BETWEEN the LIONS
YOUR SOURCE FOR ACA NEWS
December 12, 2024
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Dear Asheville Christian Academy Family,
It is with immense joy and gratitude that we welcome you back to campus! This homecoming carries a special weight, as it marks the end of a season of waiting and the beginning of a renewed chapter in our shared story. How fitting it is that our return coincides with the season of Advent—a time that so beautifully reflects where we are as a community.
Advent is a season of anticipation, preparation, and hope. It reminds us of the faithfulness of God as we await His promises fulfilled, culminating in the greatest gift of all—Emmanuel, God with us. In many ways, we have been living our own Advent season as a school family. We have waited, prayed, and trusted God to guide us back to this sacred space we call home.
Now, as we step into this meaningful season, let us do so with hearts full of gratitude and anticipation. Just as Advent calls us to reflect on the significance of Christ’s arrival, we reflect on the significance of this moment—our return to campus. It is a gift that reminds us of God’s provision, His perfect timing, and His steadfast love for our community.
May this Advent season not only inspire our faith but also renew our sense of purpose as we continue to walk forward together, celebrating the joy of coming home.
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:
December 12 & 13
Middle School and Upper School Christmas Concerts at Arden Presbyterian Church
December 17
Lower School Christmas Concert at Biltmore Church - Arden
December 20 - January 6
No school for the Christmas break!
All School News
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Volunteer Opportunities
In order to get our campus ready for students to come back on January 7, we have a lot of work still to do! Reconstruction efforts are nearing completion and now we need help with some exterior clean-up immediately surrounding the buildings as well as moving supplies back to campus from the Biltmore Church locations.
Click the link below to explore the various volunteer sign-ups. Be sure to scroll through all the tabs.
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Staff Christmas Love Offering
A Note from the ACA Board of Directors and the Parent Teacher Fellowship:
Please remember that we are actively collecting for our annual Staff Love Offering. This special time of giving is a way for us to bless our teachers and school staff above and beyond during the Christmas season. There is no requirement to give, and any size gift is appreciated.
We will be collecting in person and online at our Christmas concerts through December 18.
Gifts can also be dropped off at either Biltmore Campus with Mrs. Montgomery or Mrs. Waldorf.
Thank you for your support of our teachers and staff!
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Flik Updates
Upon our return to campus in January, we will return to our previously arranged meal plans with a variety of selections. If for any reason you want to opt out (and have not already opted out), please contact the school by December 31.
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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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Whit's Frozen Custard ACA Discount
From now until December 31:
Whit’s Frozen Custard
is generously offering a 15% discount to all ACA students. Mention “ACA Discount” to apply this at either South Asheville or Merrimon locations.
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A Note from Dr. Spurling
Dr. Rick Spurling wanted to share an update from the Upper School at Biltmore Church - East.
Please click the button below for an overview of what the Upper School has been up to for the past month.
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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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Spring Semester Bus Service
Prior to the start of school, we will be sending out a sign-up for a return to regular bus service. Be on the lookout for information about this to hit your inbox late December/early January.
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5th and 8th Grade Yearbook Recognition Ads
What: A LIMITED NUMBER of 5th and 8th Grade Recognition Ads
Available: Now until January 10th
Cost: $50 (+tax)
How Access: Online at the Jostens site (click the button below).
**Please note that all ads will be edited and enhanced by the yearbook staff to match the theme of this year’s book.
Please reach out to Mark Harrison at mark.harrison@ashevillechristian.org with any questions.
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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![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 has been installed!! Once painting has finished, they will sand and then paint and finish.
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. The following link is filtered to just show games.
Football Interest Meetings
Current 8th Grade Boys interested in playing football next fall will have a meeting on Monday, Dec. 16 during lunch.
Current 9th through 11th Grade Boys interested in playing football next fall will have a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 17 during lunch.
There will be a Parent Meeting for all current 8th through 11th Grade Boys interested in playing football next fall on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 6:00pm in the Student Union.
Fine Arts News
Christmas Concerts
Thursday, December 12 @ 7:00 pm
Middle School Christmas Concert - 6th through 8th Grades
at Arden Presbyterian Church
Livestream Link: MS Concert Livestream
Friday, December 13 @ 7:00 pm
Upper School Christmas Concert - 9th through 12th Grades
at Arden Presbyterian Church
Livestream Link: US Concert Livestream
Tuesday, December 17 @ 6:00 pm
Lower School Christmas Concert – PreK through 5th Grades
at Biltmore Church – Arden Campus
Livestream Link: LS Concert Livestream
Guidance News
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.
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.
SOPHOMORES & FRESHMEN:
SAVE the DATE: 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!
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.
Dear Parents,
Prior to Helene, I had begun reading The Anxious Generation and finished it during the weeks following while sitting on my front porch as children on our street spent time on their bikes engaging in free play without access to phones and screens. I am recommending this book to all parents as Jonathan Haidt’s work, although not written from a Christian worldview, offers valuable insights into the world our students are navigating. His work, and this book, have been recommended by CESA and Axis which are great examples of how resources from diverse backgrounds can be utilized to support evangelism and cultivate a well-rounded understanding of current cultural challenges, even if those resources aren't explicitly Christian. I have also attached a document to support our Biblical framework when exploring the topics addressed in The Anxious Generation. I would encourage you to check in with your church community to see if there are opportunities for a book study as many churches have listed this as an area of interest. Upon our return to campus, I will be looking at options to create a time to work through this book together with those who are interested. Thank you for your partnership as we walk this parenting road together.
Taylor Bell
Director of Social, Emotional & Spiritual Care
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
Lower School Artsonia Fans
If you are planning to purchase unique Christmas gifts this year, check out the Artsonia Gift Shop. They have many great items on which to print your child's artwork (from this year or previous ones).
Due to Hurricane Helene, Artsonia has graciously offered to DOUBLE our earnings on all purchases made now until December 31st.
If you have any questions about this site, please email me at christine.patete@ashevillechristian.org and I will help you get started.
Lower School Christmas Program Information
This year’s Lower School Christmas program will be held at Biltmore Church – Arden Campus on Tuesday, December 17 at 6:00 pm. It will be a combined program from PreK – 5th grade. Students are asked to dress up in Christmas festive clothing such as dresses, sweaters, ties, slacks, etc. Please do not wear shorts or jeans - program attire should be reflective of the celebration of Christ’s birth.
We look forward to celebrating the birth of our Savior together!
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