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Andrews Academy's
Official Newsletter
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To view the full newsletter, you may need to click on the words at the top -
"View in browser."
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NHS Officers
At Andrews Academy, the election of officers for NHS occurs towards the close of the school year. This way the new officers have time to plan for the next year. Elections were held on May 20, 2024. Congratulations to each and prayers of blessings as you plan for the 2024-2025 school year!
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President: John Alvarez-Wilches
Vice President: Hailey Woods
Pastor: Kevin Mendonça
Secretary: Hayoon (Ellis) Chun
Treasurer: Lawrence Mattson
Public Relations: Aubrey Isaak
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SA Beach Vespers & Baptisms
One of AA's much appreciated end of year traditions is beach vespers. Students and faculty gathered along the shores of Lake Michigan to once again worship together—a great way to end the school year. The new SA officers for next school year led out in this event.
What a blessing to have two of our students and an alumna commit their lives to Jesus in baptism! Congratulations Gabby Roper, Abigail Roper (class of 2023), and Zola Sibanda. We will pray for each of you and the others that have been baptized this school year, that the Lord will bless as you continue develop your relationship with Him. We are also praying for those who are in the midst of deciding about choosing to follow Him.
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| More photos on Facebook |
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Awards Assembly
Each spring, Andrews Academy recognizes the accomplishments of our students (May 17, 2024). This recognition includes awards for outstanding work in classes, for the religious contributions students have made, for involvement in the many music and physical education opportunities available at Andrews Academy. Recognition and awards were also given to the many students who take leadership responsibilities in such groups as Yearbook, Student Association, etc. as well as for students on the honor roll.
As you can see, we strive to recognize the many talents students have. It is at times like these that we as teachers stop and contemplate the high caliber of students we have. Students...continue to work hard at developing your God-given talents.
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Music
Rehearsals & Performances
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From Dr. Gallardo-Diaz:
Instrumental Ensembles Graduation Rehearsals
ATTIRE: Please abide by the AA dress guidelines. Do not bring/wear any jewelry.
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Graduation, Sabbath, May 25
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Commencement, Sunday, May 26
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Seniors: Graduation regalia
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Juniors: Church clothes (choose wisely please)
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Freshmen & sophomores: Full concert attire (you may change after the performance)
From Mr. Martins:
AA Graduation Performance
Sunday, May 26
Pioneer Memorial Church (PMC)
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Silhouettes: ALL participants will sing
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Chorale: Seniors and juniors ONLY will sing. Freshmen and sophomores from chorale won't sing.
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Call Time: 10:30 AM. This call time is related to your singing. If you are a senior or junior, you must have other times to be there according to your lining up, marching, pictures, and so on. Watch for information from your sponsors.
The ceremony will start at 11:00 AM and should be ending at around 1 PM.
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Attire - Important:
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Freshmen and sophomores: Full concert attire, including concert dresses and tuxedos
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Seniors: you will sing wearing your gowns
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Juniors: Optional, you can sing with our concert attire, or with the clothes you will be marching.
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Please, remember that the AA dress code applies. In the past, some students have not been allowed to sing because of not following the AA dress code.
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Returning Laptops
As we approach the end of the school year, we kindly request that all students return their assigned Dell laptops and devices. Rest assured that Chromebooks will still be available for daily use during class finals.
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We will receive laptops through this Thursday, May 23. Every laptop turned in should come with the charger and box in which it came. We understand that students may need their laptops to study for finals. If this is the case, please return the laptop with the box and charger the last day the student has finals. Any student issued a laptop that is not returned in good condition will incur a $600.00 charge on their account.
Your promptness with this allows us time to ensure that the laptops are received with all components and no damage to them in order to prevent missing or damage charges to student accounts.
Also, if you have a Chromebook that has not been returned, please turn it in right away.
Thank you for your attention and help,
Mr. Caleb Akins
AA Media Ministry
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Lockers
Please start emptying your lockers so that it's not all being done on the last day of school.
You must empty your locker by 1:30 PM this Thursday, May 23. Items that are left behind will be thrown out/donated.
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Lost & Found
Please check Lost & Found in the main office and the Commons to see if any items are yours. Most unclaimed items will be donated at the end of the school year.
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If your student plans to participate in the following off-site activity in May, parents and students must sign and turn in a blanket Hold Harmless form by this Thursday, May 23, at the latest:
Note that the form may not be digitally signed or sent to us as a picture or file. We need the original, signed form turned in to the office several days in advance of a trip (even day trips). Therefore, we now have this blanket hold harmless agreement that can be used for any school activity that is on our calendar. A new one will be required for next school year.
Note that this form is now required prior to all day trips (which must be approved by AU ahead of time), and that medical insurance coverage is required for students to participate in off-site activities. You can find it on our Useful Documents web page, and printed copies are available in the main office.
â–º Parent/adult volunteers who help with any event/activity must also sign a hold harmless form ahead of the event.
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Final Exam/Assessment Schedule
& Graduation Practices
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This Week, May 21-23
No early departure policy applies.
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Final exams/assessments started today. Please note when your exams are scheduled for and carefully prepare for them so that you can do well in each of your classes.
If there is a family emergency or some type of extenuating circumstances that necessitate a student missing any of their final exams, there is a form in the office to request an exception to the policy that will need to be filled out, signed by parent, administration, and teacher(s), and then turned in to the office prior to exam week. There is a $20 fee for each exam that needs to be rescheduled.
Students are required to attend even if you do not have an exam/ assessment for that time slot. However, if you have a study hall (or band) during the first exam slot of the day, then you do not need to arrive until devotions. For students with band or a study hall for the first or last exam slot of the day (except Thursday), parents should contact us at AAattendance@andrews.edu or 269-471-3138 to excuse band/study hall. Contact Mrs. Meekma in the front office if you have any questions. Be sure to sign in at the front office if you arrive late or leave early.
If you have a break in between two finals (for example, on Wednesday you have a 10:15 AM class final and no 11:10 AM class final [such as a study hall or CSA], then a 2:25 PM class final), then you must go to study hall. You may not leave campus and walk over to Apple Valley or anywhere else. Everyone should attend Mizpah/Communion/Checkout on Thursday.
Please remember that students must stay in the classroom for the entire exam class period. You may not go "get books," "get a drink," etc. when you are done with your exam. Before the exam begins, please get books you may need to study from, get a drink, use the restroom, etc. so that you can stay in the classroom the entire time. We want the entire school to be quiet during exams so that they can be done as effectively as possible without distractions. Thank you!
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Graduation Information
- Class Night: This Thursday, May 23, 7:00 PM, AA Chapel - 6 tickets per graduate; overflow in library.
- Consecration Service: This Friday, May 24, 8:00 PM, Village Adventist Church. Livestream: youtube.com/villagemediaministry
- Senior Parent Sabbath School: This Sabbath, May 25, 10:00 AM, AA Chapel
- Baccalaureate Service: This Sabbath, May 25, 11:45 AM (Get to PMC early). Livestream: andrews.edu/livestream
- Faculty/Senior Vespers & Party: This Saturday night, May 25, 7:45 PM, AA (hold harmless form required)
- Commencement Service: This Sunday, May 26, 11:00 AM, PMC. Livestream: andrews.edu/livestream
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New Students
Applications for new students are open. If you have a current student at AA, you can start a new application packet in FACTS, in the same place that you re-enroll your current student (under Apply/Enroll, click on Application).
For new families, please go to the AA website and click on "Apply Now" for the online application.
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| AA Website |
| Instructions for New Students |
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Returning Students
For returning students who have not yet re-enrolled, please log in to FACTS and re-enroll. See the link below for detailed instructions.
Parents, please keep in mind that even if your child was financially cleared, they will not be able to begin class this next school year (2024-25) if their account has a balance.
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| FACTS |
| Re-enrollment Instructions for Returning Students |
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Important Information from the Registrar’s Office:
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2024-2025 Class Schedule Appointments: For those who have completed re-enrollment, including the financial agreement, you will receive an email with a link to make an appointment for your class schedule. You can also put your name on my door, and I will meet with you as I can.
Ms. Ivonne Segui Medina
Andrews Academy Registrar
269-471-6234
aaregistrar@andrews.edu
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Tuition
Note that payment #10 FOR SENIORS was due on May 6.
Tuition payment #10 for everyone else is due by May 25.
Please contact Ms. Gracie at gaytan@andrews.edu with questions.
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Girls' Night
Recently AA hosted a special event called Girls’ Night. There was a great speaker for worship who shared her experience and Godly wisdom with the girls. Then they had discussion time with a senior-led panel where the floor was opened to ask questions and share. It was a great way to end Sabbath in worship and talking about how God leads in our lives and our futures. After worship, the ladies had dinner, an amazing craft of mug decorating, and then some games. Thank you to the student leaders and the sponsors!
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Chapel Recap
On Monday, AA senior Simeon Jackman shared his own journey from his heart. As he retold the story of the prodigal son, he focused on the forgiveness of the “heavenly” father of the story. As we fall and sin, we too often focus on our failure and may think that God no longer loves us. The parable clearly shows the unconditional love of the father, the Heavenly father’s unconditional love for us. Simeon encouraged each of us to never doubt the non-judgemental and unconditional love of our Heavenly father. He concluded with prayer on our knees and time to quietly converse with our Heavenly father.
Today (Tuesday), AA building manager Mr. Ron Norton dressed in character as he told some of the story of Moses in the first person. He shared how Moses threw down his staff when God asked him to, and also picked up the poisonous snake by the tail, which turned back into his staff. Moses had to step out of his comfort zone to do powerful things for God. Mr. Norton asked us what things we are holding on to in our lives that we need to let go so God can use us. He challenged us to “let go and let God.” He then stepped out of his comfort zone, although he has sung in a choir and a quartet, he then sang a solo to close his presentation.
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| More photos on Facebook |
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Grad Brunch for Incoming Freshmen
Sunday, June 2, 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM, Andrews Academy
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Parents of incoming freshmen (9th graders), along with your student, are invited to join us to learn more about Andrews Academy, including our music program and classes, get financial information, sign up for classes, meet many of our faculty and staff, and more. We will eat brunch, and students will have fun activities in the gym as well.
There will be limited financial clearance appointments available, so please try to meet with Ms. Gracie before June 2 if possible. For an appointment, go to https://calendly.com/aafinances. You may also meet with her during the summer, but you cannot move on to online enrollment and reserving classes until you meet with her as well as submit the application and two recommendation forms.
If you plan to apply for Financial Aid, please bring copies of the following:
• 2023 W2 or 1099 (if you do contract work)
• 2023 Tax Return
This will help to speed up the processing of your paperwork.
Note: Classes cannot be reserved until the online application, two positive recommendation forms, financial clearance, and online enrollment are completed, even if you turn a schedule in at Grad Brunch.
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Spend Your Summer with Andrews University!
July 28-August 16
The Early College Experience is an in-person summer program for rising high school Juniors and Seniors as well as incoming college Freshmen. Come join us for three weeks of learning and fun on the campus of Andrews University. Each student will take one, 3-credit hour college course in addition to participating in seminars, activities, and local travel. This is a great way to earn college credit as a high schooler!
Admissions
Admissions requirements for the summer 2024 Early College Experience have been changed.
All applicants must fill out and submit the online application. Students must have a 3.25 High School GPA with a college prep curriculum.* ACT, SAT or PSAT scores preferred. Students can be admitted without test scores, but must meet high school curriculum requirements. For questions, please email explore@andrews.edu.
*Rising juniors must submit additional test scores. Please contact the program director for special inquiries.
Application
Students can apply for the Early College Experience online following the instructions below. In addition to the application, you will need to submit a copy of your high school transcript and the relevant standardized test scores.
The easiest way to apply is to use our fillable application. Click the link above and download the form. Fill it out and send it back to AU via email at explore@andrews.edu.
If you want to apply online, visit the online application right here or by visiting andrews.edu/apply. Choose the undergraduate application and be sure to apply for the Main Campus as a high school guest student. You must apply as a high school guest to get the special rate. In addition, make sure you choose the summer term and click "yes" for Early College. The rest of the application is simple and should only take a few minutes to complete.
After AU receives the application and additional documents, they will review your information and you will receive a decision letter. If you have already been admitted for the fall term, they will have your documents on file. If you are admitted to the program, you will receive an acceptance letter with instructions on your next steps and payment information. Please remember, acceptance to the Early College Program is not an admission to Andrews University as a full-time student. If you have any trouble with the application or have questions, please contact them at explore@andrews.edu.
2024 Courses
College Writing I*
Communications Skills
World Civilizations*
Scripture* (general education religion)
*honors eligible courses
The Early College Experience is a single package price of $1,295. This covers all costs, including tuition, housing, food, books, and activities. There are no hidden costs or additional fees.
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| More Info |
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Mondays - Thursdays:
7:40 AM - 4:30 PM
Fridays: 7:40 AM - 2:30 PM
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Important Attendance Information
- Pre-arranged Absences: Please be sure to fill out a pre-arranged absence card if you know in advance that you will be missing school due to a doctor/dentist/orthodontist appointment, trip, basketball tournament, driver's test, etc. These cards can be found in the main office or online. A parent's signature is required, then the office, and teacher(s) of the class(es) that you will miss.
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Class Schedule Adjustment (CSA) Requests: A CSA is available for students who have a study hall at the beginning or ending of the school day or will be working during a study hall during the school day. A CSA is required for students who leave the Academy to attend classes at Andrews University, who are going to work off campus, or who wish to begin the school day later or leave earlier on a regular basis. The CSA request form must be filled out and signed by everyone indicated on the form before the student stops attending their study hall. Students must adhere to CSA guidelines that are printed on the CSA application. Any violation may cause the CSA to be revoked. I will email students and parents when a CSA is approved.
- Other Absences: Parents, please call the front office (269-471-3138) or email aaattendance@andrews.edu if your student is going to be absent or tardy. These are the preferable methods.
Please provide the reason why your child will not be attending school and how long you think they will be out.
Parents/Guardians are the only authorized individuals who can excuse a student's attendance. When emailing, parents must send correspondence from their email account to maintain the validity of the request. Please include the name of the student.
From the Sourcebook (pg. 83):
Students who miss three (3) consecutive school days due to illness must provide written documentation from a certified medical professional corroborating the necessity of that absence.
For any attendance questions that you would like to ask by email, please direct these questions to aaattendance@andrews.edu.
Thank you!
Ms. Leslie Nieves
Guidance Counselor/Attendance Officer
Andrews Academy
269-471-3453
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Opting into Texting for One Call Now Alerts
Andrews Academy utilizes One Call Now, an automated messaging service, to contact students and parents about school cancellations (including snow days), upcoming events, and urgent information, etc.
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FACTS or Andrews Email Log In Help
If you need help logging in to FACTS or help with your Andrews email and password, please contact Mrs. Meekma (ginam@andrews.edu) in the main office.
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You can find your schedule, grades, etc. on FACTS.
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AA Uniforms Available from Lands' End
Uniforms can be purchased from Lands’ End, including for PE. Click on the option(s) that you would like, then choose the size (kid or adult). Please be mindful that Andrews Academy is not responsible for your orders.
We do have a limited supply of uniforms for sale at AA (cash or check only) during office hours.
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| AA's Lands' End Store |
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Please review the Sourcebook (pgs 79-81) for more information regarding uniforms. Only approved logoed uniform wear is allowed. A solid-color, long sleeved undershirt may be worn under the AA short-sleeved polo (no writing should be visible on the undershirt). If a student is wearing an AA logoed jacket, they should also have an AA logoed shirt underneath. Only AA logoed jackets are allowed to be worn in the building.
The PE uniform can only be worn during PE class.
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School Communications
The E-Sanjo and other communications from the school, including classroom teacher communications, use the email address(es) that you (and your parents) have recorded in FACTS when you registered for Andrews Academy. We will also use students' AU email address. Some have been wondering why they are not receiving their school communications to a certain email. If you wish to have communications sent to a specific email address, please send the change to ginam@andrews.edu. Thank you!
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Andrews Academy
8833 Garland Ave Berrien Springs, MI 49104
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269-471-3138
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