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Volume 17, Issue 2

 

Andrews Academy's

Official Newsletter

August 4, 2023

 
 

Wednesday, August 16
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, AM Classes

Please note that the first three days of school will be half days. On Thursday, August 17, PM classes will meet in the morning, and on Friday, August 18, we will have devotions and HodgePodge (fun activities).

Watch for more information about the full schedule.

 

Faculty Updates

Farewell to Ms. Kim

 

We are sad to announce that Ms. Joelle Kim, English teacher, is transitioning to Korea and will not be returning to AA. We are grateful for her service, and she will be missed!

 

In light of this, God has provided a teacher with decades of experience and passion for Adventist Christian education.

 

Introducing Mr. Gabriel Johnson, Religion Teacher

Hello, my name is Mr. Gabriel Johnson. I am thrilled to be joining the Andrews Academy team as one of the Bible teachers. Before coming to AA, I was an associate pastor for four years and an assistant chaplain at Mount Vernon Academy for a year.

 

I was raised in Berrien Springs, and I remember every year, as part of our Christmas tradition, my mother would take me to the church to enjoy the Feast of Lights. As a kid I looked forward to this time with my mother, and I recently came realize this was a product of Andrews Academy. Growing up here, I think back to the kindness of the students of this Academy as they knocked on our apartment door and invited a little boy out to a Christmas party the Academy was having. I recall their energy, their excitement, but most of all, how it made me feel to be included, and so special.

As a teacher, it is my hope to be able to continue in the legacy of creating students that care not just about their own lives but the people around them. Students who will understand what it means to know Jesus for who He is and be able to share that with those they meet in all walks of life, not merely with words but mostly with their actions and attitudes towards others.

 

This year I will be teaching Encountering Jesus for grades 10 and 11, as well as Jesus in Media and Film.

 

Some of the things I enjoy are hanging out with my two amazing children, listening to audiobooks, traveling, hiking, listening to music, and a whole lot more! One of my favorite verses is, “The Lord Himself goes before and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” Dt. 31:8. It reminds me that no matter what, anything is possible with as your partner.

 

I look forward to getting to know all of you! Let’s go!

 

Introducing Ms. Jennifer Cook, English Teacher

I was born and raised in the Northern part of New Jersey, the Garden part. I went to Andrews University for my undergrad and graduate degrees in English.

I was introduced to travel by trips with Andrews, my first trip lasting seven weeks to learn, sight see, and shop. Since then I’ve taken other trips with students, enjoying every stop I’ve made. My favorite place has been Kenya because the people were so warm. The countryside is beautiful as well.

 

I’ve taught academy for years and keep in touch with many of my former students.


Recently I’ve been a cancer survivor. Jesus saved my life, and we can talk about that! I love travel, reading, cross-stitch, my doggy Pedro, and my kitty cat Jack. Jesus is the most special to me.

 

NAD Educator's Convention

Next Week, August 7-10

 

Please note that the administration (Pastor Ferguson, Ms. G, Ms. Gracie, Ms. Ivonne, and Ms. Nieves) and most of the teachers will be in Phoenix next week attending the NAD Educator's Convention. They will not be available for appointments, etc.

 

New Student Orientation

Monday, August 14, 6:30 PM at AA

 

New students, please come with your parents to learn more about the program at AA, where your classes will be located, the cell phone policy, uniforms/textbooks, the attendance policy, FACTS login for students, schedules, behavioral expectations, and more.

 

Refreshments will be served.

 

Hot Lunch Contracts


Andrews Academy
School Lunch Program

2023-2024

 

The school lunch program begins on Monday, August 21.

 

Dear Parents and Guardians,


Bon Appetit at Andrews University is honored to have the opportunity to provide your child with delicious meals that promote health and wellness. Our chef-driven food is alive with flavor and nutrition and always prepared from scratch. We take the care of your student very seriously, and thank you in advance for placing your trust in us.

  • Full Paying Meal Plan ($6.35 per meal)

We are pleased to inform you that this year participating in the school lunch program will continue to be as easy as last year! You can simply give us (Dining Services) a call, and provide the student’s name, ID# and the amount you would like added to their meal plan, and your credit card information. You may also stop by our (Dining Services) office to add funds using a credit or debit card. You may add as much money as you would like; however, a minimum of $100.00 is required to get the account started. A week of meals is $31.75, a month is $127.00, a five-week month is $158.75. We are unable to accept cash. The cashier will let the student know when funds are low, and it is the student's responsibility to notify their parents.

  • Reduced Meal Plan

The contract and application are attached. They must be filled out and returned to Dining Services ASAP. Please provide your student with a lunch until your application is approved. Proof of income is required, so please see the application for details. We are unable to accept cash. Student is allowed one swipe per day. 

  • Free meals will no longer be offered.

Students must present their ID card for meal pickup. Portion sizes are predetermined, and second servings are not provided. All meals now include the house legume and whole grain brown rice. Students are expected to behave appropriately while in the service area. Disciplinary action will be taken as needed. 
 

Your feedback is always welcomed. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us.


It is our greatest pleasure to serve our youth!


Your School Lunch Team at Bon Appetit
 

E-mail: ds@andrews.edu

Phone: 269-471-3161 

Fax: 269-471-3789


Dining Services Office located on the first floor of the AU Campus Center.

Monday–Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

 

Textbook Information

Be sure to check to see if used options are available.

 
 
 
 

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).

 

Sale at Landsend.com ends today!

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
 

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!

 

School Supplies


Either via email or on the first day of classes, teachers will inform students as to what supplies are needed for their classes. For the first day of school, please at least bring a pen or pencil, your textbooks, and some paper to write on.

 

Tuition

 

Tuition payment #1 was due on Tuesday, August 1.

Please contact Ms. Gracie at gaytan@andrews.edu with questions.

 

AU Campus Safety Parking Permit

 

Academy Vehicle Registration Process

  1. All vehicles parked on Andrews University property must register their vehicle with the Office of Campus Safety. This must be done online before  August 16 (or before you plan to park in the AA parking lot or anywhere else on the AU campus). (See instructions below.)
  2. You will be given a green community registration sticker or an orange staff registration permit if your parent/guardian currently is employed by Andrews and is present at the time of registration. This will go on the driver’s side lower corner of your windshield and should be visible to the on duty patrol officer. This permit will allow you to park in all blue and green lots on campus. No overnight parking is permitted.
  3. The parking permit will expire on August 31 of the following year, when it will need to be renewed. It may be renewed sooner, starting in early May.
  4. As a complimentary service, Campus Safety is pleased to offer free jump starts and vehicle lockouts to our guests and students provided they are on University property.
  5. The Andrews University adopted vehicle policy can be found at the link below.
  6. If you have further questions, Campus Safety is available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week and can be reached at the following number: 269-471-3321.

Walk-through of Online Vehicle Pre-Registration:
(Please read through instructions before you begin)
 

Step 1: Go to www.vault.andrews.edu and login using AU username and password (a DUO push will be required to enter system). New AA students who have not yet set up their AU username and password will be sent instructions soon.

  • Click on “Campus Safety”

  • Click on “Register Vehicles”

  • Click on "Re-register" or "Start New Registration"

Step 2: In Permit Type, select the permit type available (NOT Bicycle). The vehicle information boxes will then populate. (If your permit type is not shown, please select what is available, clarify the appropriate type needed with our office by email or at decal retrieval.) (If decal option is not given for Faculty/Staff, and this is your campus status, please skip step 8)


Step 3: Skip down to the Vehicle  section and fill in the Type, Year, Make, & Model of your vehicle. For Color, choose from the menu provided that is closest to your vehicle color.


Step 4: Your VIN number (Vehicle Identification Number) is string of numbers and letters that you should be able to find this on both the insurance and state registration (number must match on both documents.)
 

Step 5: In the License section enter the issuing State & License Plate number

  • If you have a temporary license plate, see * below. If you have NO plate, see ** below.

Step 6: Click on the  Agreement button (may be small in size below license plate information). Read through the Vehicle Registration Agreement and then sign using your AU password and then click Submit.
 

Step 7: Attach all documents requested (must be taken in any .jpeg format. If you are using your mobile device to take the pictures, check format: Settings, Camera, Format - use most compatible option.)

  • You must have CURRENT Registration & Insurance and a valid Driver’s License to be issued a permanent parking decal. If document is expired see * below.

  • Click “Upload” after each document has been selected

++ Faculty/Staff skip to Step 9 ++


Step 8: There is a $10 annual fee per vehicle for non-faculty/staff parking decals. Select payment method. If you wish to pay cash or in person, do not choose an option. Cash can only be paid at the Financial Aid Cashiers Desk. (Note: Tell cashier payment is for Vehicle Registration and bring receipt to retrieve the decal.)
 

Step 9: Click “Update.” Please look for emails in your AU email account with instructions.


* Place picture of plate in registration attachment slot. Please email safety@andrews.edu with this information after you complete all possible information online. A temporary parking permit will need be issued.Temporary Parking Permits must be placed in vehicle driver’s side dash when parked on campus.


** If you have an appointment to register with state, please bring verification (email, screen capture) along with all other requested documents, and a temporary parking permit will be issued.


Temporary Parking Permits dates must be viewable on driver’s side dash when vehicle is parked on campus.
 

Call AU Campus Safety at 269-471-3321 if you have any problems or questions.

AU Vehicle Policy/Information
 

Berrien County Youth Fair

 

Show that you are a fan of Andrews Academy! We invite you to stop by AA's booth and pick up a fan at the Youth Fair in Berrien Springs (across from Apple Valley) from August 14-19.

 

Reminder: August 16-18 are half school days at AA (12 noon dismissal). AA students who signed up will be able to volunteer at the fair in the afternoon on those days (the fair opens at 11:00 AM).

 

Senior Pictures & Ads for Yearbook


Senior pictures are needed for yearbook, class night, and the class composite to be hung in the AA Commons. Yearbook will need your senior and baby pictures by Friday, October 20, 2023. We encourage you to get your senior picture done during this summer before the busy school year begins. Photographers get busy in the late summer and fall, so you may want to book an appointment early. PLEASE PLAN AHEAD and get your picture done in a timely manner.

Please send an electronic senior picture (JPEG) to the yearbook team (aayearbook@andrews.edu). 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
  • 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 - both
  • High-resolution JPEG (at least 4x6, 300 ppi resolution)
 

Baby Photos

By the same date (October 20), please submit a baby picture 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 staff, and they will scan it for you.

Also, please plan ahead for senior yearbook ad nights on Monday and Tuesday, October 30 & 31, 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).

 

New Students


Each week more students are applying and enrolling for this coming school year. If you have not applied yet or you know someone who has not, please contact the school at aaadmissions@andrews.edu.

For new students, please go to the AA website and click on "Apply Now" for the online application.

AA Website
Instructions for New Students

Returning Students


For returning students who have not yet re-enrolled, please log in to FACTS and re-enroll. See the link below for detailed instructions.

(Parents, please keep in mind that even if your child was financially cleared, they will not be able to begin class this next school year (2023-24) if their account has a balance.)

FACTS
Instructions for Returning Students
 

Instructions for new students to obtain an ID card will be sent out in early August.

 

New students, if you do not have an AU username/email address yet, watch for instructions to set one up.

 

Please send an email to ginam@andrews.edu if you need help resetting your AU username/email password.

If you have not sent in a picture of your insurance card (both sides) yet, please do so ASAP. Email photos to aaadmissions@andrews.edu. Thank you!

 

Some of you are in the process of applying, enrolling, or re-enrolling. Please refer to the instructions sent to you by email. If you have any questions or need assistance, email Mrs. Gina Meekma at aaadmissions@andrews.edu.

 

Some AU Dual Enrollment Options (Juniors/Seniors)

 

Andrews University Sports Programs

Berrien Springs Partnership
 
 
2023-24 Year-at-a-Glance Calendar
 

Office Hours & Info

Summer Office Hours:

 

August 8-10:

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (or by appt)

 

Closed Mondays & Fridays

 

August 14-15:

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Regular Office Hours Resume
August 16:

Mondays - Thursdays:
7:40 AM - 4:00 PM

Fridays: 7:40 AM - 2:00 PM

 

CONTACT US:
 

Main Office: ginam@andrews.edu or call 269-471-3138
Principal: aaprincipal@andrews.edu
Vice Principal:  girlie@andrews.edu

Application/Enrollment Process: aaadmissions@andrews.edu

Financial Questions: gaytan@andrews.edu

Class Schedule: aaregistrar@andrews.edu

Attendance:  aaattendance@andrews.edu

Faculty & Staff Contact Info
 
Useful Documents
Sourcebook (revised 2021-22)
 

Andrews Academy

8833 Garland Ave Berrien Springs, MI 49104

 

 

academy@andrews.edu

 

269-471-3138