Traditions

NAMING: David Herzog Hall is the name of our first, newly dedicated academic pavilion. The 2009-10 Board of Trustees of Heritage School unanimously accepted the proposal of our Lifetime Board members to honor the late headmaster of Heritage School (1998-2001) by naming the upper school pavilion after Mr. Herzog. His dedication to the school’s ideals, his exuberance as a teacher and his strong Christian character, we feel, continue to inspire our students.

CHAPEL: Every Friday we gather for Chapel and sing traditional hymns as well as some contemporary songs. Along with announcements of the week and special recognition for achievement in academics, speech events, art competitions, sports and the like, we hear a brief talk from a guest speaker or have a special program of music or drama. All Heritage families, prospective applicants, and guests are welcome to attend.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT: Occurring two days prior to the first day of school, this evening event provides an opportunity for the Heritage parents, teachers, and students to get acquainted, see the classrooms, and receive vital information for the first few days of school. For 2010: August 23rd , 6:00—8:30 p.m.

FALL FESTIVAL: The entire Heritage family joins to celebrate the kick-off of the new year—to get better acquainted and to make new friends.

FALL BREAK: A Heritage original! We work hard each grading period and punctuate each with a break. Fall Break is a week-long break at the end of the first grading period that ushers in the cool Texas fall.

FATHER-DAUGHTER VOLLEYBALL: Typically a fundraiser for upper school class trips, this fall tradition brings together dads and daughters in a lively match of skills, thrills, and a few spills.

VETERANS DAY Chapel: On the Friday following Veterans Day Heritage School is proud to present a special chapel honoring those who served in the on-going cause of freedom. The chapel is open to the public and all veterans are encouraged to attend.

OPEN HOUSE (Upper school): Open House occurs early in the year, after classes have begun. Parents attend their children’s classes and learn more about the teacher’s expectations. This event occurs in early September.

PTF (Parent Teacher Fellowship—elementary level): Held once each year, early in the fall semester, these grade level meetings give elementary teachers a chance to meet and inform their students’ parents about the scope of the course they teach, guidelines for the class, and major events of the school year for their class.

CHAPEL: Every Friday morning from 8:05 to 8:45, Heritage students, teachers, and parents join together for Chapel services—a time of fellowship, singing, and a Christian message from a teacher, guest pastor, parent, or board member. Students lead portions of the service and sometimes perform special music or skits. All parents are invited to attend! Check the Heritage Herald on the website to see who will speak.

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: Scheduled for an evening prior to Christmas break, this event features musical and dramatic offerings from the entire Heritage School student body. It is a wonderful time of fellowship and celebration of our Lord’s birth.

CHRISTMAS CHAPEL: For the last day of school, after final high school exams and elementary school brunch and class celebrations, the entire student body gathers to celebrate Christmas in a special end-of-the-day Chapel which celebrates the birth of the Savior. A time of song and Scripture culminates in an early release for the holidays.

EASTER CHAPEL: On Holy Thursday, prior to the Good Friday and Easter Break, our Easter Chapel emphasizes the sacrifice and celebrates the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The entire school participates in this end-of-the-day Chapel which features music, Scripture, and special readings.

SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL: The Bard would be pleased to see how Heritage School celebrates his birthday. The Kindergarteners and first graders are the groundlings who enjoy watching the 3rd-6th graders present highlights from William Shakespeare’s life, times, and plays. It is a festive day of acting, bright costumes, and frequently even Elizabethan dance lessons!

SPRING FINE ARTS FESTIVAL: The Fine Arts departments collaborate for a marvelous event that showcases our choral groups, our students’ art work. The festival features the talents of the upper school students …

SPRING FLING: One day in the springtime the parents arrive at school, banging pans, blowing whistles, and shouting for students to join them for Spring Fling—our springtime frolic in the park. The day is structured by the PTC and provides a wonderful break from studies as students of all ages are mixed together for games, food, and fun.

GRANDPARENTS & Special Friends DAY: On one designated day each year, our entire student body honors our grandparents and special invited guests with a presentation by every grade includes skits, demonstrations, music, art displays, and recitations. In addition, this is a time for prospective applicants to come get to know Heritage School and to enjoy a taste of the high quality education Heritage offers. This year, Grandparents Day will occur on February 19th.

POWDER PUFF FOOTBALL: The freshmen & senior girls face off against the sophomore and junior girls in this traditional class trip fundraiser. The coaches are varsity football players and the real football coaches are the refs.

END O’ SCHOOL PARTY: The entire Heritage family joins to celebrate the closing days of school as they enjoy dining, visiting, and dancing the night away.

FIELD TRIPS/CLASS TRIPS: At Heritage the educational experience embraces the classroom of the world as well as the schoolroom and books. All students participate in a variety of field trips which are an extension of the classroom studies at off-campus venues. The day trips include symphonies, plays, art museums, and science-related exploration. Upper school students travel farther distances for the class trips. Students build close ties as they participate in these trips which are designed to complement the curriculum.

 

An Excellent Classical & Christian Education