Dear Heritage Middle School Families,
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! On behalf of our entire staff, welcome back to Heritage Middle School. We hope your family has enjoyed a wonderful summer filled with rest, fun, and time together. We are excited to welcome our students back for another incredible year of learning.
This year marks an exciting new chapter as Heritage Middle School becomes exclusively a 7th and 8th grade campus. This transition allows us to focus even more intentionally on preparing students for success in high school while supporting their academic, social, and emotional growth.
Throughout the summer, our teachers and staff have been hard at work preparing for your children. We analyzed student achievement data, refined curriculum, participated in professional learning, and planned engaging learning experiences designed to challenge, support, and inspire every student.
We are incredibly proud of the tremendous academic growth our students demonstrated on last year's Arizona Academic Standards Assessment (AASA). That success reflects the hard work of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the support of our families. While we celebrate that progress, we know our work is never finished. Heritage Middle School will continue participating in Project Momentum through the Arizona Department of Education, receiving additional coaching, professional learning, and instructional support as we continue striving to improve. Simply put, we believe every student deserves a school that never stops improving.
One thing we know for certain is that students are most successful when schools and families work together. Over the past year, we asked for your feedback—and we listened. Many of the improvements you'll see this year are a direct result of conversations with our families, staff, and students.
One message we heard clearly was the desire for students to have additional opportunities to practice the skills they are learning in class. Beginning this year, students will complete brief daily math practice and independent reading to strengthen foundational skills and build positive learning habits. We will also continue offering Friday Math Help for students who need additional support because our goal is simple: to help every student grow, build confidence, and discover what they are capable of achieving.
Middle school is also a time for students to discover new interests, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships. Whether students find that passion in Agriculture, Trades & Technology, Woodshop, Art, Band, Creative Writing/Yearbook, Student Council, Physical Education, one of our clubs, or on an athletic team, we hope every student finds a place where they belong.
We are especially excited to introduce Flag Football as we continue expanding opportunities for students to become involved. Athletics teach teamwork, perseverance, leadership, and responsibility while building confidence and school pride. At Heritage Middle School, students are students first and athletes second. Student-athletes are expected to maintain at least a C average, and our Athletic Study Hall is available to provide extra academic support whenever it is needed.
We are also excited to continue our partnership with Yavapai College through their Mini Courses. These free enrichment opportunities allow interested students to explore new career fields, develop new skills, and experience college-level learning while still in middle school. We look forward to sharing this year's course offerings and encouraging students to take advantage of these unique experiences.
Your voice has helped shape Heritage Middle School. From the return of daily math practice and the 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony to the launch of our new Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), expanded athletic opportunities, and additional learning experiences for students, many of this year's initiatives began with conversations between families, students, and staff. Thank you for partnering with us as we continue building a school where every student can thrive.
We are also excited to welcome several new members to our Heritage family. Mrs. Abby Sabato joins us as our Dean of Students and Athletic Director, Mrs. Madeline Bandur as our school counselor, and Chino Valley Police Officer Diane Enriquez as our new School Resource Officer. Together, they will help ensure every student is known, supported, challenged, and encouraged throughout the school year.
This year we are expanding opportunities to celebrate student success through monthly recognition assemblies. We believe every student deserves to be recognized—not only for academic achievement, but also for leadership, attendance, character, perseverance, growth, athletics, and service. Celebrating success builds confidence, and confident students are more willing to challenge themselves and continue growing.
To stay connected throughout the year, we encourage every family to download the Edlio App for school announcements, reminders, athletic updates, and emergency notifications. Your partnership—and your student's regular attendance—remain among the greatest contributors to student success.
As you prepare for the new school year, here are a few important dates and reminders:
First Day of School: Wednesday, August 5, 7:30am
School Gates Open: 7:10 a.m.
Send your student with a labeled refillable water bottle each day.
Encourage daily reading and math practice.
Encourage your child to join a club, activity, or athletic team.
Thank you for trusting us with your children and allowing us to be part of their educational journey. We are honored to serve the Heritage Middle School community and look forward to an incredible year ahead.
Together, we will continue Igniting the Spark in every student.
We can't wait to welcome everyone back on August 5!
Sincerely
Kaitlin McGill
Principal
Heritage Middle School
