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Why we talk so much about virtue
Knowing and doing good are essential aspects of human flourishing. Expressed in the Latin term summum bonum (the highest good), it reflects an orientation towards seeking the things which are best for human existence. Our responsibility as educators is first to exemplify behaviors and priorities that exhibit the best of human behavior, next to help our students recognize those good actions and mindsets, and finally to exemplify them as they conduct themselves.
Virtue systems have been developed in every society, and if they are true, they should resemble each other, although they may be colored by particular cultural priorities. Some ancient cultures prioritized loyalty and courage, while others promoted wisdom and humility. Common systems recognized in Western Civilization are:
- Aristotelian virtues
- Theological virtues
- Cardinal virtues
- Founding virtues
- Civic virtues
The environment and curriculum at classical schools are designed to promote and build strength of character in students by promoting good habits, teaching precepts, and providing examples of virtue.
While no list can be fully comprehensive of all the virtues we wish to impart to students, we see all these virtues being grounded in wisdom, justice, and humility.
We recognize wisdom as discernment of what is good, true, and beautiful, and the prudence to apply it correctly. Justice is the determination to give each person his or her rightful due. Humility is the acknowledgment that because of our fixed, finite nature, our knowledge will always be limited.
Learn more:
Can virtue be taught?
Dr. William Inboden is the executive vice president and provost at the University of Texas in Austin. Prior to his role at UT, he served as the director of the Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida. In the following conversation, he discusses if virtue can be taught. This age-old question was first discussed by Plato in his short work called Meno.
Click here to watch or listen to Dr. Inboden’s discussion on the topic.
Mike Terry
National Director of Classical Education
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Message from the Headmaster
What a truly wonderful morning at our Coffee with the Headmaster! I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the 10 families who joined us today. Your passion for our mission is the heartbeat of Heart of Ohio Classical Academy, and I am so thankful for your partnership. Our open discussion was an enthusiastic reflection on our core mission: pursuing knowledge, promoting virtue, and establishing students for a free society, the very foundation of our classical education and our curriculum alignment with Hillsdale.
Key Discussion Topics
Stability and Optimistic Growth. We spoke openly about our journey to strive for long-term stability for HOCA. This stability allows us to focus enthusiastically on the future, including diligently working to fill our existing classrooms and planning the growth of our students and staff.
The Pursuit of Excellence and Virtue in Our Teachers. We are diligently seeking individuals who embody a profound passion for learning and the pursuit of virtue. While they do not have to be a certified teacher in Ohio, they must hold a bachelor's degree and be willing to pursue knowledge as they strive to deliver our curriculum with excellence.
Community Partnership: Our Biggest Need is You! Your support is vital! Our biggest need right now is for Parent Volunteers. Having an extra adult on campus helps with:
- Carline (ensuring student safety and offering a friendly, welcoming face).
- Lunch Duty (assisting with milk cartons, container challenges, etc.).
- Classroom Help (tasks like making copies, which frees our dedicated teachers to focus on instruction).
Program Updates: Art and Student Wellbeing. I’m thrilled to announce that, thanks to a wonderful parent volunteer, Art Enrichment Class is officially starting on October 31st and set to run each Friday afterwards for our students! We also clarified our approach to student well-being, which includes recess for our fifth graders. For our middle schoolers, we are strategically incorporating dedicated study hall time. This is a vital opportunity for them to practice autonomy, self-governance, and responsibility in managing their assignments, which benefits them directly by helping to alleviate heavy evening homework loads.
Thank you again for your unwavering belief in the mission of Heart of Ohio Classical Academy. It is a genuine honor to partner with you as we pursue knowledge and virtue, diligently shaping the next generation of engaged citizens for a free society. We look forward to continuing this vital work together!
Angel Hennig
Headmaster
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End of Quarter 1 Grading Period & Fall Break
The last day for students to submit assignments for Q1 is Thursday, 10/16. Q1 report cards will be posted in Infinite Campus on 10/22.
Students do not have school this Friday, October 17th, and Monday, October 20th.
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Picture Retake
October 27
Picture Day was Monday, September 8th. Make-up day is Monday, October 27th. Students who were absent on picture day, new to our school, or would like to have their picture retaken can do so on Monday, October 27th
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Honoring Selfless Service and Cultivating Virtue
The Heart of Ohio Classical Academy (HOCA) invites our entire community and all local veterans to our Veterans Day Celebration Luncheon on Tuesday, November 11, at 12:45 PM.
At HOCA, our mission is to provide an education that fosters deep moral character and civic virtue. Your service is the most profound lesson in the courage, integrity, and noble purpose we strive to instill in our students.
The celebration will feature performances by our middle school students. We are also honored to welcome guest of honor Scott Bunker, who will give an address drawing from his experience with the book, They Called Us "Lucky" by Ruben Gallego. The assembly will be followed by a small luncheon for all veterans and their guests.
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Sponsor a Veteran's Table
We warmly invite our families and community to partner with us in the virtue of gratitude by sponsoring a veteran's meal. Your generous support ensures every veteran and their guest receives a beautiful, complimentary lunch.
Sponsor a Veteran's Table:
For a gift of $150, you can sponsor a table for our honored veterans and their guests.
Your family or business will be honored with a custom name placard at the luncheon, acknowledging your generosity and commitment to supporting our veterans.
We look forward to honoring you and celebrating your sacrifice.
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Parent Volunteers Needed
We’d love your help on campus!
As a classical school, we believe in the strength of our community and the partnership between our staff, families, and students. Parent volunteers are a vital part of what makes our school special, and we're currently looking for some extra hands to help with daily operations.
We have a number of volunteer opportunities available, including:
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Dismissal Car Line: Help us ensure a smooth and safe process for students arriving and leaving each day.
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Lunch Volunteers: Assist our staff during lunchtime to keep things running efficiently.
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Receptionist/Office Assistance: Lend your support to our front office with various administrative tasks.
If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to Mrs. Urbancic. Your support makes a real difference in the lives of our students and the entire school community.
| | | Our Drama Club will be holding their Scrooges Snack Shack TOMORROW, Thursday, October 16th, due to our Fall Break. | | |
Upcoming Events
10/16 End of Grading Quarter 1
10/17 Faculty Professional Development Day (No school for students)
10/20 No School
10/27 Lifetouch Picture Retakes
10/28-10/29 Vision Screening
10/31 Literature Parade (K-1) & Character Museum (2-3)
11/3 Parent Conferences (No school for students)
11/11 Veterans Day Luncheon
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Important PSO Dates
10/21 Charleston Wrap Fundraiser Begins (Goal is $1500)
10/25 HOCA Movie Matinee (Date has been updated!)
11/3 Parent-Teacher Conferences
11/5 Charleston Wrap Fundraiser Ends
11/6 General PSO Meeting @ 5:30PM Art Room – All are welcome!
12/12 Charles Dickens Event
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PSO Forum Update
~Where voices gather, ideas flourish, and community leads~
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It’s a bear necessity kind of day!
HOCA MOVIE DAY – Saturday, October 25th at 1PM
Swing into the jungle with us for our 2nd Annual Movie Day at HOCA!
Bring the whole family and enjoy Disney’s The Jungle Book on the big screen.
The PSO will be selling popcorn and water—every bite supports our school’s general fund!
Mark your calendars, grab your friends, and come celebrate community, cinema, and a little wild fun.
Interested in helping plan the event? Reach out to Liz Darr – lizziedarr@gmail.com
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Winter Fundraiser
October 21st-November 5th
We’re excited to launch a brand-new initiative to support our amazing HOCA staff this Christmas!
This year, we’re partnering with Charleston Wrap—a one-stop shop for holiday gifts, wrapping paper, home goods, and more. With so many beautiful options, it’s the perfect way to get your holiday shopping started early! Plus, everything ships to the customer!
Here’s the best part:
100% of proceeds will go toward staff gifts and a festive holiday lunch, replacing the traditional room parent collections. It’s a simple, meaningful way to show our appreciation for the teachers and staff who make HOCA so special.
Shop. Share. Support.
Let’s make this season bright—together!
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We know you are out there...
The HOCA Foundation is on the hunt for a bold, creative spirit to help shape our very first annual Gala—an event destined to become a cornerstone of celebration and community.
If you’ve got a flair for planning, a heart for impact, and a vision that deserves the spotlight, we’d love to team up.
Contact: kate.koren@outlook.com
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Parent Info Events
Discover how our tuition-free classical school fosters academic excellence, moral character, and a love of learning. Meet school leaders, explore our curriculum, and learn why families are choosing HOCA.
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New Family Tours
Schedule a time for an in-person tour of the school to see the school and ask questions about all things Heart of Ohio Classical Academy.
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Know someone who might be interested in HOCA?
Many families are looking for something different—something better—for their child’s education. Your recommendation could lead them to a joyful, formative experience at HOCA. Let’s grow the Heart of Ohio Classical Academy community—together!
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