Director's Letter November 20, 2025
- Shelly Smith
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Hello ACA Community,
So much generosity from our community as the food donation boxes under the ACA Giving Tree are filled to bursting! Look at all that was donated in one week. ACA, you are amazing! If you want to contribute directly to our community this season, here is the LINK, or grab a snowman off the tree and fulfill the wish inside. If your family could use a boost, please let your ES know.
Circus Workshop at ACA
Ever dreamed of learning to juggle or walk on stilts? CircusCascadia.org is coming to ACA on Friday, January 9th for a circus workshop! Space is limited to 20 participants age 6-18, and the fee for the workshop is $20 per student. Sign up and pay in the office in December. Let’s have fun ‘clowning around!’
Winter Concert Schedule
The concert times may have shifted a bit since the last newsletter but they are settled now. Choirs will perform at 4:30pm on December 13. Can’t wait for the Winter Concerts!
Cell Phone Law
Just a reminder that the use of cell phones and personal electronic devices will be restricted at Alliance Charter Academy beginning on January 1, 2026. All students will need to power down and put their cell phones away for the entire time they are on ACA school grounds, between the hours of 8:00am and 3:30pm. This includes any smart watch, earbuds, or earphones attached to a cell phone. None of these may be used during regular school hours. These definitions and restrictions come from the Executive Order by Oregon’s Governor, and become law on January 1. We have to make this happen and appreciate everyone’s help.
Volunteer Spotlight
Some of the hardest working volunteers you’ll find anywhere are school board members, and ACA’s are no exception! They spend countless hours establishing policies, adopting and overseeing our budget, setting our mission, vision, and long-range goals, and ensuring transparency and accountability to the public. They devote many hours to evening Board meetings, work sessions, and Finance Committee meetings. Our school is fortunate to have such an active and effective group of volunteers: Tara McLaughlin, Ann Heppner, Lindsey Skones, Robert Bruders, Lauree Ortman, Darla Hall and Jessica Lockhart. Thank you!
Gentle Rule Reminder(s)
Unfortunately, we have pushed the limits of patience with some of our neighbors and Code Enforcement will be patrolling and writing tickets for parking issues. Please do not block any driveway, even a little bit, to avoid a fine. Thank you!
From the World’s Greatest PTO
BottleDrop Gives — Now through 12/5 BottleDrop is giving us an extra 20% on all blue bags with our sticker. Bags are available at the front entryway and PTO desk. You can also transfer funds directly from your BottleDrop account—those receive the bonus too! Have access to a business or office? Grab a bulk set of bags to distribute!
Santa Gram — Sales 11/17-12/4 Send holiday cheer to a student, teacher, friend, or parent! Order at the PTO desk. Delivery will be 12/8–12/11.
Bazaar Volunteers Needed — 12/5 & 12/6 There are many ways to help—before, during, and after the event. Make sure to show up ready to shop! Look for our PTO table selling frozen pies and baked goodies! More Bazaar info: HERE, Facebook event to share: HERE
Willamette Valley Pie Fundraiser - It's not too late to order your holiday pie for December, check out available options HERE. You can order from the PTO desk anytime. A limited number of pies will also be sold at the Bazaar!
Thanksgiving Pie Pickup: Friday 11/21 @ 2:30pm
Holiday Orders Due: Saturday 12/6 @ 4pm
Holiday Pie Pickup: Friday 12/19 @ 2:30pm
An Easy Way to Support PTO — Fred Meyer Rewards Link your Fred Meyer Rewards card to ACA PTO and we earn money every time you shop—at no cost to you! Our goal is 100 sign-ups and we’re currently at 22. Use this link to select ACA PTO as your organization. Thank you for helping us get there!
Remember to check the calendar on our website often, AllianceCharterAcademy.org, and don’t forget to log your volunteer hours here Volunteer Time Log.
Thank you for being part of the ACA family, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving Break!
Go Eagles,
Shelly Smith
Executive Director
“The mission of Alliance Charter Academy is to nurture the innate curiosity of our students, ignite their passion for learning, and prepare them for lifelong success through personalized learning and the collaboration of school, family, and community.”
Volunteer Opportunities:
Thanksgiving Pie Order Pickup
Friday, November 21
2:30pm
Thanksgiving Break
November 24-28
ACA Staff Holiday Party
Monday, December 1
3:45pm
Holiday Bazaar
December 5 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm
December 6 from 9:00am to 4:00pm
Elementary Holiday Party
Thursday, December 11
9:00am - 10:00am
Cafeteria
Governing Board Meeting
Wednesday, December 10
6:00pm
Virtual
Winter Concerts
Saturday, December 13
Guitar/Rock Band/Ukelele 2:00pm
Choirs 4:30pm
Band/Percussion 6:30pm
ACA Gym
Holiday Pie Order Pickup
Friday, December 19
2:30pm
Enrollment Information Meeting
Wednesday, January 7
6:00pm
ACA Gym
Circus Cascadia Workshop
Friday, January 9
10:00am - noon
ACA Gym
