Heritage Academy’s mission statement:

We are dedicated to youth, their growth and development, and believe in building sound character through strong families, strong communities, and a strong nation.

While teaching the academic disciplines, Heritage Academy is dedicated to instilling into the minds and hearts of our youth knowledge of and respect for the ideals and values of the great men and women of history, including those who founded the American nation.

As they gain an appreciation of these people of accomplishment, they will be ready to provide the selfless service to their fellow citizens and to their country which will be required in the coming years to assist in restoring America’s greatness.

Heritage Academy exists to this end.

Important Dates to Remember

  • JAN 25 – FEB 15  Course Selection 

  • FEB 1 Spirit Day! 

  • FEB 1 – FEB 3 All State Jazz/Show Choir Festival (AMEA conference)

  • FEB 8 – Feb 10 Chamber Choir NAU Jazz/Mad Festival 

A NOTE FROM Mrs. Udall:

What a rainy week!  I was impressed that our scholars, while enjoying the weather, still kept their focus on their studies.

Your scholars have begun the 2024/25 course selection process.  Be sure to ask them about it and discuss their courses with them. They will log in to PowerSchool and select there courses and then turn in the signed forms.

Be sure to check out all the activities and sports on the Events Calendar.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Heidi Udall, Principal

COURSE SELECTIONS 

Scholars have received course selection forms and directions for entering their courses in PowerSchool (PS). PS is now open and Scholars will have until forms are collected (see dates below) to enter their courses into PS. Attached below are directions for entering courses into PS.

Dates for when course selection forms are due:

JH scholars: Week of Feb 5th. They will be collected in their Latin class.

HS Scholars: Week of Feb 12th. They will be collected in their English class.

9-12 Grades Course Selection forms

8th Grade Course Selection form

7th Grade Course Selection form

Directions to select courses in PS

Important:

Both Scholar AND Parent signatures are required on the form.  Courses will not be assigned if form is incomplete.

DEADLINE MARCH 25TH!

Extra copies will NOT BE AVAILABLE at the end of the year.  If you don’t order one, you will NOT be able to buy one in May.
Use the QR code on the attached flyer OR  ORDER YEARBOOKS HERE and enter our Yearbook ID Code: 15116624.

Price: $70  March 25 , 2024 is the last day to order yearbooks.

To buy with cash: Bring flier and EXACT cash amount to Ms. Connelly (front desk) or Ms. Wilson (NO change will be available)

Senior ads are due NOW.

Questions? Contact Ms. Wilson kimberly.wils@heritageacademyaz.com
College-GraduateSeniors: Caps & Gowns

Still need a cap and gown?

CLICK HERE to order now.

Mixed Martial Arts 

Why martial arts? Learn amazing martial arts skills in a safe and fun environment. The goal of our Mixed Martial Arts program is to empower our scholars so that they can be successful in anything they set out to accomplish. We aim to help our scholars develop the skills, confidence, and discipline needed to be able to achieve success in life.

Join Mr. Thomas to safely learn basic and advanced moves, while learning self discipline, self respect, respect for others and self defense.

Classes are open to all grades and all levels of skills.

Self-Governance in Action – Course #55 (1 year History Elective)

Scholars who take this course can expect no assigned work outside of class except for meeting with elected and unelected government officials. This might include activities such as setting up and attending an interview with your city or town councilmember, speaking at a Governing Board meeting of your local school district, meeting with your state representative about proposed legislation, or attending and possibly speaking at a committee hearing at the State Capitol. You will be challenged to push yourself out of your comfort zone in many ways! The class will include one field trip per semester (to the City offices and State Capitol), with other opportunities for in-person participation at city, county, and state meetings or legislative hearings. For more information, please contact Mrs. Langston in person (in room 5 after school or before school on B days), at tracy.lang@heritageacademyaz.com, or talk with Dr. Wayne Denton.

**Mark your calendars for an informational meeting with Mrs. Langston and special online guest, Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen — next Thursday, Feb 1, at 3:40 in Room 2. We will provide more in-depth details about the course and instructor, as well as Q & A. Scholars and parents are welcome.**
French (the other foreign language!) Courses
French 1:

Scholars enrolled in this course will learn how to talk about themselves, their families and friends, including what they like to do in their free time and what they are studying in school.  Scholars will also learn to talk about food and restaurant culture, including in countries like Africa, Canada and France.  This course teaches scholars to speak, read, write and understand French through authentic texts, film, music and other medias.

Honors French 2 (Dual Enrollment 101 and 102):

Scholars enrolled in French 2 can take this course for college credit.  In this course, scholars can expect to learn more advanced grammar and language than in French 1, including how to talk about the past and tell stories.  There are a variety of projects in this course including video projects, art projects and more.  We will also study a variety of cultural topics in the francophone world.  This course uses authentic texts, film, music and other medias to help scholars grasp the French language.

Honors French 3 (Dual Enrollment 201 and 202):

Scholars enrolled in French 3 can take this course for college credit.  In French 3, scholars will cover topics like art, love and relationships, fairytales, news, media, and literature.  Scholars will read their first novel, the beloved classic, Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince).  There are a variety of cultural topics as well that will be covered in this class, from travel to French history.  We will complete a variety of class and individual projects and will use authentic texts, film, music and other medias to master each topic.

Honors French 4 (Dual Enrollment 265 and 266):

Scholars enrolled in French 4 can take this course for college credit.  This course will allow scholars to dive deeper into the language and cultures of francophone communities while continuing their mastery of French.  We will discuss topics like nature and the outdoors, careers, world and societal issues, and travel, as well as more current history.  Scholars will read several excerpts from selected French novels, as well studying film, music and other medias and will complete a variety of class and individual projects.

Rebecca Henriksen (rebecca.henr@heritageacademyaz.com)
Piano Land! (no passport needed!)
PianoLand- A course geared towards self governed scholars desiring to learn or further develop their piano playing skills!
Musicians  will  succeed by implementing a variety of learning styles including: visual, logical, intrapersonal, kinesthetic, auditory, and more.
Confidence and heightened musical skills are a result of participation in PianoLand!
Questions?  See me!
Sandra Alston, Instrumental Music Director “Where words fail, MUSIC Speaks” (salston@heritageacademyaz.com)
Swim Team

Swim Team is an exciting way to belong to a great group, exercise, and have tons of fun all at the same time.  Even if you don’t know all four strokes, you can come and learn how to swim, or just swim your favorite strokes. We cheer for each other and support each other at swim meets and have social gatherings with food, friendship, and fun.

Questions?  See me!
Doreen Lemke, Swim Coach (d.lemke@heritageacademyaz.com)
JH Cross Country
Looking to try a fun sport? You’ll find it here!  This introduction to running is tailored for any level athlete, new or experienced.  We start summer practices with fun games and light jogging.  It’s easy to make friends on the team as we work together, build endurance, and learn competitive skills throughout the season.  “This is hands down my favorite class period of the day.” 8th Grade Brian Carlson
Questions?  See me!
Sally Johnson, JH Cross Country Coach (m_crosscountry@heritageacademyaz.com)
DANCE, DANCE, DANCE!
Dance I (Beginning Dance), Dance II (Intermediate Dance), Dance III (Advanced Dance), Dance IV (Dance Company)
Scholars in dance will MOVE! We work hard exploring a variety of dance styles and how YOU like to move to express yourself. In a positive classroom community we enjoy the process of creating dance, learning dance and performing dance. Everyone is welcome!
Questions? Come see me!
Emily May (emay@heritageacademyaz.com)

ACF scholarship application is now open: Funding is available for students across Arizona

The ACF scholarship application is now open! Students can complete one application online and get matched with all eligible scholarships within our system.

High school seniors, current college students, graduate students, or adult re-entry students attending accredited schools anywhere in the U.S. may apply. Scholarships are available for two-year and four-year colleges and universities, as well as career and technical schools. Each award has its own deadline, with some closing as early as March and some as late as May.
Questions: ACF’s scholarship team will be available to answer your questions about the application process during the following Zoom sessions:
February 15, 2024 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Arizona MST ;  March 20, 2024 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Arizona MST ; April 22, 2024
5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Arizona MST  REGISTER FOR WORKSHOPS HERE

ANNUAL VALENTINE GRAMS

On Valentine’s Day (Feb 14), the orchestra program will be holding their annual Valentine Grams fundraiser! We would appreciate any donations of Caramel Apple Pops, Hershey’s Chocolate kisses, Starbursts, Valentines plastic bags for candy (you can get them at Walmart, Dollar Tree etc.) and we also need ribbon (red, pink or other vibrant color). Donations are being accepted now in the band/orchestra room in Dr Hamilton’s office!

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for the 2024-2025 school year:

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW!

Missed Open Enrollment deadline?  Not to worry! We are still accepting applications.  All submitted applications will be placed on the waitlist in the order they were received. Seats are being offered as they become available.

EXISTING SCHOLARS –  No action is required at this time.  Once the re-enrollment portal is available, a link will be sent out to all current scholars to complete the re-enrollment form to reserve their spot for next year.

NEW SCHOLARS  If you have friends or family members that do not currently attend Heritage but would like to join us next year…they will need to complete the full enrollment application.

Heritage siblings do receive a priority but need to submit a complete application.  

Youth Law Enforcement Education Program

The Mesa Police Cadet Post 2055 is a 501.c.3. youth law enforcement charity education program hosted by Sworn Law Enforcement Officers on Thursday nights from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Membership for young men and women aged 14 to 19 is conditional on application submission, background review, and oral board process.

 Interest forms are being accepted between now and January 26th! Interviews will be held in February. Selected volunteers will begin in March 2024 and are subject to graduation from a summer junior police academy in June 2024. Most Police Cadets serve the community with 1-6 year commitments.

For more information or to apply, please visit www.MesaAZpolice.gov/Community/Cadets

ASPIRE ACADEMY
I’m a fire engineer and paramedic with the Mesa Fire and Medical Department and we have an amazing opportunity for high school-aged girls, called Aspire Academy.  Our fire department will be hosting a hands on, 4 day experience that allows young girls to participate in a variety of activities which build character, self confidence, and leadership skills while making friends, having fun and working together as a team!  I invite anyone to fill out an application.
Please feel free to contact our MFMD recruitment and promotions specialists, Mike Guardado, for any questions:  480-644-5660 or mike.guardado@mesaaz.gov.
Thank you for your time and support!
Best Regards, Angela Collins

DENNIS UNIFORMS

We celebrated our 100th anniversary in 2020, and with our next 100 years of business in mind, we made it our goal to create a more streamlined, customized ecommerce platform to bring an ever-increasing level of service to our customers. Launching in 2021, our new site quickly became a uniform-industry-leading interface with fast checkout options, a wealth of helpful shopping information and a mobile-first design with many more features that cater to contemporary customers’ needs.  

Spring 2024 JH Northern Arizona Tour

Who: 7th & 8th graders
What: History & Science Tour
When: April 24-25, 2024
Visiting: Grand Canyon, Bearizona, Lowell Observatory, Sunset Crater, Walnut Canyon National Monument,
Pink Jeep Tour in Sedona

Included: transportation, hotel for 1 night, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners, and admission to all locations

COST: $485 (1st payment due ASAP; 2nd due Feb. 15, 2023)

SIGN UP HERE

Refund Policy (either tour company or student cancels)
Full refund before Jan. 15th
Refund minus $100 between Jan. 16th & Mar. 24th
No refund after March 25th.

Paul Revere Academy (PRA) 

Heritage has expanded! We are excited to introduce a unique academic experience through the Paul Revere Academy (PRA). East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) and Heritage Academy have partnered to bring a complete high school education to the West Main Street campus of EVIT. Students will earn their high school diploma and industry certifications all on one campus.

Paul Revere is considered one of the Founding Fathers as well as a skilled tradesman. While PRA is part of the Heritage family of schools, it is designed to serve scholars interested in obtaining hands-on training and workforce ready credentials.  At the same time, it extends our mission of building character, developing loyalty to the ideals of our country, and serving in our community.

Scholars at PRA will split their day between taking core classes at Paul Revere Academy and elective/Career Technical Education (CTE) classes at EVIT. All youth interested in a more streamlined approach to obtaining a high school diploma and CTE certificates are welcome to apply. Please visit our website: www.paulrevere.tech for more information.

Stephanie Lund, Principal stephanie.lund@paulrevere.tech

COLLEGE CORNER 

Seniors – don’t forget to schedule your senior 1-on-1 meeting with Mr. Brown. 

You can scan the QR code outside Mr. Brown’s office or click here.

FAFSA INFORMATION!

Welcome to 2024!  With the new year comes lots of developments in the world of college funding and planning. The FAFSA Simplification Act totally revamped the process of applying and qualifying for federal student aid. Simplification may not be an appropriate term; but what’s most important is that the form is now live on the FAFSA website. If you have a college bound student for the upcoming school year, you can (and should) access that form here. You can also utilize our new free Student Aid Index (previously known as the Expected Family Contribution) calculator on our website through this link.

IMPORTANT DUAL ENROLLMENT INFORMATION

NOTE – if you are a current senior, be sure to schedule your senior one-on-one appointment with me for sometime in September.  Don’t wait for the last second.

If you are new to dual enrollment, you will need to complete admissions (step 1) to Rio Salado College. Enrollment and Registration Steps here .  If you need any placement tests, I will let you know.

Important links here – login is your MEID@maricopa.edu.  Here, you will be able to upload your birth certificate and photo ID, complete the financial responsibility form, and fill out the Petition for Semester Overload if you are enrolling in more than 18 DE credits in one semester, to name a few.

For those who were approved for Tuition Assistance, I have contacted Rio to enroll you accordingly.

For the rest that indicated they wanted to take part in dual enrollment, I will be emailing Rio soon.  Be on the lookout for emails with tasks to complete (if needed).

Email me at bob.brow@heritageacademyaz.com with any questions. To ensure a timely response be sure to provide the scholar’s 8-digit college ID# (starts with a 3) or indicate new to dual enrollment.  Please leave a detailed message, so I can better serve you.

Thanks,

Bob Brown