The Phoenix
Aspire Trade High School | September 12, 2025

Contact Info
Hours: 7:30 AM - 4 PM
Address: 7125 Hambright Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
Phone: (980) 399-7554
Website: https://aspiretradehs.org/
Email: info@aspiretradehs.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspiretradehighschool?igsh=ejlwbHJ5dmFtaWVh&utm_source=qr
Important Dates
- October 21: Q1 (40 Days) Ends
- October 30 - 31: Teacher Workdays
- November 10: Teacher Workday & PreACT (10th Grade Only)
- November 11: Veterans Day
- November 26 - 28: Thanksgiving Break
IMPORTANT SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENT
ATHS Class Meeting
There will be class meetings Wednesday, October 1st.
Please see the schedule below:
Student ONLY Class Meeting Schedule:
1st Block: All Freshmen - Cafeteria
2nd Block: All Sophomores - Cafeteria
3rd Block: All Juniors and Seniors - Cafeteria
All meetings will take place in the cafeteria.
ASPIRE TRADE HIGH SCHOOL SWEATSHIRTS ARE HERE!
Show your Aspire pride in style! Our cozy trade school sweatshirts are now available for just $17.00 each. Perfect for staying warm while you master your craft!
Sale Date Soon to come!!!
Get yours today and rep your school with pride!
Wellness Wednesday
What an AMAZING start!
Our very first Wellness Wednesday was a huge hit! The energy in our hallways was absolutely contagious as students dove into this exciting new addition to our week. From the smiles on their faces to the enthusiastic participation we saw throughout the day, it's clear that our kids are loving this fresh approach to midweek wellness.
A Special Day Calls for Special Changes!
You might notice that Wellness Wednesdays look a little different around here. We've switched things up with just three lunch periods instead of our usual four, giving everyone more time to fully embrace all the wellness activities we have planned. It's all part of creating the perfect rhythm for our new favorite day of the week!
We're Just Getting Started!
Like any great new adventure, we're still fine-tuning a few details to make Wellness Wednesday even more spectacular. But that's part of the excitement! Our students have been amazing as we work out these small kinks, and their enthusiasm is what makes this program truly shine.
Mark Your Calendars!
Every Wednesday is now Wellness Wednesday, and we can't wait to see how this program grows and evolves with input from our incredible school community. Get ready for more mindfulness, movement, and moments of joy every single week!
Remember: The schedule listed below is specifically for Wellness Wednesdays only.
Here's to wellness, here's to Wednesdays, and here's to our fantastic students who make every day brighter!
Spirit Week
Attention Phoenix families!
Spirit Week Alert: October 6-10
Parents, mark your calendars! Spirit Week is coming up October 6-10, and your kids are going to need your help getting ready for some seriously fun themed days.
Please view the Spirit dates in the photo.
Get ready for a week full of creativity, school spirit, and some pretty amazing student outfits!
Driver's Education for Aspire Students
Getting your driver's license is an exciting milestone! While Aspire doesn't offer driver's education on campus, we want to make sure you know about the affordable options available to our students.
Aspire students can take driver's education through their "home" high school - that's the school you would attend based on your address if you were going to a traditional public school. Through Jordan Driving School, the official partner for public school driver's ed, the cost is just $65, which is significantly less expensive than private driving schools.
Flexible Options That Work for You
We know our students have busy schedules, so Jordan Driving School offers several options for the classroom portion of driver's education. In addition to regular school-day classes, they provide Saturday sessions, summer classes, and virtual options. This flexibility means you can complete your driver's education without worrying about schedule conflicts.
The program includes both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel driving lessons, giving you everything you need to become a safe, confident driver.
To get started, visit their website at: https://www.jordandrivingschoolcharlotte.com/index.html
Tradecoming Dance Friday November 7th!
Get ready for a night a dancing, Music & fun on Friday November 7th 6 PM -8 PM ATHS Will be having Our signature Tradecoming Dance, and the excitement is building!
This year's celebration promises to be our most spectacular yet, featuring our own unique twist on the traditional homecoming experience. Students can look forward to an unforgettable evening complete with:
- Tradecoming Court - showcasing our amazing student leaders
- King & Queen Crowning - celebrating our school's finest
- Dancing, Music & Fun - a night you won't want to miss!
We will be surveying students during lunch next week to get their input to help make this dance truly memorable.
More information coming soon! Keep your eyes peeled for updates in upcoming newsletters and school announcements.
Testing Updates
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We would like to share some important upcoming testing information:
PreACT (10th Grade Only)
November 10th – Testing Day
November 12th – Make-up day
Testing runs from 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM. Students who finish early may call home to be picked up.
Attendance: Please make every effort to ensure your student is present, as this test is required by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
School Attendance on PreACT Day:
Only 10th graders will report to school.
Students in grades 9, 11, and 12 will stay home (This will not be a remote learning day, as it was already designated as a teacher workday on our school calendar).
Please Note:
We realize that Friday, November 10th is a teacher workday. However:
- 10th grade students taking the Pre-ACT will report to school from 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM.
- If a student finishes testing early, they may call home to be picked up prior to 12:30.
- All other students in grades 9, 11, and 12 will remain at home.
-Please note: This is not a remote instruction day.
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ACT (11th Grade Only)
March 10, 2026 – ACT Testing Day
On this day, 11th graders will be on campus for testing.
Students in grades 9, 10, and 12 will complete remote work from home.
More details will be provided closer to the test date.
We appreciate your support in helping us ensure a smooth testing experience for all students. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to d.racquer@aspiretradehs.org.
EC Announcement For Parents
Special Education Updates
IEP progress monitoring is underway, and October check-ins are in progress. Please communicate any academic, behavioral, or social-emotional concerns to the EC team as early as possible so we can provide timely support and adjustments.
English Language Learner (ELL) Classes
ELL classes begin the week of September 29. Students have been assigned based on screening data and language proficiency levels. If you have any questions about student placement or classroom support, please reach out to Ms. Davi or Ms. Sanders.
Important Front Desk Procedures
Dear Aspire Trade families,
To ensure the safety and security of all our students, we want to remind you of our important front desk procedures. These policies help us maintain a secure learning environment while providing efficient service to our school community.
Early Check-Out Procedures
Please note that our early check-out cut-off time is 2:15 PM. All early dismissal requests must be processed before this time to avoid disruption to end-of-day procedures and student transportation arrangements. We encourage families to schedule appointments and other commitments outside of school hours whenever possible.
Visitor and Check-Out Requirements
For the safety of all students and staff, we require that all visitors and anyone checking out students present a current, valid photo ID. This policy applies to all individuals, including parents, guardians, and authorized pickup persons. Please ensure your ID is not expired and clearly displays your photo and name.
Additionally, only individuals listed on the student's authorized pickup list may check out students. If you need to add someone to your child's pickup authorization list, please contact the front office in advance. Emergency situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis with proper verification.
Student Walker Documentation
Students who walk home or to other destinations must have proper documentation from their parent or guardian on file with the front office. This written permission helps us ensure student safety and confirms that parents are aware of their child's transportation arrangements. If your child's walking arrangements change, please submit updated documentation promptly.
Questions?
If you have any questions about these procedures or need to update any information in your child's file, please don't hesitate to contact our front office staff. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and organized school environment for all members of the Aspire Trade community.
Thank you for your continued support,
Attendance Matters
Regular attendance is crucial for your student's success in our trade programs. Unlike traditional classes, our hands-on trade programs require students to be present to learn essential skills. Missing lab time means missing critical experience with equipment and techniques that can't be made up later. Students with good attendance are 5 times more likely to graduate and enter the workforce with the skills employers demand.
Reporting Attendance
Please do not call the school for attendance matters. Instead, kindly email Ms. Lyall at s.lyall@aspiretradehs.org so we have proper documentation.
Help your student build the habits that lead to career success—it starts with showing up every day.
INTRODUCING STUDENTS OF THE MONTH!
Get ready to celebrate our amazing students! Starting this month, we're launching our Student of the Month program to recognize the outstanding Phoenix scholars who exemplify what it means to soar! One student from each grade (9-12) will be selected based on their academic performance, attendance, positive behavior, and demonstration of Phoenix Pride.
These exceptional students will be featured in our newsletter, on our website, and around campus. Who will be our first Students of the Month? Stay tuned to find out which Phoenix is ready to spread their wings and shine!
Aspire Trade School Wear
School Wear Reminder
As we continue to maintain our professional learning environment, we want to remind everyone of our dress code requirements. These guidelines help prepare our students for their future careers in the trades while ensuring safety and professionalism in our school setting.
Required Uniform Components
All students are required to follow our dress code policy daily. Here are the specific requirements:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Trade Shirts - MANDATORY
All students MUST wear their official Aspire Trade shirt as the visible outer layer. Your trade shirt must be worn over and should always be visible any other clothing items, including:
-Sweatshirts
-Long sleeve shirts
-Undershirts
-Tank tops
Students are permitted to wear a zip up or button up jacket with NO hood attached over their trade shirts.
The trade shirt represents our school's professional standards and must always be the wared and visible .
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Approved Bottom Wear
Students may choose from the following approved bottom options:
-Jeans (must have NO HOLES OR TEARS)
-Casual dress pants
-Cargo pants
Prohibited Bottom Wear
The following items are NOT permitted at any time:
-Shorts / Dresses/ skorts or skirts
-Sweat pants
-Athletic pants
-Leggings
-Pajama pants
-Yoga Pants
These items do not meet our professional standards and may pose safety concerns in our trade program areas.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Required Footwear
For safety reasons, especially in our trade programs, all students must wear:
-Closed-toe shoes
-Closed-heel shoes
Open-toe sandals, flip-flops, slides, or any shoes with exposed toes or heels are not permitted. This policy protects students from potential injuries in shop areas and maintains safety standards throughout the school.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Compliance Expectations
Students who do not comply with the dress code will be asked to contact their families to bring appropriate clothing. Repeated violations may result in disciplinary action.
We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining Aspire Trade's professional standards. These dress code requirements help prepare our students for success in their chosen trade careers while keeping everyone safe.
To purchase more school gear please reach out to the front office.
Thank you,
Aspire Trade High School Administration
Notice To All Families
ICE Policy
We are writing to inform you of Aspire Trade High School’s policy regarding access to our campus by immigration enforcement officials.
Unlike traditional public schools operating on public property, Aspire Trade High School is located on privately owned property. As such, federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), are required to present a judicial warrant—signed by a judge and specific in its scope—in order to lawfully access our property, staff, or students. We want to assure you that no access will be granted to our facilities or to any student information until our legal counsel has reviewed and verified the validity of all documentation.
This policy is aligned with our obligations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which protects the privacy of student education records, and with the guidance provided by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) concerning the protection and safety of students on school campuses.
Below is an excerpt from our official Parent/Student Handbook that outlines how staff are instructed to respond in such situations:
- Response Protocol for Immigration Enforcement Inquiries:
- School personnel must immediately contact the Executive Director if approached by immigration law enforcement agents.
- Staff must attempt to contact the student’s parent or guardian without delay.
- The Executive Director must take the following steps:
- Request official identification from the agents and retain a photocopy.
- Request and photocopy a judicial warrant; administrative warrants (e.g., ICE Form I-200 or I-205) do not provide lawful grounds for access.
- If no valid warrant is provided, request the basis for the visit, document the interaction, and immediately contact legal counsel.
- Document the names of any students involved and the stated reasons for the inquiry.
- Refrain from disclosing any student information, including class schedules, without legal counsel present.
- Provide agents with a copy of the school's policy and governing resolution.
- Request the agents' contact information and advise them that these steps must be completed prior to any access being granted.
We take seriously our responsibility to protect the rights and safety of all our students. Our staff is trained to follow this protocol to ensure compliance with applicable laws while upholding the dignity and privacy of every student in our care.
Bus Info
Thank you to all of our families who have worked with us to make the start of this school year's bus transportation run smoothly!
We currently have families on the waitlist for bus transportation. If this is a service your family will need, please reach out to Mr. Canel as soon as possible.
For questions or to request bus transportation, contact: Mr. Márlon Canel: m.canel@aspiretradehs.org
PTA Corner
New PTA Leaders!
We are excited to introduce our PTA leaders: Lori Jennings, Lisa Smith, and Tiffany Blythe!
They are excited to get things started for the school year. From fundraisers to holiday events, they have plenty of plans in the works—so keep an eye out for an email from us soon!
If you’d like to join the PTA, you can sign up anytime by emailing your contact information to aspiretradepta@gmail.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
Help Make Junior/Senior Prom 2026 Unforgettable
Calling all Aspire Trade High School Students & parents! We need YOUR help to create a magical prom experience that our juniors and seniors will remember for years to come.
Join Our Prom Committee
We're seeking 4-6 dedicated junior and senior parents to assist with planning and executing every detail of this special milestone event. With our close-knit senior class, your involvement will make a real difference in creating something truly memorable!
Committee Details
Next Prom Committee Meeting: October 2nd at 6:00 PM via Zoom
Prom Date: April 24, 2026
Venue: Lake Forest Church, Huntersville, NC
Ready to Volunteer?
Contact our coordinators with your student's name to secure your spot:
Madelyn Daggerhart
📧 m.daggerhart@aspiretradehs.org
For Zoom meeting details and additional information, reach out to Madelyn
International Fall Fest
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM as we come together to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our school community at the International Fall Fest!
Join us for an evening filled with delicious food, vibrant performances, and fun activities. Our talented Culinary Trade students will be serving a hearty potato and chili bar — but don’t wait too long, as food will be available only until 6:45 PM.
Want to share your culture? We invite students and families to participate by
- showcasing traditional desserts
- performing music or dances
- wearing traditional clothing
It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate the many backgrounds that make our school so unique.
If you’re interested in participating or attending the event, please reach out to Ms. Williams, the school counselor at i.williams@aspiretradehs.org. Be sure to state whether you will be participating or attending the event. Please notify by 10/14/25.
Let’s make this Fall Fest a night to remember — full of flavor, rhythm, and cultural pride!
Event Information
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
🎓 Save the Date: Class of 2026 Graduation!
We're excited to announce that Aspire Trade High School's Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 6th, 2026 at 4:00 PM at Lake Forest Church in Huntersville, NC.
Congratulations in advance to our Class of 2026 – we can't wait to celebrate your success!
Event Information
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Important Links
Lunch Order Reminder
Parents and students,
Please remember that all lunch orders are due by Thursday at 11:45 PM each week.
Orders placed on Friday will not be included for the lunch for the up coming week.
All orders must be completed by Thursday.
Our lunch orders for the following week are placed with our lunch providers on Friday morning, so it's important to get your orders in on time to ensure your student receives their meals. Lunch may be conveniently ordered online at foodese.com. If you miss the Thursday 11:45 PM deadline, your student will need to bring lunch from home or purchase from our vending machine.
Thank you for helping us maintain our lunch service schedule!
Official School Calendar (2025-2026)
Attached is the official board approved school calendar that contains all important dates for the academic year. Please review and save for reference.
Infinite Campus Parent Portal
Need Infinite Campus? Email Mrs. Davi Racquer at d.racquer@aspiretradehs.org
If you have any questions regarding Infinite Campus Parent Portal, please email her directly.
Want to check your student's grades or attendance? Click the button below to log into Infinite Campus Parent Portal:
ATHS Student Handbook
Exceptional Children Department
Admin Contacts
Jennifer Nichols - Executive Director : j.nichols@aspiretradehs.org
LaFrieeda Busby - Executive Administrator : l.busby@aspiretradehs.org
Davi Racquer - Director of Curriculum & Compliance : d.racquer@aspiretradehs.org
Suzanne Evans - Director of HR & Finance : s.evans@aspiretradehs.org
Martha Sanders - Director of EC : m.sanders@aspiretradehs.org
Rob Racquer - Director of CTE and Facilities : r.racquer@aspiretradehs.org
Iesha Williams - Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor : i.williams@aspiretradehs.org
Saige Lyall - Enrollment and Academic Advisor : s.lyall@aspiretradehs.org
Madeline Mobley - Front Desk : m.mobley@aspiretradehs.org
Márlon Canel - Facilities and Transportation Management : m.canel@aspiretradehs.org