Week of January 19th, 2025

“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

- Martin Luther King, Jr.


As we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, let us consider some of his words of wisdom as we embark on a new semester at Lake Lure Classical Academy: “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” In his fight for civil rights, King faced many challenges and setbacks, and yet he maintained a positive attitude and a real hope that the future would be brighter for marginalized people in our country. King’s persistence and perseverance led to great gains for civil rights, and so as we work to educate our students, let us remember to keep stepping forward, day in and day out. 

Dear Parents and Families,


If you haven't had a chance to complete the required intent-to-return form, please do so at your earliest convenience.



Required Intent-to-Return Form for the 2025-2026 School Year  


Thank you!

Calendar Items To Note:


Monday, January 20th

  • No School - MLK Day

Tuesday, January 21st

Second Semester Begins

Wednesday, January 22nd

  • 8th Grade Science Check-In

Raptor Athletics


With exams next week, we only have one away opponent on Friday as we travel up the road to Nebo. 


After that, the next 3-4 weeks will be hectic as we compete for basketball championships. The final 2 rounds of each tournament (JV and Varsity for girls and boys) will be in the Raptor Center. 


We need help with the gate and concessions at all the home games and the conference tournament on February 13 and Feb 15th

Update on Open Eighth Grade/ HS Math Position


We are very pleased to share that Mr. Gillespie has agreed to take on Mr. Maxeiner's class for the remainder of the Spring semester. Mr. Gillespie is a proven teacher, and we are extremely confident in his abilities. We are thankful to Mr. Gillespie for agreeing to take on this role. Please be on the lookout for more information from Mr. Gillespie himself.

Inclement Weather Plan


The winter months are here, and it is that time of the year to review our inclement weather plan. During Inclement weather, information regarding school openings, closing, or delays will be sent via emails, text messages, phone calls, Facebook, and local news stations. The following television stations are notified: 


Please listen and/or look for an announcement from Lake Lure Classical Academy stating one of the following announcements:


“School Closure”

When school is closed due to inclement weather, that day will be made-up according to LLCA policy and will be posted on the school website.


“Schools are on a two-hour delay.”

The school building will open at 9:30 AM and School will begin at 10:00 AM. Buses will pick up two hours later than normal pickup time.


“Schools are on a three-hour delay.”

The school building will open at 10:30 AM and School will begin at 11:00 AM. Buses will pick up three hours later than normal pickup time.


“Lake Lure Classical Academy is releasing early.”


Parents will be notified using the Bright Arrow School Messenger phone system. Notifications will also be posted on the school’s Facebook page and the school website


Students and parents must have a plan in place and on record so that parents, students, and the school know what is expected.


We ask that all parents check that the school has your current emergency contact information on file, so that all Bright Arrow messages are received. Contact the front office staff if needed.

Parent Engagement Series


We’re thrilled to kick off our Parent Engagement Series with a focus on Outdoor Education! Join us as we delve into the Outdoor Education curriculum and discuss our goals for the future. If you plan to attend, please take a moment to review the attached flyer for event details and RSVP via the provided link so we can prepare accordingly. 


We look forward to seeing you on the 30th!

As the temperatures cool there’s a saying that comes to mind - “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing!” Please make sure your students bring extra layers for days that the temperatures will be low. The chilly temperatures won’t stop our outdoor learning! Lately we’ve explored water in different forms, such as ice and snow, we found animal footprints on the trails, and searched for symmetry in nature. If your student is in need of a warm coat or jacket, we may have one we can give them, please just ask.

Thank you, Mrs. Warner

Stronger Than the Storm

Help us reach our goal of raising $5,000 to help with the relief efforts in Lake Lure and Chimney Rock by ordering one of our “Stronger Than the Storm” shirts. We are halfway there!! We now have Grey AND Pink available! We have youth-adult sizes available. The price is $25 each and the quality is wonderful. 


Please email myself ewarner@llcharter.org, or the brainchild of this operation, Coach Parke at eparke@llcharter.org to place your order for yourself, friends and/or family. To pay, please send cash to the office, to myself, or Coach Parke. Shirts can then be sent home with students or left in the office for pickup. Thank you for your support!

January 31st is the last day to order a personalized yearbook (with name printed on it!) Jostens offers an interest-free payment plan option. 


Order your yearbook now at https://www.jostens.com/yearbooks/students-and-parents/about-yearbooks

From Nurse Redmon


Winter is in full swing! Please be mindful of sending your student prepared for the cold this week. Coat, hat, gloves! The temperatures are set to be bitter cold!

Speaking of COLD… Respiratory viruses are on the rise. Colds, Flu, Covid, pneumonia, and RSV are all circulating this season. Encourage your student to wash/sanitize their hands frequently and use proper respiratory hygiene by covering their cough.


Be sure to keep your child home if they have a cough they cannot control or a fever.

AIG News for Parents


Thank you to those that listened in for the PCAC meeting in December where I briefly discussed the LLCA AIG plan.  In February there will be parent/teacher conferences. If you would like to meet with me individually, please contact me to set up a time. (kgranville@llcharter.org) If you missed the PCAC meeting, I will be having a brief meeting to discuss the program and what it means to be identified as gifted in PowerSchool and to be a part of the enrichment program.

Please take the time to complete the parent survey below. Thank you.

LLCA AIG Plan Parent Survey             

 How to support your gifted learner at home

Duke Pre-College Summer Program for students currently in grade 6 and up with a 3.5 GPA


Thank you, Mrs. Granville

Thanks to those who attended last month’s meeting and heard more about our AIG program from Mrs. Granville. Click HERE to access the recording. (Passcode: gY09G@&2 )


Please join us in-person (A-19) or online (via Zoom) Monday January 27, 2025 at 3:15pm.

Mrs. Kristin

To sign up for an elementary school club, please complete the form linked below, or contact Ms. Bradley, Club Organizer, at jbradley@llcharter.org Elementary Club Registration

Counseling Corner


High School Students/Families - College and Career Planning Resources (including summer enrichment programs) - CLICK HERE


Updated Counselor Corner click on the link


It may be cold now, but summer will be here before we know it! There are numerous enrichment programs and opportunities available to help students expand skills and explore interests. Keep a check on THIS NEWSLETTER to find out about some upcoming options. 


Youth Legislative Assembly - https://www.ncleg.gov/YLA

Youth Legislative Assembly (YLA) is a mock legislative session where high school students voice their opinions and vote on issues concerning local, state and national government.

The conference allows high school students an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the workings of local, state, and national government. Active participation in YLA increases the students' confidence and ability to debate current issues. Any high school student in good standing at a public, private, charter, or home school in North Carolina is eligible to participate in YLA. Just complete the student application; you do not have to have a member of the NC General Assembly to sponsor you to participate in the Youth Legislative Assembly. APPLICATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 16, 2025


Shelton Leadership Challenge - https://sheltonleadership.ncsu.edu/pre-college/shelton-challenge/

Building confidence in the next generation to lead values-driven communities! The Shelton Challenge is a six-day, residential program built on the Shelton Leadership Center’s core values, and is designed to help high school students enhance their capacities to become values-based leaders. This immersive program is designed to transform potential into real-world skills through mentorship, self-reflection, and shared discovery. This program is hosted by NC State University. Current 9th-11th grade students are encouraged to apply. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 15, 2025


Testing News for High School Students

On March 11, all 10th graders will take the Pre-ACT and 11th graders will take the ACT as part of the state testing program. Juniors may use these ACT scores next year on their college applications, so we encourage them to study and prepare for this exam. Free prep resources are available online at https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation/free-act-test-prep.html

Lake Lure Classical Academy’s

mission is to offer 

a classical, knowledge-based education 

that fosters critical thinking, civic responsibilities, and virtue for all.

Would you like to share this newsletter with a family member or a grandparent each week? Send their email address to Mrs. Youngblood and we will add them to our mailing list at gyoungblood@llcharter.org.