What a meaningful week we shared at Heritage Elementary! Our Patriot Day assembly was a powerful reminder of the values that unite us as a community and a nation. Students dressed in red, white, and blue, honored the lives lost on September 11, and heard Battalion Chief Abraham of the Escondido Fire Department encourage them to notice the everyday heroes in their lives. A visit from a local fire crew, complete with a fire engine and ambulance, made the day unforgettable.
This year’s observance felt especially significant as our country prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Just as our founders showed courage and vigilance in securing freedom, we want our students to practice the same virtues. Our September focus from the Pyramid of Success is alertness. Being attentive in class, noticing when others need help, and giving their best effort are small habits we hope to instill in our students.
Students in fifth and sixth grades also had the privilege of hearing from the U.S. Army Reserve on Friday, including veterans, an enlisted Escondido Charter graduate, and a Brigadier General who spoke about service and dedication.
This coming Friday, September 19, marks the end of the First Grading Period and an opportunity to celebrate student achievement at our Academic Awards assembly. Parents of students in grades 4–6, please check the Grades Portal to review progress. And don’t forget to mark your calendars for Parent/Teacher Conferences, October 20–24.
As we settle into a steady rhythm after a busy start to the year, I encourage you to stay engaged by asking thoughtful questions, looking over your child’s work, and keeping the conversation going at home. Together, we can help our students grow in both character and achievement. Go White Tigers!
Yours in learning,
Marc Gilbertson
Important Announcements:
Consortio Monthly Parent Meetings STARTING THIS WEEK: 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 this Wednesday, September 17 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.
End of the Grading Period on Friday: The end of the first grading period for our fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students is this Friday. We encourage all parents to check the Grades Portal
to stay up-to-date on their child’s academic progress, and please consult the syllabus for your child’s class for information about missing/late assignments. 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 Assembly: We look forward to celebrating the academic accomplishments from the spring semester for our fifth and sixth grade students this Friday, September 19. Parents of students receiving an award have been notified and are encouraged to attend the assembly at 8:30 a.m. for current 5th graders and 10:45 a.m. for current 6th graders.
Soccer After-School Program: 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. Even though the first session started last week, parents may still register their children through the month of September. Check out the soccer flier
for more information and how to register.
School Portrait Orders Due: We hope you are pleased with the picture proofs that came home with your student last week. For those interested in purchasing photos, please visit the Gerardy website, and use the ordering information found on your child’s picture proofs. Wednesday, September 17 is the ordering deadline.
Upcoming Minimum Day (12:00 p.m.): Mark your calendars for Monday, September 22, our first minimum day, with 12:00 noon student dismissal for staff training.
BONUS Free Dress Day: We started off this school year with an incredible Wooden Wins character assembly. During that assembly, Ms. Harrison, parent extraordinaire, won a competition that earned the entire school an extra free dress day! We are excited to announce that students can wear FREE DRESS on Friday, September 26.
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.
Here are some ways our students have talked about ALERTNESS at school:
Mrs. Trecha's first grade class has practiced being ALERT detectives on the lookout for ways to help others, to do their best in school, and to make the world a better place.
Mrs. Velasco's third grade class read Officer Buckle and Gloria and discussed the importance of staying ALERT to stay safe!
During our Patriot Day activities, students and teachers talked about the ALERTNESS of the first responders and heroes who sprang to action to help those in need.
Mrs. Scarpello's second graders talked about being "Super Alert Superheroes" and wrote about ways ALERTNESS can be practiced at home and at school.
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 on 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: Hudson in Ms. Luis's class, Alberto in Mrs. Martineau's class, Cory in Mrs. Scarpello's class, Presley in Mrs. Seavello's class, Iker in Miss Hoffman's class, Trina in Mrs. Lemus's class, and Isis Sahaila in Ms. Hellinger'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!
Wednesday, September 17: Consortio Parent Meeting, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Friday, September 19:
End of First Grading Period
Academic Awards (Grades 5 and 6)
Monday, September 22: Minimum Day (12:00 p.m. Dismissal)
Friday, September 26: Bonus Free Dress Day
Monday-Friday, September 29-October 3: 6th Grade Camp!
Monday, October 13: Columbus Day (school closed)
Monday, October 20: Non-Student Day for Parent Conferences
Tuesday-Friday, October 21-24: Modified Days at 2:00 p.m. Dismissal for Parent Conferences
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.
