News & Announcements

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Volume 18, Issue 64

Andrews Academy's

Official Newsletter

May 2, 2025

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Thank You!

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week. We are thankful to our principal and all of our teachers for their tireless, hard work! Leading and teaching are often thankless jobs.

Feel free to let Mr. Perez-Schulz and your teachers know how much you appreciate them, not only next week, but all year long!

Faculty & Staff Contact Info

Backpacking Trip 2025 - Smoky Mountains, Pt 2

There were some great moments captured during the Andrews Academy backpacking tour in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Over four days, students hiked scenic trails and camped at multiple sites, immersing themselves in nature and adventure.

A huge thank you to our trip leader, Dr. Byron Graves, whose dedication made this journey possible. Dr. Graves, a former music teacher at Andrews Academy and now a professor at Andrews University, spent countless hours planning the tour and preparing students during Monday morning sessions. We’re also grateful to the staff and volunteers who joined the trip and helped manage every detail along the way. Your support made this unforgettable experience a reality!

Everyone loves a meal at Olive Garden—but after four days of hiking, camping, and cooking in the Smoky Mountains, this group has earned a whole new appreciation for it. It’s become a tradition: on the last day of their tour, before the drive home on Friday, they treat themselves to a well-deserved dinner at Olive Garden. It's a perfect ending to an unforgettable adventure. (April 27 - May 2, 2025)

More photos on Facebook

Video of Group Crossing River

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:

Please go to https://factsmgt.com
Select Log In Here.
Under For Families, select Family Portal Log In.
Enter AN-MI into the District Code field.
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.
After logging in, click on the Apply/Enroll button in the left menu.
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.

Note: Anyone who had AU's Priority Health insurance needs to submit their new HMA insurance card.

🚩 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

2025-26 Year-at-a-Glance Calendar

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

AA Website

Instructions for New Students

2025-26 Year-at-a-Glance Calendar

CONTACT US

Application/Enrollment Process: aaadmissions@andrews.edu

Financial Information/Questions: gaytan@andrews.edu

(Appointments: https://calendly.com/aafinances)

Class Schedule Questions: aaregistrar@andrews.edu

Student Teacher Dedication

Today, we had a special prayer of blessing for the two student teachers who served at Andrews Academy this semester. We are grateful for the time and dedication that they shared with us during their student teaching experience.

Ms. Karina Kajiura worked with Mr. Sherman's classes, while Mr. Hunter Penn worked with Mrs. May’s religion classes. Both will be graduating this weekend from Andrews University.

We send our heartfelt blessings to each of you as you begin your journey in the ministry of teaching.

Bible Study

Tomorrow, Sabbath, May 3
5:00-7:00 PM

AA Library

All Andrews Academy students are invited to a Bible Study Sabbath experience.

This Bible Study Sabbath is a revival of the Bible Studies we experienced last year on a few select Sabbaths. It has been a wonderful blessing to open the Bible and wrestle through some of the tough Bible questions you, the students, have in our Bible classes and through last year's Q&A times. Because we'd like to continue this tradition of our Bible Study and Q&A, we have a Sabbath afternoon set aside for just this.

All AA students who are interested in attending this experience, please fill out this Google Form. It will help us prepare accordingly, especially concerning the finger food portion.

There is also further information towards the end of the form to help you prepare/know what to bring.

I am looking forward to this experience, and hope you are too! May the LORD cover this experience with His blessing and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we dig into the Bible to ground our walk with the LORD.

As always, if there are any questions, comments, concerns, etc., please feel free to contact me. ~ Mrs. May (kardosmoldo@andrews.edu)

ONLY AA students using their AU email can access and fill out the survey.

Bible Study Google Form

Class Devotions/Class of 2026 Elections/Senior Class Photo this Tuesday

This Tuesday, May 6, students will have devotions with your class.

The juniors will also have their senior class elections. The seniors will take their class photo in their graduation gowns. Seniors, pick up your gown in the main office when you arrive at AA on Tuesday morning, and then return it when you are done with the picture.

Locations will be posted on the display cases.

AA Spring Concerts Next Week

You are invited to attend our music performances next week:

This Tuesday, May 6, 7 PM: Vocal & Bells Concert

This Thursday, May 8, 7 PM: Band & Strings Concert

Watch our Facebook page for livestreaming.

Dress Rehearsals:

This Monday, May 5, 6 PM: Vocal & Bells Rehearsal (watch for more info from your music teachers)

This Wednesday, May 7, 6 PM: Band & Strings Rehearsal (watch for more info from your music teachers)

SA Banquet

Next Sunday, May 11, 5:30 PM

Please note that students cannot attend the banquet without a ticket.

School Banquet Dress Code:
All students attending a banquet must choose formal attire that adheres to the following guidelines (per the Sourcebook):

Tops must have solid fabric (nontransparent, non-lace) that goes no lower than four finger widths from the clavicle all the way around the body.
If the top buttons, it needs to be buttoned no lower than four finger widths below the clavicle.
No bare shoulders are permitted. The shoulders must be covered by sleeves or straps at least the width of three fingers.
If a jacket, sweater, shawl, etc. is used to cover the shoulders, it must be worn during the entire event.
If wearing a two-piece outfit, the top must meet the bottom so that no midriff shows.
Bottoms must reach the knees or lower, all the way around.
There must be no transparent/sheer cutouts, any slits, or any holes anywhere that violate the above standards.
Avoid clothing that is excessively tight.
Per AA policy, students may not wear jewelry.

Open Forum with Principal Perez-Schulz

Tuesday, May 13, at 6:30 PM

Parents are invited to attend this meeting with the principal to wrap up the current year and plan for the next school year.

Important Information from the Registrar’s Office:

Class Withdraw Deadline: This Tuesday, May 6
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:

► Seniors (Class of 2026) - April 8-18 - Ended

► Juniors (Class of 2027) - April 20-25 - Ended

► Sophomores (Class of 2028) - May 5-9

► All classes - May 12 forward

* If you miss your designated class week, you may need to schedule your appointment for May 12 or later. Be sure to put your name on the sign up sheet on my office door in case I can meet with you sooner.

Ms. Ivonne Segui Medina

Andrews Academy Registrar
269-471-3996
aaregistrar@andrews.edu

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 next 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.

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.

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.

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.

Parents Positively Involved (PPI)

The school year is winding down fast! We have 3 more events we need PARENTS help with.

#1 – NEXT WEEK is Teacher Appreciation WEEK! Your part is simple…. If you are able, you can send $5-$10 to help cover the cost of the food for their meals. We will finalize the menu depending on the funds that come in. I will be bringing in some of their favorites everyday at lunch time…you just need to help me with the cost. There will be a box in the office or you can contact me for other options. I will add your family name to the Appreciation Card that is presented to them.

#2 – SA BANQUET – Sunday, May 11

It’s not far away! We need help with SETUP and SERVING and CLEAN UP. Please click here to see what time slots are available. IF you are able to sign up for multiple slots, that would be great! We would like to see everything filled by next Wednesday. Thank you!

#3 – SCHOOL PICNIC DAY – Friday, May 16

We are having 5 rotations of FOOD tables outside for Picnic day. Please click here for the sign-up sheet. I will need help with people manning the food tables and serving students outside. If you are able to help setup or cleanup, that would be appreciated too.

Let me know if you have any questions. I will be evaluating PPI and the structure for next year and would value your input. I will put a survey out closer to the end of the year. Thank you for your continued support for our faculty and AA SCHOOL as a whole. Parent involvement is essential to the Christian education of our children!

Kimberly Spare

Andrews Academy PPI Coordinator

aappi@andrews.edu

Tuition

Payment #10 out of 10 is due by May 25 (except for seniors). 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.

Thank You for Your Support!

A big thank you to each of you who enjoyed a meal at Moe’s restaurant this past Tuesday in support of the sophomore class. It was a “tasty” fundraiser as we work hard to create funds for our senior class trip in the fall of 2026!

Chapel Recap: 2 Samuel 16-21

On Wednesday, Pastor Johnson, an AA religion teacher, led the devotional after a time of singing. He spoke on Absalom’s betrayal of his father, King David—a result of David’s failure to address the abuse of Absalom’s sister. Pastor Johnson emphasized that our choices carry lasting consequences, referencing David’s sin with Bathsheba, which brought ongoing hardship and distanced him from God’s favor. He urged us to make wise, godly decisions and closed with a time of prayer, challenging us to surrender every area of our lives to God and resist selfish desires.

After Thursday’s song service, we continued our study of 2 Samuel with a fun activity called the “Name Game.” Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors competed against each other in a friendly challenge. Representatives from each class came to the front of the stage. A letter was announced, and the first student to name a person from 2 Samuel whose name started with that letter earned a point for their class. The other student sat down. It was impressive how quickly students could recall names from the Bible! The seniors took first place, with the freshmen coming in second place.

After today's (Friday) song service, Pastor Pratt, PMC youth pastor, opened with a story from just after high school, when she borrowed a car without checking the oil. Midway down a long, isolated road, the engine blew—because of that oversight. She connected this to Absalom, King David’s son, who let pride and ambition drive him to rebellion. Like the car, Absalom failed to check “the oil” of his heart, leading to his downfall. In contrast, David responded to betrayal with faith rather than revenge. Pastor Pratt urged us all to “check the oil” (Holy Spirit) in our own lives—to examine our hearts and let faith, not emotion, guide us, especially in difficult moments.

More photos on Facebook

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.

Full Calendar on Website

2024-25 Year-at-a-Glance Calendar

2025-26 Year-at-a-Glance Calendar

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.

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!

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.

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.

AA's Lands' End Store

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.

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

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.

You can find your schedule, grades, missing assignments, etc. on FACTS.

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.
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

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!