BETWEEN the LIONS

January 21, 2026

You can use the page navigation or simply scroll down to the end!

Table of Contents

Normally, our Head of School, Dr. Jason Putnam, opens each edition of Between the Lions. While he is away participating in professional development, we are excited to hear from our Head of Finance and Operations, Amber Roth.

In this long season of recovery, I often meditate on two of my favorite passages: Ecclesiastes 3:1–15 and Colossians 1:16–17.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.

What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man. Ecclesiastes 3:1–15

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16–17

As I reflect on the season of plenty that came before, the recent season of change and physical destruction, and now this long, meandering season of recovery, I am deeply comforted by the truth that He was before it all, and that no season’s beginning or end is ever a surprise to our Creator. The refinement woven into the seasons of our lives is for His glory and for our good. How miraculous.

This week, we had the pleasure of hosting the parents of rising 6th-grade and 9th-grade students, coming alongside them as their children stand on the cusp of a new season in their education, even as our Seniors look toward the end of their time here: a reminder that beginnings and endings often walk side by side. Our Lord is already at work in this season of their lives, whatever it may hold, sustaining them even now. No matter the season your family is in, I invite you into the beauty of serving a God who promises to make everything beautiful in its time.

And speaking of beautiful, our outdoor recovery continues despite seasonal delays. We are encouraged that athletes will have beautiful spaces to practice and play during the Spring season, which begins February 9. Even as we anticipate snow this weekend, we can already see the vibrant green of the fields and hear the sounds of our athletes doing what they love. We’re excited to share the facility update below.

Grace and peace,

Amber Roth

Head of Finance & Operation

IMG_9190.jpeg
IMG_9194.jpeg
IMG_9201.jpeg
IMG_9204.jpeg
IMG_9208.jpeg

Recovery Updates

Baseball – Backstop netting and perimeter fencing are complete, and bullpen construction is nearing completion. Storage facilities and remaining equipment are being procured to ensure the program is fully equipped for the start of the season.

Competition & Practice Soccer– Netting installation is nearing completion, with scoreboard installation underway and fieldhouse repair work continuing. Final site grading and clean-up are in progress to ensure both the field and spectator areas are ready for use as the season begins.

Tennis – Court striping will proceed as soon as weather permits. Sidewalks and viewing platforms will be poured as temperatures allow to support early-season play and spectators, and the windscreen design has been finalized.

Track & Field/Football – Football field irrigation stub-ups are complete, allowing us to move directly into grass installation as soon as temperatures warm. Program outfitting is well underway, with recent deliveries including hurdles, carts and covers, throwing equipment, and starting blocks. Remaining long jump and high jump equipment is on order and expected ahead of the February 9 season start.

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 Self-Control, with an emphasis on self-discipline and obedience to God. Throughout His life, Jesus modeled perfect self-control by consistently submitting to the will of His Father, even when faced with temptation, hardship, and suffering. His example teaches us that true strength is found in trusting God and choosing obedience each day.

Jesus demonstrated self-discipline through prayer, perseverance, and faithfulness to His purpose. In moments of temptation, He relied on God’s Word and the strength God provided rather than giving in to immediate desires. His life reminds us that self-control is not about self-reliance, but about depending on God for guidance and strength.

It is important to teach students that self-control shapes how we live, learn, and interact with others. When students practice hard work, manage their emotions, control their words and actions, and make wise choices, they honor God and grow in character. Scripture encourages us with the reminder, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians4:13).

As we focus on self-control this month, may we encourage students to rely on God’s strength as they develop discipline in their thoughts, words, and actions.

Character Education

Featured Events

  • Pastor Appreciation Chapel

    To honor and thank our pastors, we will host a special Pastor Appreciation Chapel and Breakfast on January 28, 2026, at 8:45 a.m. This will be a meaningful time of fellowship, encouragement, and celebration of all God is doing through our pastors and their ministries. If you would like to help make this event special, we invite you to volunteer—please sign up using the link below.

    Volunteer

  • Invite a Friend to an Open House

    One of the best ways for families to learn about Asheville Christian is to experience our campus in person. If you know a family exploring Christian education, we would love for you to invite them to one of our upcoming Open Houses.

    Guests will tour campus, meet teachers and administrators, and learn more about our mission and admissions process.

    Upcoming Open Houses:

    Tuesday, February 3 | 5-7pm

    Thursday, February 12 | 12:30-2:30pm
    Opportunity Scholarship rep will be on-site.

    Wednesday, February 25 | 9-11am

    Thank you for helping us share Asheville Christian with others in our community.

    Registration Link

  • Parenting Together with Alex McFarland

    Faith Starts at Home
    Answering Your Kids’ Toughest Questions About Christianity

    Parents are the most influential voices in their children’s faith journeys—but tough questions can feel intimidating. In this Parenting Together Series session, based on Alex McFarland’s The 21 Toughest Questions Your Kids Will Ask About Christianity, parents will gain practical, biblically grounded tools to respond with confidence and compassion. From “Is God real?” to “Why do bad things happen?”, this talk will help turn challenging questions into meaningful discipleship moments, strengthening both your child’s faith and your own.

    Childcare Link

    Meal Link

    Volunteer

  • The ACA Fund

    We are grateful to share that, thanks to your generosity, we have raised $390,000 to date through gifts, pledges, and the matching fund contribution. This brings us to 96% of our $406,000 goal—just $16,000 away from completion.

    If you are able, please consider making a gift or pledge to help us cross the finish line. All gifts must be received by June 30, 2026.

    Thank you for your faithful support and continued commitment to ACA.

    Give Today

  • Women's Breakfast with Rachel Henry

    Keep Calm, and Carry On Parenting

    Parenting and life can easily push our emotional buttons. In this encouraging and practical workshop, Rachel Henry will help parents understand how emotions like worry, anger, and grief affect both adults and children. Drawing from biblical wisdom and neuroscience, this session explores how God designed our brains to respond to stress and how those responses can sometimes misfire in everyday life.

    Parents will learn simple, effective tools to calm emotional reactions, regulate responses, and parent with greater peace and intention. Through practical techniques such as breathing exercises, grounding strategies, creative activities, and conflict resolution skills, you’ll walk away equipped to foster calmer communication and healthier emotional regulation in your home.

    RSVP Here

    Volunteer

Tandem Calendar

Calendar navigation: Click or tap on a date to view event details. Use arrows to view next month.

All School News

  • Snowy Times Informer

    As we navigate snowy weather, we want to keep our families well informed. Please take a moment to refresh yourself on ACA’s process and general guidelines for school delays and closings to help ensure you receive timely and accurate information when weather impacts our schedule.

    Delay & Closing Procedures

  • ‍ ‍ Habitat Dress Down Day Tuesday, January 27th ‍ ‍

    Our next Habitat dress-down day is Tuesday, January 27th. Subscribing students and faculty or those who bring in $5 on this day may wear Friday attire.

    If you have any questions about the build or the dress-down days, please contact seth.rowe@ashevillechristian.org

    ‍ ‍

  • Valley Talent Art Show

    Congratulations to our K–12 students selected to participate in the Valley Talent Art Show at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts!

    The exhibition is open now through January 30, 2026, in the gallery at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 West State Street, Black Mountain. Gallery hours are Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

    Friends and family are encouraged to attend and support our student artists!

  • The Coffee Connection

    The first Friday of every month (except November and January), 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, February 6 from 8-9:30 a.m. 

    Where: Meet at the Coffee Truck (if it is raining, bring your coffee to student union)

    Who: All parents are invited

    *Lower school parents may walk their children to class at the allowed time and then join us at the Coffee Truck.

  • Worship Wednesdays

    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:

    February 18, 2026

    March 18, 2026

    April 15, 2026

  • 2026 Spring Transportation Agreement

    Bus and shuttle services are available for the Spring 2026 semester for families who wish to reserve a daily seat for their student. Transportation is offered by semester and route, and space is limited. Families interested in securing a seat should complete the registration form as soon as possible. A separate registration is required for each rider. Additional details and registration information can be found at the link below.

    Register Here

  • A Note from the School Nurse

    Buncombe County Health and Human Services has confirmed six cases of measles within the county since December.

    Families are asked to review and ensure familiarity with the North Carolina measles guidance for schools. An informational email was sent to ACA families on January 16.

    If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school nurse, Kristin Moyers, at kristin.moyers@ashevillechristian.org.

    Additionally, please review the attached guidance document if you have not already done so.

    Measles Info

  • Lost & Found

    Even in the first week back, our lost and found is already growing. We encourage families to check it regularly to claim any misplaced items. Thank you for helping keep it organized!

Parent Teacher Fellowship

  • 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.

    JOIN NOW
  • Moms in Prayer

    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).

  • Shop n Give

    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.

    MORE INFO

  • Mom's Night Off

    Join us on February 4 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM for a Dad and Child Social at Good Company Pizza. Sponsored by the ACA Dads Club, this fun evening is a chance to give mom the night off while dads and kids enjoy pizza, arcade games, and time together. All ages are welcome, and the goal is building relationships between dads and their children in a relaxed, fun environment. We hope to see you there!

  • Dad's Club Poster Night

    Join us on February 6 as we celebrate Senior Night for Basketball! Before the games, families are invited to a poster-making area to create signs for our seniors. Fans will have the opportunity to interact with the US teams, cheer them on, and help lead the teams onto the court for warmups. Be sure to sit in the Dads Club section to cheer loudly with your posters and don’t forget to give them to the players after the game.

    Game times are as follows: JV Men’s Basketball at 4:30 PM, Women’s Varsity at 5:30 PM, and Men’s Varsity at 7:00 PM.

  • Save the Date for PTF’s Galentines Party

    The PTF Parent Socials teams invites all moms to join us in the Library on Friday, Feb. 13 for a Galentines Party!

    What: Join us for coffee and snack at the Galentines Party

    When: Friday, February 13 from 8-10 a.m.

    Where: ACA Library 

    Who: All ACA Moms, Aunts, Grandmothers

    RSVP

Athletics & Fine Arts

Calling All Performers!

We are excited to announce our annual Gong Show, hosted by ACA’s chapters of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and the ITS Theatre Honor Society! The show will take place at ACA on Saturday, February 21 at 7:00 p.m. This beloved event is always a fun and satirical evening, and we especially love seeing the wide range of ACA student talents—and non-talents! —on display.

Students in grades 6–12 who are interested in performing are invited to apply by completing the Microsoft Form linked below. The hard deadline to apply is Saturday, February 14 at 11:59 p.m. Performance slots are limited, so don’t wait!

Gong Show Application
(6th–12th grade students only)

We also encourage families to come enjoy the show and cheer on our performers! Admission is $3 per person. There will be grand prizes, door prizes, and concession snacks available for purchase. Join us for a fun night hosted by student MCs and mystery faculty judges, all in support of our Music and Theatre Honor Societies!

Seven Choristers Accepted to All-Carolina Select Choir

Nicholas Bartman (11th), Pablo Frank (12th), Ella Brooks Maslin (11th), Alexander Panagiotacos (12th), Lauren Setterlind (12th), Ashley White (11th), and Giuliana Zaccaro (12th) auditioned and were accepted into the annual All-Carolina Select Choir, hosted at Wingate University on January 30–31, 2026. More than 750 students from across both North and South Carolina auditioned for one of only 250 available spots, making this achievement especially impressive.

We are incredibly proud that seven of our own students earned acceptance into this prestigious event. During the weekend, students will work with an outstanding guest conductor and clinician, developing advanced choral technique while preparing several beautiful and challenging choral selections.

This annual event is a high honor—comparable to a state-level competition—and a testament to the dedication, talent, and hard work of these exceptional choristers.

Families and friends can watch the performance via the live stream here.

Congratulations to these outstanding students!

Upcoming Home Basketball & Local Swim Dates

Mark your calendars and come cheer on our teams!

January 21

  • Middle School Girls’ & Boys’ Basketball vs. Carolina Day — 4:30 & 5:30 PM

  • Varsity Swim Meet at UNCA — 5:00 PM
    Senior Swimmers Recognition

January 23

  • Varsity Boys’ Basketball vs. New Garden Friends (Greensboro) — 6:45 PM

January 27

  • JV Boys’, Varsity Girls’, & Varsity Boys’ Basketball vs. Davidson Day — 4:30, 5:30 & 7:00 PM

January 28

  • Middle School Boys’ & Girls’ Basketball

  • Varsity Girls’ & JV Boys’ Basketball vs. Summit Academy — 4:00, 5:00, 6:00 & 7:30 PM

January 30

  • Varsity Girls’ & Varsity Boys’ Basketball vs. Carolina Day — 5:30 & 6:30 PM

Spring Sports Information

Spring sports are just around the corner! Interest meetings will be communicated through the Middle and Upper School DSR.

All physical exam and participation forms must be completed and turned in to Heidi Pieper (heidi.pieper@ashevillechristian.org) before the February 9 start date.

For sport-specific questions, please contact the directors below:

ACA Athletic History

Interested in ACA athletic history? Help us continue building our athletics archive, now displayed on the touchscreen in the East Athletic Upper School hallway within the new trophy cases. We are seeking action photos of all athletes, past and present, as well as team and championship photos. Some of this content was lost in the flood, and your help is greatly appreciated.

Have questions or materials to share? Please contact Joe Johnson, Director of Athletics, at joe.johnson@ashevillechristian.org.

In Case You Missed It

Scholastic Art & Writing Competition

Below are the winners of the Scholastic Art & Writing Competition. Earning a Gold Award is a tremendous achievement, as these works are recognized at the national level.

  • Ansley Fuchs (Drummer Boy)

  • Caroline Greene HM

  • Emerson Murray Silver Key

  • Emma Norton (childhood innocence)

  • Gracelyn Hickey HM

  • Greer Nix HM

  • Lawson Metcalf HM

  • Sophie Ryburn HM

  • Ansley Fuchs (in the company of books)

  • Sophie Ryburn Silver Key

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

  • College Workshop Information Session

    College Workshop Information Session

    Save the Date! Freshmen and sophomores, along with your parents, are invited to attend a College Workshop Information Session hosted by the Guidance Office.

    This session will provide valuable information to help students and families begin planning for the college process and understand what to expect in the coming years.

    Monday, January 26
    6:30 PM

    We encourage all freshmen and sophomore families to attend and take advantage of this important opportunity.

    Meeting Link

  • Welcome to your last semester!

    If you need midterm transcripts sent to any colleges, please let Mrs. Boer know as soon as possible.

    Watch closely for emails from the Guidance Office and the colleges where you’ve applied.

    Be sure to update your application outcomes in Scoir.

    FAFSA Follow-Up Webinar
    “I’ve Filed the FAFSA—Now What?”
    Seniors and parents are invited to attend a special webinar hosted by CFNC, providing detailed information and answering questions for ACA families.

    Tuesday, January 27 | 6:30–7:30 PM

    Zoom Link

  • Upper School Advising & Course Planning Updates

    Grades 8–11
    Upper School course request forms will be released February 2. Advising meetings will take place February 9–April 17. Juniors are required to attend with a parent.

    Students A–J will meet with Mrs. Bullock

    Students K–Z will meet with Mrs. Boer
    Calendar links will be sent via email.

    Rising Freshmen (Current 8th Grade Students & Parents)
    Save the date for our Rising Freshmen Advising Meeting:
    Monday, February 9 at 7:00 PM
    A meeting link will be emailed, and the session will be recorded for those unable to attend live.

    Freshmen & Sophomores
    Students and parents are invited to attend a High School Foundations & Planning session hosted by the Guidance Office:
    Monday, January 26 at 6:30 PM
    Join the meeting using the link provided.

  • Important Information

    Testing: You’ll be taking the ACT at ACA on March 19. Prep resources can be found at ACT and SAT.

    Advising: Juniors and a parent are prioritized through mandatory advising meetings. A-J meet with Mrs. Bullock, K-Z meet with Mrs. Boer. Advising runs Feb. 9 – April 17. Links to their calendars will be sent via email.