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Volume 15, Issue 52

 

Andrews Academy's

Official Newsletter

February 18, 2022

 

No School
this Monday, February 21!

 

Dear AA Families,
 

As we come to the end of another week, I am reminded of a Sabbath hymn that echoes these words, “Don't forget the Sabbath, the Lord our God hath blest, of all the week the brightest, of all the week the best; it brings repose from labor, it tells of joy divine, its beams of light descending, with heav'nly beauty shine.” We welcome the Sabbath with joy and gladness.

 

Thank you for you continued support as we navigate through the semester. We ended our week with one reported case of COVID-19. We have seen a reduction in COVID 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 requirement.

 

Adjusted Face Covering Requirement:

 

Starting 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. 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. 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 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 If your child or a friend appears withdrawn, moody, always sleepy, and/or stops engaging with friends and family, these may be signs that they may be struggling with their mental health.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 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’s 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

 

Latin American Culture Class - Piñatas

 

Latin American Culture Class continues to learn about Mexico’s different traditions for celebrating birthdays, festivals, Christmas, and national holidays, among others. One of the traditions is to celebrate with a piñata. In groups of two, the students have now completed their own piñata to experience the culture in a hands-on way. (February 17, 2022)

More photos on FB
 

Andrews Academy Student Association is proud to present The Masque Royale, 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! 

Tickets will be sold for $10/single and $17/couple through Friday, February 25, during all three lunches and after school.

Remember The Best Ask video submissions are due on Friday, February 25, and The Banquitude award will be given out at banquet! (For more information, check out our Instagram @aasa_2k.)

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

 

Tuition

 

Tuition payment #7 is due on or before next Friday, February 25.

 

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 next week on 2/22 & 2/24 (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.

 

Seniors Got Talent has been rescheduled for next Sunday, February 27! Ready for some fun and food?! Join us for Seniors Got Talent at Andrews Academy. The event starts at 5:00 PM with dinner, then transitions into the gym for the show, concluding at 8:00 PM. Come out for a deliciously fun evening in support of the senior class. Contact Mr. VanDenburgh or Mrs. Pellegrini for ticket information.

 

Important Deadlines from the Registrar’s Office:

  • 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

 

ELIGIBILITY:

  1. Students must be in good standing at AA.
  2. Students must have a track record of supporting and being actively involved with AA's music ensembles: orchestra, band, or choir.
 

New Cafeteria Tables


New cafeteria tables arrived on Thursday for the Commons. They replaced the temporary white tables that were used for the last year and a half. Prior to the white tables, old brown fold-up tables were used for lunches; however, they were getting old and somewhat dangerous. When unfolding them, there was a risk of pinching fingers. These new tables not only look nicer, but they do not have the potential of pinching fingers. Each table folds upward for storage with built-in seating for twelve students.

 

Chapels This Week


The history nugget for Wednesday was about Kobe Bryant. Kobe, nicknamed the Black Mamba, was the youngest all-star basketball player. After this, Gabby Roper read an original poem before our speaker began. The guest speaker for the day was Pastor Baldwin, who joined us over Zoom. Pastor Baldwin's topic was "Why?" Why do bad things happen to good people if God is in control? We all know that life is unfair at times. Many people live in poverty, and discrimination occurs every day. Pastor Baldwin posed the question of "Where do we go from here?"

It's easy to be bitter when life isn't going as planned. However, God wants to make us better. God got Moses' attention with a burning bush and Pastor Baldwin heard God's call after watching a movie; it can happen differently for everyone. Pastor Baldwin reminded us that the bottom line is that God is trying to get your attention because you matter to Him. 

On Thursday, Pastor Ferguson presented a chapel talk entitled, “Guilty But Not Condemned.” He shared how too often we make choices that are not good. We often then develop our identity based on all of our errors in life. We need to remember that God does not condemn us for sins we commit! Like the woman that was caught in the very act of adultery, we also are not condemned. Pastor Ferguson used a $20 bill as an illustration of our value no mater what we may have done. He stepped on the $20 bill, crumpled it up, etc. but the bill still has value. Max Snyder, sophomore, still valued the $20 bill and happily received it. In God’s eyes, we have value no matter what we may have done. As senior Grace Dockerty presented a special music, Pastor Ferguson invited each to gather around the cross on the stage and quietly pray as we processed things with our God. The faculty then surrounded the students as Pastor Glassford and Mr. VanDenburgh offered prayer for our students. The program concluded with additional prayer time for student in groups of two to pray for each other. It was a very meaningful service as we encouraged and prayed for our students.

More chapel photos on FB
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 new 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.

NEW 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