Welcome back! I hope your Thanksgiving break was restful and filled with joy. As we dive into the final weeks of the semester, we have an exciting week ahead with events like the 8th Grade Mock Trial, the 7th Grade Mock Trial, and the 6th Grade Museum Walk.
Thank you for your continued support as we finish the year strong!
With Kind Regards,
Sandi Knapp, Principal
AMERICAN HERITAGE CHARTER SCHOOLS
2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR LOTTERY INFORMATION
Lotteries for the 2026-2027 school year will open on October 14, 2025 for all programs. Applications are not required for currently enrolled students, but new siblings must submit a lottery application.
Escondido Charter High School: Lottery applications for enrollment in the high school programs are available online athttps://amhcs.org/echs/echs-admissions/. The Escondido Charter High school lottery closes on January 9, 2026. Please contact the main office at 760-737-3154 if you have any questions.
Heritage Elementary School: Lottery applications are available online athttps://amhcs.org/heritage-elementary-school/hes-admissions/. The lottery closes on February 6, 2026. Please contact the Heritage Elementary office at 760-737-3111 if you have any questions.
Heritage Junior High: Lottery applications are available online at https://amhcs.org/heritage-junior-high-school/hjhs-admissions/. The lottery closes on February 6, 2026. Please contact the Heritage Junior High office at 760-294-5599 if you have any questions.
Heritage Flex Academy: Lottery applications are available online athttps://amhcs.org/hfa/hfa-admissions/. The lottery closes on February 6, 2026. Please contact the Heritage Flex Academy office at 760-466-1166 if you have any questions.
MEAL SERVICE PROGRAM AT HFA
We are off to a great start with our free breakfast and lunch program! Our students are doing a wonderful job adjusting to the new system.
Breakfast Reminder Breakfast is served from 8:00–8:15 a.m. No breakfast will be served after the warning bell.
Parent Communication & Student Participation Please talk with your child each morning about whether they plan to participate in breakfast and/or lunch that day. This helps our team prepare accurate meal counts and ensures your child knows your expectations.
Allergies & Dietary Restrictions If your child has any food allergies or dietary needs, please ensure we have a doctor-signed Medical Statement Form
on file. Families may also submit a Fluid Milk Substitution Form
(parent-signed) if they prefer lactose-free, soy, or oat milk.
Questions? Please email Principal Sandi Knapp or Office Manager Sarah Sinohui.
NEW & TIME SENSITIVE INFORMATION
We have a wonderful opportunity to bless our troops serving abroad!
Our Office Manager, Sarah Sinohui, has a son, Lucas, who is currently stationed in Puerto Rico. Lucas and his unit do not have access to a chow hall, and due to the government shutdown, they are in need of food and basic supplies.
We would love to gather items to send their way—and include heartfelt letters of encouragement as well! We will be collecting letters and donations until Wednesday, December 17. Items can be dropped off in the office.
Here's a wish list:
pens
protein snacks
energy drinks
electrolytes
hygiene items
boot powder
Walmart gift cards
Thank you so much for your generosity and for helping us care for those who serve our country!
LOST AND FOUND: Please take a look in LOST AND FOUND! We have quite a few items there! All items left after December 17 will be donated.
SISTER PROJECT EVENT: The annual white elephant gift exchange and holiday party will be on December 12 at ECHS student union from 3:30-5:00pm. Bring a holiday snack to share with the group and a gift to swap ($10-$15 price range).
CONSORTIO- READING TOGETHER BOOK CLUB! This Monday, December 1, during power hour (8:30 - 9:30), we will be discussing chapters 2 and 3 on Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation. See this clip for a glimpse of our topic.
These monthly gatherings will provide a space to share practical strategies for building the practice of good mental health in our children. The anticipated dates we will have throughout the year are as follows: 1/26/2026, 2/23, 3/9, & 4/13. Sign up here
to join us for our first session and/or have your name on the announcements list.
CHRISTMAS CAROLING SIGN UP:
Let’s meet up and spread joy to our retired neighbors. Save the date for our blue path caroling meet-up on Tuesday, December 16,
Sign up HERE. Save the date for our red path caroling meet-up on Wednesday, December 17,
Sign up HERE.
THIS WEEK AT HFA
Monday, December 1:
Power Hour: Please see your teacher’s weekly email for more information.
Consortio: Reading Together 8:30 am to 9:30 am
Yearbook Class: 10:00 am to 11:00 am by application only
Logic Class: No class today! Class will resume on the 8th.
Tuesday, December 2:
TK-5th Grade Check- In
8th Grade Mock Trial (Red Path)
Wednesday, December 3:
TK-5th Grade Check- In
8th Grade Mock Trial (Blue Path)
Thursday, December 4:
TK-5th Grade Check- In
7th Grade Mock Trial (Red Path)
6th Grade Museum Walk
Friday, December 5:
TK-5th Grade Check- In
7th Grade Mock Trial (Blue Path)
6th Grade Museum Walk
DECEMBER
CONDITION
I make choices that are good for my body and mind. I learn new things everyday, and give my best efforts even during difficult tasks. I practice moderation.
“Mental, moral, physical. Rest, exercise, and diet must be considered. Moderation must be practiced. Dissipation must be eliminated.” -Coach John Wooden
ACADEMIC ADVISORS CONNECTION
CHECK-IN #2 FOR GRADES TK-5 is this week, December 2 - 5. Be sure you have completed and checked all of your student’s work. This work is listed on the assignment sheet sent by your Academic Advisor on the Monday before Thanksgiving Break. Please reach out to your Academic Advisor if you have any questions about Check-In.
Student Check-Ins will be split by last names on each path. Students with last names beginning with A-L will bring Check-In on the T/W they attend class. Students with last names beginning with M-Z will bring their Check-In on the TH/F they attend class.
We can’t wait to see all of the great work you are doing at home!
Note: 6-8th grade students will follow the Check-In schedule as outlined by their classroom teachers. Specific dates and information will be posted on their grade level FlexGrids.
We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving break and enjoyed quality time with friends and family! With just three short weeks left before Christmas break, let's make the most of these final weeks of 2025. Stay focused, finish strong, and let's continue to support one another as we wrap up the year on a high note!
Mark your calendars! Our Annual Christmas Caroling and Movie Night is on Thursday, December 11th! Come dressed in your most festive attire and bring your holiday spirit. As Buddy the Elf wisely said, "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!" More details about this exciting evening event will be emailed to you soon. P.S. A little elf told me Mrs. Fikse and Mrs. Earwicker may be joining in the fun!!
What a fun and busy week at HFA! Students celebrated our monthly Wooden Wins with Class Color day and our Virtue assembly. Kindergarten had a fun Thanksgiving feast!
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
December 10: AHCS Board Meeting
December 15: Christmas Caroling
December 16-17: Holiday Spirit Day/Minimum Day
December 18: Virtual Learning Day/ Last Day of Grading Period
December 19-January 4: Christmas Break
January 5: First Day of Second Semester
January 12: Freshman for a Day
January 12: Kindergarten Campus Tour (TK Families Only)
January 19: No School, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday
January 21: Consortio @ TK/1845
January 26: Consortio: Reading Together
January 28: HFA Campus Tour
January 28: AHCS Board Meeting
January 29/20: Decades Day/100th Day of School Spirit Day
Our mission is to develop the hearts and minds of students with a rigorous core curriculum, with a perspective that cherishes timeless virtues and the American spirit.
DECEMBER
