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Andrews Academy's
Official Newsletter
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To view the full newsletter, you may need to click on the words at the top -
"View in browser."
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Backpacking Trip 2025 - Smoky Mountains
Day 1 – April 27, 2025:
The adventure began with a long road trip that began at 4 AM and ended up in North Carolina. They took on the legendary “Tail of the Dragon,” a thrilling drive with 318 curves packed into just 11 miles. After this, they set up camp at Rattler Ford Campground, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the forest.
Day 2 – April 28, 2025:
They hit the trail early, hiking the King Meadows Trail up to Hooper Bald—a challenging climb with 3,000 feet of elevation gain. The reward? Stunning panoramic views and a deep sense of accomplishment. Their muscles may be tired, but spirits are high!
For more photos as they become available, please watch our Facebook page.
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| More photos on Facebook |
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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:
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Please go to https://factsmgt.com
- Select Log In Here.
- Under For Families, select Family Portal Log In.
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Enter AN-MI into the District Code field.
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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.
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After logging in, click on the Apply/Enroll button in the left menu.
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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.
🚩 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
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| 2025-26 Year-at-a-Glance Calendar |
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Class Vespers
Periodically throughout the school year, the class officers and sponsors plan a class vespers and often an activity for each of the classes. Two of the four classes had vespers this past weekend. Freshmen had theirs on Friday evening, and the sophomore vespers was on Sabbath evening.
The freshman class gathered Friday (April 25) evening in the Whirlpool Room on the AU campus for a relaxed evening of connection, snacks, and worship. The event featured a creative icebreaker using colored lights—each color prompted meaningful conversations, helping students get to know one another on a deeper level. The room was filled with music, laughter, and thoughtful conversation, all building toward a reflective worship message by class president London Acquah. The evening concluded with students sharing ways they appreciated their classmates and praying with each other.
Nearly 40 sophomores spent a meaningful Sabbath evening enjoying God’s creation during vespers on Sabbath evening, April 26. The evening began with a hot dog supper, followed by a fun activity on the 1.1-mile nature trail. Students ran the trail in search of hidden treasures—chocolates and Bible verses. After everyone returned to the campfire, those who found treasures took turns reading the verses, answering thought-provoking questions, and sharing personal testimonies. It was inspiring to hear how God has been working in the lives of these students. The evening ended on a sweet note with s’mores around the campfire.
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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
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Baptism
Nathan Crownover, a sophomore at AA, was baptized on Sabbath, April 26, 2025, at the Berrien Springs Village Seventh-day Adventist Church. Principal Ruben Perez-Schulz and numerous AA students were in attendance to support him.
If you get baptized during the school year, please send the school a picture to include in our newsletter. We want to celebrate in your baptism!
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Please support the sophomore class tonight!
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Bible Study
This 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.
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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.
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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.
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Important Information from the Registrar’s Office:
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- 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:
â–º Seniors (Class of 2026) - April 8-18 - Ended
â–º Juniors (Class of 2027) - April 20-25 - Ended
â–º Sophomores (Class of 2028) - May 5-9
â–º 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
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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 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Parents Positively Involved (PPI)
As the AA school year and events are well under way, we are thrilled with the parent involvement thus far. There are many more opportunities to serve, and I encourage you to look ahead at the school calendar of events.
Please email me (aappi@andrews.edu) if you are available and willing to serve at any of these events. Note that all volunteers need to do the Sterling Volunteers training and background check, providing proof to AA. ~ Mrs. Kimberly Spare
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Tuition
Payment #9 out of 10 was due on April 25. You may put your payment in the drop box on the post by the main doors if needed.
The final senior tuition payment is due this Monday, May 5.
Please contact Ms. Gracie at gaytan@andrews.edu with questions.
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Senior Retreat
The senior retreat kicked off on Thursday evening with a delicious dinner that set the tone for a fun-filled getaway. After the meal, students came together for a time of worship, laughter, and lively group games—including Jeopardy and a spirited round of Never Have I Ever. The night wrapped up with free time to relax, play games, and connect with friends.
On Friday, the adventure continued at Kalahari Water Park, where memories were made on every slide and ride!
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Chapel Recap: 2 Samuel 16-21
On Monday, Dr. Rodney Palmer, chair of the undergraduate religion department at AU, led us through 2 Samuel 16–21. These chapters are filled with heartbreak, betrayal, and conflict. Yet, woven throughout the stories is a powerful reminder: even when life breaks, God rebuilds.
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In our own lives, we will face seasons of despair—but like David, we are called to trust in God. He sees everything and often uses our challenges to shape us into stronger, wiser individuals. These passages are rich with lessons that still apply to our lives today.
Dr. Palmer concluded with this encouragement: just like David, there is nothing you and God cannot face together.
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Today (Tuesday), we held our small group Bible studies, still focusing on 2 Samuel 16–21. Each group explored the passage for both content and spiritual application. Audrey’s group is currently in the lead with the most points.
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| More photos on Facebook |
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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You can find your schedule, grades, missing assignments, etc. on FACTS.
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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.
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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
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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!
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Mondays - Thursdays:
7:40 AM - 4:30 PM
Fridays: 7:40 AM - 2:30 PM
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Andrews Academy
8833 Garland Ave Berrien Springs, MI 49104
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This newsletter was sent to you at aanews@andrews.edu because of your interest in Andrews Academy.
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