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Volume 15, Issue 54

 

Andrews Academy's

Official Newsletter

February 27, 2022

 

Dear AA Families,


We ended our week with a Black History assembly. The theme for Black History Month is “Where do we go from here?” We looked at the topic of Social Justice in the word of God, and Elder Edward Woods III was our presenter. God used him in a mighty way to speak on the issues of social justice from a biblical prospective.

 

Thank you for your continued support as we navigate through the semester. We ended our week with no reported cases of COVID-19. We have seen a reduction in COVID-19 cases and commend our students, teachers, faculty, and staff for their diligence. Because of your care for our school community, we are adjusting our face covering requirements.


Adjusted Face Covering Requirement:

 

Starting this Tuesday, March 1, 2022, face coverings will be optional except in the following areas: chapel worship and assemblies. Students will still be required to wear face coverings for these large gatherings and transportation. Students should still have a face covering available in areas where it is required.

The decision to adjust face coverings is due to a decline in COVID-19 cases in our school and community. While we have adjusted the face covering requirement, it is still important to practice safe behaviors such as distancing when possible, sanitizing, etc. Please be aware that if there is an uptick in cases, Andrews Academy reserves the right to reverse its plans where needed, or when there are new or significant risks to our school community. Let us respect each person’s choice regarding face coverings; no one should be made to feel uncomfortable because of their choice. #CampusClear is still for students and staff to use to monitor their health.
 

The protocols for isolation and quarantine remain the same. Please review the document regarding this.

 

Reminders:
 

Students are required to be in uniform every day, except on designated days which are announced in advance. If clarification is needed on uniforms or dress code related items, please review the Sourcebook. The electronic device policy is still in effect: cell phones, smart watches etc. are not allowed in classes. Please review the full document for clarification.

 

Mental Health:

 

Parents and friends, we are still seeing a lot of students who are experiencing mental health challenges. It is important to be observant, especially during these times, regarding mental health. If your child or a friend appears withdrawn, moody, always sleepy, and/or stops engaging with friends and family, these may be signs that they may be struggling with their mental health. While we want our students to achieve academic success, their health is of paramount importance, both mentally and physically. Please check on those in your circle; a wellness check can provide them needed hope and encouragement.

 

Our Parent Meeting is scheduled for this Tuesday, March 1, at 6:30 PM via Zoom. A personal invitation is extended to all parents. Hope to see you then.
 

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7


Let cast all our cares on Christ—He is the author and finisher of our faith.

Blessings,

Pastor Mario Ferguson
Principal
Andrews Academy
mferguson@andrews.edu

 

Black History Month Celebration Assembly

 

A special celebration assembly concluded Black History month was held on Friday, February 25, 2022. The assembly began with music. Our week-long presenter, Mr. Edward Woods, presented a worship presentation. Details of this are in the “Chapels This Week” section of the E-Sanjo

 

Following this, there was a celebration presentation of special music, readings, skits, and video presentations. Thank you, Pastor Ferguson and a large group of students, for organizing this very informative and powerful month of programs and this celebration assembly. And thank you to each of the participants, not only for today’s assembly, but also throughout this month.   

 

Let each of us continue to contemplate and pray about the theme for the month, “Past, Present, Future: Where do we go from here?” May we accept the challenges Mr. Woods and others presented, and stand up to correct wrongs and help change the world to be a better and fairer place for all—social justice for all. May we experience that restoration and unity we can find in Jesus.

More photos on Facebook
 
Video of Special Music 1 on FB
Video of Special Music 2 on FB
 

Lifetouch Pictures


Proofs and pictures that were ordered from Picture Retake Day are in the office. Please stop by and pick them up.

 

Student Association Election Orientation


Tomorrow, Monday, February 28, at 3:30 PM, there will be a SA election orientation in the home ec room.

Anyone who is interested in running for an SA office, please attend this orientation. See Mrs. Mills if you have any questions.

 

Parent Meeting


You are invited to our virtual Parent Meeting this Tuesday, March 1, at 6:30 PM.

Meeting ID: 937 3563 5878

Passcode: 684462

Zoom Link
 

Andrews Academy Student Association is proud to present The Masque Royal, our spring banquet, on Sunday, March 13, 2022, from 4:45 to 9:30 PM. Our banquet will be a masquerade themed event at The Palais Royale Ballroom in downtown South Bend. This is a Sadie Hawkins year, which is meant to encourage girls to ask guys to the banquet, but remember you can also go with friends or alone! We encourage everyone to come, and we promise that smiles will be had and memories will be made! 

Please note the Dress Code for School Banquets on page 80 of the school Sourcebook. Students without appropriate apparel will be asked to change, per page 80. If you have any questions about apparel, please contact the appropriate SA sponsor: Mrs. Mills or Mr. Steinkraus.

The event will start and end at AA; therefore, no one may drive themselves or be dropped off, and everyone must take the school transportation provided. Be at Andrews Academy at 4:45 to load the buses. We will LEAVE the parking lot at 5:15, so please arrive before then. 

If you have any questions, contact any SA officer right away. Permission slips and more pertinent information will follow! 

Daniel Randall 
SA President 2021-2022

 

Senior vs. School Badminton Tournament

 

The AA PE department is sponsoring a Senior vs. School Badminton tournament on Tuesday, March 15, starting at 5:00 PM.

There will be practice after school this week on 3/1 & 3/3 (Tuesday & Thursday) in the gym from 3:30-4:30 PM.

Come to practices and work with your partner, and if you do not have a partner yet, still come; you may find your badminton partner at the open practices.

Equipment will be provided to each of the players for both the practices and the tournament.

If you are not planning on playing for the tournament, please come and support your class through your cheers.

 

Important Deadlines from the Registrar’s Office:

  • This Tuesday, March 1 - Final Honors Paper Deadline for SENIORS
  • March 31 — Work Experience Evaluation Final Deadline for SENIORS

Ms. Ivonne Segui-Weiss

Andrews Academy Registrar
aaregistrar@andrews.edu

 

Black History Week of Chapels - Social Justice as Found in the Bible


On Wednesday, Mr. Edward Woods, an AA alumnus, returned to discuss social justice as described in the Old Testament. We find many references about dealing fairly and equitably with the community. He also shared how the Sabbath is a time that everyone can worship the Lord in equity. As we learned more of the Biblical insights on social justice, he reminded us that it is the “Bible that changes us, not us changing the Bible to fit our political views.” Many more Old Testament insights were shared with the Andrews Academy family.

 

On Thursday, Mr. Woods continued the discussion of social justice as found in the book of Revelation. In Revelation 15:3, it says that Lord’s ways are “just and true.” God cares more about individuals than their baptismal status. Sometimes people forget this, and Mr. Woods pointed out that churches/schools would be full if we cared more about individuals rather than their status. We are living as the remnant referred to in Revelation. Our relationship with Christ should take precedence over everything else in life. However, being Seventh-day Adventist does not automatically save you. We are saved by grace through faith. As part of our faith, and as the remnant, we need to stand up against injustice. To close, Mr. Woods left us with this quote from Dr. King:
 

Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.

 

Before and after the presentation, he had a quiz on the topic for the week. Those who answered correctly received a $20 prize during Friday’s presentation. 

Friday’s topic was on social justice, focusing on the writings of E. G. White. Mr. Woods shared various quotes from our early church leaders, each expressing the need for doing the right thing—to correct social injustices. He shared Acts 5:29: “We ought to obey God rather than men.”

Ellen White commented on the evils of slavery, encouraging church members to do the right thing. For example, in reference to the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850, which required people to send slaves that escaped back to their owners, she encouraged civil disobedience to this law. Even though people could be fined, imprisoned, or have their property confiscated, she said one should not send slaves back to their owners. While our church founders promoted the need for social justice, at various times the church has failed in doing this. Mr. Woods encouraged each of us as Christians to stand up to fight social injustices for all people. 

 

It was an inspiring week for each of us as we learned so many Biblical perspectives on social justice that we should apply to our lives as we fight for social justice for everyone. Thank you, Mr. Woods, for these deep spiritual insights and for taking time out of your busy work schedule to share with the Andrews Academy family.

More Black History photos on FB
 

8th graders are invited...

 
 

Important: Remember that in order to order lunch, students must have a signed contract with AU Dining Services/Bon Appetit and their ID card. Also, lunches need to be ordered online or through the GET Mobile app at least one day in advance (by 5 PM). See instructions in a previous E-Sanjo or contact Dining Services for more information - 269-471-3161 or ds@andrews.edu. If a student orders lunch but then is absent that day, please email Dining Services by 9:00 AM to cancel the order.

 
 
2021-22 Calendar*
2021-22 Year-at-a-Glance Calendar

* There are options to subscribe to the 2021-22 school calendar on our website.

 
 

School Office Hours:

Monday – Thursday:
7:40 AM – 4:00 PM

Friday: 7:40 AM – 2:00 PM

Faculty & Staff Contact Info
2021-22 Sourcebook

Principal:
aaprincipal@andrews.edu
Admissions: aaadmissions@andrews.edu
Attendance: aaattendance@andrews.edu

Class Schedule: aaregistrar@andrews.edu
Financial Plan:
gaytan@andrews.edu

Guidance Counselor: nievesl@andrews.edu

 

Please remember, if a student has been exposed to, or tests positive for, COVID-19, this information should be sent via email to  covid19@andrews.edu and aaprincipal@andrews.edu.

 

Highlights of the updated guidance for exposure to COVID-19:

 

Up-to-date on vaccines and boosters:

  • Students and staff without symptoms do not need to quarantine. Monitor for symptoms and wear a well-fitted mask for 10 days. 

Not up-to-date on vaccines and boosters:

  • Students and staff must home quarantine from days 1-5 and test on day 5. Then wear a well-fitted mask for days 6-10.

or

  • Students and staff may test-to-stay for days 1-6, and mask-to-stay for days 1-10.


Students and staff who test positive may not attend school, and must isolate at home for five full days after symptom onset (or five days after the positive test if they do not have symptoms). They may return to school on day six if they have no symptoms and can wear a well-fitted mask for an additional five days.

Quarantine Procedures
Berrien County Health Dept Info for Schools & Families
 

Andrews Academy

8833 Garland Ave Berrien Springs, MI 49104

 

 

academy@andrews.edu

 

269-471-3138