February 26, 2026
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK | March 2-6
BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER | March 17 (Peninsula and Pepper Pike) & March 18 (Pepper Pike only)
DRESS DOWN DAY ($2) | March 17
SPRING BREAK | March 23-27
GRANDPARENTS DAY- PENINSULA | April 14-15
GRANDPARENTS DAY- PEPPER PIKE | April 15
SPRING CONCERT - PARKSIDE CHURCH | April 30
HERITAGE U FEATURING TIM CHALLIES EVENT–CANCELLED
Tonight’s Heritage U event featuring Tim Challies has been cancelled due to illness. We apologize for any inconvenice this causes and appreciate your understanding.
NEW VISITOR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
HCA is implementing 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!
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, Mr. Nees and Mr. Bond explore The Wolf in Their Pockets by Chris Martin, a timely examination of how social media shapes our thinking, emotions, and sense of identity. Their conversation considers the growing overlap between entertainment and identity in the digital age and the ways our purpose can be distorted when our attention drifts toward the trivial. Join them for a thoughtful and challenging discussion on digital formation, human purpose, and the pursuit of wisdom amid a world full of competing voices. 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 follow the Lord’s leading after high school 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
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
We are excited to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week and would love your support!
If you would like to contribute, donations can be made in any of the following ways:
Monetary Donations
Cash or Checks (made out to Ana Frock‑Herceg) may be dropped off in the main office in an envelope labeled “Teacher Appreciation.”
Venmo: @affrock49
PayPal: @AnaFrock
For any questions, you can reach Ana at afherceg@gmail.com or 330‑697‑8445.
If you would like to help by serving, setting up, or sending in items during the week, please use the sign‑up link here to volunteer.
We appreciate your support in making this week special for our teachers!
DRESS CODE AND RECESS REMINDER
As a reminder, students may begin wearing shorts starting March 1. Please ensure that students are dressed appropriately for daily outdoor recess, keeping changing spring weather in mind.
Skirts and dresses must be knee‑length.
Shorts must be fingertip length when standing.
Please continue to send appropriate outerwear, including jackets, boots, snow gear, and rain gear, throughout the spring season.
Thank you for helping our students stay comfortable, safe, and ready for outdoor play!
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. Tomorrow is the final day to register, so be sure to secure your spot for this memorable night of joy, connection, and community. Click here to purchase tickets.
PRAYING MOMS
Praying Moms will gather on Tuesday, March 3, at 8:30 a.m. in the library. All are welcome to join in this 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 a reminder, students may begin wearing shorts starting March 1. Please ensure that students are dressed appropriately for daily outdoor recess, keeping changing spring weather in mind.
Skirts and dresses must be knee‑length.
Shorts must be fingertip length when standing.
Please continue to send appropriate outerwear, including jackets, boots, snow gear, and rain gear, throughout the spring season.
Thank you for helping our students stay comfortable, safe, and ready for outdoor play!
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, including 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!
UPPER SCHOOL CHAPEL | February 27
COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE VISIT- CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY | March 4
RHETORIC SEMINAR- FIRST AID BASICS | March 5
HOUSE COMPETITION | March 6
COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE VISIT- GENEVA COLLEGE | March 6
JOSTEN’S CLASS RINGS | March 11
UPPER SCHOOL CHAPEL | March 13
SENIOR SHIELD | March 13
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 Chapel. This evening is designed to give families a clear understanding of the academic, spiritual, and formative journey that unfolds during these pivotal years and to reinforce the philosophy of a classical, Christian education within the Rhetoric 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 Music Room 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.
BAKE SALE
Please sign up to help bake and/or serve at our upcoming Fundraiser Bake Sales on March 17 and 18. Items will be sold at Peninsula on March 17 and at Pepper Pike Lower and Upper School on both March 17 and 18. All proceeds will help offset the cost of the May Field Trip for all 7th–10th grade students. Your support is greatly appreciated!
SENIOR SHIELD
Our seniors are proudly working on a special legacy project: a class shield. This shield will serve as a meaningful symbol of their accomplishments and the Christ-centered identity they cultivated and reflected within our school community. Once completed, it will be displayed as a lasting tribute to the Class of 2026—an emblem of their journey at Heritage.
JOSTEN’S CLASS RINGS
A Josten’s representative will be on campus during Rhetoric School lunch on March 11 to offer class rings for purchase to 9th–12th grade students. A detailed flyer will be sent home beforehand with additional information.
COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE ON CAMPUS
We are pleased to welcome several colleges to HCA in the coming weeks! College representatives will meet with 11th grade students during 5th period and 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 19. 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
The track season is now underway! We look forward to an exciting season of growth, teamwork, and strong competition.
BASKETBALL
The team will play its final home game this Friday, February 27. Next week, they will compete in the NCSAA Tournament. Come cheer on the Griffins as they finish the season strong!
Our Basketball Sports Banquet will be held on March 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the Tanglewood Golf Course banquet hall. Additional details will be shared soon.
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.