Mid-Year Highlights

On an ordinary school afternoon, something extraordinary is happening across our nine Community Schools.

At North Buncombe Middle, the hallways buzz after the bell rings—not to rush home, but to stay. Chessboards fill tables, and so many students want to play that the club now meets twice a week. Across town, students at Enka Middle are also staying late—more than 75% are involved in clubs, sports, or mentor groups. Attendance is up, and English language learners are finding a sense of belonging through the FAROS (UNETE) program.

At Hall Fletcher, a night once attended by a few dozen families now welcomes more than 275. By pairing Title I Reading Night with a Community Night, the school became a place of food, learning, and connection. Families stop by the Resource Room, which stays busy year-round, while teachers recharge through small but meaningful staff appreciation efforts.

In December, joy spread everywhere. Asheville High and SILSA served 500 students through the Holiday Dream Project. Reynolds welcomed more than 300 families for Cookies and Coats. Enka Intermediate opened its doors to 200 people, offering warmth, essentials, and care. At Erwin Middle, a holiday event with Black Men Monday reflected years of growing partnerships—part of why staff morale is rising, and discipline problems are down.

From Zen rooms for teachers to mentor groups where shy students bloom, these moments add up. Different schools. Same story. When schools become community hubs, students, families, and staff don’t just show up—they thrive.