BETWEEN the LIONS
April 30, 2026
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There is something about May.
It arrives with a full calendar and a quickened pace. Concerts, games, ceremonies, final projects, field days, exams, and celebrations begin to stack one upon another. The days feel long, yet somehow not long enough. It is a beautiful kind of busy, but busy nonetheless. And in the middle of it all, it would be easy to rush right past the very moments that matter most.
May is more than a finish line. It is a collection of sacred markers.
It is seniors walking familiar hallways for the last time, quietly carrying the weight of final assignments, final conversations, and final days on a campus that has helped shape who they are becoming. It is eighth graders beginning to lift their eyes toward Upper School, stepping into new responsibility with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. It is fifth graders preparing to leave the rhythms of Lower School behind, and kindergartners celebrating their very first milestone, wide-eyed and full of joy.
In so many ways, May is a month that gently reminds us of something we already know but do not always stop to feel: our children are growing up.
Scripture reminds us, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Numbering our days is not simply about counting them, but about noticing them. Receiving them. Being present within them.
So as the pace picks up in the weeks ahead, consider this an invitation. Pause in the stands a little longer after the game ends. Sit with your child as they finish that last assignment, not to rush them along, but simply to be near. Take the extra moment to celebrate what may feel small now but will not feel small later. Because these are the moments that form memory. These are the moments that shape hearts. These are the moments we will one day look back on and wish we had held just a little bit longer.
I often say that our work at ACA is discipleship and our aim is transformation. In the busyness of May, that calling does not slow down, it becomes more visible. We see it in the growth of our students, in the maturity that has taken root, and in the ways God is faithfully at work in their lives.
As we look ahead, I also want to invite all current families to keep an eye on your mailbox in the coming weeks. We will be sending out a strategic planning mailer, and I am genuinely excited to share this with you. It represents thoughtful work, prayerful consideration, and a clear vision for where the Lord is leading Asheville Christian Academy in the years ahead. I look forward to placing that in your hands soon.
Dr. Jason Putnam
Head of School
Recovery Updates
We are grateful to see our athletic fields beautifully restored this spring, providing a great space for our students and teams. Looking ahead, we have several exciting projects planned for this summer, including new baseball dugouts, sidewalks, parking lots, and landscaping. The track surface will be completed next week, marking another exciting milestone for our campus.
This month, our Character Education focus is on Goodness, with an emphasis on Good Judgment. Jesus taught about judgment both in terms of His ultimate authority to judge and how we are to treat one another. He emphasized righteous judgment, which involves discerning truth and acting justly, while cautioning against judging others based on appearances or with a condemning spirit.
Jesus reminded us that we will be judged by the same standard we use for others, calling us to approach situations with fairness, humility, and wisdom. Good judgment is both a natural ability and a learned skill, one that can be developed over time through guidance, experience, and a commitment to truth.
It is important for students to understand that good judgment helps them make wise decisions, treat others with respect, and respond thoughtfully in all situations. When students learn to seek truth and act justly, they reflect Christ’s goodness in their daily lives. Scripture reinforces this in John 7:24, “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”
As we focus on goodness and good judgment this month, may we encourage students to think carefully, act fairly, and reflect Christ’s love and truth in all they do.
Character Education
Featured Events
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Teacher Appreciation Week
During the week of May 4-8, ACA families have the chance to pour into the people who pour into our kids every single day. From Monday through Friday, we're celebrating our teachers and staff with themed treats, thoughtful surprises, and a whole lot of gratitude — all built around what they told us makes them feel most loved.
Please sign up to help if you are able. And, feel free to send a note, drop off a favorite snack, or simply say thank you in your own special way. Let's make this a week our teachers feel truly seen, celebrated, and appreciated — because they've earned every bit of it.
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Lou Bishop Retirement Celebration
Join us on Thursday, May 14 for a special evening celebrating Lou Bishop’s legacy of teaching and her many years of faithful impact at Asheville Christian Academy as she enters retirement. Drop in anytime between 5:00–7:00 PM, with a recognition beginning at 6:00 PM.
The event will be held at Gaither Fellowship Hall (310 Gaither Circle, Montreat). We hope you’ll come honor and celebrate Lou with us!
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Important End of Year Dates
May 21
Pre-Kindergarten Celebration – 8:30 AM
Kindergarten Celebration – 10:00 AM
Last Day of School for Pre-K and Kindergarten
Last Day of Aftercare (buses will run through the last day of school)
May 22
Noon Dismissal
May 23
Graduation
May 25
No School: Memorial Day
May 26–28
Noon Dismissal
May 26
8th Grade Stepping Up Ceremony - 7:00 PM
May 27
5th Grade Launch - 8:30 AM
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Episode 2 is Live!
In this episode, we sit down with Sara Nix, a devoted mother of five and ACA's current PTF President, to hear the story behind her family’s remarkable commitment to the school. Driving over an hour each way, Sara shares what makes ACA worth the daily sacrifice—and why her family continues to choose this community year after year.
She reflects on the impact ACA has had on each of her children across lower, middle, and upper school, and how faith, academics, and relationships have shaped their growth.
Along the way, she speaks to the deeper “why” behind their decision—the values, experiences, and Christ-centered environment that make ACA not just a school, but a place where her children are truly known and nurtured.
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
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Become a Family Mentor - Make a Difference!
Are you passionate about our school community? Have you been part of the ACA family for at least two years? We need your experience and enthusiasm!
Our Family Mentor program pairs seasoned ACA families with those new to our school. As a mentor, you’ll be a friendly face, a helpful guide, and a go-to resource for a family just starting their ACA journey.
Share your wisdom, answer questions, and help new families feel at home faster. Your support can make a world of difference during a time of transition.
Ready to make an impact? Sign up today to become an ACA Family Mentor! Email ptf@ashevillechristian.org for more details or to volunteer.
Thank you for considering this meaningful way to serve and strengthen our wonderful school community. We appreciate you!
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The ACA Fund
We are grateful to share that, thanks to your generosity, we have raised $402,000 to date through gifts, pledges, and the matching fund contribution. This brings us $4,000 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.
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Summer Camp Session is now open!
We are delighted to announce that registration for the 2026 Summer Camp session is now open. Please click the button below to view the camp brochure and access the registration link.
Our team is looking forward to a summer filled with fun, learning, and memorable experiences. We hope to see your child at camp this summer.
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ACA Corporation
At Asheville Christian Academy, we are more than a school. We are a community shaped by shared purpose and partnership. One meaningful way families engage in that partnership is through membership in the ACA Corporation.
Each year, parents and employees are invited to join the Corporation and play a vital role in supporting the school’s mission and future. Corporation members help affirm leadership through the election of the Board of Directors, who safeguard ACA’s mission and direction while the Head of School leads its daily work. Together, this structure provides clarity, accountability, and long-term strength.
Becoming part of the Corporation is more than a formality. It is an opportunity to participate in stewardship, invest in the life of the school, and help ensure ACA remains rooted in its Christ centered mission for the 2026 to 2027 school year.
Thank you for being an essential part of our community.
Deadline for Corporation Membership is June 30th.
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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Food Drive
Our school is hosting a food drive to support our local Manna FoodBank, running now through May 15. We invite our community to participate by donating items in the boxes located in each lobby. We are especially in need of canned proteins, canned fruits, and canned vegetables. This effort is sponsored by the 10th grade government class, and we appreciate your generosity in helping serve those in need.
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The Coffee Connection
The first Friday of every month 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, May 8 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.
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Terrific Trade: Summer Reading Book Sale
Get ready for our Terrific Trade, happening May 11–15—a fun and easy way to stock up on summer reading! All required books will be just $5, and you can trade in gently used titles from the reading list for a $2.50 credit per book.
We encourage early drop-offs to help the sale run smoothly—thank you! Books will be available by division: Lower School (library or order form), Middle School (English classrooms), and Upper School (English classrooms).
Don’t miss this chance to refresh your shelves and discover your next great read!
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Save the Date: Sports Physicals
Mark your calendars! Sports physicals for rising 6th–12th graders will be held May 13 after school.
The cost is $20 (cash or check only).
More details coming soon!
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Dominion Safety Corner
Our security partner Dominion Company Police shares important insights on protecting children in today’s digital world, from online gaming risks to social media safety. This month’s Safety Corner highlights what every parent should know to help keep students safe both on and offline. Be sure to read the full article linked below.
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Track Access
We’re excited to share that our team has begun practicing on the new track! While this is an exciting milestone, the track is not yet open for ACA family use. Construction is still ongoing in the surrounding areas, and access remains limited for safety reasons. We look forward to sharing an official opening announcement once the project is fully complete.
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Dismissal Reminder
Parents, please remember that any changes to your child’s dismissal plan should be updated in SchoolPass. This helps us ensure a smooth and safe dismissal for all students.
Thank you for your cooperation!
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Car Tag Reminder
Please do not throw away your car tags at the end of the school year. These tags can be reused for the following school year.
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2026–2027 Parent Calendar Now Available
The 2026–2027 Parent Calendar is now ready! Families can begin planning for key dates including the Back to School Bash (August 17), the first day of school (August 19 – noon dismissal), holidays, parent nights, Winterim, Spring Break, and end-of-year events like Baccalaureate (May 28) and Graduation (May 29).
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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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
After more than two decades of faithful service, longtime Head Boys’ Basketball Coach Andy Ray announced his resignation.
Coach Ray leaves behind an extraordinary legacy at Asheville Christian Academy, highlighted by 398 career wins, multiple conference championships, and two state titles. Even more impactful is the way he shaped the lives of countless young men, guiding them in character, faith, and growth both on and off the court.
From building a strong youth program to investing deeply in his players and community, his influence reaches far beyond basketball. His leadership, grounded in faith, has left a lasting mark on our school.
We are deeply grateful for his dedication and the legacy he leaves behind. Thank you, Coach Ray.
Upcoming Home Games
May 1
Varsity Baseball vs. Avery County (Home) – 4:30 PM
Varsity Soccer vs. Rabun Gap (Home) – 4:30 PM
May 6
CAA Track & Field Championships at Montreat College – 4:00 PM
The NCISAA playoffs begin the week of May 4 and run through May 16. Be on the lookout for state playoff matchups in baseball, soccer, tennis, and golf, and visit ncisaa.org for complete brackets and matchups.
WNC Sports Awards
Western North Carolina’s top high school athletes will be celebrated on May 3 at the annual WNC Sports Awards banquet, held at the Omni Grove Park Inn. The event brings together representatives from every high school across the region to recognize excellence in athletics, academics, and character.
This year, several standout student-athletes have earned finalist honors. Anna Barrett has been named a finalist for Female Olympic Sport Athlete and will also receive a scholarship award. Swimmer Ezekiel Herzog is a finalist for both Male Olympic Sport Athlete and the Academic Award, highlighting his achievements in the pool and in the classroom. Ian Bailey has earned recognition as a finalist for Male Major Sport Athlete and the prestigious Athlete of the Year award. Molly Goforth rounds out the group as a finalist for the Female Academic Award.
We congratulate these exceptional students on their accomplishments and look forward to celebrating their success at this distinguished event.
Save the Date: 16th Annual Gathering of the Pride
Mark your calendars for the 16th Annual Gathering of the Pride, our end-of-year athletic banquet celebrating Asheville Christian Academy’s varsity athletes.
Join us on Wednesday, May 20th at 6:00 PM in the ACA Gymnasium for dinner and a special program as we honor the 2025–2026 Varsity Lettermen.
Please note that this is an invitation-only event for Lettermen and their parents.
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
Parenting Together with Sean McDowell
If you missed the Parenting Together event featuring Dr. Sean McDowell, you can watch it at the link here.
Dr. McDowell, a gifted communicator, bestselling author, and passionate advocate for equipping young people, shared practical and encouraging insights for parents seeking to help their children confidently live out their faith. Known for his humor, engaging stories, and thoughtful, evidence-based approach, he drew from his work on books like So the Next Generation Will Know, Chasing Love, and Evidence That Demands a Verdict.
This conversation is a valuable resource for families navigating how to think biblically and engage today’s culture with truth and grace, and it is also well suited for middle and high school students to watch.
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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Senior Updates
Complete the Senior Exit Survey in Scoir
Update all college outcomes and select “Mark as Enrolling” in Scoir
(instructions were sent via email)
Fill out the Guidance bulletin board with your plans after ACA!
Come and see us if you want to discuss your decisions.
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Upper School Advising
Juniors & Sophomores: Sign up for Test Prep Bootcamp, July 27-29, https://tutorsacrossamerica.com/actcourse/, scroll to the camp at ACA and use code GOLIONS for ½ off!
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Testing & Advising Updates
Complete the Brag Sheet for Recommenders in Scoir (instructions were sent via email)
Sign up for College App Bootcamp, July 13-16, by emailing Mrs. Boer
