NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2026
Seasons
How is it that the holiday season is right upon us?! I’m still trying to nail down our daily routine for back to school! Anyone else??
Thanksgiving is less than 30 days away, and Christmas is less than 60 days away?! You're Welcome :)
This time a year comes with so many “feels” whether you love it, or dread the extended family in town, we are called to shine for Him. There is so much joy to celebrate in this time of year. Our Savior stepped down from glory, all because that is how much He loves us! Yet, for those who have had an earthly loss, this time of year can be hard.
I am reminding of the the old hymn, “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.” What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, leaning on the everlasting arms. This gives me so much comfort when thinking about what busyness the upcoming months hold. Peace of mind with family, life, homeschooling, quarterly reports, and the list goes on. Can’t we all use a bit more peace of mind. The only place to run to is His everlasting arms for that. So, while you fill in your calendars, remember to fill them with intentional things that draw us closer together as a family and closer to our Savior. Set apart time for what really matters and let everything you do bring glory to God. 1 Corinthians 10:31.
-Jennifer Barnwell, Academy Assistant
2026/2027 School Year
All HCCA families receive three hours of consultation for free! To schedule a consultation, please email Julie at academydirector@hche.org or stop by our table at Enrichment Classes.
UPCOMING HCCA EVENTS
Nov. 30 Last Day for early bird pricing for Graduation
December 1 - Regular registration for graduation begins- $195
Dec. 31 Second quarter ends
Jan. 2 Late graduation registration-$220 (If open slots remain)
Jan. 10 Deadline to submit second quarter reports
ACADEMY CONTACTS
Julie Blank, Academy Director
Danielle Swiontek, Academy Manager
Jennifer Barnwell, Academy Assistant
Phone: (719)278-9135 x4
HCCA communicates through email. Please check your family contact information to ensure we have the correct email.
Follow our Facebook page for updates!
Important to know
A friendly reminder, your students are not enrolled in HCCA until all of the following are completed in your HCHE member portal and you have received an enrollment confirmation email. Please be sure to read our HCCA Handbook for all the details.
Student test or evaluation results from previous year uploaded to their Documents tab (if applicable)
Tuition paid in full (including any late fees from previous year)
Complete curriculum plan submitted and approved
Do you have a student who will be graduating this school year?
If you have a student who might be graduating this school year please contact Julie Blank ASAP to get approved for graduation. If you or someone you know has a graduating student and would like information regarding the 2027 HCHE Graduation Ceremony, please click HERE
Holiday Hours
The HCCA office will be closed for Thanksgiving Break November 23 through November 30.
The HCCA office will be closed for Christmas Break December 14 through January 3.
Some fun cold weather drink recipes to share with family and friends!
Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa:
6 cups (1440ml) whole milk (skim, 1%, or 2% are OK) 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
8 ounces (226g) semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped 1/4 cup (21g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder or dutch-process cocoa powder
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract toppings: marshmallows, whipped cream, candy canes, salted caramel, etc.
Place all of the ingredients into a large slow cooker. Vigorously whisk to get the cocoa powder as mixed in as possible—you don’t want it all floating on the top. Keep whisking for a minute or 2 until it’s all combined. Cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours, whisking the mixture every 45 minutes to 1 hour to ensure the chocolate isn’t burning on the bottom. Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and top with marshmallows or other optional toppings. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and warm up on the stove or in the microwave.
Slow Cooker Apple Cider (Wassail):
12 cups 100% apple cider/juice 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
3 (3-inch) sticks cinnamon 1 small orange 5 whole cloves Optional garnishes: whole star anise, cinnamon sticks, orange slices. and/or apple slices
Combine 12 cups apple cider, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice, and 3 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks in a 4- to 5-quart slow cooker. Press 5 whole cloves into 1 small orange, then add it to the slow cooker. Cover the crockpot and cook on low, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 hours. Serve in mugs, garnished with whole star anise, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, and/or apple slices, if desired, and enjoy.