As we enter the final days before Christmas break, our campus feels full of anticipation and joy. This semester has been marked by steady growth, thoughtful work, and moments of genuine wonder in our classrooms. I’m grateful for the engagement you bring to your child’s education—your support strengthens the habits, virtues, and curiosity we aim to cultivate each day.
To close the semester with a bit of fun, we invite all students and staff to join our Holiday Spirit Days on Tuesday and Wednesday. Festive attire is encouraged—ugly sweaters, bright colors, favorite holiday accessories—anything that brings cheer to our community.
As we finish out the week, please ensure all assignments are submitted. Report cards will be mailed home next week, offering a snapshot of your child’s progress and the fruits of their hard work.
We look forward to beginning the spring semester renewed and ready for the good work ahead.
Thursday 12/18: Independent study home day (no on-campus classes)
Friday 12/19: First day of Christmas break; staff will be in district meetings and unavailable for appointments
Thank you for a meaningful semester. I hope the next two weeks offer your family rest, reflection, and time together. We can’t wait to welcome our students back in January 2026.
Sincerely,
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 breakfasts 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.
If you have any questions, please email Principal Sandi Knapp or Office Manager Sarah Sinohui.
NEW & TIME SENSITIVE INFORMATION
LAST CALL FOR THE LOST AND FOUND: Please take a look in LOST AND FOUND! We have quite a few items there! All items left after December 17th will be donated.
CONSORTIO- READING TOGETHER BOOK CLUB! Our 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 through 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.
HOLIDAY GIVING: We have a wonderful opportunity to bless our troops serving abroad. Our Office Manager, Sarah Sinohui’s son, Lucas, and his unit are currently stationed in Puerto Rico and do not have access to a chow hall. As a result of the government shutdown, they are in need of food and basic supplies. We would love to gather some items they need to send to them. Handwritten letters would also be a thoughtful gift. Donations can be dropped off in the office until December 17th.
Here’s their wish list:
pens
protein snacks
energy drinks
electrolytes
hygiene items
boot powder
Walmart gift cards
Thank you for considering!
CHRISTMAS CAROLING SIGN UP: Let’s meet up and join our hearts and voices in spreading holiday joy to our retired neighbors.
Blue Path Caroling at Tuscan Hills on Tuesday, December 16 at 9:45. Sign up HERE.
Red Path Caroling at Redwood Terrace on Wednesday, December 17 at 9:45. Sign up HERE.
THIS WEEK AT HFA
Monday, December 15:
Power Hour: No Power Hour this week.
Logic Class: No Logic class this week.
Yearbook Class: No yearbook this week.
Tuesday, December 16:
Holiday Cheer Spirit Day: Students will be dressing up in their holiday cheer attire.
Minimum Day: Students will be dismissed at 12:00 today.
Blue Path Christmas Caroling @ Tuscan Hills, 9:45 am
Wednesday, December 17:
Holiday Cheer Spirit Day: Students will be dressing up in their holiday cheer attire.
Minimum Day: Students will be dismissed at 12:00 today.
Red Path Christmas Caroling @ Redwoods Terrace, 9:45 am
Thursday, December 18:
Independent Study Home Day: All students will have a home study day today.
Last day of Semester One
Friday, December 19:
First day of Christmas Break
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
Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to homeschooling this semester.
We wish all of our families great joy this holiday season!
Conferences continue this week and are going very well! It has been so encouraging to meet with each family and see the strong progress your children are making across the various curriculum programs you’re using. It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through the school year - keep up the great work!
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas break filled with memorable moments and special time with family and friends. ’Tis the season to be jolly!
The junior high dressed up in Mr. Class' iconic flannel look to celebrate his birthday!
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
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
