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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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Symphonic Band & Strings Tour 2025
Andrews Academy Symphonic Band and Strings are enjoying their Illinois and Wisconsin tour. They will perform at various churches, a hospital, and schools. Another important component of music tours is the general education experiences available to students. For a number of them, this was their first time experiencing some of the Wisconsin and Illinois sights.
After leaving early Thursday morning and traveling to Chicago, the symphonic band and strings presented a concert at Hinsdale Academy. In the afternoon, they performed at Hinsdale Hospital for the patients and staff, and in the evening, they played at Wisconsin Academy. It was a busy and blessed first day for everyone.
Thank you, music director Dr. Elsy Gallardo-Diaz, for the many hours of practicing with the students and organizing this tour.
To see more of the tour as pictures as well as some videos become available, please go to Facebook.
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2025-2026 Re-Enrollment
Andrews Academy’s administration and staff welcomes you to re-enroll your child for the 2025-2026 school year. Parents, please take time now to complete your child’s re-enrollment for next year.
March 12, 2025
FACTS Re-Enrollment Opened
April 8
Academic Orientation, Class Schedule Available
August 4
Tuition #1 Due
August 18
First Day of School
FACTS ENROLLMENT
FACTS requires a non-refundable $100 payment upon submission of enrollment. A verification email will be sent to you.
Follow these simple instructions:
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Please go to https://factsmgt.com
- Select Log In Here.
- Under For Families, select Family Portal Log In.
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Enter AN-MI into the District Code field.
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Enter your username and password. If you have forgotten your username or password, please click on the link provided. If you are unable to log in, please contact Gina Meekma (ginam@andrews.edu or call 269-471-3138) for assistance.
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After logging in, click on the Apply/Enroll button in the left menu.
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Click on the Enrollment/Re-enrollment button.
Our Enrollment system will open with a link to the enrollment packet for your child. The online process should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Your information will be saved if you need to quit and come back later.
(Please Note: You will need to use a computer to access the online enrollment packet. Mobile devices can be used to log into FACTS; however, the enrollment function will not work.)
You do not need to meet with Ms. Gracie before doing online enrollment.
MEDICAL INSURANCE CARD
Upload a medical insurance card (front & back – jpeg format only) when completing FACTS enrollment OR email to aaadmissions@andrews.edu.
🚩 FINANCIAL AGREEMENT - Sign up for an appointment with Ms. Gracie. You do not need to meet with her before following the steps above for re-enrolling.
The Financial Agreement form must be approved by Gracie Gaytan, Student Accounts Manager. Please make an appointment for your family as soon as possible at https://calendly.com/aafinances. Only one appointment per family is necessary unless there are special circumstances. We appreciate your patience as she has many families to meet with as well as other responsibilities.
CLASS SCHEDULE - Available as of April 8
Upon completion of FACTS Enrollment and the Financial Agreement, an email will be sent to you with instructions to make an appointment with the registrar. Appointments begin in April starting with the new seniors, then juniors, and sophomores (see dates in registrar's announcement below).
Your class schedule will be time-stamped, and reservation for classes will be based upon class standing, availability, attendance records, and a time stamp.
- Based on FACTS Enrollment and Financial Agreement dates, you will be able to choose your locker for next school year, typically during the summer.
- Instructions and forms are located on the Andrews Academy website.
CONTACT US
Re-Enrollment Process: aaadmissions@andrews.edu
Financial Information: gaytan@andrews.edu
Class Schedule: aaregistrar@andrews.edu
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| 2025-26 Year-at-a-Glance Calendar |
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New Students
Applications for new students are now open. Parents, 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.
To reserve classes, new students must have applied, been financially cleared, turned in two recommendation forms, and be done with online enrollment.
March 11, 2025
FACTS Applications Opened
May 19
Class Schedule Appointments Begin for New Enrollees in Grades 10-12
June 1
Grad Brunch for 9th Graders, Schedule Available - 10:30 AM
June 3
Class Schedule Appointments Begin for New Enrollees in Grade 9
August 4
Tuition #1 Due
August 18
First Day of School
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Baby Chickens Have Arrived!
The baby chickens have arrived in the biology classroom! Numerous students have been asking when the baby chickens will arrive—some started asking in February! If students want to, they can take the baby chickens out of the cage and let them walk over their desk or hold them while doing the classroom activities of the day. Everyone enjoys them…until they leave little “treasures” on student desks! But part of playing with the chickens is that students have to clean up after the chickens when “accidents” happen. If you have a few minutes, stop by the classroom and say hi to the baby chickens.
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Dual Enrollment Meeting this Monday
Attention next year's juniors and seniors: There will be a Dual Enrollment information meeting this Monday, April 21, at 6:30 PM at Andrews Academy. This program is available for juniors and seniors who are enrolled full-time and have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. If you think you might be interested in and ready for the challenge of taking AU college classes while in high school, please attend this meeting with your parent as well.
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E-Learning Day for Students/Professional Development for Faculty - AA Closed except by Appointment
Please note that there will be an e-learning day this coming Monday, April 21. Students will work on assignments from home while the faculty have some important training and meetings.
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Sophomore Class Vespers, Supper, & Treasure Hunt
The sophomore class officers are planning a class vespers and treasure hunt activity next Friday evening, April 25, from 5:30 - 7:45 PM at the Atkins home. We will start with a hotdog supper by the campfire followed by a treasure hunt on the 1.1 miles of trails. It will be cool, so please bring a warm jacket. We will then return to the campfire site for worship that is based on the “Bible verse testimony” treasures you find on the trail. We will then have s'mores by the campfire. (If we get rained out, it will be postponed to Saturday, April 26.) Please pick up a permission slip on Tuesday.
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MAP Testing for 9th & 10th Grades and E-Learning Day for 11th Grade
Next Friday, April 25,
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Grades 9 & 10 will be taking the MAP Test next Friday, April 25. There is no cost, and no preparation is needed other than to get a good night's rest and eat a hearty breakfast.
Students should arrive at school at 8:00 AM. Testing will begin promptly at 8:30 AM and should conclude by 12:00 PM.
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Lunch will not be served.
Please make sure that your student(s) arrive on time and are picked up on time as well.
We encourage the students to bring a book to read or homework that can be completed if finished with a section ahead of time.
Grades 9 & 10 will have e-learning in the afternoon. Be sure to check Google Classroom and your email for any assignments for your afternoon classes that begin at 12:00 PM or later.
Grade 11 will be learning at home that day. (Seniors will be on a retreat.) Students should check Google Classroom and your email for each class to see what may have been assigned for that day.
Ms. Leslie Nieves
AA Guidance Counselor
269-471-3453
nievesl@andrews.edu
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Important Information from the Registrar’s Office:
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- Class Schedule Information for Current Students:
Once you have re-enrolled online and completed your Financial Agreement with Ms. Gracie, you will receive an email with instructions on how to make an appointment with our Registrar, Ms. Ivonne.
Please note dates for priority enrollment based on class standing. **It is important to schedule your appointment in the correct week:
â–º Seniors (Class of 2026) - April 8-18 - Ended
â–º Juniors (Class of 2027) - April 20-25
â–º Sophomores (Class of 2028) - May 5-9
â–º All classes - May 12 forward
* If you miss your designated class week, you will need to schedule your appointment for May 12 or later.
Ms. Ivonne Segui Medina
Andrews Academy Registrar
269-471-3996
aaregistrar@andrews.edu
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Volleyball Tournament
This Tuesday, April 22, 5:00-7:00 PM
The AA PE Department will host a 6v6 volleyball tournament this Tuesday.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mrs. Mills at samantham@andrews.edu.
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Student Association Officer Nomination Forms Due May 9
In the most recent faculty meeting, it was decided to extend the opportunity for those that were on the fence about running for a position in the 2025/26 Student Association by allowing the election to be held on Friday, May 16, during the spring picnic. We will accept nomination forms from candidates until Friday, May 9. If you are a student that is interested at all, please come and talk with Mrs. Mills to be informed about the various roles and expectations for the positions.
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Nomination forms and recommendation forms are located in the front office for your convenience. Parents, please encourage your student to run for these positions as it is a vital component in their engagement at the Academy and it broadens their experience in various leadership roles.
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Textbook Buyback
Please remember that AA is in the process of implementing a Textbook Buyback Program, which will allow us to purchase books that were used by students this semester/school year. Soon we will be sharing detailed information regarding the buyback process, including the list of eligible books, pricing, and procedures.
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This program is designed to make book costs more manageable for our families while promoting sustainable practices.
Note that some textbooks are used all school year, and that we will also buy books back this coming summer.
We encourage all families to keep an eye out for further communications with specific dates and instructions. If you have any questions or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office.
Thank you for your continued support and for partnering with us in this initiative.
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Parents Positively Involved (PPI)
As the AA school year and events are well under way, we are thrilled with the parent involvement thus far. There are many more opportunities to serve, and I encourage you to look ahead at the school calendar of events.
Please email me (aappi@andrews.edu) if you are available and willing to serve at any of these events. Note that all volunteers need to do the Sterling Volunteers training and background check, providing proof to AA. ~ Mrs. Kimberly Spare
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Tuition
Payment #9 out of 10 is due next Friday, April 25. You may put your payment in the drop box on the post by the main doors if needed.
Please contact Ms. Gracie at gaytan@andrews.edu with questions.
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Chapel Recap: 2 Samuel 6-9
Wednesday’s chapel program began with singing followed by Mr. Russell Murnighan focusing on 2 Samuel 6. He first summarized highlights of 1 Samuel 4, where the children of Israel lost a battle because they did not trust in God as they should. Then they decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant to the battlefield where they lost terribly, and the Ark was taken by the enemy. They were focusing on the Ark instead of God's power that was represented by the Ark. Then in 2 Samuel 6, they hauled the Ark using oxen instead of carrying it the way God instructed. Mr. Murnighan gave insights on this story and lessons learned, concluding with, “It is what is in our heart, not the externals.” We sometimes think memorizing the Bible, praying, etc.—the process—is what's important (all of which are good things), but it is what is in our heart that is important. We need to make sure our heart is in the right place.
After singing to begin chapel on Thursday, we then watched a short video from the “Spoken Gospel” highlighting the major themes from first and second Samuel. The video illustrated the recurring theme of how God raises up the humble and brings down the proud. It concluded with how the events in first and second Samuel point to Jesus, the final Shepard King—Jesus, the son of David.
Today's (Friday) chapel included a prayer walk as we go into Easter weekend. After a few introductory comments, the students split into three sections (as there are three sections in the chapel seating arrangement). Gabby's and Sebastian's groups went to the gym, C wing classrooms, and Commons area to pray for everyone who use those spaces. Then they went outside and walked towards the apartments. Forming a circle, they prayed for the apartments, tenants, and workers.
Lily's and Audrey's groups prayed over the Library and Administration offices. For example, one small group within this group went into Ms Gracie’s office and prayed over her. She commented after that she was so blessed to have them pray for her. She has been working at AA for 20 years, and this was the first time a group of students prayed over her like this. The group then walked along the Garland Ave sidewalk and prayed for the AU campus, students, faculty and staff.
Kevin's and Chrissy's groups prayed over the A wing classrooms. Then they formed a circle near Ruth Murdoch Elementary school, and prayed for the faculty, staff, and students there.
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Attention Students: If you would like Friday's boxed lunch, those who are signed up for the lunch program must order it each week by Wednesday at 2:00 PM. The sign-up sheet will be at lunch or in the front office.
Parents: To sign your student up for the lunch program or add funds to your student's account, please pay at the Academy main office (cash/check/credit card) until a website is set up to load funds online. You may still pay cash or check in the Academy office even when the website is available. The preset amount for 20 lunches is $132, unless your student has been approved for reduced lunch.
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Opting into Texting for One Call Now
Andrews Academy utilizes One Call Now, an automated messaging service, to contact students and parents about school cancellations, upcoming events, and performances, etc.
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Please make sure that we have the phone number that you would like to have contacted. We also send an email, put the announcement on our Facebook and Instagram pages, and alert local TV stations (WSBT, WNDU, ABC57).
To receive a text notification instead of a call (text works best), please text “ALERT” to 22300. Please make sure that you have given us the number that you would like to be texted on as well. Email ginam@andrews.edu with any changes. Thank you!
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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 understand that uniforms are on back order from Land's End. We do have a limited supply of uniforms for sale at AA (cash or check only) during office hours.
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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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Google Account Security Key Required
PLEASE note that if your child still has their security key from last year, you DO NOT NEED to purchase them a new one.
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If you have not done so already, please purchase the Multi-Factor Authentication Security Key for all AA students. This key is essential for your child to access all Google platforms (AU email, Google Classroom, etc.), as well as secure documents from Andrews University and Andrews Academy. Each student needs their own security key.
Security Key Link
If you have any further questions, feel free to email me.
Forms to check out a school computer for use at home during the school year can be found in the main office. Both a parent and the student's signatures are required.
Thank you for your cooperation,
Mr. Caleb Akins, MA
Media Ministry Director
Andrews Academy
akins@andrews.edu
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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. Gina Meekma (ginam@andrews.edu) in the main office.
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You can find your schedule, grades, missing assignments, etc. on FACTS.
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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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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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Mondays - Thursdays:
7:40 AM - 4:30 PM
Fridays: 7:40 AM - 2:30 PM
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Andrews Academy
8833 Garland Ave Berrien Springs, MI 49104
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