BETWEEN the LIONS
YOUR SOURCE FOR ACA NEWS
November 21, 2024
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Thankful
Dear ACA Community,
As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, we are reminded that the work we do today is not only for the present but for generations to come. Every step we take, every decision that is made, is for the glory of Christ Jesus. This enduring purpose is rooted in the knowledge that God’s plans extend far beyond what we can see, shaping a legacy that proclaims His faithfulness and love to the next generation. We are profoundly grateful for each of our school families—their steadfast prayers, unwavering support, and partnership during what has been a defining season for our school. Your faithfulness mirrors the faithfulness of our God, who has carried us through challenges with His unshakable promises. As Paul reminds us in Philippians 1:6, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” We rest in the assurance that He is at work, refining us and preparing us for what lies ahead.
Our identity as a school is firmly found in Jesus Christ, our cornerstone and foundation. Even amidst trials, we have witnessed God’s incredible faithfulness. Let us continue this season of gratitude with hearts full of thanksgiving, not only for the tangible blessings we see but for the eternal work God is accomplishing in and through our community. Together, may we walk boldly in faith, trusting that what we sow today will bring glory to His name for generations to come. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1). May this truth anchor our hearts and inspire us to continue building a school that reflects His goodness and faithfulness every day and in every way.
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 6-7
Middle School Musical at Grace Mills River Church.
Giving Tuesday
December 3, 2024 - All gifts will go towards our Hurricane Relief efforts.
All School News
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Bring Your Own Water Bottle After Thanksgiving Break
Now that the boil water advisory has been lifted, Biltmore Church will be flushing the water pipes and will turn on the water fountains. We will supply bottled water through November 22, but we will no longer be providing water once we return from Thanksgiving break.
Please ensure your child brings their own water bottle to school beginning December 2.
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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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Flik Lunches at Biltmore Churches
Hot and cold lunch options will be available through Flik at both campuses beginning Monday, November 11.
LS must pre-order at least 3 days in advance ($6 meals).
MS & US may order on demand ($7 meals).
Payment for all meals will be through My School Bucks declining balance accounts.
An email was sent Thursday morning with details.
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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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Al Jones Toy Drive
We kicked off our annual Al Jones Toy ministry on October 30. This year we hope to fulfill our commitment to children of incarcerated parents and then provide toys to families in the Swannanoa community who have had significant damage or loss to their homes. We have prayed that God gives us the opportunity to be his hands and feet in this community torn apart by the floods. This is one way that we can love our neighbors.
This year we are asking students to bring a new toy that they would like to play with to donate. The deadline for toys is December 4.
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Amazon Wishlist
As we begin to look towards our return to school, our current wishlist will be deactivated after Thanksgiving break.
Thank you to all who have contributed items from this list to help us get up and running in our temporary locations!
Feel free to forward to this to family, friends, or others who ask how they can help us out and let them know that we will soon be shifting our focus to replacing lost items.
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Coffee Connection
December 6
7:30-9:30 am
Biltmore Church, East
We look forward to fellowshipping and enjoying a craft coffee, tea, or hot cocoa with you the Friday after Thanksgiving. We hope you’ll join us!
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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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Lands' End Uniform Sale
Up to 40% off uniforms (40% off bottoms and 20% off other items).
Friday, November 28 - Wednesday, December 4.
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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.
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 Christmas party invitation]()
ACA PTF Christmas Party
What:
ACA PTF Christmas Party
When:
December 12 from 9-11 a.m.
Where:
Biltmore Park Clubhouse – 1067 Columbine Rd., Asheville, NC 28803
Details:
All parents are invited. Wear an ugly Christmas sweater and bring a dozen cookies (they do not have to be homemade). There will be no contests – just a change to meet other parents, socialize and enjoy the Christmas season.
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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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![graphic]()
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 going in!!
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.
Fri Nov 22 JV Boys Basketball at Gaston Christian 4:00pm
Fri Nov 22 V Girls Basketball at Gaston Christian 5:30pm
Fri Nov 22 V Boys Basketball at Gaston Christian 7:00pm
Tue Dec 3 MS Girls Basketball at Waynesville 4:30pm
Tue Dec 3 MS Boys Basketball at Waynesville 5:30pm
Tue Dec 3 JV Girls Basketball at Brevard 4:00pm
Tue Dec 3 JV Boys Basketball at Brevard 5:15pm
Tue Dec 3 V Girls Basketball at Brevard 6:30pm
Tue Dec 3 V Boys Basketball at Brevard 7:45pm
Thur Dec 5 MS Girls Basketball at Canton 4:30pm
Thur Dec 5 MS Boys Basketball at Canton 5:30pm
Fri Dec 6 V Girls Basketball at Concord Academy 5:00pm
Fri Dec 6 V Boys Basketball at Concord Academy 6:30pm
Fine Arts News
Middle School Musical: Newsies, Jr.
The middle school musical, Newsies, Jr. will take place the weekend after we return from Thanksgiving break. This production will also take place at Grace Mills River Church. Tickets are by donation only and will cover the cost of production.
Dates:
December 6 at 7:00 pm
December 7 at 11:00 am
Location: Grace Mills River Church
495 Cardinal Road, Mills River, NC 28759
Christmas Concerts Update
Reminder:
Lower School Christmas Concert – PreK through 5th Grades
Location: Biltmore Church – Arden Campus
Date: Tuesday, December 17, 6:00 pm
Middle School Christmas Concert – 6th – 8th Grades
Location: Arden Presbyterian Church
Date: Thursday, December 12, 7:00 pm
Upper School Christmas Concert – 9th – 12th Grades
Location: Arden Presbyterian Church
Date: Friday, December 13, 7:00 pm
Guidance News
Seniors and Juniors
Seniors: FAFSA opens December 1st. https://studentaid.gov/ Go ahead and fill it out even if you think you won’t receive need-based aid. You just never know.
Juniors: NC Governor’s School applications are due Dec. 2nd. If you are interested in this program, let me know.
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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