Frequently Asked Questions.
Power Announcement is a notification system loaded with new features that will make it easier for us to keep in contact with your family and allows you, the end user, to set the preferences of communication. To guarantee the messaging system is used efficiently, we will need to confirm your contact information is accurate and up-to-date at all times.
Power Announcement allows our school to send messages using email, voice, and text messaging. Voice calls will be sent with the school number as the caller ID number. Voice calls will be sent with 480-969-5641 as the caller ID number. You may want to add these phone numbers to your address book to help you recognize incoming calls from the school easily. Text messages will be sent using a caller ID of 77811. You may want to add this number to your contacts as well so that you can easily identify these as Heritage Academy school texts. Please note you will not be able to reply to text messages sent from the school or district. For email, please add heritage@heritageacademyaz.com to your contact list so that spam filters do not flag the emails.
Power Announcement is integrated with the existing PowerSchool Parent Portal. If you log-on to the Parent Portal you will now see a new link called “Power Announcement”. Through Power Announcement you will be able to see all the contact information our school has listed for you. Within this section of the Parent Portal, you will also be able to choose your communication preferences based on message category, such as School Closures or Student Bulletins, and message type (email, voice and/or text message). You may uncheck any message category except for Emergency Messages.
You may access the Parent Portal through www.heritageacademyaz.com or directly by clicking here Parent Portal. Your account will require you to have both a Parent Access ID and Parent Access Password that were distributed at registration.
Setting up your parent preferences is your responsibility. By default, every message type and field will be selected for every category. You will receive messages to every contact field shown and every message category that has all three message types chosen. Tolls and charges associated with receipt of messages from the school are your responsibility and not the responsibility of the school.
This is an automated service, when entering phone numbers please do not use work phone numbers that you do not directly answer. Primary contacts for phone and email, in addition to announcements and school closings, will be used for attendance notifications. Attendance calls are for student safety, please use a number and emails that will contact you during the day. Alternate contact phone numbers and student cell phone numbers can be added for emergency calls, general announcements and school closing notifications.
Each message offers an opt-out link. Be aware this opts you out of all notifications: emergency, attendance, and school cancellations. If you want the phone number to receive emergency notifications while not receiving additional phone calls we suggest leaving the number but marking the preferences as needed.
Emergency messages are always sent with all three message types (email, text, and voice calls) and to every contact field shown even if you have opted out. Emergency messages will be labeled as such so you will know it is an actual emergency.
Attendance notifications are an important part of security for your student so that you and the school receive the necessary notification of your student’s presence at school. Please use a number and emails that will contact you during the day.
Only parents will have access to set whether messages from Power Announcement are sent to the Student Email. Student emails are set to the school provided email.
If you have any questions, please contact your student’s school. We hope this new school notification system is easier to manage, giving you the flexibility to change how you are contacted.
Thank you.
On-line registration for the 2014-2015 academic year is underway. Please take a moment to review the Course Catalog (found by going to QuickLinks> Scholar> Course Catalog) in determining what courses to register for. After reviewing the Course Catalog you may register for your classes here.
Please refer to the On-line Course Registration Document for registration instructions.
Heritage Academy has 3 approved vendors for uniforms. They may vary in price, as does the quality in some cases. Visit this link to view options and pricing: https://heritageacademyaz.com/uniforms-dress-code
Is higher education a priority for your scholar? It is for us! In fact, Heritage scholars are not just preparing to go to college, they are earning college credits in their current classes! Check out all the cool things we are doing!
- Dual Enrollment Classes allow scholars to earn college credits in Algebra, Trigonometry, Computers, Economics, and English.
- Individual Assistance provided by a dedicated College Coach.
- Meet College Representatives from colleges and universities.
- College Preparation Seminars in the Fall and the Spring to get scholars ready for PSAT, ACT, SAT, Scholarship Applications, and ensure scholars know other important deadlines.
- Advanced Placement. Heritage teachers also help prepare students to be successful in completing the Advanced Placement tests in Calculus and Physics.
Over 10% of Heritage scholars are working on college credits each year. After graduation, almost every Heritage scholar attends some form of higher education with scholarships from local colleges and major universities around the country. Heritage scholars tell us that the course work they had is often more challenging than their coursework at college.
Whatever your goals, Heritage is your gateways to higher education.
Heritage uses a communication tool that sends emails, text messages and/or voice messages. Messages are sent to all parents or specific groups (music, sports, etc.) to provide reminders or updates on changes to calendar items.
TIP: Make sure to check your spam/junk folder and set a rule for your email client to receive messages from BrightArrow. Check your local email client help center for details.
At the beginning of the year, Heritage gathers contact information, but we need to know if anything changes throughout the year. Please let us know if you receive a new email address or phone number.
Our front desk is available on school days, Monday – Thursday from 7:30am – 4:00pm at (602) 290-8546. A message can be left outside these times. Email is also a good option and our addresses are available on the Staff page.
Communication is a partnership. Keeping you informed is a priority for us at Heritage. Please let us know how we can improve.
Below are a few items to note regarding picking up and dropping off at Heritage Academy campus in Laveen.
- Between 7:00-7:45 AM and 2:45-3:45 PM please enter the campus from 43rd Avenue and exit onto Baseline.
- When approaching the pick-up/drop-off curb there are two lanes on the outside for loading. The middle lane is the exit lane.
- At this time, parking is free to all scholars, parents, and staff. in the future, parking passes will be needed as our campus grows.
- Click HERE to view a map of the pick up and drop off routes.
Our alumni and friends are essential to the school’s mission: Building America’s Heroes. Gifts provide financial stability to withstand economic adversity and minimize the impact of fiscal fluctuations from the State of Arizona. The gift of learning lasts forever in the hearts and minds of Heritage scholars.
Click here to review the many ways you can support Heritage today.
Thank you for being a Hero!
One of the most popular classes to take in high school is Ballroom Dance. In fact, so many students registered this semester that a third class was created.
This course is a 1/2 credit elective class taught by Ms. Camille Reidhead a professional dance instructor. No pre-requisites are required for the first level, only a desire to have fun and learn a new talent.
This class is designed to introduce the student to the basics of several popular social dances: Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Swing, Cha Cha, Salsa, and Meringue.
The student will learn to both lead and follow the basics in each dance and will be tested on both. There is one written assignment, one outside class activity and one required performance. To enhance the social skills they are learning through dance, basic etiquette for social interaction will be covered.
If you are interested in this class, look up 525 on the student log-in during registration. If you have already taken Ballroom Dance I, you may consider registering for Ballroom Dance II, course 526.
Absoutely! Heritage partners with Rio Salado College to offer both online and dual enrolment classes.
Students also prepare for AP tests in various topics including Calculus and take advantage of our block schedule to work in one or two online college classes.
Each year Heritage Academy honors the top students for their accomplishments and academic achievements with scholarships and awards.
The George Washington award is given to the most outstanding student. This award is given to the one student who most embodies the spirit of Heritage Academy by not only being an outstanding student but also by their service to the school and community.
The Thomas Jefferson and Dolly Madison awards are given to the top male and female students respectively. Each year depending on available funds, scholarships are awarded based on the student’s overall GPA. Beginning with the graduating class of 2001 these funds will be awarded based on the student’s overall GPA as well as those who are recognized for honors distinction.
Awards are also given for perfect attendance.
A scholar receives a graduation diploma from Heritage Academy when requirements of the school and of the Arizona State Board of Education have been met.
Graduation Requirements
Subjects | Credits |
English | 4 |
Math | 4 |
Science | 4 |
History | 3 |
Foreign Language | 2 |
Fine Arts | 2 |
Physical Education | 2 |
Electives | 5 |
Total Credits | 26 |
Academic courses listed above receive one full credit and electives one-half credit. See the student handbook for more detail.
Absolutely. Our dress code is based on principles of maintaining modesty, cleanliness, and professionalism in your dress. Think of dressing for school as if you were applying for a job. Heritage Academy is not the place to experiment with fads. In any school activity where the regular uniform is not worn (such as sports, Dollars for Duds Days, field trips and tours, drama productions, dances, etc.), all clothing, words, and pictures must be positive, uplifting, and encouraging.
Uniforms can be purchased through www.EducationalOutfitters.com or www.LandsEnd.com. Watch for sales! (Educational Outfitters offering 20% discount May 15th – May 31st). (Land’s End offering discounts throughout the year, and a free logo promotion 5 weeks before school starts). Subscribe to email updates for Lands End to be notified of sales.
Heritage Academy’s attendance policy reflects our belief that when a scholar is not in class, he or she does not earn the credit that is sought by being enrolled in class.
If parents desire to keep a scholar out of school for whatever reason that is their prerogative. However, the scholar will not be excused from class work or assignments missed.
Absences
Any scholar who misses ten percent (10%) or more of classes (maximum of 5 days) in a given subject may not receive credit for that subject. This applies to all absences unless on school business.
Yes, we are very happy to offer: Basketball, Football, Soccer, Volleyball, Weight Training, Tennis, Golf, Dance, Kenpo, and Bowling.
In fact, many of our teams competed in many tournaments last year. Our Varsity Football team won the 2011 State Championship.
Heritage competes successfully against other charter schools in the Charter Athletic Association (CAA):
Team Sports:
- Basketball
- Football
- Soccer
- Volleyball
- Softball
- Baseball
Individual Sports:
- Kenpo
- Dance
- Bowling
- Tennis
- Golf
- Weight Training
- Art
- Beginning Orchestra
- Concert Orchestra
- Instrumental Ensemble
- Intermediate Orchestra
- Concert Choir
- Women’s Choir
- Select Choir
- Drama 1, 2 & 3
- Honors Drama
- Performance Drama.
Yes. The overriding standard of conduct at Heritage Academy is the Golden Rule. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
If scholars would think through this one guideline and act accordingly, no other rules would be necessary. But alas we must have more explicit rules so please see the student handbook for more detail.