top of page
Writer's pictureShelly Smith

Director's Letter September 13, 2024

Dear ACA Community,


Things are settling into a happy rhythm at ACA, thanks to everyone working together! From our hard working School Board to our newest kindergartener, and everyone in between, thank you for engaging in our great school family. Special thanks this month to those who have made the choice to be your child’s primary educator and for allowing the professional staff of ACA to partner with, and support you, in your journey. I have had so many conversations with parents, new and veteran, telling me how happy they are to be at ACA.  It’s going to be a Great year!


And right out of the gate, PTO ushered in the new school year with an Ice Cream Social yesterday. I can’t say enough about our PTO and how they care for our school! Lots of families joined in for ice cream treats, playground games, and socializing. Please consider joining us at the PTO meeting on Tuesday at 3:30 in the cafeteria. All contributions of time, large or small, and helpful and appreciated!


There have been a lot of questions about Picture Day. We have scheduled our talented photographer and ACA parent Stephanie Young to take student photos on October 15th and 16th. More information will be coming soon!


As an extra layer of communication, the hall calendar across from the office is being updated with events. As you pass by, take a look and see what’s coming up!

Last week, I overlooked welcoming ACA’s new, dynamic P.E. teacher Katie Kellogg. She jumped in to fill a need at the last minute and we are so grateful that she did! Katie is doing a great job getting our students moving and having a great time. Welcome Katie!

Gentle Rule Reminder(s): Our hallways and spaces are shared areas and we ask that everyone walk, not run, inside the building. This includes the cafeteria where families gather. Let’s not have any tripping or collisions that can be avoided!

Another reminder…please be very mindful of where you park your car. Do not block driveways or mailboxes. The office is taking calls from neighbors that are not very happy, and we want to preserve those relationships. And there are four handicap parking spaces right in front of the entry doors. The blue paint is wearing off the asphalt, but the signs along the sidewalk indicate the spaces.

Well done, everyone who participated in our first evacuation drill! The building was cleared in a quick and orderly manner. Special thanks to the members of our staff Safety Committee, and particularly Ms. Katie McNeil, who has worked hard the past two weeks setting us up for success during drills. We could use a volunteer to reset/reinforce the posts in the field where classes line up. If you are able to help out, please let me know.

Any student who is interested in proposing a club for this school year should contact their ES to get the application form. Clubs provide students the opportunity to be involved in an interest based group, allowing them a space to share their hobbies and interests in a low stakes environment. Students need to find a sponsor for their club (staff or parent). Clubs will be held Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons at 3:30, Lunchtime clubs can be any day of the week. Friday clubs are also welcome. The deadline for proposing clubs is September 30 and clubs will begin the second week of October. 

Our staff Marketing and Outreach Committee is on the hunt for internship opportunities for ACA students. If you are a business owner or know of a company that would be interested in partnering, please reach out to NhiaYang@aca.k12.or.us 

Thanks for reading to the end…it was kind of a long one but there is a lot to share!


Remember to check the calendar on our website often! AllianceCharterAcademy.org


Thank you for being part of the ACA family, and have a wonderful weekend!


Go Eagles, 


Shelly Smith

24-25 Executive Director


“Our mission is to personalize learning through a collaboration of family, community and school; to nurture the innate curiosity of all our students; to ignite their passion for learning; and to prepare them for lifelong success.”



Music Parents Meeting

Monday, September 16, 2024

ACA Room 116 7:00pm


Last Day for Add/Drop Classes

Monday, September 16, 2024


PTO First Meeting of the Year

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

ACA Cafeteria 3:30pm


PTO Papa Murphy’s Fundraiser

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

ACA Cafeteria 3:30pm


Governing Board Work Session

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Virtual 6:00pm


School Picture Days

Tuesday, October 15 and Wednesday, October 16

9:00am to 3:30pm

More information coming


1 view

Recent Posts

See All

Director's Letter December 6, 2024

Dear ACA Community, Our great year just keeps getting better, thanks to everyone who comes together to make ACA the happy place to be!...

Director's Letter November 15, 2024

Dear ACA Community, I’ve been away the last three days attending the state Oregon Coalition of Community Charter Schools conference in...

bottom of page