We are very excited for the start of school on Thursday, August 14, 2025! Please remember that the first bell rings at 8:00 a.m. and class begins at 8:05 a.m. Please use this link to review the bell schedule.
Because our goal is to maximize instructional time by teaching “bell-to-bell,” students are expected to arrive at school on time, dressed in their school uniform, and ready to learn.
Here are a couple of reminders and helpful tips for day one readiness.
All students must put their names on personal items they bring to school (lunch box, water bottle, sweatshirt, P.E. Uniform, etc.).
All books issued at textbook checkout on Monday, August 11, are for home use. Please have your student leave those books at home unless otherwise instructed by their teacher, and cover them with a protective cover to prevent damage.
Gum, candy, and toys are prohibited on campus.
Cell phones must be in backpacks at all times while on campus during school hours.
Heritage Junior High School prides itself on having a friendly campus that is welcoming to all, so students should be prepared to be greeted daily by staff members and classmates. We will learn each student’s name and encourage students to always be friendly and encouraging to one another. We believe these skills are important for building a positive school community and helping students become successful adults.
We look forward to seeing you this Thursday! Go White Tigers! You got this! You are ready!
We need all of our families to complete this form. Please use the above link to complete the form.
The data collected from these forms is used to determine eligibility and provide important funding for programs that directly benefit our students, school, and community.
Parents are required to submit one (1) form that includes ALL children attending American Heritage Charter Schools in grades TK-12.
Parent/Student Handbook Acknowledgment Form
We need all students and parents to sign our Parent/ Student Handbook Acknowledgment Forms by August 22, 2025, by using this link. If you would like to review the Parent/Student Handbook, then please use this link here. Students will be given a hard copy of the handbook to review with their teachers the first week of school.
Announcements
Mandatory Catalina Planning Meeting (Eighth Graders and Families Planning on Going to Catalina ONLY)
We will be having a mandatory meeting for the Eighth Grade Field Trip on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at Heritage Elementary in the MPR. All families who paid, or requested assistance, have a spot for their eighth grader. If you are unsure, for whatever reason, please contact the front office. This is going to be a great experience, and we are very excited for your student to participate.
Here are the items we will be covering at the meeting:
Expectations
Departure and Arrival
Where we will be staying
What to bring and how to pack
Activities
Who to contact in case of emergency
If your student takes daily medication or requires an inhaler or EpiPen while on the field trip, your child's physician must complete and sign the Medication Authorization Form also linked HERE. Medications for Catalina must be turned in no later than Friday, August 29.
Classical Learning
This year we are fully embracing Classical Learning at Heritage Junior High School by training our teachers and making slight curricular changes to our program. For example, we will now be offering Art to all students instead of Project Lead the Way and each Humanities team will be sorted into houses. Our hope is that these changes will better engage our students, teach them how to critically think, discover truth, beauty, and wisdom, and grow as whole individuals. If you have any questions, then please feel free to ask! Your students are going to love it.
Wooden Wins
Each month we will be focusing on a virtue to develop the hearts and minds of our students. This month’s virtue is Self-Control, the practice of self-discipline and keeping emotions under control. Good judgement and common sense are also essential. Here is a link to the poster. Please feel free to use this resource to speak to your kids about virtue at home. We will recognize our Self-Control recipients at our Wooden Wins Assembly on October 3, 2025, in the East Valley Community Center (EVCC) Gym, adjacent to the HJHS campus.
Reminders
School Hours
Monday: 8:05 a.m. to 2:10 p.m.
Tuesday-Friday: 8:05 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.
Tutorial is offered Tuesday through Friday 3:10-3:50 p.m.
No Tutorial until Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
Punctuality Reminder
We need all of our parents’ support to ensure students arrive at school no later than 7:55 a.m. Students are able to arrive at school as early as 7:35 a.m. The expectation is for all students to be unpacked, seated, and ready to learn when the bell rings at 8:05 a.m. Being on time (or early!) is a sign of respect. Thanks for your support!
Drop-off and Pick up
Enter at the southwest corner of the parking lot, drive straight to the East Valley Community Center, make a left and drive to the front of HJHS for drop off/pick up. See the traffic map here. Please be patient as the first few weeks are very busy.
Parents, please make sure that you are following our traffic pattern for drop-off and pick-up. Most of our families do a great job helping us by following the rules of the road in our drop-off and pick-up areas. Please note that these rules and regulations are in place to keep you, your students, and staff safe. Additionally, these guidelines are in place to keep our neighbors safe and able to use the roadways as designed. Please support us by following the rules and the law. We really appreciate your help!
Dress Code
All students are expected to wear uniforms. Please refer to the Heritage Junior High School Dress Code here for more details. Students may wear American Heritage Charter Schools (AHCS) spirit-wear every Friday. Please feel free to use this link to purchase uniform tops throughout the 2025-26 school year.
Mark your calendars!
August 11: Student Orientation and Textbook Checkout (7th Grade: 9-10:45 a.m. / 8th Grade: 11-12 p.m.)
August 14: First Day of School
August 21: Catalina Parent Meeting
August 22: Picture Day and Second Semester Awards Assembly
September 1: Labor Day (No School)
September 1-3: 8th Grade Catalina Field Trip
September 22: Half-Day (12:15 p.m. dismissal)
October 3: Wooden Wins Assembly
We appreciate you taking the time to read this important message. We want to encourage you to check for this email weekly and call the front office if you have any additional questions.
