Message from Principal Blair Johnston
Welcome to Asheville Middle School!
Dear AMS Students and Families,
I’m excited to welcome you to the 2025–2026 school year at Asheville Middle School. Whether you are returning to campus or joining our school community for the first time, I want you to know how proud and grateful I am to serve as your principal.
As we begin this new chapter, I want to share a little about myself and the vision guiding our work. I have been part of Asheville City Schools for over 17 years as a teacher, instructional leader, assistant principal, and now, as Principal at AMS! I fell in love with AMS the second I walked in because of the strong beliefs that relationships are foundational, the deep commitment to equity, and the belief that every student’s voice and growth matter.
At AMS, we know that strong teaching changes lives, and that relationships are at the heart of great teaching. This year, we are focused on creating classrooms where students feel a sense of belonging, where they are challenged to think critically and creatively, and where learning is relevant, engaging, and joyful. We are continuing to center restorative practices not just as a response to behavior, but as a foundation for building community and trust.
We are also excited to launch Student Crew this year, a daily structure where every student is known well and supported to grow as a learner and as a person. Crew is about connection, reflection, and accountability. It will help us build stronger relationships, practice our core values, and ensure that every student has a space where they feel seen and supported every day.
Teaching and learning at AMS is a team effort, and that includes students, families, and community partners. We are stronger together, and I look forward to working alongside each of you to create a school culture rooted in collaboration, consistency, and care.
Thank you for being part of our community. Let’s make it a great year together.
In Community,
Blair Johnston
Principal, Asheville Middle School