This fall semester, Community Nights once again proved just how essential our schools are—not only as places of learning, but as trusted hubs of connection, nourishment, and belonging for families across Buncombe County.
Between September 4 and December 18 2025, our Community Schools hosted an extraordinary 55 Community Nights, welcoming families week after week into school buildings filled with warmth, food, learning, and care.
The impact is undeniable:
- 4,382 total attendees
- 2,400 unique participants
- 1,391 unique students
And these numbers tell only part of the story. This snapshot does not even include highlights from every school—yet every one of our Community Schools has been actively hosting Community Nights throughout the semester.
Our Community Schools are, in alphabetical order: A.C. Reynolds Middle School, Asheville High School, Asheville Middle School, Enka Intermediate School, Enka Middle School, Erwin Middle School, Hall Fletcher Elementary School, North Buncombe Middle School, and Owen Middle School.
Together, they are demonstrating what happens when schools are supported as community anchors.
Why Community Nights Matter
At their core, Community Nights meet a fundamental need: ensuring families have access to food in a safe, welcoming environment. When that basic need is met, families are free to shift their focus from survival to connection—building relationships, accessing resources, and engaging more deeply with their schools.
These nights also create free, accessible learning opportunities for students, from tutoring and enrichment activities to exposure to music, arts, and community partners. And perhaps most importantly, they bring families—both familiar faces and brand-new ones—back into school buildings, strengthening trust and shared ownership of these vital spaces.
We saw this clearly in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and we continue to see it now: when communities gather around schools, resilience grows.
Highlights From Across Our Schools
Enka Intermediate School: Winter Wonderland Night
One of the most joyful evenings of the semester, Enka Intermediate’s Winter Wonderland Night brought together packed hallways, long shared tables, and a true spirit of partnership. Families were welcomed with music from the school choir, holiday songs filling a crowded auditorium. Community School Coordinator Ramsee and the school social worker collaborated to create a robust free store stocked with games and resources for students and families.
Through partnerships with Equal Plates and BeLoved, families received packed lunches and $200 grocery gift cards, offering meaningful relief to working families. The soup was a standout hit, with families lingering at long tables, sharing meals and conversation. It was a powerful reminder of what happens when community partners and schools come together with intention.
Asheville Middle School: Holiday Open House
Families entering Asheville Middle School were greeted by the sound of a cello—a beautiful, calming welcome that set the tone for the evening. Fully supported by Community Nights, the Holiday Open House showcased AMS’s strengths as a Community School, inviting families to sit together, tour the building, and connect directly with teachers and staff. The evening emphasized relationship-building and pride in the school, offering families a deeper sense of belonging and trust.
A.C. Reynolds Middle School: Cookies and Coats
Reynolds continues to be a cornerstone of community engagement, thanks to strong leadership and thoughtful coordination by Community School Coordinator Carrie. The Cookies and Coats Community Night alone drew 300 attendees, distributed over 250 coats, and welcomed 100 families attending Community Night for the first time.
In partnership with BeLoved, more than 150 families received grocery assistance, reinforcing Reynolds’ role as a reliable, well-resourced community hub. This event was a standout moment in a year filled with consistent, high-quality engagement.
Owen Middle School: Gobble ’Til You Wobble
A beloved tradition in the Swannanoa Valley, Owen Middle School’s Gobble ’Til You Wobble once again opened its doors to the wider community for a Thanksgiving feast. Alongside shared meals, families accessed tutoring support and the school’s resource room, helping students prepare for upcoming end-of-year exams. It is an event the community counts on—and one that exemplifies how Community Nights blend nourishment, learning, and connection.
Erwin Middle School: Students Lead the Way
Erwin Middle School’s commitment to the Community School model is evident at every turn. During the holiday season, Erwin hosted the UWABC Board of Directors, with students from the Warrior Welcome Club leading tours of the school. Hearing directly from students about their experiences—and seeing the impact of themed Community Nights and dedicated volunteers—offered a powerful reminder of why this work matters. Principal Travis Collins’ enthusiasm for opening doors and showcasing community partnerships sets a strong example of what community-centered leadership looks like.
Looking Ahead
The scale and consistency of Community Nights this fall speak volumes. Families continue to show up—not just once, but again and again—because these nights meet real needs and foster genuine connection.
As we look ahead, one thing is clear: Community Nights are not a temporary initiative. They are an essential part of how our schools support families, strengthen neighborhoods, and build resilient communities—no matter the circumstances.
And this fall, across every one of our Community Schools, that impact was felt loud and clear. We hope you join us in support or share a meal as we enter the next season of Community Nights!
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