March 5, 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
THANK YOU
Thank you to all our wonderful families for the outpouring of love, kindness, and appreciation shown to our teachers this week. Your thoughtful gestures and warm support mean so much. We are grateful for the partnership and generosity that make our school community so special.
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.
RENWEB/FACTS REMINDER
We kindly ask all parents to ensure that their child’s full legal name is entered in the primary Name field in RenWeb/FACTS. While there is a designated space for a preferred name or nickname, the main name on record must match your child’s official documents.
Accurate legal names are essential for standardized testing and future academic processes. Registrations, score reports, and eventual college applications all rely on consistent information, and discrepancies can lead to avoidable delays or complications.
Thank you for taking a moment to review your child’s information and for helping us maintain accurate and reliable student records.
NEW VISITOR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
HCA has implemented a new visitor management system at both campuses. As of Monday, March 2, all visitors are required to check in by scanning their driver’s license on an iPad at the front desk. The system automatically prints 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!
CARPOOLING
Did you know we offer a carpool sign‑up to help families connect with others living in their area? By adding your information, you can discover nearby HCA families who may be interested in coordinating a carpool.
Carpool forms are available for both campuses. Click the link below:
ADMISSIONS APPLICATIONS OPEN
Admissions season is in full swing, and we are still accepting applications for the 2026–27 school year. We invite you to spread the word about Heritage to families within your church, small group, or broader community who share our mission and values. Families interested in learning more about Heritage can visit our website to explore our programs, 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’s Griffin Rundown features a very special episode as we honor the remarkable educators who faithfully serve our school community each day. In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, we are delighted to share heartfelt words of gratitude from our families and students. Please join us as we celebrate our extraordinary teachers. Click here to listen to this week’s Griffin Rundown.
COLLEGE AND CAREER COUNSELING PROGRAM WEBPAGE
We are pleased to share 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
Tomorrow, 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
DRESS CODE AND RECESS REMINDER
Now that March 1 has passed, students are again permitted to wear shorts under our Student Appearance Standards. As we look forward to spring and the return of warmer weather, we ask families to ensure students are dressed suitably for outdoor recess, mindful of the shifting conditions typical of this season.
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!
PRAYING DADS
Praying Dads will gather on Friday, March 13, at 6:30 a.m. in the library. All are welcome to join in this time of prayer and fellowship.
MCKIBBEN AND MONTE EVALUATIONS
The McKibben and Monte Pediatric Therapy team is committed to supporting your child’s development in the areas of speech and language, social skills, fine motor skills, and feeding. Their experienced therapists partner with top daycares and preschools to provide on‑site evaluations and treatment, ensuring children receive timely access to the services they may need.
Informal developmental assessments will take place during the week of March 30. To review developmental expectations for your child’s age group and to register for an assessment, please visit the registration page here (Password: MM2024).
Developmental expectations can be found near the bottom of the webpage. Families may register by selecting their center link in the Cleveland region table and clicking on their school.
Please complete registration by Thursday, March 26, at 11:59 p.m.
The cost of each assessment is $130 ($150 for ESL). An invoice will be emailed following the assessment and consultation.
For any questions, please contact the McKibben and Monte team at info@mckibbenandmonte.com.
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
Now that March 1 has passed, students are again permitted to wear shorts under our Student Appearance Standards. As we look forward to spring and the return of warmer weather, we ask families to ensure students are dressed suitably for outdoor recess, mindful of the shifting conditions typical of this season.
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!
MCKIBBEN AND MONTE EVALUATIONS
The McKibben and Monte Pediatric Therapy team is committed to supporting your child’s development in the areas of speech and language, social skills, fine motor skills, and feeding. Their experienced therapists partner with top daycares and preschools to provide on‑site evaluations and treatment, ensuring children receive timely access to the services they may need.
Informal developmental assessments will take place during the week of March 30. To review developmental expectations for your child’s age group and to register for an assessment, please visit the registration page here (Password: MM2024).
Developmental expectations can be found near the bottom of the webpage. Families may register by selecting their center link in the Cleveland region table and clicking on their school.
Please complete registration by Thursday, March 26, at 11:59 p.m.
The cost of each assessment is $130 ($150 for ESL). An invoice will be emailed following the assessment and consultation.
For any questions, please contact the McKibben and Monte team at info@mckibbenandmonte.com.
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.
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!
HOUSE COMPETITION | March 6
COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE VISIT- GENEVA COLLEGE | March 6
SPIRIT WEEK | March 9–13
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.
SPIRIT WEEK
Upper School students are invited to join in the fun of Spirit Week from March 9–13. Please note that modesty should be observed on all days. Pajama pants are not permitted. Uniform bottoms are not required, and jeans are permissible throughout the week.
Theme Days:
Monday: Seasons — Dress for your favorite season
Tuesday: Teacher Day — Dress up as an HCA teacher
Wednesday: Decades — Choose your favorite decade
Thursday: 90’s Grunge — Baggy and comfortable
Friday: Ultimate Spirit Day — Show your HCA pride
We look forward to a fun week of creativity and school spirit!
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 Trips 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 at HCA. Once completed, it will be displayed as a lasting tribute to the Class of 2026.
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 informational flyer has been sent to families via email.
UPCOMING ASSESSMENTS
Iowa assessments for students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 will take place on:
Wednesday, April 8 — morning session
Thursday, April 9 — afternoon session
Additionally, the CLT assessments are scheduled as follows:
Grade 11: Thursday morning, April 16
Grades 7–10: Thursday morning, April 23
We ask families to refrain from scheduling appointments during these testing times so students may complete their assessments without interruption. Thank you for your cooperation and support.
COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE ON CAMPUS
As we conclude this year’s college‑visit season, we are pleased to welcome our final institution, Geneva College, to HCA tomorrow, Friday, March 6. The visiting college representative 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 institution.
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.
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
Mark your calendars to follow the yellow brick road on April 17 & 18 as our students present this year’s spring production, The Wizard of Oz. Performances will be held at Cuyahoga Falls High School, and we look forward to sharing more details soon.
Tickets will be available for purchase in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
Stage Crew sign‑ups for The Wizard of Oz are now open. 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 on April 17–18. 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.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE HCA SPRING MUSICAL
We are delighted to offer a variety of sponsorship opportunities for this year’s spring musical as we prepare to travel down the yellow brick road. HCA is proudly presenting The Wizard of Oz—our very first musical production—and we invite you to partner with us in supporting our talented cast and dedicated production team.
Several sponsorship levels are available, each providing a meaningful way to contribute to the success of this landmark event. Your support helps enrich the student experience and brings this beloved story to life on stage.
Click the link below to explore sponsorship options and become a supporter today!
Sponsor the Spring Musical Today
BASKETBALL
Our Varsity Boys Basketball team begins tournament play this week, with their first game scheduled for today, Thursday, March 5. We wish our athletes the very best as they compete.
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.