With the official start of fall and the second grading period, it's a great time to reflect on how our students are growing. Over the last two months, we've focused on two key traits from John Wooden's Pyramid of Success: self-control and alertness. These are the habits that help students persevere through challenges and stay attentive to new opportunities and discoveries, whether it's in the classroom, on the field, or in the arts.
We've seen these traits shine throughout the entire campus. Out on the turf, our 4th through 6th graders learned bocce ball with Mrs. Hoggatt, practicing teamwork and strategy. Inside classrooms, teachers showcased their students' creativity and effort through beautiful class displays. We also saw discipline and imagination at work in our art and music programs, a consistent reminder that academics, arts, and athletics should all work together to form the whole child.
A major highlight was the Fall Cheer Clinic, where our younger students trained with ECHS cheerleaders and then performed with them at a varsity football game. Their enthusiasm and hard work brought our school spirit to life!
We also took time to celebrate our 5th and 6th-graders at our Academic Awards Assemblies. Our 6th graders sang a beautiful rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner," which they have been practicing in their music class with Mrs. Brumfield. These lively assemblies, complete with student motivators, spirited chants, corny jokes, and raffle prizes, are a great way to celebrate our students' achievements alongside their proud families.
As we settle into a steady rhythm, I encourage you to stay engaged. Parents of students in grades 4–6 can check the Grades Portal this week for updated progress. Just as importantly, take time to talk with your child about how they’ve worked through challenges. Your encouragement at home powerfully reinforces the values we are cultivating together at school.
Thank you for being our partners in nurturing creative, resilient, and virtuous students. Please see the important notes below for additional information.
Yours in learning,
Marc Gilbertson
Important Announcements:
Upcoming Minimum Day (12:00 p.m.): Mark your calendars for THIS MONDAY, September 22, our first minimum day, with 12:00 noon student dismissal for staff training.
Parent Meeting on Classical Learning: Parents of students in grades 4–6 are invited to a special evening with William Perales from the University of Dallas at 6:30 p.m. this Monday, September 22, at the Escondido Charter High School Theater. This important meeting will explore how you can partner with us in your child’s educational journey through the classical model, deepening understanding, strengthening habits, and enriching the learning experience at home and at school.
End of the Grading Period:The first grading period ended on Friday for the students in grades 4-6. 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.
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. Dress for success and check out the Free Dress guidelines.
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 sessions have started, parents may still register their children through the month of September. Check out the soccer flier
for more information and how to register.
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.
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.
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.
Wooden Wins! Pyramid of Success
Virtue of the Month: Alertness
Throughout the month of September, we continue to focus on 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:
Students in all grades have been practicing alertness as they engage in classroom picture studies and practice analyzing art and discussing their wonderings.
Many of our third graders practiced alertness by drawing maps of their home fire escape routes to ensure that they are prepared in the case of an emergency.
Mrs. Martineau's students have been working on earning "Oceans of Focus"—class rewards centered around staying alert in the classroom.
Mrs. Drum's class developed a classroom alertness checklist: eyes on the speaker + ears listening + brains thinking + supplies ready = READY TO LEARN!
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.
"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: Ave in Ms. Singleterry's class, Evelyn in Mrs. Trecha's class, Gracie in Miss Ybarra's class, Louie in Mrs. Velasco's class, Julianne in Mrs. Miller's class, Blake in Ms. Neptune's class, Elaina in Mrs. Lau's class, and Nathalia in Mr. Reinking's class. These students have consistently completed all of their homework! Keep up the good work, White Tigers!
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!
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.
