Dear AA Families,
 

We have completed the first week of school. Praise God! It was a great start to the new school year. Thanks SA sponsors and officers, and PPI for your planning and execution of HodgePodge. During our pre-week sessions, faculty and staff participated in professional development trainings. One area of training was CPR. All faculty and staff have been officially certified.

School Start Date:

Questions are being asked about the start date of school this year. This year we started a bit early to meet the 180-day expectation. We try our best to avoid interruptions to the educational process by attempting to keep our vacation time in sync with Andrews University. This prevents parents taking their children out of school early for Christmas, spring, and summer breaks. It usually causes challenges with final exams/assessment schedule. If there were scheduling conflicts related to the first few days of school and participation in the Berrien County Fair, and/or college classes, the absences or tardies will be considered excused. Please contact the office to excuse students if needed.

Bookstore and Textbooks:

Andrews Academy transitioned to the AU Bookstore because we were operating at significant financial loss each year and did not have adequate staffing to maintain inventory. With the recent staffing issues at the Bookstore, and the paper shortages affecting book production, we have had to make some unexpected adjustments. Some textbooks are on back order until later in the year, creating some challenges for us. To help resolve this issue, the following classes are transitioning to a digital textbook:

• United States History with Mr. Sherman

• Algebra 2 with Mr. Wright (Big Ideas Geometry with CalcChat &CalView) (2022)

• Geometry with Mr. Wright (Big Ideas Geometry with CalcChat& CalcView) (2022)

For those students who may have already acquired print copies of the books, we encourage them to transition to the digital format. Please contact me if you have already purchased the hard copy for Algebra 2, Geometry, and/or United States History, and Earth Science.

The Earth Science book is on backorder with an expected delivery date of November 2022. This book is not available in digital format; therefore, the previous edition of the book (Prentice Hall Earth Science 2009) will be utilized. The Bookstore currently has 19 copies of the 2009 edition of the book. They are willing to give credit to any student/parent who has the 2009 version of the of the Earth Science textbook that they are willing to part with. You may bring the book to the Bookstore and inquire about further details. The credit amount will be determined at later date after the back-to-school rush has ended. You may also donate the book to someone who needs it.

Many of the challenges with the books were unforeseen, and we apologize for any inconveniences this may have caused. Thank you in advance for your understanding. We will continue to evaluate the relationship with the Bookstore and make necessary changes for future endeavors. We want to be intentional about making Andrews Academy’s learning materials accessible. The Bookstore issues were beyond their and our control. These are national challenges, not limited to the AU campus.

Please review the Sourcebook regarding uniforms and relevant information. Students are required to wear a uniform daily unless otherwise instructed. Students are expected to dress modestly and appropriately. International students should be aware of the rules as outlined in the Sourcebook and be ready to follow them beginning on the first day of school. Compliance with this policy is a prerequisite to classroom attendance. Failure to comply with these principles may result in appropriate sanctions.

Sourcebook highlights:

• No unnatural hair color

• No jewelry of any kind

• No ripped clothing

Dedication Convocation:

This Sabbath, August 27, 2022, at 11:45 AM is our Dedication Convocation Service. Lunch will be provided for all those in attendance. This is a time to dedicate our school year to God, and fellowship with our AA family. I look forward to seeing you all.

Volunteers:

We are still seeking volunteers for varied ministries at AA. Please contact the front office if you wish to volunteer.

Enrollment:

Currently the enrollment of Andrews Academy is strong. We continue to register new students, including some international students.

Employment:

The custodial department at AA is seeking to hire students to work after school. If your child is seeking employment, is highly motivated, and willing to serve, please have them stop by the main office for a short interview and to pick up paperwork.

Thank you for your support of Adventist Christian education. As we continue to commit to the spirituality of Andrews Academy, we invite you to be a part of the journey. We recognize that when we raise the standard against evil, the attacks become more intense. We rebuke the power of evil and will continue to pray for our school and community. “In all our ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct our path”. Proverbs 3:16

Please commit yourselves to an attitude of gratitude and encouragement during the 2022-23 school year.

AA Family Prayer

Andrews Academy begins each school year with a “Garden of Prayer” during the first worship of the school year. Students and faculty gathered at the front of the chapel to pray together to dedicate the year to Jesus. It’s an awesome experience to see hundreds of teenagers in prayer together. (Aug. 17, 2022)

AA Family Photo

We are pleased to announce that our school enrollment is 239 (with a few more still enrolling). This is about 8 students less than last year at this date, but much higher than expected as we graduated a very large senior class this past spring. 

Please keep Andrews Academy in your prayers as we begin the 2022-2023 school year. May each student think deeply, live fully, serve unselfishly, and trust God completely. (Aug. 18, 2022)

Annual Dedication Service

Date: This Sabbath, August 27, 11:45 AM
Location: Andrews Academy Chapel
Speaker: Dr. Fernando Ortiz

Lunch will be provided afterwards.

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. A number of individuals 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!

Hot Lunch Contracts

Andrews Academy
School Lunch Program

2022-2023

The school lunch program begins tomorrow, Monday, August 22.
 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Bon Appetit 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 and always prepared from scratch. We take the care of your student very seriously, and thank you in advance for placing your trust in us.

As classes begin at Andrews Academy, Bon Appetit will continue to work closely with Andrews University to ensure we are following the latest guidelines from the CDC and Berrien County Health Department to ensure the safety of your student. 

• Full Paying Meal Plan ($5.50 per meal)

We are pleased to inform you that this year participating in the school lunch program will be easier than ever! We will no longer be using the mobile GET app or requiring a contract. You can simply send us (Dining Services) an e-mail, including the student’s name, ID# and the amount you would like added. This is very important to make sure funds are deposited into the correct student’s account and charged accordingly. You may also stop by our (Dining Servies) office to add funds using a credit or debit card. You may add as much money as you would like; however, a minimum of $50.00 is required to get the account started. We are unable to accept cash.

• Reduced Meal Plan

The contract and application are attached. They must be filled out and returned to Dining Services. Please provide your student with a lunch until your application is approved. Additional proof of income is required this year. We are unable to accept cash. Student is allowed one swipe per day. 

• Free Meal Plan

The contract and application are attached. They must be filled out and returned to Dining Services. Please provide your student with a lunch until your application is approved. Additional proof of income is required this year. We are unable to accept cash. Student is allowed one swipe per day. 

Students must present their ID card for meal pickup. Portion sizes are predetermined, and second servings are not provided. Students are expected to behave appropriately while in the service area. Disciplinary action will be taken as needed. 
 

Your feedback is always welcomed. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

It is our greatest pleasure to serve,

Your School Lunch Team at Bon Appetit
 

E-mail: ds@andrews.edu

Phone: 269-471-3161 

Fax: 269-471-3789

Dining Services Office located on the first floor of the AU Campus Center.

Monday–Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

AU SciFEST

SciFest is in person this year at Andrews University. It is a weekend of STEM activities from Thursday evening to Saturday night organized by Andrews University.

September 15–18, 2022

High school students are invited to join AU for this interactive STEM experience. Students will design, solve problems, connect with others, be challenged, and experience life at Andrews. SciFEST 2022 will be on-campus and is recommended for junior and senior high school students.

Tour the AU campus, worship with them, complete lab challenges in each department...and much more. Earn points by completing each team activity. The annual QuizBowl, a game-show team event, culminates the weekend. Prizes will be given to the teams that earn the most points, and scholarships to all who participate. Lab activities include: Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Engineering, Math, Physics, and Sustainable Agriculture.

If you are interested in being part of SciFest, please fill out the attached application form since we are only allowed to take ten (10) students. The cost is $80 a student. Preference will be given to juniors and seniors. The due date for the application and money is this Wednesday, August 24, to Mr. Wright.

You can order before Picture Day on mylifetouch.com with the above Picture Day ID.

Orientation Assemblies

The first two days of school included shortened classes and a series of shorter assemblies to orient students on expectations for the school year.

The first assembly began with the introduction of the faculty and staff. Mrs. Samantha Mills, AA PE teacher, introduced each faculty/staff member. Following this, Pastor Mario Ferguson discussed general school procedures. The Guidance Counselor, Ms. Leslie Nieves, had the last portion of the program discussing the attendance policy of the school. She is also the attendance officer.

On Tuesday morning, Alyssa Palmer, from AU, presented on Title IX for our students for the second assembly of the year. It was an interactive assembly where students learned what things to look for, what to do (and not to do), and who to report to if there are abuses. It was an informative and interactive presentation. The third and final assembly during the first two days of school was on safety and what to do for various drills. We thank Berrien Springs officer Matthew Oosterwal, who works with area schools, for presenting this assembly and serving in our community. He is the new resource officer for all of the Berrien Springs schools and is an alumnus of AA, the class of 2010, that Mrs. Sanchez was a sponsor of. We thank the police department for doing preventative measures to keep our school and community safe. Pastor Ferguson had a prayer of blessing on Officer Oosterwal at the close of the assembly.

AU Campus Safety Parking Permit

Academy Vehicle Registration Process

1. All vehicles parked on Andrews University property must register their vehicle with the Office of Campus Safety. This must be done online before you plan to park in the AA parking lot or anywhere else on the AU campus. (See instructions below.)
2. You will be given a green community registration sticker or an orange staff registration permit if your parent/guardian currently is employed by Andrews and is present at the time of registration. This will go on the driver’s side lower corner of your windshield and should be visible to the on duty patrol officer. This permit will allow you to park in all blue and green lots on campus. No overnight parking is permitted.
3. The parking permit will expire on August 31 of the following year, when it will need to be renewed. It may be renewed sooner, starting in early May.
4. As a complimentary service, Campus Safety is pleased to offer free jump starts and vehicle lockouts to our guests and students provided they are on University property.
5. The Andrews University adopted vehicle policy can be found at the link below.
6. If you have further questions, Campus Safety is available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week and can be reached at the following number: 269-471-3321.

Walk-through of Online Vehicle Pre-Registration:
(Please read through instructions before you begin)
 

Step 1: Go to www.vault.andrews.edu and login using AU username and password (a DUO push will be required to enter system). New AA students who have not yet set up their AU username and password will be sent instructions soon.

• Click on “Campus Safety”

• Click on “Vehicle Registration”

Step 2: In Permit Type, select the permit type available (NOT Bicycle). The vehicle information boxes will then populate. (If your permit type is not shown, please select what is available, clarify the appropriate type needed with our office by email or at decal retrieval.) (If decal option is not given for Faculty/Staff, and this is your campus status, please skip step 8)

Step 3: Skip down to the Vehicle  section and fill in the Type, Year, Make, & Modelof your vehicle. For Color, choose from the menu provided that is closest to your vehicle color.

Step 4: Your VIN number (Vehicle Identification Number) is string of numbers and letters that you should be able to find this on both the insurance and state registration (number must match on both documents.)
 

Step 5: In the License section enter theissuing State & License Plate number

• If you have a temporary license plate, see * below. If you have NO plate, see ** below.

Step 6: Click on the  Agreement button (may be small in size below license plate information). Read through the Vehicle Registration Agreement and then sign using your AU password and then click Submit.
 

Step 7: Attach all documents requested (must be taken in any .jpeg format. If you are using your mobile device to take the pictures, check format: Settings, Camera, Format - use most compatible option.)

• You must have CURRENT Registration & Insurance and a valid Driver’s License to be issued a permanent parking decal. If document is expired see * below.

• Click “Upload” after each document has been selected

++ Faculty/Staff skip to Step 9 ++

Step 8: There is a $10 annual fee per vehicle for non-faculty/staff parking decals. Select payment method. If you wish to pay cash or in person, do not choose an option. Cash can only be paid at the Financial Aid Cashiers Desk. (Note: Tell cashier payment is for Vehicle Registration and bring receipt to retrieve the decal.)
 

Step 9: Click “Update.” Please look for emails in your AU email account with instructions.

* Place picture of plate in registration attachment slot. Please email safety@andrews.edu with this information after you complete all possible information online. A temporary parking permit will need be issued.Temporary Parking Permits must be placed in vehicle driver’s side dash when parked on campus.

** If you have an appointment to register with state, please bring verification (email, screen capture) along with all other requested documents, and a temporary parking permit will be issued.

Temporary Parking Permits dates must be viewable on driver’s side dash when vehicle is parked on campus.
 

Call AU Campus Safety at 269-471-3321 if you have any problems or questions.

For more information about this fundraiser or PFE in general, contact the coordinator, Joelle Ashley at joellea@fullylive.com.

After-School Hours Agreement

The After-School Hours Agreement needs to be signed by a student and a parent. Here are the acceptable ways to return this document:

• Complete the attached fillable document and email to ginam@andrews.edu.
• Print the attached document, complete it, scan or take a picture, and email it to ginam@andrews.edu.
• Stop by the school office and complete the form.

* There are options to subscribe to the 2022-23 school calendar on our website.

From Andrews University: Scan the QR code or click here for more information.

CONTACT US:

Main Office: ginam@andrews.edu or call 269-471-3138
Principal: aaprincipal@andrews.edu
Attendance: aaattendance@andrews.edu
Finances: gaytan@andrews.edu

Class Schedule: aaregistrar@andrews.edu
Application/Enrollment Process: aaadmissions@andrews.edu