The Griffin Rundown

This week on The Griffin Rundown, we are taking a short pause from new interviews and bringing you a Griffin Rundown Rewind. Join us as we revisit a previous conversation in which Mr. David Nees and Mr. Bond discuss The Anxious Generation and its timely insights into the challenges facing today’s students and families.

In addition to this featured conversation, you'll hear school announcements and, of course, the Joke of the Week.

This week, Mr. Bond and Mr. Grame, Upper School Academic Dean, explore the role of Rhetoric School in a classical Christian education. Their conversation examines rhetoric as the art of "speaking well" and its importance in helping students communicate truth with clarity, wisdom, and conviction.

They discuss the biblical call to "always be prepared to give a defense" and how rhetoric equips students to thoughtfully articulate and defend their beliefs. The episode also highlights the Senior Thesis, a capstone project in which seniors spend the year investigating an important question before presenting and defending their conclusions in a formal speech.

Tune in to learn how HCA prepares students to think deeply, speak persuasively, and engage the world faithfully.

In this episode of The Griffin Rundown, we are pleased to share the audio recording of Heritage Classical Academy’s Annual State of the School Meeting. Hear a reflection on God's faithfulness, an update on the school's mission and vision, and a look ahead at what is to come for our community.

You'll also enjoy the latest happenings around campus, upcoming events, and, of course, the Joke of the Week.

What role can a school dance play in shaping culture, building community, and glorifying God? In this episode of The Griffin Rundown, Mr. Bond sits down with Mr. Grant Bickell, who has helped Heritage Classical Academy develop the vision and voice behind many of our school dances and celebrations.

Together, they explore how Heritage has approached school dances differently by first asking an important question: What do we want this to be? Rather than simply hosting an event, the goal has been to cultivate Christian community, encourage joyful fellowship, and provide students with a beautiful picture of celebration rooted in truth.

What does it take to help children become confident, capable readers who genuinely love books? In this episode of The Griffin Rundown, Mr. Bond sits down with Lower School Curriculum Director Mrs. Tracy Villers to explore the foundations of reading instruction at Heritage Classical Academy.

The conversation highlights the importance of cultivating a love of reading. From building strong habits at home to creating meaningful experiences with great books in the classroom, Mrs. Villers offers practical insights into helping young readers grow both in skill and delight.

This week on The Griffin Rundown, Mr. Bond sits down with Latin and Greek teachers Mrs. Arlia and Mr. Hermesmann to explore why we study the classical languages and the lasting value they bring to a classical Christian education. You’ll also hear about what’s happening in the life of our school and, of course, the Joke of the Week!