BETWEEN the LIONS
YOUR SOURCE FOR ACA NEWS
January 16, 2025
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Welcome Back!
Dear Asheville Christian Academy Family,
Love is a word often used but rarely lived in its fullness. The love Jesus speaks of is not fleeting or superficial—it is selfless, sacrificial, and unwavering. It’s a love that forgives when wronged, serves when it’s inconvenient, and shows kindness even when it’s undeserved. This kind of love sets us apart in a world that often values self-interest over selflessness.
At ACA, we see this love in action every day. Whether through students helping one another in the classroom, teachers going above and beyond to support their students, or families gathering to pray and encourage one another, love is at the heart of our community.
The world encourages us to achieve greatness, accumulate success, and leave behind a legacy of accomplishments. Yet, Jesus gave His disciples a very different way to leave their mark: "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35). When we choose to love as Jesus did, something remarkable happens: hearts are softened, relationships are strengthened, and lives are transformed. It is this love that draws others in, making them curious about the source of such selflessness. It’s not about perfection—it’s about a willingness to love, even when it’s hard.
This kind of love transforms more than just our community; it becomes a beacon of hope for those outside it. Imagine a school where every student feels seen, valued, and loved—not because of what they can do, but because of who they are. Imagine a staff team that works in harmony, motivated by a genuine desire to serve one another. Imagine families who are drawn together in unity, building each other up in faith and encouragement.
As we continue forward at Asheville Christian Academy, let’s make it our mission to embody this verse. Let’s strive to create a community where love is evident in every word, action, and relationship. And as we do, may we reflect the heart of Jesus to a world in need of hope and light.
Together in Christ,
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:
February 6
Parenting Together with Katherine and Jay Wolfe of Hope Heals
Location: TBD
All School News
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Thank You!
On behalf of the faculty and staff of Asheville Christian, thank you to those who contributed to the Staff Love Offering, offered your time to help us move back or clean up the campus, or just generally supported us during the last three months.
We are so incredibly grateful for each of you and your sacrificial support of ACA.
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Carline Reminders
As a reminder, afternoon carline will end by 3:20 pm. If you arrive after this point, you will need to park and walk in to pick up your child from AfterCare. As a courtesy to you, you will not be charged for AfterCare if your child has been picked up by 3:30 pm.
Please remember to follow the instructions of all parking attendants during morning and afternoon carline. Thank you for helping us keep your children safe!
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Volunteer Opportunities
Come help us restock the Library!
Daily spots available for morning or afternoon shifts. Sign up below.
Thank you!
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Habitat Dress Down Days
More than ever, the mission of Habitat for Humanity is vital to the greater Asheville area. Now that we are back home, we are planning on resuming our Habitat for Humanity dress down Tuesdays to raise money for next year’s student build. Because we missed the last three months of dress downs, we are inserting those days into the second semester schedule.
Students and faculty can still “subscribe” to all of these dates for $35 or bring $5 to their classroom/first period teacher the day of the dress down to participate for that day only. Dress down Tuesdays are as follows:
January 21
February 4
February 18
March 18
April 1
April 15
April 29
May 13
To subscribe and pay online, be sure to select “Habitat for Humanity Student Build” from the drop-down menu.
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Calendar Change Reminders
Remember, in an effort to reclaim some of our lost days of school, the following changes have been implemented:
March 31 was reclaimed as a day of school (previously an In-Service Day).
May 27-30 were added to the end of the school year (all half days).
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Winter Sale Extended Through 1/19
30% off select uniform pieces.
Now through January 19th
Use code: IGLOO
PIN: 7789
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Flik Updates
Thank you for your patience as we adjust to unexpected delays. As a reminder, Flik is currently operating as they were at Biltmore Church. We will resume meal plans once we can offer the full scope of Flik meal choices.
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ACA Sibling Applications
Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now open!
Current ACA families that apply by January 15th will receive Priority Early Decision / consideration through the month of February, prior to consideration of non-ACA families.
In order to avoid application errors, please follow the instructions attached below to complete a sibling application.
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Inclement Weather Policy
Please remember that all future school cancellation days will be asynchronous learning days. Teachers will either email or post assignments to Teams or RenWeb by 10:00 am. This allows us to move our curriculum forward without having to add days to the calendar.
For details on how to access information about school delays and cancellations, please click below.
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Training Videos for School Pass App
SchoolPass Instructional Videos:
Making Bus Changes in the App - https://player.vimeo.com/video/563261771
Making Carpool Changes in the App - https://player.vimeo.com/video/563259380
Also remember that any questions about the bus or carline may be directed to transportation@ashevillechristian.org
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Spirit Store Update
The Spirit Store will remain closed for the time being. We hope to re-open by the last week of January, but it is dependent on the construction schedule and other outstanding work to be done by the contractor.
Stay tuned! Thank you for your patience.
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Traffic Awareness
We understand that traffic is bad right now around the school due to the bridge closure connecting 70 to Old 70. There are three area schools that are all using Riverwood Road.
Daily progress is being made on the bridge, but we do not know when it will reopen.
Please just be aware, plan accordingly, and be gracious to other drivers on the road.
PTF Corner
(Parent Teacher Fellowship)
If on a mobile device, swipe or use the arrows underneath the descriptions to scroll through volunteer opportunities.
Thank you SO much for those who have so quickly responded to our requests for volunteers! Your help has been invaluable. We will have more opportunities in the days, weeks, and months ahead. Please stay tuned for sign-ups via text or email as they come available!
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![PTF Circle Logo]()
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. If you would like more information about how to get involved, click on the following link. We look forward to meeting you!
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![Hearts]()
Save the Date!
“Galentine’s” Celebration
February 12
Stay tuned for more details!
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![Come Pray With Us]()
Moms in Prayer
Please join us every Monday morning after drop-off for Moms in Prayer.
Contact Amanda O’Brien (acwskier@yahoo.com) for more information about the meeting locations during our time at the temporary school locations.
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Shop 'n' Give
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 $14,800!
You can support ACA through Shop ’n’ Give programs!
Some of our participating partners are Ingles, Lands’ End, Publix, Harris Teeter, and Box Tops. For more information on how to participate, please visit the PTF section of the ACA website.
Athletics & Fine Arts
Athletic News
The Gym floor is nearing completion!
Upcoming Games
Remember that all of our games are “on the road” until our gym is completed. Please consider making it out to any of the games in town to cheer on our athletes. Stay Up-to-Date on all athletic games by checking out the Tandem calendar.
Congratulations to the following student athletes for being named in the Citizen-Times All Western North Carolina!
Patton Johnson, Varsity Soccer, Second Team
Reynolds Young, Varsity Cross Country, First Team
Haleigh Kamer, Varsity Volleyball, Second Team
Fine Arts News
Auditorium Update
Your students may have mentioned to you that the auditorium is still closed. The physical space is restored, and we are excited as the new chairs have been delivered. But, the real exciting part is that we are currently repairing all of the A/V equipment. Although it is an inconvenience right now, we are looking forward to having a fully restored meeting and performance space by the end of this month.
Guidance News
College Rep Visits:
Wed, Jan. 29: Mississippi State University, during lunch in Student Union
Seniors
FAFSA is open!! https://studentaid.gov/ Go ahead and fill it out even if you think you won’t receive need-based aid. Many colleges require this step before awarding their own scholarships. It’s pretty quick and simple. Please contact Mrs. Boer or Mrs. Bullock if you have questions or concerns.
I’ve Filed the FAFSA, Now What? Live webinar by CFNC for ACA seniors and parents. Thursday, January 30, 6:30-7:30pm.
Topic: I've Filed the FAFSA, Now What? w/ Brenda @ CFNC & ACA
Time: Jan 30, 2025 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://cfnc-org.zoom.us/j/88147440415?pwd=QcVY0rIaoDfhETqezOr7aZDNiBzcSn.1
Meeting ID: 881 4744 0415
Passcode: 193561
Keep Scoir updated, moving colleges to Applied, to make sure all your documents are sent. And update your acceptances as they come in. We want to celebrate with you!
If a college asks for your official test scores or college transcripts or tells you to complete the SRAR, you must complete these tasks yourself. Let us know if you have any questions.
If a college requests your midyear transcript, let Mrs. Boer know! She’ll send those to the universities after grades are posted on Jan. 22, if you tell her to do so.
SAVE the DATE: College Transitions webinar, Tuesday, February 4, 7-8PM. Join recently ACA alumni share their insights about the college transition and what they wish they’d known when they were seniors!
SOPHOMORES & FRESHMEN:
Monday, January 27, 6:30 PM – Freshman/Sophomore College Workshop (webinar with Mrs. Boer for students and parents). We’ll get ready for scheduling conferences, standardized testing, college and career exploration, and more!
8TH GRADERS, FRESHMEN, SOPHOMORES, JUNIORS:
2025-26 Course Request Sheets: These will be released during Advisory on Wednesday, February 5th. A link to our calendars will be sent out at that time for those wishing to set up scheduling meetings. Juniors are HIGHLY recommended to set up meetings with the guidance department.
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)
Counseling Corner
The purpose of this “corner” of the BTL is to provide helpful links, resources, and information that we believe are encouraging and helpful as we navigate this time in the lives of our students. We will be working to develop a database of these articles and videos, so check back here regularly.
Resources:
Christian Counselors:
For our women and adolescent females: https://liftedupcounseling.com (Crystal Ficker has recently hired a new counselor, Niki Swann to increase services and availability).
Lower School News
Thank you!
We are always amazed at the generous hearts of our parents and students. From food collections for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry to toy donations for the Al Jones Ministry. Your love, care and concern are greatly appreciated. May our students always remember the importance of giving our very best to God just like the wise men gave to their King Jesus.
Your thoughtfulness and generosity at Christmas are also greatly appreciated. Thank you for the sweet cards, gifts, food, and monetary contributions to the staff love offering. It is truly a blessing and privilege to be in partnership with you. Your prayers, support and kindness have been incredibly encouraging throughout this challenging journey over the past 3 months and are a treasure from heaven. Thank you, ACA families, and Happy 2025!
With Love from the Lower School
Semester 1 (Quarters 1 & 2) Lower School Report Cards
The end of Semester 1 is coming Friday, January 17. Lower school report cards for Semester 1 (a combination of Quarters 1 and 2) will be sent home with students (grades K5 – 2) or sent via email (grades 3 – 5) on Monday, January 27. After reviewing the report card with your child, please sign the back and return, with the envelope provided, to your child’s teacher by Friday, January 31. If you have any questions or concerns regarding report cards, please contact your child’s teacher directly to set up a conference.
Mother & Son Fun Night
Moms and Boys in Grades K-5, join us Saturday, January 25 for a Pirate Party! RSVP link will be sent directly to your email soon, so be on the lookout for it!
The cost is $25 per one Mother and Son and $7 for each additional son.
Questions? Please contact Kelli Hooper at kelli.hooper@ashevillechristian.org.
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