This past week was action-packed at Heritage Elementary School! Between Mr. Dustin’s 6th-Grade Camp Presentation, School Picture Day, the Welcome Back BBQ, and Class Color Spirit Day, there was plenty of excitement on campus. A special thank-you goes out to the many parent volunteers who helped serve lunch to nearly 650 students at the BBQ. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Friday was especially memorable. Our campus was filled with bright colors for Spirit Day, and we held our first “Wooden Wins!” assembly to celebrate the August virtue of self-control. After Mrs. Cook and I shared reflections on the virtue, students and teachers joined in corny jokes, fun chants, and friendly challenges. We recognized students from every class who modeled self-control during the opening weeks of school—many of them new to Heritage. Their ability to manage emotions and follow routines set a wonderful example for others.
As we move into September, our virtue focus shifts to alertness. This trait is central to classical learning, where attentive observation and careful listening are the foundation for growth in every subject. Throughout the month, we’ll be celebrating students who demonstrate that they are alert and ready to learn.
Looking ahead, our biggest event this week is Back-to-School Night on Thursday, September 4, at 6:30 p.m. We hope every parent can join us to see firsthand the great work happening in classrooms and meet the teachers guiding their children’s learning. More details are included in the notes below.
From all of us at Heritage, we wish you a restful Labor Day weekend. We look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday for another great week of learning. Go White Tigers!
Yours in learning,
Marc Gilbertson
Important Announcements:
Labor Day Holiday: There is no school this coming Monday, September 1. We hope you enjoy your three-day weekend, and we look forward to seeing you on Tuesday!
School Picture Day MAKE-UPS: Students who were absent for Picture Day last week will have one last opportunity to take their school photo at school this Tuesday, September 2. Please note this is NOT a free dress day, and students will be expected to attend school in school uniforms.
Back-to-School Night: We look forward to welcoming all parents of students in kindergarten through 6th grade to our Back-to-School Night on Thursday, September 4. Please join us on the turf at 6:30 p.m. before visiting your child’s classroom. Check out the email sent home on Thursday, August 21 for more detailed information. Parking will be limited on Heritage Elementary campus, so we are encouraging parents to use Lots 1 and 2 of Palomar College’s Escondido Center, located at the corner of Midway Drive and East Valley Parkway.
Soccer After-School Program STARTING SOON: 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 September 10. Check out the soccer flier
for more information and how to register.
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, September 11. Students are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue (or their school uniforms).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Grade Portal Access for Parents (Grades 4-6): ParentVUE is a wonderful tool for parents to monitor their child's education. If you already have an account, you do not need to do anything at this time. If you are new to any of our schools, please use the link below to create your account. As a parent, you will be able to register for ParentVUE and access your child(ren)'s information through the parent portal. Please click this link
to begin the activation of your account. For more detailed step-by-step information, you may access a support document here.
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.
YMCA Adventure Clubs: This enriching program offers a unique outdoor bonding opportunity for girls and their dads. Multiple Heritage families participate in this program, and they'd like to share it with you! Meet new friends, learn valuable life skills, and have a great time in a safe, wholesome environment with weekend camping experiences at some of the most amazing southern California outdoor destinations. Clubs are also available for dads & sons, moms & daughters, and moms & sons. Please check out the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA website
for more information, and for details on the upcoming Adventure Clubs Opening Day, a free family fun event on Saturday, August 16. YMCA membership is not required.
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: Briza in Mrs. Colwell's class, Katya in Ms. Garduno's class, Ezekiah in Ms. Abed's class, Mia in Miss LePere's class, Aleena in Mrs. Andrews's class, Mayte in Ms. Chmara's class, and Angela in Miss Everett'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.
Thank you, Parent Volunteers, for the BBQ! The students and staff enjoyed the annual Back-to-School BBQ. It was wonderful seeing everyone enjoy the food and fellowship together. What a great way to start our semester! Big thanks to all the parents who volunteered to help out. We couldn’t have done it without 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!
Monday, September 1: Labor Day (No School)
Thursday, September 4: Back to School Night, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 11: Red, White, and Blue *Spirit Day* & Patriot Day Assembly
Friday, September 12: Academic Awards (Grades 5-6)
Wednesday, September 17: Consortio Parent Meeting, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Friday, September 19: End of First Grading Period
Monday, September 22: Minimum Day (12:00 p.m. Dismissal)
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.
