We have the best PTO and parents at Heritage Mesa! Today, teachers enjoyed a catered lunch and received gifts from you. We feel loved. Thank you.

A few reminders:

1 – Please pick up scholars promptly after school. Unless they are participating in a Heritage activity after school, scholars are not supervised beyond 4:00 p.m. 

2 – Campus will be closed during the holidays. We’ll respond to emails when we return in January.

3- School resumes on Monday, 1/5/26.

The Heritage Academy family wishes you and yours a peaceful holiday season.

Heidi Udall, Principal

Opportunity for High School Students: John F. Kennedy Library Profile in Courage Essay Contest

All high school scholars are invited to write about a public servant who acted in the interest of the greater good. The deadline to apply is January 12, 2026.

In Profiles in Courage, John F. Kennedy recounted the stories of eight U.S. senators who risked their careers to do what was right for the nation. These leaders demonstrated political courage by taking a stand for the public good in spite of pressure by interest groups, their political party, or even their constituents. The Profile in Courage Essay Contest challenges students to write an original and creative essay that demonstrates an understanding of political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in Profiles in Courage.

🏅 Heritage Academy Mesa Athletics Schedule

Coming Up in October, November & December – 9th–11th Grade Meetings

Over the next few months, I’ll be meeting with scholars and/or parents to ensure students are on track to meet Heritage Academy graduation requirements and to review progress toward an associate degree.

Key Dates & Events:

• October: FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opens

• October: The College Funding Coach Webinar (date TBD) – Learn strategies to pay for college beyond scholarships, without dipping into your retirement

Please use this link to schedule with me.

Important Dual Enrollment & Senior Reminders

Seniors:
If you are a current senior, please schedule your senior one-on-one appointment with me during September. Don’t wait until the last minute!

New to Dual Enrollment?
If this is your first time in dual enrollment, you’ll need to complete Step 1: Admissions to Rio Salado College.
👉 Enrollment & Registration Steps –  CLICK HERE

If placement tests are required, I’ll let you know.

Important Links: Click HERE
Log in using your MEID@maricopa.edu to:

• Upload your birth certificate and photo ID

• Complete the financial responsibility form

• Fill out the Petition for Semester Overload (if enrolling in more than 18 DE credits in one semester)

Tuition Assistance:
If you were approved for Tuition Assistance, I’ve already contacted Rio to enroll you.

For others who indicated interest in dual enrollment, I’ll be emailing Rio soon. Please watch for emails with tasks you may need to complete.

Questions?
Email me at bob.brow@heritageacademyaz.com. To ensure a timely response, please include your scholar’s 8-digit college ID# (starting with a 3) or note that you’re new to dual enrollment. Be sure to leave a detailed message so I can best assist you.

Thanks,
Bob Brown

Explore. Learn. Grow.
At Heritage Academy, we believe education goes beyond the classroom. That’s why we offer our scholars unique “Tours”—educational travel experiences that help build character, develop new skills, and create lifelong memories.

For over 30 years, these unforgettable adventures have been a signature part of the Heritage experience, giving students the chance to explore history, culture, and leadership in meaningful, hands-on ways.

Check out this year’s exciting tour opportunities below!
Click here to view all upcoming tours

✨ The 2026 Fine Arts Retreat is Coming! ✨

Heritage Academy invites all 9th–12th grade scholars to join us January 7–10, 2026 at Emmanuel Pines Camp in Prescott, AZ 🏕️.

This year’s retreat will celebrate America 250 with award-winning clinicians in:
🎨 Art | 💃 Dance | 🎭 Drama | 🎶 Choir | 🎤 Musical Theatre | 💃🕺 Ballroom | 📸 Photography | 🎻 Full Orchestra

🤝 Scholars from all four campuses will come together for workshops, socials, campfires 🔥, and a final performance 🌟 you won’t want to miss!

📅 Registration Opens: August 1, 2025
💵 Cost: $335 (scholars) | $275 (chaperones)

Enjoy 4 days, 3 nights, 8 workshops, and unforgettable memories 💫.

👉 Link HERE to register

🌴 Puerto Rico Tour – Open to all high school scholars, and it offers a unique blend of science, culture, language, and adventure in one of the most vibrant and historically rich destinations in the U.S. 🌴
Join us for an unforgettable adventure to Puerto Rico from March 16–21! Explore the culture, history, and beauty of the island while making lasting memories with your classmates.

💲 Cost: $2,500
📅 Dates: March 16–21
✨ Open to all high school scholars

Don’t miss out—sign up today! 👉 LINK

DON’T FORGET 

Please update your scholar’s grade level with MyHotLunchbox. 

PTO also offers a “snack shack” if a scholar forgets their lunch one day, make sure they have a few dollars to buy something in the auditorium. A BIG thanks to our PTO and our parent volunteers for making this possible!