February 19, 2026
HERITAGE U WITH TIM CHALLLIES | February 26
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK | March 2-6
SPRING BREAK | March 23-27
SPRING CONCERT - PARKSIDE CHURCH | April 30
NEW VISITOR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
We are excited to share that HCA will implement a new visitor management system at both campuses. Beginning Monday, March 2, all visitors will be required to check in by scanning their driver’s license on an iPad at the front desk. The system will automatically print a visitor badge that must be worn while on campus. Before leaving, visitors must sign out in the system to maintain an accurate, real-time count of all visitors in the building. This update is part of our continued commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for our students and staff. Thank you for your partnership in keeping HCA safe!
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK PODCAST
As we prepare a special podcast celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week, we invite our parents to share their voices. Please take a moment to answer a few brief questions using the form linked here.
Your participation is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for helping us honor our teachers in a meaningful way.
HERITAGE U
We invite you to join us on Thursday, February 26, at 6:45 p.m. for a special event titled "Living in a Digital World: Developing God-Honoring Practices in Your Family and Personal Life," featuring author and speaker Tim Challies. Raising children in today’s digital age presents parents with unique challenges—screen time, content, social media, online safety, and mental health concerns. Tim Challies will address these issues and encourage us to cultivate God-honoring habits in our homes and personal lives. Click here to reserve your spot.
Please note: This evening is intended for parents and our Upper School students. There is no childcare provided.
CASTING CALL
HCA’s Theater Department is seeking a well-trained, small dog to play Toto in our spring production of The Wizard of Oz. If your dog loves attention and can follow basic commands, please contact Sarah Klein at sarah.klein@heritageclassicalacademy.org for more details.
ADMISSIONS APPLICATIONS OPEN
Admissions season is well underway, and applications for the 2026–27 school year are open. If you know a family aligned with Heritage’s mission, we encourage you to share our school with those in your church, small group, or broader community. Interested families may visit our website to learn more about Heritage, schedule a campus tour, and begin the application process.
Please note: Current students are automatically re-enrolled for the next school year; no action is required to maintain their enrollment.
If you wish to apply for a sibling who is not currently enrolled, please log in to your existing FACTS Family Portal account (do not create a new account). From there, go to “Apply/Enroll,” choose “Application,” and then select “Click Here to Add an Application” on the main screen. If you wish to request a campus or track change during priority enrollment, please notify our Admissions Director, Laura Calo, at laura.calo@heritageclassicalacademy.org. For any other questions, contact Laura directly.
THE GRIFFIN RUNDOWN
This week on The Griffin Rundown, Associate Head of School Daniel Bond and Pastor Jason Piland join Mr. Nees for a thoughtful and encouraging conversation on family devotions. Together, they reflect on Deuteronomy 6 and the father’s calling to point his children to the character and ways of God. The discussion highlights practical and attainable rhythms of discipleship—prayer, Scripture, and singing—that can help families weave faith into the fabric of everyday life. Click here to listen to this week’s Griffin Rundown.
COLLEGE AND CAREER COUNSELING PROGRAM WEBPAGE
We are pleased to announce the launch of our new College and Career Counseling webpage, which introduces our College and Career Counselor, Anne Johns, and provides helpful information and resources about our program. We invite you to explore the page and learn how HCA is preparing students to faithfully pursue wherever the Lord calls them after graduation. Click here to visit HCA’s College and Career Planning webpage.
ORATOR’S FORUM
Friday, March 6, is a full day of school. Although the Orator’s Forum will take place that day, it is only for Cicero Award recipients. This year’s event will be held at Westside Christian Academy. Families may recall that this date has been a half day in previous years, so please note the updated schedule.
HCA APP
Click here to download the HCA App for easy access to class details, lunch orders, directories, The Griffin Rundown podcast, and more.
CONVERT YOUR OHIO TAX DOLLARS TO HCA SCHOLARSHIPS
Did you know there is a way to turn your tax dollars into scholarship support for HCA students—at no net cost to you? It’s a simple, impactful way to directly strengthen our school community.
To learn how it works, please visit our SGO webpage, or feel free to reach out to our Senior Development Officer, Rick Eimers, at rick.eimers@heritageclassicalacademy.org with any questions. We are here to help you make the most of this opportunity!
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PENINSULA CAMPUS
PEPPER PIKE CAMPUS - LOWER SCHOOL
PEPPER PIKE CAMPUS - UPPER SCHOOL
ATHLETICS AND CLUBS
DADS & DONUTS
Our youngest learners are invited to enjoy a special morning with their dads on February 23 & 24. Please watch your classroom newsletters for additional details as the dates approach.
DADDY–DAUGHTER DANCE
Lower School families are warmly invited to join us on Friday, March 13, for the 2nd Annual Daddy–Daughter Dance, a cherished evening celebrating the special bond between fathers and daughters. We look forward to welcoming you for a memorable night of joy, connection, and community. Click here to purchase tickets.
PRAYING DADS
Praying dads will meet on Friday, February 20, at 6:30 a.m. in the library. Please note: This date is one week later than usual, as school is not in session on February 13. We look forward to this meaningful time of prayer and fellowship.
HOT LUNCH
The hot lunch schedule is available here, and ordering instructions can be viewed on the Orientation Page. Orders must be placed by Sunday night. Please note the dates you order lunch for your child, as this service is not available every week.
LUNCH & RECESS VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP
We are grateful for our Special Lunch volunteers! Volunteers serve Chick-fil-A and Gionino’s and assist with delivery, set up, distribution, and clean up, and will receive a list of student orders. A consistent weekly volunteer is especially helpful for both routine and relationships with students. If you would like to serve, please click on the link located below. Emily Thompson, our Campus Coordinator, will follow up regarding a quick background check. Thank you for considering this opportunity to bless our school community.
AFTERCARE REGISTRATION
Aftercare registration is required for each student who will remain on campus after school hours. This includes students staying due to a sibling’s participation in after-school clubs, lessons, or athletics. Please register by 2:00 p.m. daily to ensure proper supervision and planning. Please note, students who ride the HCA Shuttle do not need to register for aftercare if they will be picked up by 3:45 p.m.
DISTRICT BUSSING SIGN-UP
Please complete daily registration for students who will be riding district buses after school. Registration must be submitted by 2:00 p.m. each day, using the appropriate district form linked below. Please do not email your campus coordinator or attendance line with bus changes. All updates must be made through the form by the daily deadline. Any students not listed on the form will not be placed on the bus after school.
WINTER APPEARANCE STANDARDS AND RECESS REMINDER
As outlined in our Student Appearance Standards, leggings or tights are required with skirts and dresses from November 1 through February 28. All skirts and dresses must be knee‑length, and shorts must reach fingertip length when standing.
With snowmelt and wet conditions during recess, please continue to send students with boots and appropriate rain gear to help keep them dry and comfortable throughout the day.
DADS & DONUTS
Our Early Childhood Dads & Donuts event will be held on Wednesday, February 25. Please watch your classroom newsletters for additional details as the date approaches.
DADDY–DAUGHTER DANCE
Lower School families are warmly invited to join us on Friday, March 13, for the 2nd Annual Daddy–Daughter Dance, a cherished evening celebrating the special bond between fathers and daughters. We look forward to welcoming you for a memorable night of joy, connection, and community. Click here to purchase tickets.
BEFORE-CARE REMINDER
All students who arrive on campus before 8:10 a.m. must report to Before‑Care in the Lower School cafeteria. This includes siblings of Upper School students who drive them to campus. Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and supervised start to the school day.
AFTER-CARE REGISTRATION
Registration is required for each student who will be staying for aftercare. This includes students waiting due to a sibling’s participation in after‑school clubs, lessons, or athletics. Please complete registration by 2:00 p.m. each day. Click here to register.
PRAYING MOMS AND DADS
Join other moms and Dads from Heritage as they cover our school in prayer every month.
Praying Dads meets at Heritage Coffee in Solon from 6:30–7:30 a.m. Mark your calendar for future dates: March 13, April 10, and May 8. Contact HCA Dad, Jason Fruh, with questions at fruhjm1@gmail.com.
Praying Moms meets Mondays at the Pepper Pike Campus Chapel from 8:30–9:30 a.m. Mark your calendar for future dates: March 9, April 13, and May 4. Contact HCA Mom, Julie Johnson, with questions at prayingparents@heritageclassicalacademy.org.
HOT LUNCH
Please remember to place your orders by Sunday evening for Chick-fil-A (Wednesdays) and Gionino’s (Thursdays). For your convenience, you may order for the remainder of the school year. Kindly note the specific dates you select, as this lunch service is not available every week.
LUNCH VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP
We invite you to help us begin the new year in the lunchroom. Your support makes a difference, and we would greatly appreciate your assistance!
HERITAGE U WITH TIM CHALLLIES | February 26
COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE VISIT- GENEVA COLLEGE | March 6
THE RHETORIC SCHOOL EXPERIENCE - 9th AND 10th GRADE | March 19
COLLEGE AND CAREER COUNSELING NIGHT - 11th GRADE | March 19
THE RHETORIC SCHOOL EXPERIENCE
We invite all 9th and 10th grade parents to join us on Thursday, March 19, from 5:30–6:30 p.m. in the Pepper Pike Campus Chapel. This evening is designed to give families a clear understanding of the academic, spiritual, and formative journey that unfolds during these pivotal years. The program will introduce the philosophy of classical, Christian education and demonstrate how it is lived out in the Rhetoric School classroom.
Families will also receive an overview of key elements of the Rhetoric School experience, including curriculum expectations, HCA’s College and Career Counseling program, an introduction to the Senior Thesis, and formative social traditions such as the Rhetoric Formal and Senior Banquet.
Please RSVP here.
COLLEGE AND CAREER COUNSELING NIGHT
We invite all 11th grade students and their parents to join us on Thursday, March 19, from 7:00–8:00 p.m. in the Pepper Pike Campus Chapel for an informative evening designed to guide families through the key components of the Rhetoric School academic journey. The program will feature our College and Career Counselor, Anne Johns, who will share valuable insights on the college search and application process, standardized testing timelines, career‑exploration resources, transcript and course‑planning guidance, and how families can partner with HCA to best support students during this important season.
We also encourage you to visit our College and Career Counseling webpage to learn more about the resources available and how HCA is preparing students to follow the Lord’s calling after graduation. Please RSVP here.
HERITAGE U
We invite all Upper School students and their parents to join us on Thursday, February 26, at 6:45 p.m. for a special evening titled "Living in a Digital World: Developing God-Honoring Practices in Your Family and Personal Life," featuring author and speaker Tim Challies. Raising children in today’s digital age presents parents with unique challenges—screen time, content, social media, online safety, and mental health concerns. Tim Challies will address these issues and encourage us to cultivate God-honoring habits in our homes and personal lives. Click here to reserve your spot.
Please note: This evening is intended for parents and our Upper School students. There is no childcare provided.
11th GRADE ACT TESTING
Our 11th grade students will take the ACT on the morning of Tuesday, February 24. Please avoid scheduling any appointments during this time.
Students will be dismissed at noon and should arrange their own transportation following the exam.
COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE ON CAMPUS
We are pleased to welcome representatives from several colleges to our campus in the coming weeks. 11th grade students will meet with each representative during 5th period, and representatives will also be available during lunch to speak with any Rhetoric School students interested in learning more about their institutions.
Upcoming Visits
Wednesday, March 4 – Cedarville University
Friday, March 6 – Geneva College
These visits provide an excellent opportunity for students to explore potential college pathways and ask questions in a relaxed, conversational setting. All interested Rhetoric students are encouraged to stop by.
LUTHERAN WEST COLLEGE FAIR
Our 11th grade students will attend the Lutheran West College Fair on Thursday, March 5. This event provides an excellent opportunity for students to meet representatives from a variety of colleges and begin exploring future academic pathways.
Please refer to the recent email from Mrs. Johns for details about the trip and a full list of participating colleges.
If you have not yet done so, please complete the required permission form found here.
SPECIAL LUNCH VOLUNTEERS
We need additional volunteers to help serve pizza on March 5, March 19, and April 16. Your support is greatly appreciated! If you are willing to help, please click here to sign up.
SPRING MUSICAL
Stage Crew sign‑ups are now open for HCA’s spring musical, The Wizard of Oz. Rehearsals will begin in April on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:30–5:30 p.m., followed by Tech Week, April 13–16, with performances in mid‑April. No prior experience is required, only a willing spirit and a desire to help bring this landmark production to life from behind the scenes.
Click here to sign up for Stage Crew.
TRACK AND FIELD
Junior High and Varsity Track are preparing to launch their seasons. Official practice begins February 23.
BASKETBALL
Our Varsity teams head into OCSAA playoff action in the coming days. The boys’ first game will take place on Monday, followed by the girls’ first game on Tuesday. Come cheer on our Griffins as they begin postseason play!
Our Junior High Boys Basketball team wrapped up their season last week with a hard‑fought victory over Hearts for Jesus. What an outstanding way to finish the year—well done, boys!
As basketball season draws to a close, please stay tuned for further details regarding the Basketball Banquet. The date is currently being finalized and will be shared with families as soon as it is confirmed.
STAY CONNECTED
Join your child’s after-school club on the Band App to receive updates. Didn’t receive an invite? Please email mitchell.monas@heritageclassicalacademy.org.