News & Announcements

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Volume 19, Issue 35

Andrews Academy's

Official Newsletter

February 6, 2026

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Honor Roll

Andrews Academy is pleased to announce the names of the students who made the honor roll for the first semester of the 2025 - 2026 school year:

Freshmen (pictured)

Pierre Cabanilla Sinnett, Catie Camargo, Elizabeth Cho, Yejun Cho, Ellie Cook, Emmie Cook, Molly Crews, Nataniel De Leon, JT Demarques, Lexton DeYoung, Emma Dockerty, Andrew Dormus, Stephania Dyman, Levi Fagal, Liam Figueroa, Nia Fowler, Savannah Hill, Yerang Hong, Asher Isaak, Chad Kinsiano, Levi Leets, AJ Little, Lauryn Mann, George Manoukian, Aaron Marschner, Max Martz, Samuel Miller, Kendra Mosimbwa, Zane Netteburg, Joel Peckham, Lana Poua, Luci Press, Gavin Reed, Daniel Rothermel, Milen Saengthip, Ana Sibley, Elianna Silvestre, Micah Suarez, Abishek Tompkins, Michael Trejo-Woodhams, Ameer Urakpayev, Abigail Vieira, Chris West, Megan Woods, Alexander Zappia

Sophomores

Zephaniah Abriol, London Acquah, Kwame Amponsah, Lily Bailey, Charles Bayles, Lily Bell, Mary Bidwell, Cameron Bliven, Jonah Bourget, Juliette Brieva, Jordan Campbell, Rachel Wells Capps, Luna Cha, Dani Cross, Axel Davis, Migdali Glanz, Alex Gogoy, Juliette Goluch, David Gordan, Christiana Hayes, Connor Hentschel, Gai Igaso, Evangel Kobimbo, Hanan Legoh, Rachel Lehmann, Matt Loenser, Jack Newbold, Joshua Omwocha, Imani Parkinson, Juliana Payne, Zarah Prentice, Benjamin Ramos, Khenzie Reiner, Reza Salem, Sasha Sanders, Nina Sarcona, Zimri Schilke, Sebastian Silie, Kaden Spare, Solomon Steinke, Anna Toczylowski, Nikanor Turon, Penelope Vieira, Nina von Maur, Kelsey Yang, Veronika Zubkova

Juniors

Matthew Arn, Michael Baldwin, David Beatty, Caleb Bliven, Keila Bowerman, Danny Butnaru, Hazel Cerna, Noah Chung, Nathan Crownover, Asher DiCicco, Samantha Elanko, Melanie Fusté, Jack Hill, Gadi Igaso, Nontsi Jaricha, Carson Kantor, Deborah Kilembe, Autumn Leets, Mya Mann, Elldon Marley, Audrey Marschner, Kaitlyn McKenzie, Jonathan Mills, Lyol Netteburg, Adriel Ogando, Ava Patel, Chrissy Penno, Losa Poua, Alayna Prentice, Luke Reid, Thomas Ren, Ethan Roper, Jonni Rosenthal, Briauna Skinner, Dayaris Soler Antoine, Cooper Stuckey, Nito Suarez, Nia Tynes, Janelle Wood, Ava Zygowiec

Seniors

Dafne Amador Carballo, Giovanna Athanasio, Sarah Ayaz, Nicholas Bairagee, Gabriel Baldwin, Andrew Bennett, Hetu Brahmbhatt, Pace Carlsen, Danielle Chung, Seth Crownover, Winston Dos Reis, Lilly Dronen, Elizabeth Dyman, Seth Freeman, Shema Gaparayi, Victoria Goluch, Carter Hayes, Kelvin Igaso, Noah Jackman, Ishmael Jacques, Emery Jones, Eric Kacelenga, Emerson Kim, Hannah Kim, Jaira Kim, Kristen Kim, Daniel Kondrat, Sabrina Leak, Josiah Leets, Sarah Lim, Maqhawe Mangena, Elliot Marschner, Ivan Mawrie, Kevin Mendonca, Solomon Miller, Lily Murphy, William Newbold, Dynae Newkirk, Lara Oliveira, Micah Pyo, Arthhur Rakmeni, Jonathan Raveloharimisy, Nicole Rezepina, Zeta Schilke, Havvah Schnepp, Zakhar Semkiv, Audrey Simpson, Monty Snyder, Ella Stankovic, Isabella Steinke, Ella Taylor, Alina Titkova, Sofia Trujillo Benalcazar, Misael Villarreal Lopez, Luke von Maur, Bupe Walubita, Jason Wood, Olivia Zappia

Important Dates from the Registrar’s Office:

Tuesday, March 31 – Work Experience Forms Due (Seniors)
Tuesday, March 31 - Academic Orientation for 2026-27 (9-11th Graders)

Ice Skating & Class Vespers

Friday, February 20, starting at 2:45 PM, AA Parking Lot

Class vespers and activities provide a meaningful time to be drawn closer to God, to develop friendships outside the classroom setting, and an opportunity for class officers to develop leadership skills as they plan and lead in the activity and worship experience.

Ice skating and class vespers has been rescheduled for Friday, February 20. Due to space limitations, the first 110 students that turn in their signed permission slips and $10 for ice skating at the main office will skate together, and then classes will have a vespers and some food.

Students who don't go ice skating can still go to the evening vespers, and they will still need a permission slip ($10 not required if not going ice skating). Permission slips are available in the main office. The $10 is to cover the cost of using the ice rink, skate rental, and to help defray some of the cost for transportation to the rink.

As you load the bus at 2:45 PM in the parking lot of AA to go ice skating, please bring cold weather gear since the rink is outside. Students are not allowed to drive themselves.

We will leave the rink at 5:30 PM and bring you back to AA (or to your class vespers location) by around 6:00 PM for class vespers or pick-up.

Senior Class Vespers

Friday, February 20, after Ice Skating

Seniors, please bring food/drink according to the first letter of your last name:

A-F: Drinks
G-J: Fruit/Dessert
K-L: Crackers/Chips
M-R: Salad/Veggies
S-Z: Soup/Chili

No School
Monday,

February 16

Textbooks

Andrews Academy has established a textbook program that provides students with the necessary textbooks and digital content for their classes. Students are able to buy their required textbooks, workbooks, and digital content through the school as needed during the school year and then sell their textbooks back at the end of the semester/school year, provided that the book will be used again.

Textbooks for second semester are available in the main office. Please stop by ASAP to buy any that you still need, bringing payment with you (cash/check/credit card). If you would like to know the cost ahead of time, please email ginam@andrews.edu.

We are also buying back textbooks that students no longer need, especially for classes that will be taught again second semester.

Note: Some classes require digital content which will be paid for at the same time as the textbooks. The digital code will be provided to the student by Andrews Academy and is not returnable. It may not be transferable if the student drops the class.

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. Hopefully you received the recent messages from us regarding E-Learning Days.

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).

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 #7 of 10 is due on February 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.

Chapel Recap

On Monday morning, the Village Adventist Church youth pastor Tanaka Chogudgudza continued our Old Testament study with a focus on Hosea. He explained that although called “minor prophets” for their length, these books offer major insight into God’s plan of complete salvation—the theme of his talk. Drawing from Hosea 1:2, he described God’s command for Hosea to marry a prostitute as a living illustration of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God. Hosea’s wife and the symbolic names of their children reflected Israel’s broken relationship with God, as she credited her lovers for blessings that actually came from Hosea. Pastor Chogudgudza connected this to our tendency to prioritize modern “gods,” such as social media and distractions, over our relationship with God. He closed by encouraging a deeper relationship with God, reminding us that even in our unfaithfulness, God remains faithful and relentlessly pursues us.

Pastor Lindsey Pratt, PMC’s youth pastor, spoke at Wednesday morning's chapel about the Sermon on the Mount. She highlighted familiar phrases like “salt of the earth” and explained that when Jesus says, “You have heard it said, but I tell you,” He is calling people to deeper standards, not removing them. Pastor Pratt outlined the sermon’s structure, noting that the Lord’s Prayer sits at its center as the key focus. She broke down the prayer’s themes—our relationship with God, seeking God’s will, trusting Him for daily needs, and forgiveness—encouraging seniors especially to seek God’s guidance for their future. She concluded by urging everyone to build their lives on God, the solid foundation.

The Student Association leaders led the chapel program on Thursday morning. Melanie Fusté opened the program by asking students to share their thoughts on what good Christian leadership looks like, gaining meaningful insights from their responses. The SA leaders then invited others to join them in singing together. After this, the leaders took part in a designated portion of the chapel and led small Bible study discussions on the topic of leadership within their groups.

Today (Friday), Ms. Nancy "May" and her husband surprised us with a visit during chapel. Ms. May taught religion classes for several years, leaving at the end of last school year. Today she and her husband visited with their baby daughter. Her husband, Pastor Levi, shared a chapel message from Exodus 12, introducing the theme of redemption after 400 years of slavery. After nine plagues, God instructed the Israelites to place the blood of an unblemished lamb on their doorposts and remain inside so their children would be spared from death. He explained how this event foreshadows the gospel: the spotless lamb points to Jesus, and the blood on the doorposts forms the shape of a cross. He concluded by applying these truths to personal salvation today.

More photos on Facebook

8th graders are invited to attend....

Tuesday, March 3, 8 AM - 3:15 PM (gym doors open at 7:30 for registration)
Lunch is provided.
Call 269-471-3138 with any questions.
Students who attend local Adventist schools do not need to RSVP.
Current AA Students: Some will help with the event. The rest will stay home for an E-Learning Day. Watch for more information.

Free Counseling Offered at Andrews University

The Andrews Community Counseling Center (ACCC) reopened on January 12 for spring semester. Individuals may call and leave a confidential voicemail message to get on the request list.

The graduate-level practicum students who provide these free counseling services at the ACCC have training in counseling adults, adolescents, and children. Counseling sessions are completely confidential. See the link for more information.

More information

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.

Online Menu: Go to https://andrews-university.cafebonappetit.com, under Cafe, click on School Lunch. Then click on View/Print Weekly Menu. To subscribe to the daily menu email, scroll to the bottom of the website, and enter your email address under Subscribe to Menu Mail. Choose School Lunch for the menu (or All Cafes if you prefer).

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 9 digit AU ID number, including the zeros - a computer rather than a phone works best), 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.

Calendar on Website

2025-26 Year-at-a-Glance Calendar

FACTS or Andrews Email Log In Help

The FACTS district code is AN-MI.

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.

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 (excused and unexcused) 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.

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 or injury 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.