A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Families,

Thank you to our TK–5 parents for a fantastic check-in! It was such a joy to see the hard work and learning happening at home and the ways your children are flourishing through their classical education. Your partnership makes a difference, and I’m grateful for the care you bring to their learning each day.

Tuesday and Wednesday will be Padres Days for students and staff as our local team returns to San Diego for a home playoff game against the Brewers! Wear your Padres gear or team colors to show your support. Free Dress Code guidelines apply. Go Padres!

This Thursday, October 8, from 6:00–7:30 p.m., we’ll host our annual Back to School Night. We have something meaningful planned for you, and I hope you’ll join us for a special evening as we celebrate the start of the school year together. Please remember that this is a parent-only event.

All parents are asked to sign up for a parent-teacher conference in October. These conversations give you time to connect directly with your child’s teacher, celebrate progress, ask questions, and discuss how we can work together to support your child’s growth.

I look forward to seeing you Thursday evening and connecting with you throughout October!

Sincerely,

Sandi Knapp

Principal

AMERICAN HERITAGE CHARTER SCHOOLS 

2027-2028 SCHOOL YEAR LOTTERY INFORMATION

Lotteries for the 2027-2028 school year will open on October 13, 2026 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 at https://amhcs.org/echs/echs-admissions/. The Escondido Charter High school lottery closes on January 15, 2027. Please contact the main office at 760-737-3154 if you have any questions.

Heritage Elementary School: Lottery applications are available online at https://amhcs.org/heritage-elementary-school/hes-admissions/. The lottery closes on February 5, 2027. 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 5, 2027. Please contact the Heritage Junior High office at 760-294-5599 if you have any questions.

Heritage Flex Academy: Lottery applications are available online at https://amhcs.org/hfa/hfa-admissions/. The lottery closes on February 5, 2027. Please contact the Heritage Flex Academy office at 760-466-1166 if you have any questions.

MEAL SERVICE PROGRAM AT HERITAGE FLEX ACADEMY

Heritage Flex Academy offers free breakfast and free lunch for all students. There is no need to sign up in advance. 

OCTOBER MEAL CALENDAR

Please remember the meals are subject to change.  Updates will be posted on the monthly menu as soon as they become available. Please be sure to check the most current version of the calendar for the most up-to-date menu information. To view the full menu from our vendor, click on “Menus and Nutrition Information” in the quick link above.

Breakfast Reminder
Breakfast is served from 8:00–8:15 am.
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.

AHCS MUSICAL THEATER PRESENTS

AHCS Musical Theater presents Willy Wonka Jr.: Step into a world of pure imagination! Join us as American Heritage Charter School students of all ages showcase their incredible talents in this year’s sweet and sensational production of Willy Wonka Jr.! This show is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and ignite your sense of wonder. Grab your Golden Ticket and follow us into a magical factory packed with scrumptious songs, hilarious antics, and spectacular sights! Tickets are on sale now, with shows at the American Spirit Theater on the Escondido Charter High School campus from November 5-8. Be sure to lock in your seats early, as ticket prices will increase starting October 31. Check out the showtimes below and click here to purchase your tickets—it’s a golden opportunity for fun you won’t want to miss!

SHOWTIMES

Thursday, November 5*

5:00 p.m. (GOLDEN TICKET CAST)
*Students $5 cash at the door while supplies last

Friday, November 6

7:00 p.m. (WONKA BAR CAST)

Saturday, November 7

2:00 p.m. (WONKA BAR CAST)

7:00 p.m. (GOLDEN TICKET CAST)

Sunday, November 8

2:00 p.m. (GOLDEN TICKET CAST)

7:00 p.m. (WONKA BAR CAST)

NEW & TIME SENSITIVE INFORMATION

PLEASE JOIN US THIS THURSDAY EVENING FOR OUR ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT! Join us for this memorable night of art, connection with other parents and staff, and discover the vital role you play in shaping your child’s classical education. Together, we are building a strong and vibrant school community. We look forward to welcoming you to campus for this special occasion

ATTENTION ALL PARENTS:  Please make sure your student’s name is clearly labeled on their personal items, including jackets, lunchboxes, and water bottles. So many students have similar-looking items, and we want to help prevent things from getting mixed up or misplaced.  Thank you for helping us keep track of everyone’s belongings!

SISTER PROJECT EVENT: October 16th - 3:35 - 5:00pm, in the Student Union (ECHS). Please RSVP using this link: Sister Project - 10/16

YEARBOOKS ARE ON SALE:  Be sure to order your yearbook now so you don’t miss out on capturing all the special memories from this school year! Here’s the link: Buy Yearbook Here!

Have pictures to share? We’d love to include them in the yearbook! Please send your photos here:Also if you have pictures to share with us to put in the yearbook please send them here: Submit Photos Here.

PADRES SPIRIT DAY! We are so excited to support our home team as they move on in the playoffs. Show your team spirit by wearing your best Padres gear on Tuesday/Wednesday (TK Monday, as well). Please be sure to follow the Free Dress for Success. 

ACADEMIC ADVISORS CONNECTION

Thank you for the great check-in week. We love seeing your beautiful home-work. It is a true testament to the wonderful learning being done in the hybrid/homeschooling element of our school.

Please reach out to us by phone or email with any questions that may arise in the course of your homeschool day. We are here for you.

FLEX HOME LEARNING PROGRAM

Pumpkin Patch at Bates Nut Farm: Just a reminder that we will be at Bates Nut Farm October 22nd to enjoy the pumpkin season! On this parent-led field trip, we will enjoy their iconic pumpkin patch, hayrides, scarecrow contest, corn maze, and docent-led "Life of a Pumpkin" presentation. Please remember to sign up here. RSVP by Tuesday, October 9 to secure your spot. Please contact me if you have any questions.

📚 Kids Free October: October and fun fall activities are upon us! For those of you that love to visit the San Diego museums, this is always a highly anticipated month. With cooler weather returning, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the San Diego Museum Council’s annual Kids Free October. Throughout the month, participating museums, theme parks, aquariums, zoos, and historic sites throughout San Diego County offer free admission for kids with a paying adult. Be sure to check the details for each location before you go, as age limits, offers, and availability may vary. You’ll also want to have the Kids Free October pass/booklet handy - you can pick up a hard copy at your local library or download the digital version online. Find all the details and participating locations here:
sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/specials/kidsfree

Conference Time: Just a reminder that this week begins the next round of family conferences. I’m excited to connect with you and see all the amazing things your child(ren) have been learning so far this year! Please use the link through our weekly letter to sign-up for your conference if you haven’t already.

AROUND CAMPUS

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES

The Southern California Ballet in Poway is offering special shows for field trips on December 17th and 18th.  Click here for more information.

 Find all the details and participating locations here: sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/specials/kidsfree