What a lively week we’ve had at Heritage! Our school was filled with energy and school spirit as students and staff showed off their creativity with crazy hats, wild hair, and silly socks.
That lively spirit carried right into our character assemblies, where we gathered to honor students who best exemplified the traits of sincerity and adaptability over the past two months. Seeing these young White Tigers recognized for their good character was a highlight for our school community. The morning assembly was further brightened by our first-graders, who delivered a heartwarming performance of “Make New Friends.” Between spirited team competitions, uplifting school-wide affirmations, and cheering on teachers, Mrs. Cook and I were so proud to see our community come together. We encourage all of our students to keep demonstrating these core character traits each and every day.
Our third-graders also took their learning far beyond the classroom walls this week during their second visit to STEAM at Smith Ranch. They rolled up their sleeves to plant lettuce seedlings, create leaf imprints, sample delicious spaghetti squash, and pick out pumpkins from the patch. The mild autumn weather provided the perfect setting for hands-on outdoor discovery, and we are deeply grateful for local community partnerships that bring learning to life in such memorable ways.
As we turn the calendar to November—and adjust to the "fall-back" time change—we are shifting our school-wide focus to our virtue of the month: Honesty.
At Heritage, we believe honesty is the bedrock of strong character and a healthy community. More than just telling the truth, honesty is about living with integrity, taking ownership of our actions, and being authentic with ourselves and others. When children practice honesty, they learn that making mistakes is a natural part of learning and that taking accountability builds trust and self-respect.
Throughout November, alongside a focus on gratitude, we will be guiding students to practice honesty in their schoolwork, on the playground, and in their friendships. You can help reinforce this virtue at home by having open conversations about truthfulness, praising your child when they show the courage to be honest, and discussing how honesty creates strong bonds within families and communities.
Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's education. We encourage you to stay engaged this month by asking thoughtful questions about their school day, celebrating their focused efforts, and nurturing their curiosity.
Please take a few minutes to review the important notes, dates, and announcements below. Go White Tigers!
Yours in learning,
Marc Gilbertson
Important Announcements:
Save the Date! Open House and Holiday Gift Fair: We are looking forward to our upcoming fall event–the annual Holiday Gift Fair, Open House, and Book Fair on Thursday, November 19. We hope each family will join us for a night that is sure to be a memorable one. There will be opportunities to visit classrooms, purchase gifts from vendors, explore our book fair, bid on silent auction baskets, enjoy food from a variety of vendors, and participate in fun activities. We can't wait to see you there!
Calling All 6th Graders Interested in Choir: Heritage Junior High School is excited to open its new after-school choir program to current 6th graders. Directed by music teacher Mr. Beck, students will collaborate and perform alongside older junior high choir members. Click here to view the flier
for more information or to sign up.
Before and After-School Program: The YMCA Character Builders
program is 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, Morgan Earle <mearle@ymcasd.org>, for space in the program and more information about YMCA Character Builders.
Fall Book Fair Presented by Scholastic: Mark your calendars for November 13-20 when the Scholastic Book Fair returns to Heritage Elementary School! To create an e-wallet, preview books, and more, visit our book fair site.
Silent Auction Basket Donations: We are excited to host a silent auction at this year’s Holiday Gift Fair, and we could use your help! We are looking for donations for our themed baskets. Check out this flierfor the grade level themes. If you are able to contribute any items, you can send them in with your child or bring the item(s) directly to the front office. Thank you in advance for your donations!
Holiday Gift Fair Turkey Trot: We are excited to host the annual Turkey Trot during this year's Holiday Gift Fair on Thursday, November 19. Purchase your Turkey Trot tickets
for chances to win a turkey, treats, and/or toys!
Wanted! Donated Baskets, Totes, and Containers: We need parents’ help in the month of October to collect items we can use to package the silent auction baskets for the Open House and Holiday Gift Fair. Please bring donated items to the front office or send them to school with your child.
AHCS Musical Theater presents Willy Wonka Jr.: Step into a world of pure imagination! Join us as American Heritage Charter School students of all ages showcase their incredible talents in this year’s sweet and sensational production of Willy Wonka Jr.! This show is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and ignite your sense of wonder. Grab your Golden Ticket and follow us into a magical factory packed with scrumptious songs, hilarious antics, and spectacular sights! Tickets are on sale now, with shows at the American Spirit Theater on the Escondido Charter High School campus from November 5-8. Be sure to lock in your seats early, as ticket prices will increase starting October 31. Check out the showtimes below and click here
to purchase your tickets—it’s a golden opportunity for fun you won’t want to miss!
SHOWTIMES
Thursday, November 5*
5:00 p.m. (GOLDEN TICKET CAST)
*Students $5 cash at the door while supplies last
Friday, November 6
7:00 p.m. (WONKA BAR CAST)
Saturday, November 7
2:00 p.m. (WONKA BAR CAST)
7:00 p.m. (GOLDEN TICKET CAST)
Sunday, November 8
2:00 p.m. (GOLDEN TICKET CAST)
7:00 p.m. (WONKA BAR CAST)
A Note Regarding School Lunches: To ensure our students have a focused and uninterrupted learning environment, we kindly ask parents to avoid dropping off lunches at the main office. While we know life gets busy, midday deliveries create significant logistical challenges. Due to high office volume, we cannot guarantee that dropped-off meals will reach students before their scheduled lunch period ends. To help your student have a smooth lunch break, please ensure your child arrives at school with a packed lunch in the morning or chooses a lunch provided by our school-lunch program. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our front office efficient and our classrooms free of distractions!
Free Breakfast and Lunch Program: Every Heritage Elementary student is eligible for a nutritious, no-cost breakfast
and lunch, with no application required. For questions regarding student allergies or dietary restrictions, please contact our main office at (760) 737-3111.
Please note that menus are subject to change, but this month's scheduled menu is listed below. For the most up-to-date menu, please visit the "Meal Menu" link, always available in the quick links above.
Walk-off Authorization Forms: If your child is 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.
Calling on Volunteers!: There are so many wonderful ways for parents, grandparents, and family members to support our students and school community this year. Whether you have 30 minutes or a few hours, we’d love to have you on board!
Library Support: If you love books, organization, and seeing kids fall in love with reading, Mrs. El-Hayek needs your help in the library! If interested, contact Mrs. El-Hayek at hk6library@amhcs.org.
Campus & Classroom Support: From working with students in classrooms to supervising lunch recess, there are endless ways to make a difference throughout the year. Reach out to the main office at (760) 737-3111.
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. This 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.
AMERICAN HERITAGE CHARTER SCHOOLS || 2027-2028 SCHOOL YEAR LOTTERY INFORMATION: Lotteries for the 2027-2028 school year will open on October 13, 2026 for all programs. Applications are not required for currently enrolled students, but new siblings must submit a lottery application.
Escondido Charter High School: Lottery applications for enrollment in the high school programs are available online athttps://amhcs.org/echs/echs-admissions/. The Escondido Charter High school lottery closes on January 15, 2027. Please contact the main office at 760-737-3154 if you have any questions.
Heritage Elementary School: Lottery applications are available online athttps://amhcs.org/heritage-elementary-school/hes-admissions/. The lottery closes on February 5, 2027. Please contact the Heritage Elementary office at 760-737-3111 if you have any questions.
Heritage Junior High School: Lottery applications are available online at https://amhcs.org/heritage-junior-high-school/hjhs-admissions/. The lottery closes on February 5, 2027. Please contact the Heritage Junior High office at 760-294-5599 if you have any questions.
Heritage Flex Academy: Lottery applications are available online athttps://amhcs.org/hfa/hfa-admissions/. The lottery closes on February 5, 2027. Please contact the Heritage Flex Academy office at 760-466-1166 if you have any questions.
Wooden Wins! Pyramid of Success
After navigating seasonal shifts and learning flexibility with adaptability throughout October, Heritage Elementary School moves into November focused on HONESTY. Honesty means being truthful, trustworthy, and fair in thought, word, and deed. Our Heritage community reflects honesty when we choose to speak the truth with kindness, keep our word, and act with integrity even when no one is watching. As Coach John Wooden emphasized, "Honesty in thought and action is a cardinal virtue in any society. Be true to yourself and true to others."
As November arrives—bringing cooler days, elevated expectations in the classroom, and a season of gratitude and thankfulness—honesty provides the essential foundation for genuine appreciation. When we are honest with ourselves and others, our gratitude becomes authentic rather than routine. Honesty ensures that our academic progress is earned through real effort, and that our thankfulness stems from a deep, truthful reflection on the blessings, mentors, and opportunities surrounding us.
In the classroom, honesty looks like:
Truthful Communication: Speaking with accuracy and kindness, avoiding exaggeration, and having the courage to tell the truth even when it is difficult.
Academic Integrity: Submitting work that represents one's own true effort, giving credit where it is due, and taking pride in genuine learning.
Self-Reflection with Gratitude: Honestly recognizing one's own strengths and growth areas while sincerely appreciating the guidance of teachers and the support of peers.
For our classical education approach, honesty is directly tied to the pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. True scholarship requires intellectual honesty and humility. Abraham Lincoln (16th President of the United States, affectionately known as "Honest Abe") famously embodied this virtue throughout his public and private life. In November 1863, President Lincoln also officially proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday, uniting the country in honest reflection and national gratitude. Lincoln famously stated: "I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have."
Ways Our Students Are Practicing Honesty
As we move through November with thankful hearts, our students are putting honesty into action through these specific habits:
Owning Actions Promptly: Choosing to tell the truth immediately when missteps occur, understanding that honesty repairs mistakes and builds lasting trust.
Expressing Honest Gratitude: Sharing sincere, specific thankfulness with classmates, teachers, and staff rather than offering empty or routine compliments.
Practicing Fair Play: Adhering strictly to game rules on the playground, playing fairly, and showing respect for game outcomes.
Honest Self-Assessment: Reviewing returned assignments with an open mind, acknowledging where mistakes were made, and seeking help with humility.
Practicing Honesty at School and Home
We encourage families to nurture this essential virtue at home through these small, meaningful habits:
Value Truth Over Perfection: Praise your child for telling the truth, especially when it takes courage, reassuring them that honesty is always more important than avoiding a consequence.
Combine Honesty with Gratitude: Encourage family members to share genuine, specific appreciation for one another, highlighting concrete helpful actions rather than surface praise.
Keep Your Word: Model integrity by following through on promises and commitments, showing children that an honest person's word can always be trusted.
Family Activities to Build Honesty
The "Honest Gratitude" Table: At dinner during November, invite family members to share one thing they are honestly grateful for about each person at the table, focusing on character traits rather than material things.
Abraham Lincoln Virtue Study: Read about Abraham Lincoln’s life (such as his famous habit of walking miles as a young clerk to return a few cents to a customer) and discuss how his honesty earned him enduring trust.
The Trust & Integrity Check-In: Have a family conversation about what trust feels like, how honesty builds it, and how hard work is required to repair trust once it is broken.
Read Together: Explore stories that highlight honesty, integrity, and genuine thankfulness. Recommended titles include: A Day's Work by Eve Bunting, The Boy Who Cried Wolf (Aesop's Fables), Sam, Bangs & Moonshine by Evaline Ness, and child-friendly biographies of Abraham Lincoln.
Affirmations for HONESTY and Memory Work for November:
I am honest.
I speak the truth with courage and kindness.
I am trustworthy in my thoughts, words, and actions.
I give honest effort and live with a thankful heart.
Campus Culture:
Homework Stars: Congratulations to this week's Homework Stars: Andrew in Mrs. Conti's class, Ave in Mrs. Greiner's class, Alberto in Mrs. Drum's class, Samuel in Mrs. Seavello's class, Arianna in Miss Goodman's class, Grace in Mrs. Lemus's class, and Uriel in Mr. Greiner's class. These students have consistently completed all of their homework! Keep up the good work, White Tigers!
Literacy Challenge: Congratulations to our September mystery word winners: Jacob in second grade, Lexi in fourth grade, and Logan in sixth grade; their names were selected in last month's drawing! Visit the bulletin board by the front playground to solve a mystery word related to ADAPTABILITY. Parents, be sure to ask your child about the clues, and encourage him or her to submit a guess!
Yearbook Purchase: You may purchase the 2026-2027 Heritage Elementary yearbook here
for $38. We will have a limited number of copies available this year, so be sure to reserve yours! Please contact us at (760) 737-3111 with any questions or concerns.
6th Grade Yearbook Dedications: Send your 6th grader into middle school with a warm and encouraging message for them on our dedications page in the yearbook. Dedications only cost $20 for 1/4 of a page in our Heritage Elementary yearbook. Spaces are limited, so visit the yearbook store
to get your order in before spaces run out.
Lost and Found: Missing a sweater, jacket, water bottle, or lunch box? Please check our lost and found (located just under the stairwell outside 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!
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.
Mark your calendars!
Thursday-Sunday, November 5-8: AHCS Musical Theater Presents Willy Wonka Jr.
Wednesday, November 11: No School (Veterans Day)
Friday, November 13, through Friday, November 20: Book Fair
Thursday, November 19:
Minimum Day (12:00 noon student dismissal and no ACE after school)
Open House/Holiday Gift Fair
Friday, November 20: Pajama Spirit Day
Monday-Friday, November 23-27: Thanksgiving Vacation
OUR MISSION IS TO FORM THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF OUR COMMUNITY, THROUGH A RICH CORE CURRICULUM, WITH A PERSPECTIVE THAT CHERISHES TIMELESS VIRTUE AND THE AMERICAN SPIRIT.
