This year marks our 30th anniversary as an organization! We are very excited about the start of school on Thursday, August 13, 2026! 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 10, 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 silenced and remain inside backpacks at all times while on campus during school hours.
Heritage Junior High School prides itself on being 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 for the 2026/2027 school year. If you have not already done so, please use the above link to submit your family's information as soon as possible. The form was originally emailed to parents on July 8 with a submission deadline of July 31, 2026.
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.
We also need all students and parents to sign our Parent/ Student Handbook Acknowledgment Forms no later than Friday, August 21, 2026, by using this link. The link will allow you to review the 2026/2027 Parent/Student Handbook prior to signing the acknowledgment forms. Students will review the handbook with their teachers during the first week of school.
If your student requires prescription and/or over-the-counter medication during school hours, it must be stored and administered by the front office. A Medication Authorization Form, signed by both the child's doctor and parent, must accompany the medication. Medication must be provided in the original packaging or in a prescription bottle, including dosage instructions. The form is linked HERE for your convenience. Note: This process may be useful for parents who would like to have basic over-the-counter medications in the office for their student's occasional headache, stomach ache or cramps.
Announcements
Breakfast & Lunch Meal Program
Heritage Junior offers free breakfast and free lunch for ALL students. Breakfast is available from 7:35–8:00 a.m. each morning and must be picked up BEFORE school. Students may eat their breakfast before class begins or during the morning nutrition break, but eating is not allowed in the classrooms.
Every student may receive a complete, nutritious breakfast and a complete lunch at absolutely no charge. There is no need to sign up, complete any forms or submit income applications; every student is automatically eligible. Finally, we will provide balanced, delicious meals that meet all federal and state nutrition guidelines. A menu will be shared in advance for families to consider for the upcoming week. August's menu is included below.
If your student has any dietary restrictions or allergies, please use the following forms to communicate your child's needs. Please note that it may take up to two weeks to accommodate your request.
Medical Statement Form:
This form is for any meal accommodation requests (allergies, intolerance, other medical needs) and it must be signed by a medical professional. The exception to needing a medical professional's signature would be for any religious preferences, such as no pork or no meat.
Fluid Milk Substitution Form: This form can be filled out and signed by the parent or guardian. This form is for when Lactaid milk, soy milk, or oak milk is required or preferred by a student.
We look forward to serving our students healthy and delicious meals each day and welcome you to contact the front office at 760-294-5599 with any questions.
We will be having a mandatory meeting for the Eighth Grade Field Trip on Thursday, August 27, 2026, 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 an 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 Tuesday, September 1.
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 Ambition, the strong desire to achieve greatness and accomplish something worthwhile. 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 Ambition recipients at our Wooden Wins Assembly on October 2, 2026, 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 25, 2026.
Attendance Email Address
We have an electronic means for parents to communicate student absences. If it is more convenient, please feel free to email us at hjhsattendance@amhcs.org
to communicate absences from school. This email may also be used to share dates of extended absences requiring independent study. If you prefer a phone call, we are happy to speak with you at 760-297-5599. We have a voice mail system that will record your message after business hours. We appreciate your continued support in managing attendance at HJHS.
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 2026-27 school year.
Mark your calendars!
August 10: Student Orientation and Textbook Checkout (7th Grade: 9-10:45 a.m. / 8th Grade: 11-12 p.m.)
August 13: First Day of School
August 25: First Day of Tutorials (3:05–3:50 p.m.)
August 27: Catalina Parent Meeting (6:00 p.m. at Heritage Elementary)
August 28: Picture Day and Second Semester Awards Assembly
September 7: Labor Day (No School)
September 7–9: 8th Grade Catalina Field Trip
September 11: Patriot Day Assembly
September 17: Back-to-School Night (6:30 p.m.)
September 18: Back-to-School BBQ
September 21: Half-Day (12:15 p.m. dismissal)
October 2: 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.
