Thank you to everyone who joined us for Back-to-School Night last Thursday. We were thrilled to see so many of you on campus, and we hope you felt energized and inspired by our classically-inspired approach to education in action.
Even with the short week due to the Labor Day holiday, we had many highlights. Our sixth-graders dove into their first Socratic seminar, discussing themes from the Epic of Gilgamesh. These seminars are a cornerstone of our students' Great Books journey, fostering critical thinking, deep analysis, and empathy as students learn to listen and respond thoughtfully to one another.
Our third-graders had a memorable field trip to the Deanna Smith Ranch in Escondido. Mr. Robertson’s class rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty by planting lettuce, feeding chickens, and building birdhouses. The other third-grade classes will visit the ranch this week, and all classes will return twice more throughout the year to have an authentic farm-to-fork experience, harvesting and enjoying what they have planted—a special thank you to Deanna Smith for this incredible opportunity!
Looking ahead, please join us on Thursday for our "Red, White, and Blue" Spirit Day to honor Patriot Day. We'll have a brief assembly where local firefighters will share their experiences with students, and teachers will lead classroom discussions on patriotism and heroism. We encourage you to continue these important conversations at home.
On Friday, our fifth and sixth-graders will have a special visit from military personnel, including a retired general, a local veteran, and a recent graduate from Escondido Charter High School. They will share their experiences and insights with our students.
Thank you again for your continued partnership. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need anything. Go White Tigers!
Yours in learning,
Marc Gilbertson
Important Announcements:
Patriot Day Assembly/Spirit Day: In remembrance of the events of September 11, we will be honoring first responders and American heroes during our Patriot Day Assembly on Thursday. Students are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue (or their school uniforms).
End of the Grading Period–September 19: The end of the first grading period for our fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students is quickly approaching. We encourage all parents to check the Grades Portal
to stay up-to-date on their child’s academic progress, and consult the syllabus for your child’s class for information about missing/late assignments. For more detailed information about setting up a grades portal account, parents may access a support document here. If parents are having trouble accessing the grades portal, please email Mrs. Cook at lcook@amhcs.org
or give us a call at (760) 737-3111.
Academic Awards Date Change: We look forward to celebrating the academic accomplishments from the spring semester for our fifth and sixth grade students on Friday, September 19 (PLEASE NOTE THE DATE CHANGE). Parents of students receiving an award will be notified in the coming week.
Soccer After-School Program STARTING THIS WEEK: Delanos Soccer Academy is a quality non-competitive after-school enrichment program for students in grades 1-6 that allows young players to learn, improve their skills and enjoy soccer in a positive, fun and safe environment! Soccer training will be held on the turf at Heritage Elementary on Wednesdays from 3:15-4:15 p.m. starting this Wednesday, September 10. Check out the soccer flier
for more information and how to register.
Cuyamaca Outdoor School (COS) Open House: Heritage Elementary School is a proud supporter of Cuyamaca Outdoor School (COS), with the goal of sending all 6th-graders each year to this important rite of passage: Sixth Grade Camp! Folders with information were sent home and the completed information must be returned no later than September 9. Parents who would like to visit Cuyamaca Outdoor School are invited to its Open House on September 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (please see the linked flier in English
or Spanish). We look forward to welcoming you, your students, and the community to COS and showcasing the countless benefits of outdoor education.
Consortio Monthly Parent Meetings:Attention All Parents! We are excited to invite you to Consortio: Partnering with Parents—a monthly gathering created to inspire, encourage, and support you on your parenting and educational journey. Each session will feature thought-provoking topics, guest speakers, and a welcoming space to connect with fellow parents in our school community. Join us for our first gathering on Wednesday, September 17th at 8:30 a.m. in the 1845/TK Building, as we dive into the topic: “How to Ask Questions That Lead to Beautiful Conversations,” led by Jill Thomas and Kelly Beck. Come for the insight, stay for the connection—let’s grow together. We look forward to seeing you there. If you have any questions, please contact Jill at jthomas@amhcs.org.
Cheer Clinic: Calling all White Tigerettes! Come out and cheer withour ECHS Cheer team under the Friday Night Lights! Our fall cheer clinic will take place at Heritage Elementary School from Monday, September 15 to Thursday, September 18. Check-in will take place at 3:15 p.m., clinic will begin at 3:30 p.m., and it will end at 5 pm. If your student is in ELO-P, we will work with the teacher for them to attend. White Tigerettes will cheer the first and second quarter of the varsity game on Friday, September 19 at Orange Glen High School. We look forward to seeing you at our Fall Clinic! Sign up at this link, or check out this flier
for more information.
Girls Flag Football Clinic: Looking for a fun way to keep your daughter active on the Columbus Day school holiday? Does she want to learn about the new CIF sport of flag football? The Escondido Charter Flag Football program is hosting a fundraising clinic on Monday, October 13. This is a great chance for girls to learn the basics of the game, improve their skills, and have fun with their friends. We're offering a clinic for girls in grades 2 through 8. There are two options for the day: (1) Half-Day Clinic: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or (2) Full-Day Clinic: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Be sure to register your daughter by September 29 to ensure she gets a camp shirt! For more details and to sign up, check out the flag football clinic flier, and please fill out the Google Form.
Walk-off Authorization Forms: If your child will be walking home after school, a Walk-off Authorization Form will need to be completed and kept on file in the front office. All authorization forms must be approved by the Principal before students will be permitted to walk off campus, so please submit this form to the front office as soon as possible.
After-School Programs: Both the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club of Escondido are offering after-school programs this year for a limited number of Heritage Elementary students.
Once again, the YMCA Character Builders
program will be offered on the Heritage Elementary campus before and after school. Parents check out the flyers in English
or Spanish
to register. Parents may reach out to their Youth Development Coordinator, Stephanie Kohler <skohler@ymcasd.org> for space in the program and more information about YMCA Character Builders.
There is still space available for our students in the after-school program offered at the Boys and Girls Club; students in this after-school program are bussed after school from our campus to their Escondido location on Woodard Avenue. Parents and guardians interested in the Boys and Girls Club program are requested to call (760) 746-3315 for more information.
Medications on Campus: If your student needs to take medication (prescription or over-the-counter) during school hours, you must submit a completed Medication Authorization Form for the 2025-2026 school year; the forms from the last school year are no longer valid. This medication form must be filled out by your healthcare provider, and a parent signature is required. Medication must be in its original container. All medications will be stored in the nurse’s office. Please contact Mrs. Janelle Garcia at nurse@amhcs.org if you have any questions.
Wooden Wins! Pyramid of Success
Virtue of the Month: Alertness
As we begin a new month, our school-wide character focus shifts to Alertness, a key block in Coach John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success. Alertness is about being attentive, aware, and ready to respond thoughtfully in each moment. It helps students make wise choices, manage emotions, and approach learning with focus and purpose.
In the classroom, alertness shows up in habits like attentive listening, respectful participation, and focused effort. These qualities set the stage for both academic success and personal growth. In classical education, this connects directly to the principle of “attending”—the idea that real understanding begins with the discipline of paying attention. By cultivating alertness, students open themselves to new ideas and deepen their capacity for true learning.
Practicing Alertness at School and Home
This month, we encourage families and students to nurture alertness through small but meaningful daily habits:
Be ready to learn: Arrive on time, with materials prepared, and begin each day calmly and focused.
Notice the details: During class, show alertness by asking thoughtful questions and staying engaged in discussions.
Listen actively: At home, practice listening without distractions—make eye contact, stay focused, and reflect back what you heard.
Family Activities to Build Alertness
Tech-free walk: Leave screens behind and notice the sights, sounds, and details around you.
Play “I Spy”: Build observation skills and attention to detail through this simple game.
Active listening practice: When someone shares, pause, listen carefully, then summarize what you heard to confirm understanding.
Read Aloud: Read or listen to stories like Buckle Up or What if Everybody Did That?, and talk about the importance of staying alert and being considerate of those around you as you navigate life's journey.
"Alertness is observing and continuously absorbing."
Coach John Wooden
Here are some affirmations for ALERTNESS and memory-work we can focus on this month:
I am alert.
I am aware of my surroundings and am quick to notice and act.
I give my full attention to everything I do.
Campus Culture:
Homework Stars: Congratulations to this week's Homework Stars: Ava in Mrs. Conti's class, Cooper in Mrs. Greiner's class, Leo in Mrs. Drum's class, Leandra in Miss Goodman's class, Mila in Mrs. Folden's class, and Alexis in Mr. Greiner's class. These students have consistently completed all of their homework! Keep up the good work, White Tigers!
Little Free Library: Our campus Little Free Library, available exclusively to Heritage staff, students, and families, is in need of books! It’s time to recycle those books your students have outgrown or finished over the summer. Books for grades TK through 6th grade can be placed directly in our Library box, or larger donations can be dropped off in the front office. The way it works is simple. If you see something you would like to read, take it! When you're finished, share it with a friend, bring it back here, or leave it in another Little Free Library. It's up to everyone to keep this Library full of good reads! Bring books to share when you can, and continue being a friend of Little Free Libraries everywhere. Visit littlefreelibrary.org for more information or to learn how to start your own book-exchange box in your neighborhood. You can also download the Little Free Library app for your phone and use the map to find other boxes in our community.
Lost and Found: Missing a sweater, jacket, water bottle, or lunch box? Please check our lost and found (located just under the stairwell outside of the main office) before or after school. Please take the time to label all of your child’s belongings, as it makes it easier to return the items to the correct owner. Thank you!
Calling on Volunteers!: There are so many ways parents, grandparents, and family members can get involved to support our students and the school. For instance, we would love to have volunteers to participate during school BBQs and events, lead student reading groups during the school day, help supervise during recess or lunch, copy papers or assemble packets for teachers, and so much more. Interested in being a contributing member of our school community? Please contact the main office at (760) 737-3111.
Mark your calendars!
Thursday, September 11: Red, White, and Blue *Spirit Day* & Patriot Day Assembly
Wednesday, September 17: Consortio Parent Meeting, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Friday, September 19:
End of First Grading Period
Academic Awards (Grades 5-6) *Note the date change*
Monday, September 22: Minimum Day (12:00 p.m. Dismissal)
Monday-Friday, September 29 - October 3: 6th-Grade Camp!
Our mission is to develop the hearts and minds of students with a rigorous core curriculum, with a perspective that cherishes timeless virtues and the American spirit.
