BETWEEN the LIONS
October 1, 2026
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One of the greatest blessings of Asheville Christian Academy is the extraordinary generosity of our school community. ACA is more than a place for excellent Christian education. We are a community of believers, united by our love for Jesus Christ and our commitment to raising the next generation to know, love, and serve Him.
Thank You for Serving
Our school could not flourish without the parents, grandparents, and friends who volunteer their time and talents, whether in a classroom, on the sidelines, at special events, or wherever a need arises. When our students see their parents serving alongside one another, they witness the Gospel lived out in meaningful ways. To those who already give so generously of your time: your service is seen, valued, and deeply appreciated. And to every family, I encourage you to consider how you might get involved this year. We need you!
Launching the 2026–2027 Annual Fund
I'm also excited to announce the kickoff of our 2026–2027 Annual Fund. While tuition provides the foundation for daily operations, charitable giving allows us to strengthen our programs and extend our mission. This year's gifts will support four areas:
Our Faculty: Professional development that equips teachers to grow as Christian educators
Our Students: Technology upgrades that enhance teaching and learning
Our Families: Financial aid that helps families join and remain in the ACA community
Our Future: Growth of our endowment to sustain our mission for generations to come
Every gift, regardless of size, makes a difference.
Our theme this year, from John 13:34–35, calls us to love one another as Christ has loved us. Some families can give financially, others give their time, and many do both. What matters most is a shared heart for our mission. As we pass the two-year anniversary of Helene, I'm reminded of God's faithfulness and of how much of our recovery has been made possible by your prayers, partnership, and generosity.
I invite every family to prayerfully consider how you might participate this year, through both service and giving. Thank you for loving ACA and for being a community that seeks to put Christ in Everything.
With deep gratitude,
Dr. Jason Putnam
Head of School
No gift is too small, and every gift sends a powerful message that you believe in our students, our faculty, and the mission of ACA. This year's goal is $310,000.
Thank you for standing with us in this work!
Volunteer with PTF: We Need You!
Our Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) has lots of ways to serve this year, and a few needs are coming up fast!
📚 Book Fair - This Week! (September 28 - October 2)
👉 Sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FAAA72FA2FDC25-50351003-book
👵👴 Grandparents & Grand-Friends Day - Friday, October 2
👉 Sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FAAA72FA2FDC25-65349011-2026
Parenting Together Events
Attending a Parenting Together event? Come 45 minutes early to help greet and check in guests, so our teachers and staff can enjoy the event too. We need 3–4 volunteers per event.
Thursday, October 8 at 6:00 pm – John Stonestreet (sign up by Monday, October 5)
Friday, October 23 – Women's Breakfast with Michelle Myers, arrive around 7:30 am (sign up by Friday, October 9)
👉 Sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FAAA72FA2FDC25-64741066-parenting
Thank you for serving our ACA community! For more upcoming volunteer opportunities check out our PTF section.
CHARACTER FOCUS: HUMILITY
As we move into October, we continue our character education focus by taking a deeper look at the ways Jesus loves us. This month, we will be learning about humility. Throughout His life, Jesus showed us what it means to put others before Himself, serving with a heart full of love, compassion, and grace.
As Paul exhorts the Philippians, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4) This Scripture calls us to look beyond ourselves and consider the needs of others. Jesus lived out this kind of humility every day, showing us what it means to love and serve others selflessly.
When we put others first, we reflect the heart of Jesus and share His love with those around us. As we learn from His example of humility, we can ask ourselves: How can I serve someone this week? Who in my life could use encouragement, help, or kindness today?
Parent Partnership Opportunity: As we learn about humility at school this month, we invite you to continue the conversation at home through these simple family activities:
· Look for ways to serve as a family, such as helping a neighbor with yard work, taking a meal to someone who is sick, or writing encouragement cards.
· During dinner or family devotion time, talk about ways your family can put others first and ask your child who they can serve this week.
· Encourage your child to look for opportunities to help at home without being asked.
· Start a "Secret Service Challenge" by encouraging family members to quietly do kind things for others without seeking recognition.
Kate Williamson
Director of Student Services
Mark Your Calendar
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📚 ACA Book Fair - NOW - Oct. 2
ACA is hosting its annual I:55 Book Fair — Reading Round Up — NOW - Friday, October 2, from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM in our school library.
Round up some great new reads for your students!
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🎉 SPIRIT WEEK & HOMECOMING 🎉 NOW – October 3
It's the most spirited week of the year!
All week long, students are rocking themed dress-down/dress-up days, building hype for an epic finish — Homecoming Weekend, October 2–3!
We're bringing our whole school community together for two days full of fun, fellowship, and school spirit:
🏈 Sporting Events
🍔 Tailgating & Food Trucks
🎪 Carnival Activities
...and much more!👉 Click the link below for the full Spirit Week Dress-Up schedule and all the Homecoming Weekend details.🦁
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Grandparents/Grand Friends Day - October 2
Grandparents/Friends Day is October 2nd! 🦁💙
We can't wait to welcome our special guests for a morning full of memorable moments - starting with a special chapel, followed by time in the classroom, and a stop by the Book Fair for some fun finds to take home.
This is always such a sweet day for our Lower School families, and we know this year will be no different!
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Parenting Together with John Stonestreet Oct. 8
Throughout the school year, we bring in excellent local and national speakers to explore a variety of parenting topics.
On Oct. 8, from 6 - 7 pm, we are welcoming back, John Stonestreet, president of the Colson Center. His talk, "Helping Your Student Know Who They Are in an Age of AI and Acronyms," is one you won't want to miss.
This event is free and open to the public.
To make it easier to attend, we're offering free childcare* and a family meal for current ACA families only, so you can simply show up, be present, and fill your cup as a parent.
*Space is limited, so reserve your spot in advance.
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🩸 ACA Blood Drive with the American Red Cross Oct. 21
Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.
Join us on campus Wednesday, October 21 · 9:00 am–1:15 pm when the American Red Cross Bus visits ACA, and help save lives by giving blood!
Parents, staff, and friends of ACA are all welcome to donate.
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☕ Parenting Together Women's Breakfast with Michelle Myers Oct. 23
Moms, grandmothers, and women of the ACA community, join us for a morning of encouragement, fellowship, and conversation at our Parenting Together Women's Breakfast with Michelle Myers, Christian author and founder of She Works His Way.
Come enjoy breakfast, connect with other women, and be refreshed as you're equipped for the journey of raising the next generation.
Join us:
Friday, October 23 · 8:15–9:30 am
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🎯 ACA Sporting Clays Tournament
The ACA Sporting Clays Tournament is full.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
We are so grateful to the generous sponsors who made this event possible. Your support means so much to our ACA community! -
Playground Play Dates
Looking for a fun, easy way to connect with other ACA families after the school day?
Every Monday & Wednesday, parents are welcome to bring their children to the playground for supervised play after school from 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Simply pick up your child at the end of carline, park, and enter the playground through the side gate.
Tandem Calendar
Calendar navigation: Click or tap on a date to view event details. Use arrows to view next month.
School Essentials
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40% Off School Uniforms at Lands' End
Lands’ End is offering 40% off school uniforms!
Promo Code: OURTREAT40
Offer Ends: Oct. 13
Stock up on everyday essentials and uniform staples before the sale ends! (Exclusions apply.)
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🧲 Free School Calendar Magnets!
Stay on top of important dates all year long! We have a free ACA school calendar magnet for every family. Stop by the front desk to pick yours up.
Limit one per family, while supplies last.
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Episode 5: A Graduate's Journey of Faith at ACA
In this episode of Stories Rooted in Faith: The ACA Podcast, we sit down with recent graduate Ansley Fuchs as she reflects on her five years at Asheville Christian Academy.
Athletics & Fine Arts News
Fall Sports Information
Sports Interest Meetings:
Swim Interest Meeting – Grades 7–12, Boys & Girls
📅 Wednesday, October 7 · During lunch · Team Room
Middle School Girls Basketball Interest Meeting
📅 Thursday, October 8 · During MS lunch · Team Room
Upcoming Home Games
Friday, 10/2 – HOMECOMING! 🎉
Varsity Football vs. King's Academy (TN) – 7:30 pm (played at Owen HS)
Saturday, 10/3 – HOMECOMING! 🎉
Varsity Volleyball vs. AC Reynolds High School – 1:00 pm
Varsity Soccer vs. Asheville School – 3:00 pm
Varsity Tennis vs. Asheville School – 3:00 pm
Monday, 10/5
MS Soccer vs. Waynesville Middle School – 4:30 pm
Tuesday, 10/6
Varsity Tennis vs. Ambassador Christian – 4:00 pm
Thursday, 10/8
Varsity Volleyball vs. Owen High – 4:00 pm
Come out and cheer on the Lions!
Asheville Christian Letter Jackets
Get your letter jacket ordered before the cold sets in!
Contact Ryan Radford at wncgrad@gmail.com
❄️ Winter Sports Are Coming
Basketball and Swimming seasons begin Monday, November 2. Parent consent and physical exam forms must be completed before the first practice.
For more information, contact:
Swimming
Heather Butler – heather.butler@ashevillechristian.org
Varsity/JV Girls Basketball
Jonathan Bennett – jonathan.bennett@ashevillechristian.org
MS Girls Basketball
Brittany Meiners – bmeiners13@yahoo.com
Varsity Boys Basketball
JR Cadot – jr.cadot@ashevillechristian.org
JV Boys Basketball
David Swinehart – david.swinehart@ashevillechristian.org
MS Boys Basketball
Jonathan Whitson – jonathan.whitson@ashevillechristian.org
Upcoming Theater Productions
Upper School Fall Production: 12 Angry Jurors
Tickets on sale NOW!
Mark your calendars! ACA's Upper School is bringing the courtroom to the stage this fall with 12 Angry Jurors.
When a teenager's fate hangs in the balance, twelve jurors must decide whether justice has truly been served. As tensions rise and assumptions are challenged, one courageous voice reminds the group that every life deserves careful consideration.
Performance Dates & Times:
Thursday, October 15 - 7:00 pm
Friday, October 16 - 7:00 pm
Saturday, October 17 - 1:00 pm & 6:00 pm
Tickets: Purchase here
Come support our talented students in this gripping and thought-provoking production. We hope to see you there!
Upper School Spring Musical: Disney's Frozen
Who Can Audition?
ACA students in grades 9–12
8th graders by invitation, based on participation in the Middle School Musical
Important Dates
Sign-Up: Now open for cast, crew, and orchestra
Mandatory Cast Audition Workshop: Friday, November 13 at 3:30 pm
Cast Auditions: Monday–Wednesday, November 16–18
Callbacks: Thursday, November 19
Young Anna & Young Elsa Auditions
These auditions are open to ACA female students in grades 4–7.
Mandatory Parent Meeting & Audition Workshop: Tuesday, December 1 at 3:30 pm
Auditions: Thursday–Friday, December 3–4, 3:30–5:00 pm
How to Get Involved
Students interested in joining the cast, crew, or orchestra, or who simply have questions about roles, auditions, or the production, should contact Director Erin Lindberg: erin.lindberg@ashevillechristian.org.
Parent Teacher Fellowship
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Volunteers Needed - Coffee Connection: Friday, October 9th
Help Deliver Coffee to Teachers & Staff!
The Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Truck is coming to ACA to bless the teachers and staff on Friday, October 9 from 8-9:30 a.m.
We need PTF volunteers to help deliver coffee to the teachers and staff.
We will have their orders before Friday, so grab a friend and volunteer to deliver coffee to teachers and staff.
Come have some fun with us, and the teachers and staff will really appreciate it!
Also, if all the slots are filled to volunteer, you can still come just hang out and drink coffee!
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Get Involved. Stay Connected. Build Community.
PTF is one of the best ways to stay connected, build friendships, and invest in the ACA community and we'd love to have you! Whether you're a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle, there's a place for you.
Sign up below to let us know you're interested in helping with activities for the 2026-27 school year.
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Moms in Prayer
All moms are welcome to join us every Monday morning after drop-off for Moms in Prayer! We pray for the school, our teachers and staff, and our students. It's also a wonderful way to meet other parents too.
We meet at the Baker House (the home at the front of ACA). Please sign in at the front desk and walk over. On weeks when there's no school on Monday, we'll gather on Tuesday instead.
We'd love to have you! For more information or to submit prayer requests, email MomsinPrayerACA@gmail.com
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Footsteps and Fellowship
Whether you're new to ACA or you've been part of our community for years, we'd love for you to join us! Come walk with us every Thursday (in approved areas). It's a great way to get some fresh air, stay active, and get to know other parents in our community.
When: Thursdays 1:45–2:30 p.m. (weather permitting)
Who: All parents welcome. Come whenever you can!
Where: Meet in front of the school. Don't forget to sign in and grab your Trail Walker sticker!
We can't wait to see you there! -
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! We were able to purchase a middle school ball cart, tables, and PE equipment.
Some of our participating partners are Ingles, Lands’ End, Harris Teeter, Box Tops and Office Depot.
For more information on how to participate, please visit the PTF section of the ACA website or click the link below.
Guidance News
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SENIOR NEWS
Please read the email from Mrs. Boer about college applications. We need to know where, when, and how you are applying so we can send your school materials and write your recommendations. Check in with Mrs. Boer and Mrs. Bullock with your questions and concerns.
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College Reps at ACA
Take advantage of learning more about a variety of colleges when they come to us!
During lunch, upper school students can stop by and visit with college representatives to find out what makes their schools special.
School Year Abroad – Thurs, Oct. 1
St. Lawrence Univ – Mon, Oct. 5
Marist Univ – Tues, Oct. 6
Furman Univ – Thurs, Oct. 8
Roanoke College – Fri, Oct. 9
Univ of Tampa - Wed, Oc. 14
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Virtual Session with Harvard, Princeton, UVA, Wellesley & Yale
Interested in learning more about some of the nation's most selective universities?
ACA students are invited to register for a virtual information session featuring representatives from Harvard, Princeton, UVA, Wellesley, and Yale!
Friday, October 4
Don't miss this chance to hear directly from these top schools and get your questions answered!
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PSAT - Tuesday, October 20
ACA will administer the PSAT on Tuesday, October 20, to students in grades 9, 10, and 11.
The PSAT is a digital assessment, so students will need to bring their fully charged laptop and charger to school on testing day.
We will work with students ahead of time to make sure Bluebook, College Board’s testing application, is installed and their device is ready for testing.
Please mark October 20 on your calendar and make every effort for your student to be at school and on time that morning. More testing-day details will be shared as we get closer to the date.
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🎓 The FAFSA Is Open!
The 2027–28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open, earlier than usual! Seniors and their families are encouraged to get started.
How it works: Students create an account, invite their parent(s) to contribute, and complete their portion of the FAFSA. Parents then accept the invitation and fill out their section. Since tax information is connected automatically by the federal government, the process is quick and straightforward.
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📅 Save the Date: "Paying for College" Webinar
Monday, November 9, 6:30–7:30 pm
Presented by College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) for ACA families.The webinar link will be sent out in early November.
International Student Homestay Program
Would You Consider Hosting an International Student Next School Year?
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.
As a host family, you will receive a $1,000 monthly stipend to help offset hosting costs. More importantly, you will have the opportunity to provide a warm, loving, and nurturing home for a student far from their own family. This experience is more than just a cultural exchange - it’s a chance to build lifelong connections and friendships while reflecting Christ’s love and compassion.
What Is It Like to Host an International Student?
Hear firsthand from three ACA host families by clicking here.
For more information about the International Student Program, please contact Deborah Stuart at Deborah.Stuart@ashevillechristian.org
Thank you for considering this meaningful opportunity!
