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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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PFE Begins a New Year
On Sunday, August 25, 2024, the PFE Orientation Luncheon brought together young and old and in-between for a review of what makes our program special, some active listening training, and great food and fellowship. Parents and students began in the library with a short presentation by Mrs. Joelle Ashley, the program’s coordinator. She observed how parents are honored by their student’s participation in PFE because of the financial contribution they make to their parent’s commitment to Adventist education. She also pointed out that serving their mentors brings to life Jesus’ encouragement to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 19:19). Mrs. Ashley talked about common household hazards for older adults, as well as the acronym F. A. S. T. in helping to determine a possible stroke and what to expect if they need to call 911.
Next, parents and students paired up to explore the importance of listening to their mentor with their full attention, setting aside distractions like their electronic devices and even their own inner voice. Students were tasked with absorbing information regarding the aging brain read to them by a parent while another student whispered a constant stream of first-person gibberish into their ear. Through the noise and occasional burst of laughter, students experienced, in hyperbole, how difficult it can be to actively listen to their mentor, which is part of developing a trusting relationship with them. After these activities, the mentors arrived and met with their student helpers over a delicious spread of down-home, country fare: fried vegetarian chicken, baked beans, potato salad, watermelon, crudité, and desert-themed desserts from Mrs. Jeannie Leiterman. The buzz of talking and laughter was a sweet harbinger for the year!
Thank you to everyone who came to participate, and also to Mrs. Judy Garrick, Ms. Heather Bergmann, Mrs. Nikki Miller, Mrs. Daniela Ortiz, Mr. Caleb Akins, and Mr. Dan Ashley who set up, cooked, decorated, purchased, provided technical support, cleaned up and put away. God bless you!
If you’re unfamiliar with the Partnering For Eternity program (PFE), it exists to reveal God’s love through service in our community and to support Adventist Education through tuition assistance for student participants. This year, there are 26 Andrews Academy students involved in this scholarship program that pairs them up with older adults in the community to accomplish house and yard work according to their mentors’ needs. On top of acts of service, students also engage in learning new skills from their mentors, playing games, reading, and other relationship-building activities. Students visit their mentor once a week for two hours, 14 times each semester. In turn, they receive an $800 scholarship each semester funded by a grant from the SFFC Foundation and our own fundraising. We are focusing our fundraising efforts this year on the PFE endowment so the interest will start giving back to the program.
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To accomplish these objectives, our fundraising goal this year is $50,000. Please consider giving to the PFE program at www.andrews.edu/go/give/AAEternity. Overall, the program will offset tuition costs for these parents and students by a total of $41,600. Praise Jesus! All our positions for this year are full; however, applications for next year will be available in March to returning PFE students, then in April to new applicants. If you have any questions, please contact Joelle Ashley at joellea@fullylive.com and visit www.aapfe.org for detailed information.
Andrews Academy would like to express our thanks to Mrs. Ashley for going out of her way to make this program successful. She does so much behind the scenes like raising matching funds, coordinating schedules, reviewing student reports, visiting mentors while their student is working, etc. It’s such an awesome program that combines the mission of the school, service to others, work ethic, and financial assistance which helps students attend AA.
Contact Info: Joelle Ashley
Partnering for Eternity Program Coordinator, Andrews Academy
www.aapfe.orgwww.andrews.edu/go/give/aaeternity
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| More photos on Facebook |
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Our online textbook store is open. Please follow the instructions for purchasing workbooks and digital content that are automatically placed in your cart, which is required to purchase from them as part of our contract. The bookstore will list all of the textbooks required for each class that the student is registered for (note that some textbooks are optional if there is digital content required).
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Email Mrs. Gina Meekma (ginam@andrews.edu) with any questions or log in difficulties.
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Student Association Camp Out & Orientation
The SA camp out is quickly coming up and will take place this weekend, from September 6-8, 2024.
Orientation is tomorrow, Wednesday, September 4, at 8:00 AM in the chapel (before Beach Day). If you are going to SA Camp Out, please attend the orientation.
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SA School Picnic/Beach Day
Tomorrow, Wednesday, September 4, 8:30 AM - 3:15 PM
Just like a regular school day, attendance is required. We must have a Hold Harmless signed for your child in order for them to attend.
Everyone get excited for our annual beach day! Beach Day will occur on Wednesday, September 4, starting at 8:30 AM and ending at 3:15 PM.
Be sure to come to school in appropriate beach day attire and feel free to bring the following:
- towels
- sand toys for our sand castle class contest
- a swimsuit
- sunscreen
- a change of clothes
However, please make sure that your clothes and swimsuit follow the school guidelines in the Sourcebook (pg. 83).
Food will be provided, but if you have special dietary needs, you may bring your own. Get ready for a fun day bonding with your classmates and a day off of school!
If you are taking a college class during the day, please arrange for transportation with Mr. Sherman on Tuesday. Students are not allowed to drive themselves to beach day or their college class.
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Class Devotions/
Class Elections
Instead of regular devotions this Friday, September 6, students will have devotions with their class at 8:45. The sophomores and juniors will also have their class elections. The seniors will meet with AU at that time.
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Senior Convocation
Next Tuesday, September 10, 9:50 AM
Senior parents/guardians are invited to this special service in the AA chapel. This is a formal event. Refreshments will follow for seniors and their families.
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School Vs Senior Flag Football Games
Next Tuesday, September 10, Girls' Game starting at 5:00 PM, Boys' game immediately follows, at the Academy field.
Mrs. Mills needs a list of teams by this Thursday, September 5, by 12 PM. Sign-up sheets are on the gym door for those that are interested. Or use the form below.
The requirements for signing up to play is that you must be in good standing at AA, meet the requirements for student status being more than half-time, and you must attend the sponsored practice on the football field at AA this Thursday, September 5, 2024, starting at 3:30 until 6:00 PM.
The school team must have at least 1 representative from each class on the team. ***MUST be coached by an adult that is verified by Mrs. Mills at all practices.
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| Football Sign-up Form |
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Teams should also have a uniform shirt with a number on the back of the shirt in order to play. Creating a shirt is a perfect option for the game. Jerseys are not required.
Please park at either the school parking lot or near Auto Zone. There are no unauthorized vehicles permitted on or near the field for practices or the games.
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Note: PPI will provide some concessions of beverages and light refreshments at the football games.
Parents, PPI is asking for help in concessions. Contact Kimberly Spare at AAppi@andrews.edu if you can help.
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| Flag Football Rules |
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E-Learning Day for Students/Professional Development for Faculty & Staff
Please note that the e-learning day was moved from October 7 to Monday, September 30. Students will work from home while the faculty and staff have some important training.
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Safety Reminders
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Do not leave vehicles unattended in the fire lane at the Academy. If you need to drop something off and/or someone will not be in the vehicle, please park in the temporary parking spaces or in the regular parking lot.
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If there is a long line of cars waiting to get in at the Academy front entrance, DO NOT stop on the side of the road and wait for the student. You must go to the regular parking lot.
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AU SciFEST
September 19–22, 2024
SciFest is a weekend of STEM activities from Thursday evening to Saturday night at and organized by Andrews University.
High school students are invited to join us for this on-campus STEM experience. Students will design, solve problems, connect with others, and be challenged. This weekend opportunity is recommended for junior and senior high school and homeschool students, although any high school students at any level are welcome. This year's theme is Light. To kick off the experience, students can choose to participate in a 3D printing Workshop, Natural History Museum Tour, or exercising/swimming at the Andreasen Center. On Friday, students will work in small groups to complete STEM lab challenges in areas of Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, and Sustainable Agriculture. A Science and Faith panel discussion of "Creation Care & Technology" will include responses to student questions. Worship with us on Sabbath and experience life on campus. A Saturday night QuizBowl game show culminates the event. Team prizes will be awarded based on percentages (1st place 100-90%, 2nd place 89-80%, 3rd place 79-70%), and scholarships will be given to all students who participate.
If you are interested in being part of SciFest, please fill out the attached application form since only 10 students are allowed to attend from AA. The cost is $90 this year, to be paid by September 12 if you are chosen. Preference will be given to juniors and seniors. The due date for the application is Friday, August 30, to Mr. Wright.
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| More Information |
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School Lunch Program
Andrews Academy
2024-2025
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Bon Appetit Management at Andrews University is honored to have the opportunity to provide your child with delicious meals that promote health and wellness. Our chef-driven food is alive with flavor and nutrition, always prepared from scratch. We take the care of your student(s) very seriously and thank you in advance for placing your trust in us.
Meals are sold as a package of 4 weeks of meals (one month). Students may choose which lunches they want to eat and bring a lunch on the other days. When the academic semester has completed, the cost of any unused meals remaining are credited back to the Andrews Academy student (tuition) account.
Important Information for 2024-2025 School Year
For the first month of school (August 19 - September 13, 2024), those parents desiring to purchase school lunches for their enrolled students will need to pay via cash, check, or credit card at the Andrews Academy office or via credit card over the phone for their student's lunch service for the month. Checks (noting that the payment is for lunches and the student's name) may also be put in the dropbox on the pillar by the front door also. Lunch payments may NOT be made on TouchNet.
This is a temporary arrangement, since Andrews University ITS is planning to provide a secure web page where parents of AA students can pay online for any subsequent school lunch charges after the first month of school. Further announcements will be forthcoming.
The reduced meal plan contract and application can be obtained from the school office, or you can reply to this email to request them to be sent to you in an email in case you would like to be considered for this program. Please return the completed forms to Andrews Academy ASAP. Proof of income will be required. Please see the application for details.
Students must present their ID card for meal pickup. Portion sizes are predetermined, and second servings are not provided. All meals now include the house legume and whole grain brown rice. Students are expected to behave appropriately while in the service area. Disciplinary action will be taken by AA as needed.
Your feedback is always welcomed. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
It is our greatest pleasure to serve our youth!
Your School Lunch Team at Bon Appetit
E-mail: ds@andrews.edu
Phone: 269-471-3161
Notes: The menu will be posted in the display case at school as well as towards the end of the E-Sanjo each week.
The Friday boxed lunch must be ordered by putting the student's name and ID number on a sign-up sheet in the office (also passed around during lunch) by Wednesday at 2:00 PM.
This is an optional lunch program. Students are always welcome to bring their lunch or their parent can bring them a lunch, but students are not allowed to have lunch delivered to them by a restaurant/Door Dash.
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| More information |
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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. We found a few more used uniforms in storage, so those who don't have uniforms should come tomorrow (Monday) to see if you can find something that fits (first come, first served).
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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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| AA's Lands' End Store |
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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,
Caleb Akins, MA
Media Ministry Director
Andrews Academy
akins@andrews.edu
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Tuition
Note that payment #2 is due on or before September 25. If you have not yet paid payment #1, please do so right away. It was due on August 5.
Please contact Ms. Gracie at gaytan@andrews.edu with questions.
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Senior Pictures & Ads for Yearbook
Senior pictures are needed for yearbook, class night, and the class composite to be hung in the AA Commons or Library. The yearbook team will need your senior and baby pictures by Friday, October 18, 2024. We encourage you to get your senior picture done during the summer before the busy school year begins. Photographers get busy in the late summer and fall, so you may want to book an appointment early. PLEASE PLAN AHEAD and get your picture done in a timely manner.
You do not have to go to a professional photographer for this picture, but please make sure you follow the picture requirements below. If not, the yearbook team may request that you send an alternative. For yearbook pictures, seniors should be looking at the camera rather than away from it.
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Pictures for the yearbook and senior ads must adhere to the following requirements:
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- In color
- Picture from waist up (not entire body) - yearbook picture
- Portrait/vertical mode (not landscape/horizontal) - yearbook picture
- Attire per AA guidelines—no sleeveless shirts or bare shoulders, no low cut or cropped tops, no jewelry - yearbook AND senior ads
- High-resolution JPEG (at least 4x6, 300 ppi resolution)
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Baby Photos
By the same date (October 18), please submit a baby picture as well. The baby picture will be used by yearbook as well as for senior bulletin board and class night purposes. Please submit a high-resolution JPEG baby picture. If you cannot scan the picture, you may bring the baby picture to the yearbook team, and they will scan it for you.
Also, please plan ahead for senior yearbook ad nights on Monday and Tuesday, October 28 & 29, starting at 5:00 PM. At that time, you and your parents can purchase senior ads for the yearbook (see the messages to seniors in the back of previous yearbooks for examples).
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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 in mid-September to load funds online. You may still pay cash or check in the Academy office even when the website is available.
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Andrews University Basketball Program
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Community Volleyball
Starting on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, from 7:00 - 9:00 PM, AA will be hosting community volleyball.
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Click on the form link if you would like to play. It needs to be completed before you can attend and play for the evening. You can access this form repeatedly to change your sign-up status. Please sign up the day before the Tuesday you choose to play so that Mrs. Mills can give the list to the supervisor for the evening. Each person that plans on playing needs to sign up using the attached form (using an andrews.edu email address).
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| Volleyball Sign-Up Form |
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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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269-471-3138
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