Our mission is to develop the hearts and minds of our students through a rigorous core curriculum with a perspective that cherishes timeless virtues and the American Spirit.
Well done falling right back into the routine last week! We have a little less than eight weeks left, so please encourage your students to keep their eyes on the prize (whatever that is). This week we will be holding a Saturday School. Reach out to your student's teacher if you want them to attend.
Couple of words of encouragement and reminders:
This week is opening week for the musical theater production of Footloose. We want to wish all of our students and families participating in the show good luck! If you would like to go, please find more details at the bottom of this message.
Students should wear their uniform polo shirts every day except for Friday, when students may choose to wear Spirit Wear tee shirts. Outerwear must be navy, maroon, or white with logos being a maximum of 2X2.
Finally, I strongly encourage you as parents to talk to your students regarding the use of phones and screen time. The conversation could be about the amount of time your student is on their devices, but consider asking and talking about what your students are watching and listening to, as well as, how they are using these devices. You are your student's "influencer." Don't let a stranger online be that person.
Thank you and we look forward to another great week!
Go White Tigers!
Sincerely,
Jason Gaylord
Action Items
Uniform Donations Needed
If you happen to do any spring-cleaning in the coming weeks, please remember that our campus is happy to accept uniform items that your student has outgrown. As long as items are clean and free of holes or stains, we would love to take them off your hands. We have a donation cupboard that is regularly used by students who are out-of-dress code, with clothing mishaps, or for those who just need extra uniform pieces. Items can be dropped off at the front office whenever convenient and your donation will be put to good use.
NEW Attendance Email Address
We have launched a new means for parents to communicate student absences. If it is more convenient, please feel free to email us at hjhsattendance@amhcs.org to communicate absences from school. This email may also be used to share dates of extended absences requiring independent study. If you prefer a phone call, we are happy to speak with you at 760-297-5599. We have a voice mail system that will record your message after business hours. We appreciate your continued support in managing attendance at HJHS.
Order Your Student's Yearbook Before It's Too Late
For the past four years, we have sold out of yearbooks before the last day of school, so get yours while they are still available. You can order your student's 2025/2026 yearbook by clicking HERE.
Announcements
8th Grade Catalina Field Trip (for Current 7th Grade Students)
Rising 8th grade students have the opportunity to attend an exciting and educational overnight field trip to Catalina Island on September 7–9, 2026. The all-inclusive cost for this year’s trip is $415/person. Parents are welcome to pay in full when making the initial deposit, however, we have also established a payment plan as follows:
Friday, May 8, 2026: Initial Deposit of $215 Due
Friday, June 12, 2026: First Installment Payment of $100 Due
Friday, July 17, 2026: Final Installment Payment of $100 Due
Click HERE
for the link to reserve your student’s spot and make an initial deposit for the 2026 Catalina field trip. If your student needs a prescription medication or an over-the-counter product that is not provided by the camp, please click HERE
for the Medication Authorization and Plan. The form must be completed by a physician and returned to the front office no later than September 1st.
If you are in need of financial support, please contact our front office at 760-297-5599, so that we may work with you. The front office team is happy to help with general field trip questions as well, so please reach out.
Informational Meeting for Upcoming European Trip
Join Mrs. Scaramuzza from ECHS on a trip to France, the Alps, and Germany in the summer of 2028! If you are interested in learning more, please find the meeting information and RSVP HERE. The VIRTUAL meeting is on Wednesday, April 15, at 6:00 p.m. This trip is open to students and families.
AHCS Musical Theater Presents Footloose
Get out your favorite sweat band because Footloose is coming to ECHS! Footloose, set in the '80s, tells the story of Ren, who sets out to prove that "Dancing is Not a Crime" along with the unavoidable adjustment of moving from Chicago to a small farming town (with no cell phones). When we hope "Somebody's Eyes" are watching, we hope they're yours! Footloose tickets
go on sale on March 14th, with shows at the American Spirit Theater on the Escondido Charter High School campus from April 16–19. The cast list is HERE. Ticket cost is $13.
Showtimes and Pre-Show Activities:
Thursday, April 16
5:00 p.m. (Bomont Cast): For this show, all students will be able to buy tickets at the door, $5 cash/Google/Apple Pay, first come, first served while supplies last. Pre-show activity: costume contest!
7:00 p.m. (Bomont Cast): Pre-show activity: learn the Footloose dance with a cast member!
Sunday, April 19
2:00 p.m. (Bomont Cast)
7:00 p.m. (Chicago Cast): Pre-show activity: learn the Footloose dance with a cast member!
Palomar Fashion Program
Palomar College Fashion program is very proud of our annual MODA Fashion Show event, which features not only the amazing work of our graduating designers, but also the work of collaborating high school and community members. Currently, we have a few amazing opportunities:
We are opening a modeling class starting April 20th, that will take students on a journey through the world of modeling, designed to build confidence, enhance self-love, and master the art of runway walking and posing for photo-shoots. Please see the flyer attached. All genders welcome, aged 14 and up.
Modeling Auditions are on April 13,14, and 15 for the upcoming MODA 2026 Fashion Show. Please see the attached flyer HERE. All genders and sizes are welcome (women size 16 and + needed).
2026-2027 AHCS Calendars
Parents and guardians, the 2026–2027 Calendars
are here. Please feel free to download and/or print this calendar, so that you are in the know about what is coming up next year. Things are moving quickly. What better way to get and be prepared? Go White Tigers!!!
Wooden Wins
Each month we will be focusing on a virtue to develop the hearts and minds of our students. April's virtue is Confidence, which means respecting without fear. It may come from being prepared and keeping all things in proper perspective. Here is a link to the poster. We will recognize our Confidence award recipients at our Wooden Wins Assembly on April 24, 2026, at the EVCC.
Breakfast & Lunch Meal Program
Heritage Junior is now offering free breakfast and free lunch for ALL students. Breakfast
is available from 7:35–8:00 a.m. each morning and must be picked up BEFORE school. Students may eat their breakfast before class begins or during the morning nutrition break, but eating is not allowed in the classrooms.
Every student may receive a complete, nutritious breakfast and a complete lunch at absolutely no charge. There is no need to sign up, complete any forms or submit income applications; every student is automatically eligible. Finally, we will provide balanced, delicious meals that meet all federal and state nutrition guidelines. A menu will be shared in advance for families to consider for the upcoming week. April's menu is included below.
If your student has any dietary restrictions or allergies, please use the following forms to communicate your child's needs. Please note that it may take up to two weeks to accommodate your request.
Medical Statement Form: This form is for any meal accommodation requests (allergies, intolerance, other medical needs) and it must be signed by a medical professional. The exception to needing a medical professional's signature would be for any religious preferences, such as no pork or no meat.
Fluid Milk Substitution Form: This form can be filled out and signed by the parent or guardian. This form is for when Lactaid milk, soy milk, or oak milk is required or preferred by a student.
We look forward to serving our students healthy and delicious meals each day and welcome you to contact the front office at 760-294-5599 with any questions.
Reminders
School Hours
Monday: 8:05 a.m. to 2:10 p.m.
Tuesday-Friday: 8:05 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.
Tutorial is offered Tuesday through Friday 3:10-3:50 p.m.
Attendance Reminder
If a student is absent or will be late for school, please contact the front office at 760-294-5599. We have an answering machine, so calls made before or after school hours will be recorded. For the safety of our students, it is important that all students are accounted for by 8:30 a.m. each morning. For absences due to illness, students must be fever free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school. Thank you for your support and assistance.
Punctuality Reminder
We need all of our parents’ support to ensure students arrive at school no later than 7:55 a.m. Students are able to arrive at school as early as 7:35 a.m. The expectation is for all students to be unpacked, seated, and ready to learn when the bell rings at 8:05 a.m. Being on time (or early!) is a sign of respect. Thanks for your support!
Drop-off and Pick-up
Enter at the southwest corner of the parking lot, drive straight to the East Valley Community Center, make a left and drive to the front of HJHS for drop-off/pick-up. See the traffic map here. Please be patient as the first few weeks are very busy.
Parents, please make sure that you are following our traffic pattern for drop-off and pick-up. Most of our families do a great job helping us by following the rules of the road in our drop-off and pick-up areas. Please note that these rules and regulations are in place to keep you, your students, and staff safe. Additionally, these guidelines are in place to keep our neighbors safe and able to use the roadways as designed. Please support us by following the rules and the law. We really appreciate your help!
Dress Code
All students are expected to wear uniforms. Please refer to the Heritage Junior High School Dress Code here for more details. Students may wear American Heritage Charter Schools (AHCS) spirit-wear every Friday. Please feel free to use this link to purchase uniform tops throughout the 2025–26 school year.
Tutorial
On August 26, 2025, HJHS started holding tutorials. Tutorial will be regularly held Tuesday through Friday after school from 3:10-3:50 p.m. Please use this linkfor reference. Students staying for tutorial, must remain on campus. They may not leave and come back to campus. If you would like to know if your student attended, please contact the front desk. We have students sign in every day for tutorial. If you need your student to leave early, then you must sign them out in the front office like a regular school day. Please note that tutorial is a privilege and students attending must be prepared to work on homework or ask for help. Tutorial will not run on modified or minimum days. Please feel encouraged to contact your student's teacher if you would like them to address specific needs.
Mark your calendars!
April 18: Saturday School
April 16–19: Footloose Musical Theater Production at ECHS
April 24: Wooden Wins Assembly / ECHS Cheer Tryouts
April 28–May 8: State Testing
May 1: 8th Grade Knott's Berry Farm Field Trip
May 22–May 27: Spring Final Exams and Minimum Day (12:15 p.m. Dismissal)
May 25: Memorial Day (No School)
May 28: Last Day of School / Wooden Wins & Awards Assembly / Promotion / Minimum Day (12:15 p.m. Dismissal)
We appreciate you taking the time to read this important message. We want to encourage you to check for this email weekly and call the front office if you have any additional questions.
