|
Andrews Academy's
Official Newsletter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
To view the full newsletter, you may need to click on the words at the top -
"View in browser."
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alumni Weekend 2025 - Sabbath School & Church
Alumni Sabbath School began at 10:00 AM Sabbath morning (October 18, 2025) in the chapel with tributes, as well as special music by Daniel Kondrat. Through their tributes, presenters shared how Jesus used the faculty and experiences at Andrews Academy to change their lives. It was an inspirational time of sharing and seeing how God has blessed.
Alumni Proceedings were also interspersed throughout the Sabbath School program. Honor Classes were recognized by having each class stand. The 50 year honored class of 1975 was asked to come to the front of the chapel to be recognized and to receive gifts. Mrs. Patricia Banks was honored with a Teacher Legacy Award. Dr. Katherine Koudele and Dr. Ellen (Munar) Tambunan (both class of 1975) were honored as alumnae of the year.
Mrs. Pellegrini, Mr. Steven Toscano, Pastor Gabriel Johnson, and several AA students led out in Children’s Church. After a time of singing, the leaders shared a Bible story. This year’s story was about the three Israelites who refused to eat the king’s food and would not bow in worship to him. As a result, they were thrown into a fiery furnace—but they were not alone. Jesus appeared with them in the flames, protecting them. The children of alumni also participated in a craft activity that reinforced the story. A big thank you to all of the students who helped make Children’s Church a meaningful experience!
While the children were in the library, the Worship Service took place in the Academy Chapel. Pastor Raewyn (Hankins) Orlich, from the class of 2000, delivered a powerful sermon based on Hebrews 12:1–2. Several alumni from the Class of 2000 also participated by reading scripture, offering prayers, and sharing special music. The current Silhouettes choir invited alumni to join them in singing “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” It was a touching moment to see multiple generations of alumni singing together—parents and their children united in worship.
After the service, a meal was provided for alumni. Special thanks to the many parents, students, and faculty/staff who organized and served the meal. It was a wonderful opportunity for classmates to reconnect, share life updates, and reminisce about their academy days. Many expressed how deeply Andrews Academy had impacted their lives in a positive way.
During lunch, each of the honored classes gathered for group photos and enjoyed time in classrooms set aside for them to fellowship and catch up with one another.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Alumni Weekend 2025 - Friday Vespers
On Friday night of Alumni Weekend (October 17, 2025), vespers was presented by the Andrews Academy class of 2005. It was a great time of singing familiar songs. Mr. Michael Nixon read from Romans 8:31-37: “If God is for us who can be against us?" His talk was entitled, “More Than Conquerors?” He began by asking if you feel like a conqueror and then shared some experiences from his life and from his class.
Thank you, AA Class of 2005, for presenting the Friday evening vespers.
Members of various classes stayed after the vespers program catching up on what has happened in their lives and that of their classmates. Some gathered around the campfire by the new benches given by the class of 2023. As they stood around the fire and talked, they also enjoyed some s'mores. It was a fun evening of sharing and remembering their time together at AA.
|
| More photos on Facebook |
|
|
|
 |
Andrews Academy Apparel to Support Worthy Students
We are excited to announce a new opportunity for Andrews Academy students to show their school spirit while supporting a great cause. Starting Friday, November 7, 2025, and continuing on Fridays through Christmas break, students will be allowed to wear new school apparel that is being ordered to benefit the Worthy Student Fund at Andrews Academy.
While participation is not required, students who wish to wear non-uniform shirts on Fridays must wear one of the approved shirts available for purchase. Orders will be placed on Friday, October 24, 2025, and Monday, November 3, 2025. If you are interested in purchasing shirts for your student, please use this link or scan/click on the QR code below to access the order form for t-shirts and sweatshirts.
Payment is expected before delivery of the shirts, and the only method of payment accepted is cash or check made payable to Andrews Academy. We appreciate your support of this endeavor to build school spirit and advance the mission of Andrews Academy. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mrs. Mills at samantham@andrews.edu.
Thank you for your continued support.
Mrs. Samantha Mills
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Proofs and pictures that were ordered from Picture Day are in the office. Students, please stop by and pick them up if you haven't already.
Picture Retake Day is Tuesday, November 4. If you ordered pictures but want to do retakes, please bring the picture packet with you that day.
Retake Picture Day ID: EVTJBTV9G
Don't Forget to Order This Year's School Pictures
ENJOY 10% OFF
your order!
CODE: F2510OFF
EXPIRES: July 31, 2026
Redeem Now
Don’t forget to order your FREE Digital SmileSafe card!
More about the Smilesafe program here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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. For school closings due to weather, 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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tuition
Payment #3 of 10 is due tomorrow, October 25. 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alumni Weekend 2025 - Shydepoke
The traditional Shydepoke game was held on October 18, 2025, in the Andrews University Andreasen Wellness Center's gym. Originally a flag football game since its inception in 1960, Shydepoke transitioned to a basketball format in 2023 due to logistical challenges and Michigan’s unpredictable fall weather. This year’s event was full of excitement, drawing a large number of players and audience.
In the first game, the female AA alumni faced off against the current female AA students. The school team took an early lead and maintained it throughout, securing a 45–27 victory.
The male AA alumni and current male students played a thrilling, back-and-forth game. Both teams traded the lead multiple times, but in the end, the alumni edged out a win, 47–45. Everyone enjoyed the spirited competition and strong community atmosphere.
MVP Awards
These awards honor two beloved physical education teachers from the 1980s.
The Andrews Academy Shydepoke tradition began in 1960 during the principalship of Mr. Knobby Mauro, originally as a single flag football game for male students. In the 1980s, the tradition expanded to include both male and female games. The term “Shydepoke” is derived from a Southern expression meaning a casual “get-together” or social event.
Also during Mauro’s tenure, students were challenged to name the school teams. Mr. Gordon Johns, class of 1966, accepted the challenge. He searched the dictionary and landed on the word “Acumen” early in the “ac” section. Defined as “the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions,” Acumen was chosen as the team name, and Mr. Johns won a $10 prize for his submission.
A big thank you to the coaches, referees, announcers, and fans who made this a fun and successful alumni event!
A big thank you to Mrs. Tonya (Snyder) Hippler, Alumni Liaison; Mrs. Gina Meekma; and the reunion committee as well as countless other volunteers for making this alumni weekend such a great success, providing many memories for the alumni.
|
| More photos on Facebook |
|
|
|
|
|
Chapel Recap
On Monday, Mr. Daniel Cerna, Andrews Academy’s chorale teacher, led us in singing hymns 338 and 337—both titled Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It, each with a unique melody. It was refreshing to sing traditional hymns often overlooked today.
Pastor Steven Toscano, the school’s new religion teacher, shared his testimony, reading from 1 Peter 2:9 about being “called out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Growing up in downtown Los Angeles, Pastor Steven described himself as the family’s “black sheep,” surrounded by violence and negativity. His father warned that without change, he’d end up “dead or in prison” by 18. Enrolled in an Adventist boarding school, he initially resisted but gradually felt God’s transforming power. After a fight that left him feeling guilty, he began to see God working in his life and came to love the faith he once rejected. “I’m nothing like I used to be,” he said. “It was at Academy that I found Jesus.” He closed by encouraging students: “If you feel emptiness in your life, turn to God and let Him fill it with His love. God transformed my life—let Him transform yours.”
On Tuesday, Mr. Cerna led students in singing Sinking Deep, a 2010s worship classic. Afterward, the Spiritual Life Committee hosted a game based on the book of Ezra, tying into the school’s current Old Testament study. Class teams competed to name people from Ezra starting with given letters—earning points for correct answers and eliminating opposing players for mistakes. The close contest ended with the seniors taking the win over the freshmen.
Music Wednesday highlighted the school’s Silhouettes choral group. The Silhouettes presented two special music pieces — The Beatitudes and Elijah Rock. These are two of the selections they will perform in Maryland at the year end meetings of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. During their upcoming music tour, the group will sing there as well as at several local churches during the first weekend in November.
On Thursday, freshmen led in singing before Pastor Lindsey Pratt, PMC's youth pastor and AA chaplain, shared a story from a mountain-climbing trip where she developed temporary snow blindness after forgetting her sunglasses. She recovered after a few days and connected her experience to Acts 9:1–19, where Saul was struck blind by God before becoming Paul, a leader of the early church. Pastor Pratt reminded listeners that God can use challenges—like blindness or hardship—to capture our attention, strengthen our faith, and guide us toward His purpose.
Today (Friday), Pastor Johnson, AA religion teacher, discussed the main themes of Ezra as we continue studying the second half of the Old Testament. He reminded us of King Solomon—once a wise and godly leader—who turned from God through intermarriage with pagan nations. Though Solomon repented, his disobedience led to lasting consequences, including Israel’s later captivity. In Ezra, the Israelites rebuilt the temple but soon repeated past sins by intermarrying with surrounding nations. Ezra called them to separate from foreign spouses and return to God. This call to repentance continued in Malachi, urging the people to turn their hearts back to God.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 needs your senior and baby pictures, which were due last Friday, October 17.
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.
|
|
Pictures for the yearbook and senior ads must adhere to the following requirements:
|
|
|
-
In color - yearbook picture
-
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)
|
|
|
|
Baby Photos
By the same date (October 17), a baby picture should have been submitted 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, senior yearbook ad nights are this Monday and Tuesday, October 27 & 28, 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).
Parents, if you would like to purchase a senior yearbook dedication, please visit the following link for more information and to book a time slot. Please email Mr. David VanDenburgh at denburgh@andrews.edu with photos and any questions. (Photos sent to aayearbook@andrews.edu have been received.)
Note the student’s name in the subject line and indicate if the photos are for the senior/baby section OR the parent dedication.
|
| Sign up for Senior Yearbook Ad Night |
|
|
|
 |
|
• Enter school name and city/state (or use Preferred School # 900150871).
• After selecting “Andrews Academy,” select “Shop for this School.”
|
| Lands' End |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
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 main office.
Parents: To sign your student up for the lunch program or add funds to your student's account, you may use this link to pay online (you will need your child's AU ID number), or you may pay with cash or check at the Academy main office. The minimum payment for 20 lunches is $141.20, unless your student has been approved for reduced lunch.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Pizza & Parables
|
|
|
|
FACTS or Andrews Email Log In Help
New students, you should have set up your Andrews email address if you didn't already have one. Students should also have a FACTS log in.
During the school year, you will be able to find your schedule, grades, missing assignments, attendance, etc. on FACTS.
|
|
 |
|
Students, 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.
The district code is AN-MI.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Important Attendance Policy Updates
ATTENDANCE EVALUATION
Each student begins each semester with an attendance record of zero points. All absences and tardies are assigned a weight of 1 point. The FACTS system includes separate attendance codes, allowing for clear categorization and reporting:
-
A (Absence)
-
AE (Excused Absence)
-
T (Tardy)
-
TE (Excused Tardy)
The AS attendance code is assigned a weight of 0 and is used to mark school-related absences (e.g., for approved school trips or activities). These absences do not count against the student’s attendance record.
Students are allowed one long tour per semester.
PROCEDURES
Each school day, the student who was absent or tardy without excuse is notified of the record in FACTS, the student information system. Parents and students both receive email notifications. If the student believes the record to be incorrect, or has any question about the record, it is that student’s responsibility to contact the school office or attendance officer or submit to the school office a written excuse from a parent/guardian within 3 school days to remove those points. Excuses received between the 4th and 5th days will result in the partial removal of points.
Correction received after five days generally will not be accepted. In instances where a student is absent for several consecutive days, such as for an extended illness, two school days are allotted following the last absence to submit an excuse.
A student is responsible for all course work missed while absent with or without excuse.
Absence Policy
• After 5 unexcused absences per class: Student receives a warning email.
• After 8 unexcused absences per class: Student receives a demerit.
• After 10 unexcused absences per class: A meeting is scheduled with the student, parents, and attendance officer or another administrator.
• After 10 combined excused and unexcused absences per class: Student receives a warning email noting the risk of withdrawal from the class.
• After 15 combined excused and unexcused absences per class: A meeting with the registrar is required, and the student may be withdrawn from the class and lose all credit subject to that class, pending a review by the Student Affairs Committee.
Tardy Policy
• After 5 unexcused tardies per class: Student receives a warning email.
• After 10 unexcused tardies per class: Student receives a demerit.
• After 10 total excused and unexcused tardies per class: Student meets with the attendance officer or administrator.
Demerit Review Policy
Demerits related to attendance may be re-evaluated at the end of the semester if the student maintains no unexcused absences or tardies from the date the demerit was issued onward.
A student is eligible to hold an organizational office or leadership position as long as they maintain an attendance score below 7 unexcused absences. A student is also eligible to participate in co-curricular, overnight trips and tours if the attendance score is below 7 unexcused absences. A student is placed on citizenship probation when the attendance score reaches 7 unexcused absences.
Major off-campus school activities include, but are not limited to, overnight trips and tours (see section on Student Citizenship-Citizenship Probation). When a student’s attendance score reaches 7 unexcused absences, the student is placed on citizenship probation. Further unexcused absences could lead to future in-school suspensions. Repeated attendance issues will be referred to the Student Affairs Committee to determine if the student should continue in the Academy and, if so, under what conditions. If these conditions are not successfully adhered to, the student’s enrollment may be discontinued at the time of infractions, at the end of a given semester, or at the end of the school year.
Students who miss five (5) consecutive school days due to illness must provide written documentation from a certified medical professional corroborating the necessity of that absence.
- From the Sourcebook (pg. 67-68)
For any attendance questions that you would like to ask by email, please direct them to AAattendance@andrews.edu.
Thank you!
Mrs. Dionne Robinson
Guidance Counselor/Attendance Officer
Andrews Academy
269-471-3453
|
|
|
More 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. We will email students and parents when a CSA is approved.
- Other Absences: Parents, please call the main 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. 68):
Students who miss five (5) 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.
Mrs. Dionne Robinson
Guidance Counselor
dionner@andrews.edu
269-471-3453
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 right away. 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, which cannot be used by anyone else.
Security Key Link
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
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 do have a limited supply of uniforms for sale at AA (cash or check only) during office hours.
|
| AA's Lands' End Store |
|
|
|
Please review the Sourcebook (pgs 65-66) 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).
-
Only AA logoed jackets are allowed to be worn in the building.
-
The PE uniform (t-shirt or sweatshirt, shorts or sweats) can only be worn during PE class.
-
If a student is wearing an AA logoed jacket, they should also have an AA logoed shirt underneath.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Regular School Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday:
7:40 AM – 4:30 PM
(except Wednesdays where there's faculty meeting: 3:30 PM)
Friday:
7:40 AM – 2:30 PM
(see website for exceptions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Andrews Academy
8833 Garland Ave Berrien Springs, MI 49104
|
|
|
 |
|
269-471-3138
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This newsletter was sent to you at aanews@andrews.edu because of your interest in Andrews Academy.
Bookmark this page to find E-Sanjos on our web site.
Subscribe me to this newsletter.
Click here to unsubscribe.
|
|
|
|
|
