BETWEEN the LIONS
YOUR SOURCE FOR ACA NEWS
May 30, 2025
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Kindergarten Summertime Video Greeting
Table of Contents
Dear Asheville Christian Academy Community,
As we close out the 2024–2025 school year, my heart is full of gratitude and hope. What a year it has been—marked by perseverance, grace, and the unmistakable faithfulness of God at work in our school. Through every challenge and every celebration, our faculty and staff have remained steadfast in their calling, serving our students and families with incredible devotion. I could not be more thankful—or more proud—of their faithful witness and labor.
As our campus transitions into summer mode, we pray that each of you finds true rest and renewal. Whether you’re traveling, spending time with loved ones, or simply enjoying a slower pace, may your summer be filled with joy and restoration. And above all, may our Heavenly Father turn each of our hearts toward renewal as we prepare for the year ahead.
Though the hallways may quiet down, our work continues. We’re excited about our robust lineup of summer camps and all the life they bring to campus. We’re also eager to see progress on our athletic fields as we prepare for a vibrant fall sports season! While summer offers a change of pace, our commitment to the mission of Asheville Christian Academy never stops as we shift our focus to preparations for the 2025–2026 school year.
We have much to be grateful for—and even more to look forward to.
Please be on the lookout for a special mid-summer Between the Lions with updates and announcements. Our regular twice-monthly newsletter will return in August to keep you informed and encouraged as we head into another Christ-centered academic year together.
Until then, may the peace of Christ dwell richly in your homes, and may His grace continue to sustain and guide each of us.
Jason Putnam
William Jason Putnam
Interim Head of School
Upcoming Events.
Calendar navigation: hover cursor or tap phone to view event details. Use arrows to view next month.
Featured Events:
June 2 - August 14
Back-to-School Bash is on 8/15. First day of school is 8/19.
All School News
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Keep Those Carline Tags!!!
As we approach the end of the school year, be sure to keep your carline tags over the summer!
DO NOT THROW OUT!
You will be able to reuse your car tag next year!
You can always email the transportation email if you need a replacement or have questions.
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Summer Reading Books
Books from all levels of the Summer Reading Lists are available for just $5 each. Books can be purchased at the front desk all summer during office hours (9am -2pm).
Please refer to the links below for the 2025 reading lists:
2025 Lower School Reading List
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Order Supply Kits Now!
School Supply Kits through The Write Stuff are now available!
Knock next year’s school supply shopping off your to-do list by participating in this optional fundraiser for PTF. We hope this is a service to you to skip the lines and get ahead for next school year.
Place your order before June 6 to benefit from the free shipping directly to the school. You will be able to pick up kits in August at the Back-to-School Bash.
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2025-2026 Corporation Membership Application
All those interested in being part of the 2025-2026 Corporation must complete an application for membership by June 30, 2025.
This is in accordance with the updates to the bylaws which were approved at our last corporation meeting.
Click the link below to complete the membership application.
Questions should be directed to leanne.stark@ashevillechristian.org.
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Update the School Nurse this Summer!
Things to email to the school nurse over the summer:
1. Updated immunization records. NC immunization requirements may be found here: Immunization Requirements for K-12 Schools | Division of Public Health
2. Update to a student’s health and/or medications.
3. Updated medical forms such as Allergy Care Plans, Asthma Care Plans, Seizure Care Plans. All medical forms may be found here: Medication-Forms.pdf. Medical forms are good for one year. ACA cannot administer any medication to a student (prescription or over-the-counter) without a note from their healthcare provider.
Thank you!
Kristin Moyers BSN, RN
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Open Your Home to an ACA 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. This year, our international students come from Nigeria, China, Ukraine, Moldova, Costa Rica, and Rwanda.
Would You Consider Hosting an International Student Next School Year?
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 in the video below!
For more information about the International Student Program, please contact Deborah Stuart at Deborah.Stuart@ashevillechristian.org
Thank you for considering this meaningful opportunity!
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Spirit Store Summer Hours
Mondays July 7th - August 18th, 1-3pm.
Friday, August 15th – New Family Orientation, 8:30-10:30am
Friday, August 15th – Back to School Bash, 12:30-3:30pm
August 19th & 20th – 7:45-8:30am & 11:45am-12:30pm
Did you know! You may turn in your gently used ACA CampusWear for donation or to receive store credit. You may then use the credit to purchase other gently used uniforms from the Spirit Store.
The process is simple:
1. Bring your laundered uniform pieces any time the school is open to the 2nd floor of the upper school, just outside the elevator. We have all the supplies you need.
2. Complete the Clothing for Credit Form (find a copy here).
3. Hang the clothes using the hangers provided and leave the form attached.
4. A volunteer will process your clothes and your store credit will be entered on our master family list in the Spirit Store in about a week.
Note: We are unable to give store credit for used t-shirts and PE uniforms. You may leave them for us to recycle in the bins provided or hand them down to another ACA family. We request that you NOT donate any ACA logoed clothing to local charities, as a matter of school safety.
If you have any questions, please contact us at thespiritstore@ashevillechristian.com.
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Lands' End Sale Ends Sunday, June 1st
Memorial Day Sale
Save $75 On Orders Of $250 Or More
From now until June 1st school families can save $75 off orders greater than $250.
Promo Code: LONGWKNDPin #: 2525
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Read's Uniforms Buy 3 Get 1 Free
Save on school uniform pieces at Read’s Uniforms on Sweeten Creek during the month of June!
Buy 3 Get 1 Free!
Ask for more details at the store.
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Yearbooks Still Available to Purchase!
There is still a limited supply of yearbooks available for purchase. If you would like to purchase a copy of the 2024-2025 yearbook, please visit the Front Desk soon.
Cost: $100
Thank you for your support!
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New Family Mentors Needed
The PTF New Family Mentor program creates a warm, welcoming environment for families joining our school community. Our mentors serve as friendly guides who help new families navigate school procedures, explain upcoming events, and provide a familiar face to connect with on campus. If you'd like to make a meaningful difference by becoming a New Family Mentor for the 2025-2026 school year, please email us by clicking below.
Athletics & Fine Arts
Athletic News
Athletic Business Sponsorship Note
The ACA Department of Athletics will be setting up business sponsorship opportunities for the 2025-26 school year that include signage, game day announcements, team gear, etc. Contact Joe Johnson in the athletic department if interested. Formal plans will be made public in early June.
Coach Openings!
Are you interested in coaching one of our teams next year? Or do you have connections with like-minded coaches in the area who would be interested in joining our team? Check out our openings on our employment page.
Summer Workouts and Sports Information
Please contact the following coaches for information about summer workouts and summer training if you are not already receiving information:
Head Baseball – Chris Zaccaro chris.zaccaro@ashevillechristian.org
Head Boys Basketball – Andy Ray andy.ray@ashevillechristian.org
Head Girls Basketball – Jonathan Bennett jonathan.bennett@ashevillechristian.org
Head Swimming – Heather Butler heather.butler@ashevillechristian.org
Head Boys Soccer – Brenton Benware brenton.benware@ashevillechristian.org
Head Girls Soccer – Roddy Alt roddy.alt@ashevillechristian.org
Head Volleyball – Torri Render torri.render@ashevillechristian.org
Head Football – George Johnson george.johnson@ashevillechristian.org
Head Golf – Michael Hicks michael.hicks@ashevillechristian.org
Head Track and Cross Country - To be announced; Contact the Athletic Office at joe.johnson@ashevillechristian.org
Head Tennis – To be announced; Contact the Athletic Office at joe.johnson@ashevillechristian.org
Summer strength and conditioning program – Nick Ficker nick.ficker@ashevillechristian.org
Varsity and JV sports begin as early July 27 – specific sport and times will be communicated later in the summer and visible on Tandem.
MS sports begin August 11 - specific sport and times will be communicated later in the summer and visible on Tandem.
Sports physicals and permission forms must be completed and turned into Heidi Pieper, Athletic Trainer (heidi.pieper@ashevillechristian.org) before tryouts and practices begin. Forms are available on the school website.
Fine Arts News
Fine Arts Summer Camps
Learn more about our fabulous fine arts summer camps being offered for rising 1st through 7th graders. It’s not too late to sign up!
Musical Theatre (2-week camp producing The Jungle Book Kids)
New this year - two different options to participate!
Scenic Artistry
Creative Explorations
Guidance News
Class of 2025 Graduates: Congratulations!
Mrs. Boer will send your final high school transcripts to the colleges where you are enrolling. This will happen the week of June 2nd.
You also should have received an email last week with LOTS of details about changing your email, requesting test scores and transcripts, campus ministries, and college transitions. Please attend to these final tasks and read those emails from your colleges. We look forward to seeing you back on campus as alumni!
Rising Juniors and Seniors: SAT/ACT Test Prep at ACA
July 30-Aug 1, 2025
(Wed: 1-5:30, Thurs and Fri: 9am-6pm)
Use Coupon Code: GOLIONS for half off! $199 is the best deal out there for 20 hours of test prep!
Staff and faculty member children can attend for free! Contact Mrs. Boer if this applies to you.
Invite your friends to join you, no matter what school they attend!
ALL FAMILIES:
Did you know that the Guidance Dept focuses on specific themes each year that are derived from our mission statement?
The ACA College Guidance Office, in conjunction with school administrators, faculty, and parents,
engages with students to explore their God-given abilities and dreams,
reviews the impact of their current choices on their future opportunities,
and presents essential information regarding college and career selection,
encouraging congruence between faith and life to be enabled to serve Christ in all areas.
Freshman Year: High School Transition and Initial Dreams
Sophomore Year: College and Career Orientation
Junior Year: College and Career In-depth Exploration
Senior Year: College Applications and Selection (or other plans)
Lower School News
Lower School News
Thank You!
The Lower School faculty and staff want to say thank you so much for all the love expressed to us throughout the school year and what a school year this has been! God’s faithfulness has carried us through the trials and storms. Great is His faithfulness to us! You are a blessing to all of us! We so appreciate your thoughtfulness shown through gifts, cards, flowers, and food. You made us feel so loved and appreciated. Most importantly, we appreciate how you continually pray for us. It has been a privilege to partner with each of you throughout the year. Have a wonderful summer!
LOWER SCHOOL REPORT CARDS
Final report cards will be mailed out soon. Included in your child’s report card (grades 3-5) will be NWEA MAP testing reports. If you do not receive your child’s report card by mid-June, please contact the Business Office.
MISSIONS MONTH – THANK YOU!
What a special time we enjoyed during our Lower School Missions focus. Chapels throughout the month were led by our 5th graders. Thank you, 5th grade, for planning and leading these chapels. We are excited about the two opportunities we have to support missions, globally and locally. Our global project will continue to provide support for Cush Christian School in South Sudan. On a local level, we will continue to support Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministries which serves our community from East Asheville to Ridgecrest (Eastern Buncombe County). Over the past several weeks, our students found creative ways to earn money for our collection. Lower School students raised a total of $4,172.72 to support these two wonderful ministries! Amazing job, Lower School! Missions is a great way to put into action words from Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Thank you, Lower School and LIGHT SHINE BRIGHT!
SUMMER READING
Information regarding Lower School Summer Reading requirements is available through the school website (and in this newsletter). All rising first through fifth grade students need to complete this required reading.
CLASS PLACEMENT
I know everyone is anxiously awaiting their child’s class placement for the upcoming school year. Please know that much prayer goes into these decisions throughout the summer months. Class placement announcements will be mailed to students (Grades 1-5) in early August. We are already looking forward to another great year in Lower School!
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