experiences, and ideas matter as we work to strengthen our school and remain faithful to our mission. Please take a few moments to complete our October Parent Survey and share your thoughts with us.
THE GRIFFIN RUNDOWN PODCAST
What role can a school dance play in shaping culture, building community, and glorifying God? In this episode of The Griffin Rundown, Mr. Bond sits down with Mr. Grant Bickell, who has helped Heritage Classical Academy develop the vision and voice behind many of our school dances and celebrations.
Together, they explore how Heritage has approached school dances differently by first asking an important question: What do we want this to be? Rather than simply hosting an event, the goal has been to cultivate Christian community, encourage joyful fellowship, and provide students with a beautiful picture of celebration rooted in truth.
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.
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.
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
Ticket sales for the Annual Dinner have now closed. If you are interested in partnering with Heritage Classical Academy through this special event, please contact our Senior Development Officer, Rick Eimers, at rick.eimers@heritageclassicalacademy.org. We look forward to celebrating with our HCA community and are grateful for your support.
HCA ANNUAL DINNER SILENT AUCTION
We are excited to introduce something new to this year’s HCA Annual Dinner—the HCA Silent Auction, benefiting the HCA Annual Fund!
Beginning November 1, families and friends of HCA will have the opportunity to bid on a variety of exciting experiences and items, with bidding remaining 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!
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.
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
PICK-UP REMINDER
Thank you for your patience as we have transitioned to PikMyKid. We are pleased that afternoon pick-up is now moving more quickly and efficiently.
Please remember that 2:24 p.m. is the cut-off for making changes in PikMyKid. All dismissal adjustments must be made by that time.
To help dismissal run as smoothly as possible, please keep the following reminders in mind:
Open the PikMyKid app before entering the school driveway. If you do not appear in the Announce Line, your app may not be active. To confirm your arrival has been announced, tap “Pickup” and ensure the green “Announce” button has turned grey.
If someone else is picking up your child, please make sure they have the PikMyKid app installed and know how to use the “Announce” button upon arrival.
Pick-up ends at 3:25 p.m. 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!
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.
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. If there is no school on Friday, spirit wear may be worn on Thursday. 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:
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.
SPIRIT WEEK
Show your school spirit next week, October 26-30 and join the fun during Spirit Week for students in Junior Kindergarten through 5th Grade! Each day brings a new opportunity to participate and celebrate our school community.
Monday: Crazy Hair Day
Tuesday: Future Career Day
Wednesday: Senior Citizen Day
Thursday: Neon Day
Friday: HCA Spirit Day
We look forward to seeing our students' creativity and school pride throughout the week!
PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST WINNERS
Thank you to all of our students who participated in this year’s Pumpkin Decorating Contest! We enjoyed seeing the creativity, craftsmanship, and school spirit displayed in each entry. Congratulations to our winners:
Junior Kindergarten & Kindergarten
1st Place: Sophie Continenza
2nd Place: Sarah Johnson
3rd Place: Hugh Furman
1st & 2nd Grade
1st Place: Jack Weiland
2nd Place: Amos Watson
3rd Place: Calder Walker
3rd-5th Grade
1st Place: Brooklyn Leimeister
2nd Place: Noah Bae
3rd Place: Eva Sailor
Well done to all who participated, and congratulations to this year’s winners!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
FALL BREAK | October 22-23
RHETORIC SEMINAR-MILITARY PANEL | October 29
HOUSE CHAPEL-PRUDENS AND FORTIS | October 30
PICTURE REATAKES | November 2
DRESS DOWN DAY | November 5
HOUSE COMPETITION | November 6
HOUSE LUNCH | November 6
ANNUAL DINNER STUDENT VOLUNTEERS
Upper School students are invited to serve at the HCA Annual Dinner on November 6. This is a wonderful opportunity to support our school community while gaining valuable service experience. Spaces are limited, and priority will be given to older students. Interested students are encouraged to sign up soon to reserve their spot. Click here to access the form.
SPIRIT WEEK
Get ready for a week of fun and school spirit! Spirit Week will take place October 26-30. As students participate, please remember to honor the spirit of our dress code, including appropriate lengths for shorts and dresses and no pajama pants.
Spirit Week Schedule
Monday, October 26 – House Color Day
Show your house pride by wearing your house colors and filling the halls with red, blue, green, and purple!Tuesday, October 27 – Favorite Character Day
Bring a favorite character to life by dressing as a beloved figure from a book, movie, or television show.Wednesday, October 28 – Senior Citizen Day
Have some fun with a classic look by dressing as a senior citizen, complete with cardigans, glasses, and other vintage touches.Thursday, October 29 – Neon Day
Brighten the hallways with your favorite neon colors.Friday, October 30 – HCA Spirit Day
Show your Griffin pride by wearing HCA colors from head to toe.
We look forward to a joyful week of creativity, community, and school spirit!
PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST WINNERS
Congratulations to the winners of our Upper School Pumpkin Decorating Contest! Thank you to all who participated and showcased their creativity through this festive tradition.
1st Place: Elijah Greene
2nd Place: Owen Berquist
3rd Place: Saul Watson
We are grateful for the enthusiasm and effort displayed by all our student participants. Well done to this year's winners!
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.
BASKETBALL
Basketball season is underway! If you have not yet registered your student-athlete, please complete registration through SportsEngine as soon as possible.
Additionally, please ensure your child has a current physical on file. If a physical has not been submitted or is more than 13 months old, upload an updated copy at your earliest convenience. Students will not be permitted to participate in practices or games without a valid physical on file.
Register here: SportsEngine Registration
Thank you for helping us prepare for a successful basketball season!
SOCCER
The Griffins concluded their season with two hard-fought matches. Against Cornerstone, Heritage battled to a 4–4 draw, with goals from Grace Sulzer (2), Harrison Doringo, and Ethan Brown. In the season finale against Parma Heights Christian Academy, Grace Sulzer led the way once again, scoring all three Griffin goals, with Eli Sulzer providing assists on two of them.
Congratulations to our student-athletes on a competitive season and for representing Heritage with determination, sportsmanship, and excellence throughout the year.
CROSS COUNTRY
The Griffins competed at the Clipper Invitational at Youngstown State University on October 17, with a special congratulations to our outstanding 6th-grade runners for their strong performances.
Cross Country returns to action on October 30 at the Christian School State Championships at Amann's Park in Galion. We are proud of our runners' hard work and dedication throughout the season and look forward to cheering them on as they compete at the state meet.
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.