BETWEEN the LIONS
September 3, 2025
Use the page navigation or just scroll all the way through to the end!
We are excited to announce the launch of our Parenting Together Series, beginning with a Town Hall on September 18. This series was created to equip and support you in your parenting journey while keeping you connected to the mission and direction of Asheville Christian Academy. At the Town Hall, we’ll share survey results, discuss important changes for the coming year, address key topics, and hold a Q&A session with our leadership team.
Each Parenting Together event will include childcare and a community meal (available for a small fee), making it a wonderful opportunity for your whole family. Registration is simple—just use the sign-up link in the “Featured Events” below.
In addition, we are hosting a New Family Chat on September 12, open to all new ACA families. This gathering provides the chance to meet with our Head of School and leadership team, hear more about survey results, and ask questions.
Both events are fantastic opportunities to learn more about ACA, connect with leadership, and strengthen our community. We look forward to seeing you there!
William Jason Putnam
Head of School
Recovery Updates
Construction is progressing steadily on the soccer fields, baseball fields, and tennis courts. Next steps include irrigation installation for the fields and asphalt work on the tennis courts. Each project has been designed with important flood mitigation measures to help make our campus more resilient. Work is expected to continue through September.
Character Education
This school year, we are launching our school-wide Character Education Monthly Themes—rooted in the Fruit of the Spirit—to help reinforce our shared values and create a consistent, Christ-centered environment for all students.
For September, our focus will be on Respect and Responsibility, encouraging our school community to show Christ’s love in both word and action, and to treat one another with kindness and honor.
Jesus emphasized responsibility in various ways, both personally and towards others. He showed responsibility in fulfilling his mission, demonstrating a commitment to God’s will and his people’s needs. He also taught that those who have been given much, are also held to a higher standard of responsibility. Moreover, Jesus encouraged believers to take responsibility for their actions and to forgive others as they been forgiven. “Responsible persons are mature people who have taken charge of themselves and their conduct, who own up to their actions – and who answer for themselves.”
Galatians 6:5 “Being responsible means people can count on you.”
Featured Events
Grandparents Day
Fall is approaching and we are excited to be welcoming grandparents to school! Please save the date for Grandparent’s Day on Friday, November 7th! This will be a fun time for grandparents of Lower School students to learn more about ACA and spend time in your child’s classroom. If grandparents are unable to attend, I encourage you to “adopt” a grandparent for the day such as a close family friend or church member.
New Family Chat
This event is open to all new ACA families. It’s an opportunity to meet with the Head of School, hear updates on how the year is going, and ask any questions you may have.
Where: ACA Library
When: Tuesday, September 12th, 8:15am
Town Hall Meeting
Open to all ACA families, this session will provide an opportunity to ask questions and hear updates related to Upper School, Middle School, Lower School, Athletics, and Fine Arts. Dinner will be available for purchase at a small cost.
Thursday, September 18th, 6pm
Homecoming Weekend
October 10–11
Mark your calendars and join us for a fun-filled weekend of school spirit and community celebration! We have something for the whole family — a Fun Run, sporting events, tailgating, carnival, an alumni tent, food trucks, and more. Stay tuned for details coming soon!
Parent Nights
Middle School Parent Night: Thursday, September 4th, 6pm
Upper School Parent Night: Monday, September 8th, 6pm
This is for parents only.
Tandem Calendar
Calendar navigation: Click or tap on a date to view event details. Use arrows to view next month.
All School News
-
The Coffee Connection
The first Friday of every month (except November and April), there will be a Coffee Truck in front of the school. All parents are invited to park, buy coffee and socialize with other parents.
What: Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Truck: Meet other parents and get caffeinated and connected
When: Friday, Sept. 5 from 8-9:30 a.m.
Where: Meet at the Coffee Truck (if it is raining, bring your coffee to the library)
Who: All parents are invited
*Lower school parents may walk their children to class starting at 7:45am and then join us at the Coffee Truck.
-
Footsteps and Fellowship
We invite you to join us to walk around the paved areas of the school and meet some other parents.
When: Friday, September 5 from 1:45-2:30 p.m. (Weather Permitting)
Who: All parents are invited
Where: Meet in front of the school. Make sure you sign in and get a Trail Walker sticker.
-
Reminder for Parents
Please make any dismissal changes in SchoolPass by 2:30 p.m. each day.
For step-by-step guidance, you can watch these short instructional videos:
Making Carpool Changes in the App
-
Playground Playdates Are Back!
We’re excited to welcome families back for Playground Playdates beginning Wednesday, September 3, from 3:30–4:30 p.m. Parents are invited to supervise their children on the playground every Monday and Wednesday after school during this time.
At the end of carline, simply pick up your child, park, and enter the playground through the side gate. It’s a great chance for kids to play and parents to connect!
-
Illness Policy Reminder
We are praying for a healthy, safe school year!
Our policy regarding illness states that students should be kept home from school if they have a temperature of 100.0 or greater, vomiting, or diarrhea. Students should be fever-free, vomit and diarrhea-free for 24 hours before returning to school.
Thank you!
Kristin Moyers BSN, RN
-
Habitat Dress Down Days
Help us fund our next Habitat Student Build! Every $35 donation goes entirely toward the building of a house for a family in need. Your donation allows the “subscribing” student or faculty member to dress-down the last Tuesday of each month of the school year.
Click link below. Select “Habitat for Humanity Student Build” from the drop-down menu. Please make a note of the names and grades of subscribing students.
You may also leave a check (made out to ACA) or cash at the front desk to the attention of Seth Rowe. Be sure to include a note of the subscribing student(s). If you have any questions about the build or the dress-down days, please contact seth.rowe@ashevillechristian.org
-
Spirit Store Hours
Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 7:45-8:30am & 2:45-3:30pm
If you have any questions, please contact us at thespiritstore@ashevillechristian.com.
Parent Teacher Fellowship
Get Involved. Stay Connected. Build Community.
We believe that PTF is a great way to get involved, stay connected and build community. We invite every parent (or even grandparent) to join PTF with all of the activities we help with throughout the year.
Help with Picture Day
Picture Day is on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, and we need some volunteers to help check-in students and help make sure their hair and clothes are camera ready.
What: ACA Picture Day Volunteers
When: Tuesday, Sept. 16 from 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. (2 hr. shifts)
Where: ACA Gym
Moms in Prayer
Please join us every Monday morning after drop-off from 8:15-9:30 a.m. for Moms in Prayer. We meet in W213 (the conference room next to the 5th grade classrooms).
You can support ACA through Shop ’n’ Give programs!
Last year, your qualified purchases with our affiliated retailers through the Shop-n-Give Affinity Programs benefitted ACA last year in cash back and products valued at $11,300! Some of our participating partners are Ingles, Lands’ End, Harris Teeter, and Box Tops
Athletics & Fine Arts
Athletic News
Upcoming Home Games
September 4
JV/V Volleyball (Home) vs. Davidson Day — 4:30 / 5:30pm
MS Soccer vs. Asheville Pisgah Academy (at Black Mountain Home) — 4:30pm
September 5
Varsity Tennis vs. Gaston Day — 4:00pm
Varsity Football vs. Avery County — Time TBA
September 9
JV/V Volleyball (Home) vs. Rabun Gap — 4:30 / 5:30pm
Varsity Tennis vs. Rabun Gap — 4:00pm
MS Soccer vs. Shining Rock Christian (at Black Mountain Home) — 4:30pm
September 15
JV/V Volleyball vs. Christ Church — 4:30 / 5:30pm
September 16
Varsity Tennis vs. Asheville Trailblazers — 4:00pm
Athletic Business Sponsorships
The ACA Department of Athletics will be setting up business sponsorship opportunities for the 2025-26 school year that include signage, game day announcements, team gear, etc. Contact Joe Johnson if interested.
Letter Jackets
Thinking about a letter jacket? Email Joe Johnson for ordering info and pricing—get yours before the cold weather arrives!
Swim Team Interest Meeting — Wed, Oct 1
Meet during lunch in the Upper School Athletic Office:
Middle School: 11:40-12:10pm
High School: 12:35-1:05pm
All interested students are welcome!
Fine Arts News
Upper School Drama: The Play That Goes Wrong
Mark your calendars! Our Upper School Drama students will present the hilarious production The Play That Goes Wrong this fall. Performances will be held on:
Thursday, October 2 at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, October 3 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 4 at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Public ticket sales open on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy an evening of comedy and support our talented students!
Upper School News
Parents,
Our fall sports teams are still hard at work with practices, showing incredible dedication and teamwork. At the same time, our fine arts students are preparing for this fall’s production of The Play That Goes Wrong. Their creativity and commitment are inspiring, and we look forward to seeing the show come to life on stage this October!
We also look forward to connecting with our families at Upper School Parent Night on Monday, September 8, from 6:00–8:00pm. This is always a special evening as we come together in fellowship, share important updates, and partner with one another in the journey of the school year. We’re excited to see you there!
The Senior Trip to Washington, D.C., led by Mr. Gordon Meiners, will take place Monday, October 27 (leaving 6:30 a.m.) – Saturday, November 1 (returning 5:30 p.m.). Please update your calendars, as an earlier version mistakenly listed the dates as November 3–7. We’re looking forward to this memorable experience with you!
Another important date: Upper School Retreat is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17 to Friday, September 19. I cannot wait for that time of fellowship and worship as we kick start the school year and celebrate each other.
Let’s continue to keep our hearts focused on what truly matters — because at ACA, we believe: #ChristIsInEverything
Let’s have our best year ever. I’m glad to take this ride with you.
Dr. Richard A. Spurling
Head of Upper School | Associate Head of School
Parking Stickers
All drivers are asked to register their vehicles so we can provide the required parking sticker. Please be sure to complete your registration promptly to ensure smooth access to campus.
Guidance News
ALL FAMILIES:
College Funding
Interested in planning to pay for college? We will have a “Paying for College” webinar by CFNC just for ACA on November 10.
In the meantime, check out these resources:
The College Funding Coach has myriad free workshops about topics such as understanding college financial aid, tax strategies, the ROI of prestigious colleges, and how out-of-state students can get in-state tuition.
https://www.thecollegefundingcoach.org/classes/category/workshops/
College For North Carolina (CFNC) is a great place to get information and tools to help plan and pay for college.
College Rep Visits at ACA
Take advantage of learning more about a variety of colleges when they come to us! Visit with the college representatives to find out what makes their schools special.
Bucknell University, Sept. 4, Student Union during Lunch
Centre College, Sept. 5, Student Union during Lunch
Wofford College, Sept. 8, Student Union during Lunch
Roanoke College, Sept. 8, Student Union during Lunch
UNC Charlotte, Sept. 11, Student Union during Lunch
High Point University, Sept. 11, Student Union during Lunch
Hampden-Sydney College, Sept. 12, Student Union during Lunch
University of Rhode Island, Sept. 15, Student Union during Lunch
Savannah College of Art and Design, Sept. 17, Student Union during Lunch
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 8:00-9:00PM
All ACA students in Upper School will be attending the Christian College Fair here on campus. Parents are welcome to attend as any area high school students! We will be registering our students during Advisory in the coming weeks. Please invite your friends from other schools!
Middle School News
Parents,
We are well under way in the 2025-2026 school year. We are excited to have students back in the building. Students and teachers are adjusting to a new schedule and beginning to build rapport with each other. Students are navigating their daily schedules, development changes and the dynamics of relationships with familiar and new classmates. Susan Eva Porter, PH.D, author of Bully Nation, states that middle school students “go through more change in a day than adults do in a month.” It is into this sea of change that middle school teachers willingly dive to shepherd and inspire students academically and spiritually to a Christ-oriented life. Please partner with us as we challenge students to get beyond themselves and look towards others, and to be respectful, resilient and responsible. We strive to have classes, productions, athletic competitions and events that point students to Jesus and to help them cultivate the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) in their lives. Thank you for entrusting your children to us and for partnering with us in this endeavor. We hope to see you at Parent Night on Thursday, September 4th at 6 pm.
Scott Schroder
Head of Middle School
6th Grade Retreat: September 11-12
Our 6th grade retreat days will be held at Blue Ridge Assembly on Thursday and Friday, September 11–12. They have a wonderful experience planned for your student.
On Thursday, September 11, students will depart ACA shortly after the school day begins and spend the day exploring stream ecology and enjoying recreational activities. They will return to ACA by regular dismissal time. On Friday, September 12, students will head back to Blue Ridge Assembly to participate in high and low ropes courses, returning again before dismissal. Both days are scheduled within the normal school day hours.
This retreat directly connects to the 6th grade Life Science curriculum and is designed to foster teamwork and community. The Blue Ridge staff have developed a program to meet these objectives, and we look forward to a couple of days filled with learning, adventure, and getting to know each other more!
Lower School News
LOWER SCHOOL PARENT NIGHT – THANK YOU!
Thank you for attending LS Parent Night! It was great to see so many parents attend and hope you found the evening to be informative. If you were unable to participate, I encourage you to touch base with your child’s classroom teacher as soon as possible. It was an enjoyable night to spend together as an ACA family!
NWEA MAP GROWTH (GRADES 3 – 5)
The time for our fall MAP Growth testing is coming soon (September 8-11). Students will be assessed in three subject areas: Mathematics, Reading, and Language. Students should get plenty of rest, eat a healthy breakfast, bring a nutritious snack daily and be on time for school each day. Homework will also be minimal this week. Make-up testing will be given to students who are absent due to illness only. We will send home one Parent Report at the end of the school year along with fourth quarter report cards.
Coming Soon – MAP Growth Parent Chat for Lower School parents! Date and time to be determined.
Back to Top | Table of Contents