HERITAGE ACADEMY
HAPPENINGS
Greetings from Heritage Academy !
On behalf of the entire faculty , I happily inform you that it has been a great start to our new year . Not even a hurricane could impede progress toward meeting learning goals for our students this important first quarter . We know of untold other lessons in weather / meteorology that students learned first-hand as we contend with Florence . Most importantly , the top lessons of this week include keeping oneself safe in times of weather emergencies and helping others in need . Bravo to all .
We are indeed proud of our students ’ school and passion area achievements and effort . Settling into a new school , lifestyle , academic program , and social group comes with challenges , but our students have embraced each area of life with honesty , caring , resilience , and positivity . Smiles and engaged laughter infuse our hallways and classes ; hands-on learning opportunities abound ; and new relationships are blooming . Our dedicated teachers , residential instructors , house parents , partners , and coaches have assisted students with transitioning into their new school , residential life , and training regimens .
We hope you are using student information portal , Powerschool , as a tool to stay informed and active in your child ’ s learning at Heritage Academy . We will continue to improve upon the system to ensure your experience aligns with your expectations . Please contact our Assistant Head of School , Dean Costakis , to report problems and to provide feedback . You will receive a survey this semester asking for feedback regarding Powerschool and many other aspects of the school . The more student and parent participation in the survey , the better we can make this wonderful school and the better we can meet your needs .
The school ’ s electronic bulletin board – Ricardo – showcases events , public announcements , and our students in action . You will receive emails throughout the year sharing with you what is broadcast on Ricardo . Many special and notable accomplishments have been celebrated already on our newsmakers board . As our students ’ tournament competition , service , and academic lives gain momentum , Ricardo and the other bulletin boards around campus will overflow with public recognition and accomplishments .
Our successful synchronous instruction learning option , Synchronous Education @ Heritage Academy , continues to grow . We have talented students joining our classes in real time from Mexico and Florida this semester . Through technology advances , classes use “ Lifesize ” videoconferencing to seamlessly integrate our remote students with their teachers and classmates on the Hilton Head campus . This technology can serve all students who must be away from school for emergency reasons . They dial into the class on their computers and receive instruction . Just another way we prioritize learning opportunity .
A hallmark of Heritage is that students mastering course objectives are also broadening their knowledge about their classmates . Classes are filled with students from 22 countries this year , and all students are actively learning about their subjects and about their peers . Midway through Quarter I , it is a joy to witness students make new friends , take responsibility for their daily academic and interpersonal decisions , and live this year ’ s theme : “ Learning Changes Everything .” Students are stepping forward to organize and take responsibility for their academic lives as well as social and service events . Student leadership at school is at an alltime high . We have remarkable students !
School events are underway to provide students with leadership and service opportunities . To date , the Service Club , the Senior Class , and National Honor Society members have begun volunteering and fundraising for service projects and social events . Campus is alive with advocacy meetings , buzz about upcoming school pictures , college fairs and visiting reps , and other interests . Students enjoy Spirit Day / Pizza Day the last Wednesday of each month , and they already participated in the first Student of the Month assembly . This assembly recognizes facultynominated and selected students at the senior and undergraduate level who consistently display of one of the school ’ s honor code traits .
Sincerely , Gloria Shoemaker Heritage Academy Head of School
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