BETWEEN the LIONS
November 13, 2025
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As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, my heart is drawn to the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Gratitude is not just a reaction to what’s going well, it’s a declaration of trust in the goodness of God, even when life feels uncertain or difficult.
As Christ-followers, we know that seasons change. Some bring joy and abundance; others bring challenge and loss. Yet through them all, we have a reason to be grateful, because our Savior never changes. His love is steadfast, His grace unending, and His presence constant.
Over the next two weeks, I encourage each of us to pause and reflect on the blessings that surround us. Gratitude reorients our hearts toward the One who gives meaning to every moment and hope to every season.
I am grateful for a Savior who, despite my flaws, loves me unconditionally. I am grateful for the Word of God that teaches me daily. I am grateful for a church family who I can lean on. I am grateful for my wife, Amanda, and our three boys who fill my life with joy. And I am deeply grateful for this school community. The students, parents, faculty, and staff who make Asheville Christian Academy such a special place.
May we all take time during this Thanksgiving season to lift our eyes, quiet our hearts, and give thanks to the Lord, “for He is good; His love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1).
Together in Christ, Jesus.
William Jason Putnam
Head of School
Recovery Updates
Baseball – Construction on the new bullpen is nearing completion, marking a major milestone for the baseball program. Crews are also installing updated electrical systems around the field.
Soccer – Work is advancing steadily on the soccer practice field, where irrigation installation is currently underway. In addition, crews are making progress on both the new scoreboard and netting posts
Tennis – The asphalt work is officially complete. Upgrades continue around the courts as stormwater improvements are implemented to ensure durability and better drainage around the tennis courts.
Track & Field – Asphalt installation is scheduled to wrap up this week. Construction crews are also continuing work on the retaining wall and surrounding field areas.
Cross Country Course – Design efforts are ongoing as the team focuses on developing a course that is both more flood-resistant and better integrated with the new athletic complex. The goal is a resilient, scenic route that will serve runners well for years to come.
Thank you for your continued support as we rebuild these spaces. If you’d like to support or partner with us, please reach out to advancement@ashevillechristian.org
This month, our Character Education focus is on Goodness and Kindness, with an emphasis on Good Citizenship. Several Bible verses address the concept of good citizenship, emphasizing obedience to governing authorities, paying taxes, and respecting others. These verses highlight the importance of fulfilling our civic duties and maintaining peace and order within society.
It is important to teach students to obey school rules and the laws of the state and nation. Being a good citizen means understanding both a citizen’s rights and responsibilities, and striving to live them out with integrity and respect.
God calls each of us to be great citizens. Being a model citizen requires kindness, compassion, and empathy toward others. When we show these qualities, we reflect the goodness of God and help build a community where everyone feels valued and supported.
As we practice goodness and kindness this month, may we remember that these virtues go hand in hand with good citizenship. Through our actions, we can demonstrate Christ’s love, contribute to a positive school environment, and honor God in the way we live and serve others.
Character Education
Featured Events
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ACA Fund
Please prayerfully consider a gift to The ACA Fund. These gifts go directly toward the programs, people, and priorities that make ACA a place where students are equipped to become committed followers of Christ.
UPDATE: As of the end of October, we have raised $87,300 of our $406,000 goal, with 100% participation by the ACA board and our administrative leadership team.
As a reminder, we have a matching gift opportunity of up to $150,000—doubling every gift up to that amount! Your support will go twice as far in helping us reach this important goal.
For any questions about end-of-year giving of appreciated stock or a required minimum distribution, please contact our Director of Development, Diane Poole, at diane.poole@ashevillechristian.org.
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Thanksgiving Lunch
We invite all ACA parents to join us for our annual Family Thanksgiving Feast on Thursday, November 20! Come share a special Thanksgiving-themed lunch with your child(ren) during their regularly scheduled lunchtime—a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a meal together, celebrate community, and give thanks as a school family.
Cost: $8 per meal (cash, check, or billed to your student’s account on the day of the lunch)
Location: ACA Student Union and Back Patio
RSVP: Please submit your RSVP by 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 17 so we can prepare accordingly. -
Thanksgiving Break
Enjoy the season with family and friends! School will be closed for Thanksgiving Break from Monday, November 24 through Friday, November 28. Classes resume Monday, December 1.
We’re grateful for our wonderful community—Happy Thanksgiving!
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Christmas Concerts
Celebrate the joy of the season with our upcoming Christmas Concerts!
2nd–12th Grade Concert:
Friday, December 12th
7:00–8:00 PM
Biltmore Church – Arden CampusPre-K–1st Grade Concert:
Wednesday, December 17th
9:00–10:00 AM
ACA AuditoriumJoin us as our students share the message of Christmas through beautiful music and song. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Tandem Calendar
Calendar navigation: Click or tap on a date to view event details. Use arrows to view next month.
All School News
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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, November 14 from 8-9:30 a.m.
Where: Meet at the Coffee Truck (if it is raining, bring your coffee to the cafe area in the Student Union)
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.
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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, November 14 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.
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Share Your Gratitude Through “Thankful Jars”
This Thanksgiving season, the TLC team of Parent Teacher Fellowship is inviting ACA families to help bless our wonderful teachers and staff through a special project called Thankful Jars. Each jar will be filled with handwritten or printed notes of encouragement and appreciation.
Families are encouraged to write notes for anyone who has made a difference at ACA, including teachers, Learning Connections instructors, office staff, custodians, or administrators. This is a wonderful opportunity to show our school community just how valued they are.
How to Participate:
• Write one or more notes of thanks and encouragement.
• Submit them by Monday, November 17th at 8:00 a.m.
• Submit online here: Submit a Thankful Note HereParents who prefer to handwrite their notes rather than use the Google Form may place their handwritten notes in an envelope and drop them in the basket on the front table where deliveries are placed.
Thank you for helping us make our ACA staff feel seen, appreciated, and loved this Thanksgiving season.
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Worship Wednesdays
We’re excited to introduce Worship Wednesdays—a monthly opportunity for parents to join our faculty and staff in corporate worship. We will gather on the third Wednesday of each month to pause amid our busy schedules, lift our voices in praise, and center our hearts on Christ together as one school family.
While we treasure social time, this particular gathering is set aside for worship with our focus on Christ alone. After worship concludes, please exit through the Lower School doors.
Students are welcome to attend but must sit with their parents; afterward, parents may walk their children to class.
Upcoming Worship Wednesday Dates from 7:30-7:45am:
November 19
December 17
January 21, 2026
February 18, 2026
March 18, 2026
April 15, 2026
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Open Your Home, Open Your Heart
Host Family Interest Coffee
Wednesday, Nov 19th
8:15-9am in the Student Union
The ACA International Student Program invites all ACA families to a casual coffee and brief info session. Learn how host families make a life-changing impact and whether it might be a fit for yours. We look forward to seeing you there!
Questions? Contact Deborah Stuart at Deborah.Stuart@ashevillechristian.org or 706-587-8455.
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Upcoming Open House – Invite Your Friends & Neighbors!
We are excited to welcome prospective families to our upcoming Open House! This is a wonderful opportunity to invite your friends, neighbors, and co-workers to visit our campus, meet our teachers, and experience the heart of our school community.
All School Open House
Wednesday, November 19 | 9:00–11:00 a.m. -
Order Your Yearbook Now!
If you haven’t ordered your yearbook yet, now’s the time! We’re entering the final weeks to grab your copy at the current price of $75. Starting Thanksgiving Break, the price will increase to $85. Order on or before Friday, November 21 to take advantage of the lower price!
Parent Teacher Fellowship
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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.
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Volunteer at Parenting Together Events
Are you attending the Parenting Together seminar? Please help before it starts.
As part of the Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF), we have the opportunity to help our teachers and staff by setting up and volunteering in their place at the Parenting Together events this year. This is a fun way to meet other parents by serving together by greeting other parents as they arrive for the events.
Three to four people are needed to arrive 45 minutes before the event begins to help greet and check-in parents, teachers, staff and guests.
You will NOT miss any of the event.
Thank you for your willingness to help!
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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).
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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
Upcoming Home Basketball & Local Swim Dates
Mark your calendars and come cheer on our teams!
Saturday, November 15
Home vs. Cary Academy
Varsity Girls - 11:00 AM
Varsity Boys - 12:30 PM
@ Buncombe County Aquatic Center
Varsity Boys & Girls Swimming - 11:00 AM
Wednesday, November 19
Home vs. Mountain Heritage
JV Girls basketball - 4:30 PM
Friday, November 21
Home vs. Mitchell Road Christian
MS Girls Basketball - 4:30 PM
MS Boys Basketball - 5:30 PM
Saturday, November 22
@ Buncombe County Aquatic Center
Varsity Boys & Girls Swimming – 11:00 AM
Basketball Season Passes Now Available!
Passes include admission to all Middle School, Junior Varsity, and Varsity home regular-season basketball games.
Cost: $50 per person
Where to Purchase: Available at the admission gate or in the Athletic Office
Enjoy free admission for basketball players’ parents and ACA students at all home games!
Join us for an exciting season of Lion basketball!
Middle School Musical: James and the Giant Peach JR.
Asheville Christian Academy is thrilled to present the Middle School Musical, James and the Giant Peach JR., running November 13–15, 2025. This delightfully offbeat adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic tale follows a young boy, his band of quirky insect friends, and their incredible adventure across the ocean on a giant piece of fruit. Along the way, they discover that while we are born into one family, we often create another through friendship and shared journey.
Performance Dates:
Thursday, November 13 – 4:00 p.m.
Friday, November 14 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 15 – 6:00 p.m.
Upper School Spring Musical: Hello, Dolly!
It’s time to start something spectacular! All students interested in cast, crew, or orchestra for Hello, Dolly! should submit a Production Application by Thursday, Nov. 13 to the Fine Arts desk. Open to grades 9–12 and 8th graders involved in the MS Musical.
Audition Workshop (mandatory): Fri, Nov. 14
Auditions: Mon–Tue, Nov. 17–18
Paid Role: Costume Manager Needed
The Fine Arts Team is hiring a Costume Manager for Hello, Dolly! Work with the student costume team on design, organization, fittings, and alterations. Ideal for someone with sewing skills and a love of organization.
Interested? Contact theatre director Erin Lindberg at erin.lindberg@ashevillechristian.org.
In Case You Missed It
Parenting Together with David Eaton
If you weren’t able to join us for our recent Parenting Together event with David Eaton from Axis Ministries, we’ve got you covered! David shared practical insights on how to stay connected as a family in a world filled with social media, smartphones, and shifting cultural trends.
Whether your children are in elementary, middle, or high school, you’ll find encouragement and tools to help you lead your family with confidence in today’s digital age.
Host an International Student
Did you know that ACA has an International Student Program? At Asheville Christian Academy, we are committed to fostering a diverse community that values cultural exchange and understanding. Through our International Homestay Program, we welcome students from around the world to be part of our school family.
Would you consider hosting an international student next school year?
As a host family, you’ll receive a $1,000 monthly stipend to help offset costs. Even more importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to provide a warm, loving, and nurturing home for a student far from their own family. Hosting is more than just cultural exchange—it’s a chance to build lifelong connections and friendships while reflecting Christ’s love and compassion.
What’s it like to host? Hear firsthand from three ACA host families here!
For more information about the International Student Program, please contact Deborah Stuart.
Thank you for prayerfully considering this meaningful opportunity!
Guidance News
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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.
University of Alabama, Mon, Dec. 1, Student Union during Lunch
The Citadel of SC, Mon, Dec. 1, Student Union during Lunch
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Dual Enrollment
Registration is now open for students enrolled in dual credit classes with Colorado Christian University.
If you received an email from Mrs. Boer with instructions on how to sign up, please follow those directions if you are interested. Feel free to reach out to her directly with any questions.
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Calling All Student Leaders!
Applications are now open for the 8th Annual Lands’ End School Starboard Scholarship for the 2025–2026 school year. Since 2018, Lands’ End has awarded 39 scholarships totaling $265,000 to students who demonstrate exceptional leadership.
This year, up to five $5,000 scholarships will be awarded to eligible Preferred School students in grades 8–12.
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Federal Student Aid
Seniors: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is OPEN!
Completing this form is the way that colleges review what financial aid they can provide for students. We highly recommend that you take the few minutes required to complete this form, even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for need-based aid. Some schools require this process before providing even merit-based aid. Your Guidance Office is happy to help.
