I hope this message finds you well as we navigate another exciting week at our school. Our 8th grade students returned from a memorable 2-night, 3-day field trip to Catalina Island Marine Institute, creating cherished memories and valuable learning experiences. It's always a pleasure to see our students engaged in such enriching activities. I would like to extend a special thank you to our parent chaperones, Matt Pound, Ian Osterberg, Trent Oney, JP Charfauros, and Scott Harlan, and staff chaperones, Johnny Class, Jody Miller, and Sandy Nichols, for their diligent care of our students at Catalina Island Marine Institute.
This week, we will be remembering Patriot Day with our annual Patriot Day Assembly and Red, White, and Blue Spirit Day on Thursday, September 11, and Friday, September 12. We will come together as a school community to honor Patriot Day, a day of remembrance and unity. Students are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue (all three colors!) to show their patriotic spirit. Please have your student(s) follow the Guidelines for Free Dress Days.
Thank you for your ongoing support, and I look forward to another successful week ahead!
Sincerely,
Sandi Knapp Principal
New & Time Sensitive Information
PICTURE ORDERS: All picture orders must be submitted online or turned in to the front office by September 10, 2025, to avoid additional fees.
ATTENTION ALL K-5 PARENTS AND STUDENTS! Come join us as we put our Classical Learning skills into action at Consortio Learning Together. Our kindergarten through fifth grade parents and students are invited to join us on Monday, September 15, at 8:30 a.m. in the HFA courtyard. As parents and students, we will work together using our key questions to guide students through narration to create beautiful history notebooks. Bring your history notebooks, pencil, crayons, and colored pencils. Siblings are welcome. It’s going to be a fun morning, and we don't want you to miss this opportunity to practice our homeschool habits together and connect with each other!
CONSORTIO PARENT MEETINGS: 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 17, at 8:30 AM in the 1845/TK Building, as we dive into the topic: “How to Ask Questions That Lead to Beautiful Conversations.” 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
JUNIOR HIGH FALL SPORTS: The fall sports season is here! Tryouts for Girls Volleyball, Boys Flag Football, and Co-Ed Cross Country will be held on Monday, September 8, from 2:30–4:00pm and Tuesday, September 9, from 3:30–5:00pm. Tryouts for Flag Football and Cross Country will take place at the HJHS Softball Field, and Volleyball tryouts will be held on the HJHS Blacktop. All HJHS and HFA 7th and 8th grade students are welcome to try out, provided they maintain a 2.0 GPA, have no Fs, and are in good standing with administration (no detentions or Saturday schools). Once teams are formed, practices will be held on Mondays, with games and competitions taking place mainly on Thursdays and Fridays. The season will run from September through the first week of November—come ready to compete, grow, and represent your school with pride!
SISTER PROJECT EVENT: 8th Grade girls who are involved with the sister project. The 1st event of the year is on Friday, 9/12 @ 3:30 pm! Please go to the Student Union at ECHS. Bring a snack to share with the group and be prepared to meet your sister!
THIS WEEK AT HFA
Monday, September 8:
Power Hour, see teacher emails for exact times
7/8 Grade Tryouts for Girls Volleyball, Flag Football, and Co-Ed Cross Country @HJHS 2:30 pm- 4:00 pm
Tuesday, September 9:
7/8 Grade Tryouts for Girls Volleyball, Flag Football, and Co-Ed Cross Country @HJHS 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Wednesday, September 10:
Thursday, September 11:
Red, White, and Blue Spirit Day and Patriot Day Assembly
Friday, September 12:
Red, White, and Blue Spirit Day and Patriot Day Assembly
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.
"Too many know the last word about everything and the first word about nothing." -Coach John Wooden
Academic Advisors Connection
What an exciting start to the school year! We have heard from many families that some great Co-Ops are happening here at HFA. Whether it be science, history, or art, we would love to have a list of all the Co-ops that are forming in our HFA community. If you are part of a Co-op this school year, please email your academic advisor and let them know.
We had a wonderful meet-up at the Balboa Park Natural History Museum this past week! If you missed it, we highly recommend checking out the new exhibit, “Amazement in the Basement.” Consider visiting on another First Tuesday, when San Diego residents receive free admission.
Looking ahead—mark your calendars! Our next meet-up will be at Bates Nut Farm on October 20th. More details will be shared via email in the coming weeks.
A quick reminder: FastBridge Testing for all 2nd–8th grade students will take place on Friday, September 12, from 9:00–11:00 a.m. at the Flex Home Learning campus. If you haven’t RSVP’d yet, please do so as soon as possible so we know who to expect. RSVP HERE.
Lastly, the two weeks following testing will be conference weeks. I’m looking forward to connecting with each of you, reviewing your child’s great work, and supporting you however I can!
Our 8th Graders had a great time in Catalina learning all about the ocean with hands-on lessons.
Thank you to our amazing chaperones for spending three days with our 8th Graders!
Community Opportunities
Blue Path Field Trips (Grades K–3)
HFA Blue Path Parents: Annie White and Heidi Fikse are organizing a field trip email list for families this year. Please complete this FORM if you’d like more information.
Red Path Kindergarten Co-op
HFA Red Path Kindergarten Parent Hannah Santos is organizing a kindergarten co-op. If you would like more information, please contact Hannah at 1hannahsantos@gmail.com.
