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.

Jan. 2, 2023 First Day of Spring Semester!

As we  approach the end of the Fall Semester, we want to be sure our Hero families are aware the first day of the Spring semester is Monday, Jan. 2, 2023.

Please keep this start date in mind as you make your holiday plans.

CLICK HERE FOR SHORT ONE PAGE CALENDAR

CLICK HERE FOR YEARLY COLOR CALENDAR

Important Dates to Remember

  • 11/17 2022 Cross Country Banquet -Auditorium 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

    Courtyard

  • 11/18 2022 Ballroom Showcase 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Mesa Arts Center, 1 E Main St  

  • 11/18 2022 Dance Concert  8:30 pm – 10:00 pm Mesa Arts Center, 1 E Main St   

  • 11/23 2022 NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving Break 

  • 11/24 2022 NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving Break 

  • 11/29 2022 Football Banquet 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Auditorium

  • 12/01 2022 Spirit Day!

  • 12/01 2022 Senior BBQ 11:15 am – 12:15 pm 

  • 12/01 2022 Drama Class Performances 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

  • 12/03 2022 Choir at Arizona Cantilena Chorale downtown Phoenix  9:00 am – 4:00 pm

A NOTE FROM Mrs. Udall:

I can’t believe it is Thanksgiving next week!  We will not be sending homework home over the break so you and your scholars can focus on your family.

Just a few end of semester reminders:

  • Semester 1 late work deadline is Thursday, December 8. Your teacher will let you know if they do not accept late work.
  • Finals week: December 12 – 15

School resumes on Monday, January 2

I am truly grateful for our families and scholars.

Heidi Udall, Principal

Open-EnrollmentOPEN ENROLLMENT ENDS DEC. 31, 2022!

SIBLINGS OF EXISTING SCHOLARS: If you have a sibling who wants to attend Heritage next year, they must complete the application during the open enrollment period to be included in the lottery. While siblings do receive priority, a completed application MUST be submitted during open enrollment to be eligible for the lottery. Any sibling application received after Dec. 31, 2022 will be added to the waitlist.

NEW SCHOLARS –  If you have friends that do not currently attend Heritage but would like to join us next year…they will need to complete the enrollment application.  Any applications received after Dec. 31, 2022, will be added to the waitlist in the order they are submitted.

APPLY HERE

Heritage Academy Dance Concert
Featuring performances from all levels of dance. Director Emily May encourages creativity and ingenuity in the making of each performance dance. Working together each performer has brought a unique effort and enthusiasm that will light up the stage. This concert will include our Teacher’s Dance which is a performance with Heritage Academy teachers and Dance Company scholars. It will also premier the Dance Distinction of Quintin Ellsworth. We look forward to seeing you there!
WHEN: Nov. 18, 2022 at 8:30pm
WHERE: Mesa Arts Center
Tickets must be purchased on the Mesa Arts website.

Heritage Science & Language Puerto Rico Excursion!  Mar 12, 2023 – Mar 18, 2023 
This tour is open ONLY to our 9 & 10th grade scholars.   Come experience San Juan, Culebra, Las Cavernas def Rio Camuy, Luquillo Beach
If your scholar is interested in participating in the tour, please complete the sign up form: Spring 2023 Puerto Rico Tour Signup Sheet
$200 (NON-REFUNDABLE) by October 7, 2022 
$700 per person November 11, 2022
$700 per person December 16, 2022
$700 per person January 13, 2023
We encourage students to take advantage of Arizona ECA donation opportunities to help pay for tours.

Includes: Airfare, transportation, hotel rooms, breakfast & dinner, and all entrance fees.

COLLEGE FUNDING WORKSHOP: BEYOND SCHOLARSHIPS

Join Bob Brown, college coach, at the Dec. 8th workshop.

Learn what resources are available in addition to scholarships to help pay for college.

RESERVE YOUR SEAT HERE

Host Family Opportunity!

Hey everyone, this is Denise Hill! I’m going on a foreign exchange next year, and I need to find host families here for a few months during the 2023-24 school year. Most families host an exchange student for about 14 weeks and students bring their own spending money and medical insurance.  They will attend other schools in our area.

Top 3 reasons why you should consider hosting a student:

* An enriching life experience

* Form lifelong friendships

* Inspire new language possibilities

For more information, contact: Denise Hill @ 480-606-2257 email: deniserhill8@gmail.com’

NOTE: Please note that Heritage Academy does have extra seats available to offer foreign exchange programs. 

www.rye5495.org/host-families.html

2ND Semester Schedules available in PowerSchool

Change requests MUST be submitted by Nov. 30
The only 3 reasons a schedule change will be considered:
1- Senior not on track to graduate
2- Open space in the schedule ( I have checked every schedule and no one has an open space)
3- Scholar placed in incorrect level class (i.e. 7th grader in 10th grade class)
The process for requesting a schedule change is as follows:
1. Pick up a blue “Schedule Change Request” form from the front office.
2. Scholar fills out the form completely and turns it into the front desk.
Form will be reviewed and if the request matches one of the reasons for making a schedule change, I will try to make it work.  If I am able to make the change, I will let the scholar know. If the request is for a reason other than one of the 3 listed, scholar will need to write out a detailed, well-written reason using proper grammar and punctuation for the request the on back of the form. We try to be clear that scholars need to choose their classes carefully as we are not able to accommodate the changing of minds.
Please do not email me requests for schedule changes.
Thank you,
Ms. Seaman

YEARBOOK: Don’t get left out! Buy one now!

Missed out last year? Buy the 2021/22 Yearbook HERE limited supplies $30 each!

Want one this year? Buy the 2022/23 Yearbook HERE on sale for $50!

SENIORS: Interested in a senior ad?  Full page: $100; Half page: $50; Quarter page: $25 BUY YOUR SPACE HERE

Also available: BUY INDEX LETTERS HERE  and BUY BUSINESS AD HERE

Questions: Mrs. Melchin kmelchin@heritageacademyaz.com

SOFTBALL NEWS! Softball continues to rise with a 5-1 season record.
Taryn Palmer, bunting; Kiana Bello taking a swing, Francesca Johns running the bases.

Fine Arts Retreat  Jan. 11 -12, 2023

Advanced scholars from all Heritage Academy campuses enrolled in arts classes and programs may attend the Fine Arts Retreat in January.

Invited scholars will spend three nights and four days (Wed.-Sat.) at Pine Summit Camp located in Prescott, AZ. Scholars will spend two full days in intensive study and rehearsal in preparation for a live performance on Saturday.

Cost: $285 (includes transportation, meals, intensive workshops, extracurricular activities, and lodging at the camp.)
AZ Tax Credit can be used to pay for this!
Sign up today!

$140 due September 23, 2022**
$145 due December 1, 2022**

*Subject to based on enrollment
**No money will be refunded

JUNIORS ONLY COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY!

DEADLINE: February 23, 2023

The Coolidge Scholarship is a full-ride, four-year, merit scholarship that may be used by recipients for undergraduate study at any accredited college or university in the United States. Any high school junior who plans to enroll in college in the fall of 2024 and is an American citizen or legal permanent resident is eligible to apply (current high school seniors are not eligible to apply). Winners may use the scholarship to pursue any academic major.

Academic excellence is the primary criterion considered by the Coolidge Scholarship. Secondary criteria include an interest in public policy and an appreciation of the values President Coolidge championed. Successful candidates will also demonstrate humility and have a record of genuine service to their communities. A complete description of the scholarship’s criteria is available here.

Furthermore, the Coolidge Foundation invites one hundred of the top Coolidge Scholarship applicants to participate in the Coolidge Senators Program, which includes an all-expenses-paid summit gathering and a $1,000 scholarship. Scholarship applicants are automatically considered for the Senators Program.

2022-23 Coolidge Scholarship Application form HERE

Junior High Southern Arizona Tour April 26 & 27, 2022

Exploring: Tombstone, Queen Mine, Bisbee(including ghost tour), Pima Air & Space Museum, and the Sonoran Desert Museum

Includes: transportation, hotel for 1 night, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners, and admissions to venues

 Payment schedule: $370/person

$123.33 due Nov 1, 2022

$123.33 due Feb 1, 2023

Balance of Tour fee due March 1st, 2023

All payments must be via MySchoolBucks. Do NOT pay invoice directly with ECA funds.

Refund Policy (either tour company or student cancels) Full refund before Dec. 15, 2022. Refund minus $100 between Dec. 16th & Mar. 23rd No refund after March 24, 2023

Class of 2023 Caps & Gowns Order Now!

Jostens’ has created graduation packages for your upcoming celebration!

Heritage Academy Mesa Graduation Packages HERE

Questions: Perry Spindler perry.spindler@jostens.com  or  Matthew Hatten matt.hatten@jostens.com

Please contact Jostens’ directly with any questions. They will have all the answers and will  ensure your order is exactly what you (and your family) want. 

Mrs. Kathie Melchin Learn More Here

I graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Psychology. I have taught at Heritage Academy for the past 11 years. Some of my hobbies include; sewing, reading, creating things from nothing, any type of water, beach, lake, river, pond, pool I enjoy it all. Most of all I love being able to spend time with my family, they are the joys of my life. I have enjoyed the time I have spent with the scholars at Heritage, they make me laugh and keep me young and on my toes.  Hurrah for Yearbook.

Ms. Geniel Oakes

I am so excited to be teaching junior high science at Heritage Academy! I have loved science my entire life and enjoy watching scholars develop that same excitement for science as we explore and experiment throughout the year. My Bachelor degree is Biology education grades 5-12, and my Master’s degree is Geoscience education grades 5-12. I have been able to teach high school Biology, 8th grade science, and now 7th grade science. Science Rocks!

Ms. Angela Parker 

I grew up in a small town in northern Arizona but have lived in Mesa for the past 28 years. I earned my BS in elementary education with a minor in mathematics from the University of Arizona and my M.Ed. in Math Education from Arizona State University. I have taught for 28 years and have spent the last 17 teaching Junior High math at Heritage Academy. Outside of school, I enjoy photography, hiking, traveling, and spending time with my nieces and nephews.

Do you shop at Amazon? 

A percentage of every purchase could be going toward our school if you check out during your transaction at Smile.Amazon.com  instead of the normal amazon site. Do good while shopping and check out with Smile.Amazon.com every time you shop!

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.

COLLEGE FUNDING WORKSHOP: BEYOND SCHOLARSHIPS

Join Bob Brown, college coach, at the Dec. 8th workshop.

Learn what resources are available in addition to scholarships to help pay for college.

RESERVE YOUR SEAT HERE

FAFSA INFORMATION!

12th grade is the time to apply for admission to college and to apply for federal student aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. Opens Oct. 1.  Check out goingmerry.com for a more user-friendly application, plus, there are thousands of scholarship opportunities.  Just complete your profile.

Complete the FAFSA form even if you believe your child won’t qualify for any free federal aid. Many colleges will require FAFSA if you are getting any aid directly from the school. In addition, your family circumstances may change due to divorce, death or medical issues and you can appeal to the school due to the change in circumstance.