BETWEEN the LIONS
September 16, 2026
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Table of Contents
40% off uniforms through Oct 13
12 Angry Jurors Oct 15 to 17, winter sports Nov 2
College visits and a virtual session with top universities
Host families wanted for international students
Thank you for serving, and the Annual Fund launch
Humility, with four family activities
Parenting talk Oct 8, blood drive Oct 21
Dr. Jason Putnam
Head of School
A Refuge in Times of Trouble:
There are seasons in life when the weight of our circumstances feels especially heavy. We face disappointment, uncertainty, loss, fear, and circumstances we simply cannot understand. Scripture never promises that following Christ will shelter us from these moments. Instead, it promises us something far greater: we will never face them alone.
Psalm 34 has been on my heart recently. David writes, “Blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him” (Psalm 34:8). Later, he reminds us, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:17–18).
What a remarkable promise. Our hope is not found in the absence of trouble. Our hope is found in the presence of God in the midst of our trouble.
When we hurt, He is near. When we cry out, He hears. When our hearts are broken, He draws close. When we cannot see what tomorrow holds, we can take refuge in the One who does.
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Taking refuge in God does not mean that every circumstance immediately changes or every question receives an answer. It means we choose to place the full weight of our trust upon the character and promises of God. We remember that He is faithful even when life is difficult, that He is sovereign even when circumstances seem uncertain, and that His love for us has been demonstrated completely through Jesus Christ.
That is the hope we want our students to know at Asheville Christian. It is the hope we want to model for one another as parents, teachers, colleagues, and friends. Life will bring moments when our children experience disappointment and heartache. They will encounter circumstances we cannot fix for them. In those moments, perhaps one of the greatest things we can teach them is where to run.
Run to Christ. Take refuge in Him.
Our circumstances may change. Our plans may change. Life around us may sometimes feel uncertain. But Jesus Christ remains the same, and because of Him, we are never without hope.
Whatever you may be carrying this week, my prayer is that the words of Psalm 34 will encourage you: the Lord hears your cry. He is near to the brokenhearted. He saves those who are crushed in spirit. Blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.
May we be a community that continually points one another toward that refuge and reminds one another that, even in times of trouble, our hope has a name—and His name is Jesus.
This month, we're inviting ACA families to join one of the most meaningful ways our community lives out its belief that exalting Jesus is worth being part of something bigger than ourselves: our annual giving campaign, The ACA Fund.
Introducing
The ACA Fund
Tuition alone doesn't cover the full cost of an ACA education. The ACA Fund helps us go further - providing vital professional development for our faculty, financial aid for more families, updated technology and learning resources, campus improvements, and additional programs that help our students learn, grow, and thrive.
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. Watch your mailbox for a gift/pledge card, which makes giving easy.
Thank you for standing with us in this work!
CHARACTER FOCUS:
COMPASSION
Kate Williamson
Director of Student Services
This year, as part of our character education, students across all levels will be learning about different ways Jesus demonstrated His love. Our theme is rooted in John 13:34-35, where Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us. By following His example and loving others well, we show the world that we are His disciples.
Our first focus is on Jesus' compassion. When Jesus encountered crowds of people, He did not remain focused solely on the task before Him. Instead, Scripture tells us that He was moved with compassion for them: "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." (Matthew 9:36)
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During the month of September, we are encouraging students to strengthen their "compassion muscles" by seeing others through the eyes of Jesus. Compassion begins with slowing down, paying attention, and noticing those around us. Jesus' example invites us to ask: Do I truly see the people around me? How might my relationships change if I responded with the compassion that Jesus showed?
Students can practice compassion in simple but meaningful ways, such as inviting someone to join them during recess or at the lunch table, helping a classmate who feels lost or confused, or sitting with someone who is alone and starting a conversation.
Parent Partnership Opportunity: We are excited to partner with families as we learn about the many ways Jesus loves us. If you would like to extend the conversation with your child at home this month, here are a few ways your family can participate together:
During family devotions or prayer time, ask your child how they noticed and showed compassion to others that day.
Create cards for those who are sick or hurting.
Write a note of encouragement to brighten someone’s day.
Assemble items for a local shelter, nursing home, or food pantry.Description text goes here
Mark Your Calendar
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Playground Play Dates - Mon & Wed, 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Stay after school and let the kids play while you connect with other ACA families.
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See You at the Pole - September 23
Students gather at the flagpole before school to pray for friends, school, leaders, and country.
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12 Angry Jurors, Oct. 15–17
The Upper School fall production brings the courtroom to the stage. Tickets on sale Sept. 23.
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Christian College Fair, Sept. 23
Join us from 10 a.m.–Noon.
Parents are welcome to join Upper School students on campus. Stop by the front office for postcards to share.
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Taste of the Arts - September 25
An evening of music from our Middle and Upper School choirs and bands, with a dessert reception at 6:00. It also launches The ACA Fund.
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I:55 Book Fair Sept. 28–Oct. 2, 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Books that nourish hearts and minds, in the school library.
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SPIRIT WEEK & HOMECOMING
Sept. 28–Oct. 3
Themed dress-up days all week, then Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 2–3, with sporting events, tailgating, food trucks, and a carnival.
Button: More Info -
Sporting Clays Tournament
Friday, Oct. 2
Join us at the Biltmore Sporting Clays Club. All proceeds go to The ACA Fund. -
Grandparents/Grand Friends Day - October 2
Friday, Oct. 2
A cherished Lower School tradition: a morning of classroom visits and a special chapel. -
Parenting Together with John Stonestreet
Thursday, Oct. 8, 6–7 p.m.
Free and open to the public. Childcare and a family meal are offered for current ACA families.
Parent Teacher Fellowship
A Year Well Spent - Thank You!
What a year it has been! From big events to behind-the-scenes help, our ACA community showed up beautifully. Thank you to every volunteer who gave their time and talents in any capacity this year - it truly makes a difference.
School Essentials
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2026–2027 Parent Calendar
The calendar is up. Plan ahead for holidays, parent nights, Winterim, Spring Break, Baccalaureate, and Graduation.
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Episode 5 is LIVE: A Graduate's Journey of Faith at ACA
In this episode of Stories Rooted in Faith, ecent graduate Ansley Fuchs shares how ACA shaped her faith, including the days after Hurricane Helene.
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Check Out Your Child's Artwork on Artsonia!
See your child’s artwork online. Scan the QR code or visit artsonia.com/parents with parent code 5NP62ZNS.
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Habitat Dress Down Days
A $35 donation lets a student or staff member dress down on the last Tuesday of each month. Every dollar goes to a Habitat build. Questions: seth.rowe@ashevillechristian.org.
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Car Line Reminders
Please look over car line arrival and dismissal procedures to keep our school community safe and to keep car line running smoothly.
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Aftercare Registration for the 2026-27 School Year
Safe indoor and outdoor play, plus a daily snack. Drop-in care must be reserved in SchoolPass by 2:30 p.m. the day it’s needed. Questions: 828-581-2200 ext. 1299, 3:30–5:50 p.m.
For more info about Aftercare, click below:
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SchoolPass Reminder
Log all carpool, activity, and bus changes in SchoolPass. Short how-to videos: Carpool, Activity, Bus.
If you need a quick refresher or are new to the platform, check out these short video tutorials to help you navigate the process:
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Spirit Store Hours & Uniform Exchange
Open Mon, Wed, and Fri, 7:45–8:30 a.m. and 2:45–3:30 p.m. Donate clean, gently used uniforms for store credit, on the second floor of the Upper School by the elevator. No t-shirts or PE uniforms.
Please note: store credit cannot be issued for used t-shirts or PE uniforms. Also, for school safety purposes, please do not donate ACA logoed clothing to local charities.
Athletics & Fine Arts News
Swim Interest Meeting, Grades 7–12, boys and girls
Oct. 7, during lunch, Team Room
Asheville Christian Letter Jackets! Get one ordered before the cold sets in!
Contact Ryan Radford: wncgrad@gmail.com
Fall Sports Information
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Thurs., Sept. 17
Middle School Football (at Owen HS) vs. Spartanburg Day, 6:30 pm
Fri., Sept. 18
Varsity Football (at Asheville School) vs. Copper Basin HS (TN), 7:00 pm
Tues., Sept. 22
MS/JV/Varsity Volleyball vs. Carolina Day School, 4:00 / 5:00 / 6:00 pm
Varsity Tennis vs. Carolina Day School, 4:00 pm
Varsity Soccer vs. Carolina Day School, 4:30 pm (Senior Day!)
Wed., Sept. 23
Middle School Soccer vs. Canton Middle School, 4:30 pm
JV/Varsity Volleyball vs. Brevard High School, 4:30 / 5:30 pm
Tues., Sept. 29
JV/Varsity Volleyball vs. Asheville School, 4:30 / 5:30 pm
Wed., Sept. 30
MS/Varsity Cross Country Invitational, 4:30 pm
JV Volleyball vs. AC Reynolds High School, 4:30 pm
Fri., Oct. 2
Varsity Football (at Owen HS) vs. King’s Academy (TN), 7:30 pm (Homecoming!)
Sat., Oct. 3
Varsity Soccer vs. Asheville School, 3:00 pm (Homecoming!)
Varsity Tennis vs. Asheville School, 3:00 pm (Homecoming!)
Varsity Volleyball vs. AC Reynolds High School, 1:00 pm (Homecoming!)
Upcoming Home Games
Winter Sports Information
Basketball and Swimming seasons begin Nov. 2.
For more information, contact:
Swimming: Heather Butler: heather.butler@ashevillechristian.org
Boys Basketball: JR Cadot: jr.cadot@ashevillechristian.org
Girls Basketball: Jonathan Bennett: jonathan.bennett@ashevillechristian.org
Upcoming Theater Productions
Frozen Audition Details Coming September 18th
Auditions for our Upper School spring musical - Disney’s Frozen - are on the horizon, and full details on how to prepare and sign up will be released on September 18th. Whether your student dreams of taking the stage as Elsa or Anna, or lending their talents backstage, there's a role for everyone in this magical production. Keep an eye out for more information coming soon!
Upper School Fall Production: 12 Angry Jurors
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
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Volunteers Needed , Christian College Fair , Sept 23
ACA hosts the Christian College Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Help us welcome the college representatives and greet students and families.
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Volunteers Needed, Taste of the Arts, Sept 25
Friday, Sept. 25, 6–7:30 p.m. We need help decorating the auditorium, setting up food, and cleaning up after the event.
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Volunteers Needed, Book Fair, Sept. 28–Oct. 2
The Book Fair runs 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. all week. We need help with setup, teardown, cashier, restocking, and decorating. Everyone who volunteers a shift gets a free book!
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Volunteers Needed, Grandparents & Grand Friends Day, Oct. 2
The event is only for grandparents and grand friends. Parents can attend only as volunteers.
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Coffee Connection, Friday, Oct. 9
The Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Truck is coming to bless our teachers and staff from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Help us deliver the coffee. Orders are in before Friday, so grab a friend. If all the slots are full, you’re still welcome to stop by and have coffee.
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Get Involved. Stay Connected. Build Community.
PTF is one of the best ways to stay connected and build friendships in the ACA community. Parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles are all welcome. Sign up to tell us you’re interested in helping in 2026–27.
Ways to stay connected:
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Every Monday, 8:15–9:30 a.m., at the Baker House, the home at the front of ACA. Sign in at the front desk and walk over. If there’s no school on Monday, we meet on Tuesday. Questions or prayer requests: MomsinPrayerACA@gmail.com
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Thursdays, 1:45–2:30 p.m., weather permitting. All parents are welcome to join whenever they can. Meet in front of the school, sign in, and pick up your Trail Walker sticker.
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Shop with our partners, including Ingles, Lands’ End, Harris Teeter, Box Tops, and Office Depot, and a share goes back to ACA. Past support helped buy a middle school ball cart, tables, and PE equipment. Details are on the PTF page of the ACA website.
Guidance News
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Senior News
Seniors: please read Mrs. Boer’s email about college applications. We need to know where, when, and how you’re applying so we can send your school materials and write your recommendations.
Questions? Check in with Mrs. Boer or Mrs. Bullock.
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Peach State Tour: Admission Information Sessions
Interested in Georgia’s top universities? Join the Peach State Tour’s virtual admission information session on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 8:00–9:00 p.m.
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PSAT, Tues., October 20
ACA will give the PSAT to students in grades 9, 10, and 11. The test is digital, so bring a fully charged laptop and charger. We’ll help students make sure Bluebook, College Board’s testing app, is installed ahead of time. Testing-day details will follow.
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Calling All Student Leaders, Starboard Scholarship
Lands’ End is awarding five School Starboard Scholarships of $5,000 each to students in grades 8–12. The money can go toward school or college tuition. Apply by Jan. 15, 2027.
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Virtual Session with Harvard, Princeton, UVA, Wellesley & Yale
Students are invited to register for a virtual information session with representatives from these five schools. Choose the date that works best for you:
Friday, September 27
Friday, October 4
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College Reps at ACA
During lunch, upper school students can meet with college representatives:
Tue., Sept. 22: High Point University
Fri., Sept. 25: Hampden-Sydney University
Wed., Sept. 30: Elon University
Thurs., Oct. 1: School Year Abroad
Mon., Oct. 5: St. Lawrence University
Tues., Oct. 6: Marist University
Thurs., Oct. 8: Furman University
Fri., Oct. 9: Roanoke College
International Homestay Hosts Needed
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?
Looking for more information? Please contact Deborah Stuart:
Thank you for considering this meaningful opportunity!
