Last week’s Mock Trial was a resounding success! Our 7th and 8th grade attorneys showcased incredible preparation, poise, and passion as they represented the prosecution and defense. A special congratulations to our 8th-grade Top Attorneys, Zaide Nieuwenhuis and Aaron Faubion, and our 7th-grade Top Attorneys, Cora Kambestad and Hanea Gunawan, for their outstanding performances.
As we head into the final two weeks of the semester, let’s continue cheering on our students and celebrating their growth—big and small. Here’s to a bright start to December and a strong finish to the year.
Looking ahead, please note:
Tuesday, 12/16, and Wednesday, 12/17, are minimum days with a 12:00 PM dismissal. This is the same schedule we followed last year, though different from two years ago. To stay aligned with Heritage Elementary and Heritage Junior High, we’ve adjusted dismissal times for the last week of the semester before Christmas break.
Thursday, 12/18, is an independent study home day for all students. Work will be assigned to complete at home; there will be no classes on campus.
Friday, 12/19, is the first day of Christmas break for students. Staff will be in district meetings all day and unavailable to meet with parents. If you need to connect with a teacher, please schedule before 12/18 or after school resumes for second semester on January 5.
Thank you for all you do to support our students and help them shine. Let’s make these final two weeks count.
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.
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! The next meeting will be on Monday, January 26, during power hour (8:30 - 9:30), we will be discussing chapters 4 and 5 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: 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 8:
Power Hour: Please see your teacher’s weekly email for more information.
Yearbook Class: 10:00 am to 11:00 am by application only
Logic Class: 10:00 am to 11:00 am (this will be the last session)
Spring Musical Theater Parent Meeting: 6:30 pm in the American Spirit Theater, ECHS
Tuesday, December 9:
Wednesday, December 10:
AHCS Board Meeting: @ 530 pm in the Future Center, ECHS
Thursday, December 11:
Jr High School Girls Soccer and Boys Basketball: games @ 3:00 pm @ San Pasqual Valley Elementary School
AHCS Choir Concert (7th-12th grade): 7:00 - 8:00 p.m., American Spirit Theater, ECHS. Please join us for an evening of carols and songs. Concert is FREE.
Friday, December 12:
Sister Project Meeting (must have signed up) 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm in the Student Union, ECHS
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
Grades K-5, thank you for a great Check-In! It’s wonderful to see all the work that is being completed at home. Parents and students are working hard, and it shows! Check-in sure is a busy time, and we really appreciate you for being organized. You are teaching your young scholars so much more than what is covered in the books, and you are making memories and an impact that will last all their lives.
Christmas Caroling - We hope you can join us for our Annual Christmas Caroling and Movie Night on Thursday, December 11th from 5:00-7:00 PM. An invite with more detail was sent on December 1st, so please sign-up if you plan to join us so we can plan accordingly. Come dressed in your most festive attire and bring your holiday spirit.
Conferences - Due to Christmas break, conferences are upon us again, starting next week. Please see the link in the email sent out this past week to confirm your conference day and time. Adjustments can be made if needed - I’m looking forward to our time together!
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
