|
Andrews Academy's
Official Newsletter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
To view the full newsletter, you may need to click on the words at the top -
"View in browser."
|
|
|
|
|
|
SA School Spirit Week
The week of school leading up to AA's Alumni Weekend was SA School Spirit Week (October 15-18, 2024). Each day of the week had a different emphasis. Fall Break was on Monday. Tuesday was “Family Day” (freshmen dressed up as toddlers, sophomores as teenagers, juniors as parents/adults, and seniors as grandparents/senior citizens). Wednesday was “Wacky Tacky Day,” Thursday was “Dynamic Duo Day,” and Friday was “Young Professionals Day.” A lot of creative outfits were worn for these days! (No group pictures were taken on Friday because of all the alumni activities that morning).
This week focused on doing various fun activities to help develop school spirit. The SCHOOL SPIRIT THAT HAPPENS EACH DAY of the school year is what's really amazing: seeing students helping others, encouraging each other, being kind to each other, and reaching out into the community to lend a helping hand. Most importantly, we see students living the Christian life as examples for God. This daily expression of school spirit by the teenagers of AA is what truly amazes us.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You're Invited!
Who: Academy Students
What: Volunteer Opportunity
Where: Ruth Murdoch Elementary, right next door!
When: During study halls or after school - for half an hour a week or more
Why: Because you can make a difference!
How: Email Mrs. Cancel at cindyc@andrews.edu for more information
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Call for Entries! Feast of Lights Cover Art Entries
Due Next Friday, November 1
Students are invited to submit original art to be featured on the cover of the Feast of Lights (Christmas music concert) printed program. The drawing/digital file should depict the nativity scene.
Interested? Submit your creation to Mrs. Meekma (at the front office or by email to ginam@andrews.edu) by Friday, November 1. One drawing/digital file will be selected by the faculty. The winner will be awarded a $100 prize.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Picture Day Photos
Proofs have arrived and can be picked up form the main office.
Retakes are on November 5. If you ordered photos and would like retakes, please bring the photos with you that day.
|
|
|
To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student's school (not AU) ID number. Contact Mrs. Meekma (ginam@andrews.edu) for the number.
All families can also log on and order a FREE Digital SmileSafe card.
More about the Smilesafe program here.
|
|
|
 |
|
Don't Forget to Order this Year's School Pictures
ENJOY 10% OFF your order!
CODE: F202410OFF
EXPIRES: July 31, 2025
Redeem Now
Don’t forget to order your FREE Digital SmileSafe card! More about the Smilesafe program here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
AA Gym Schedule Fall 2024
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
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. ~ Mrs. Kimberly Spare
|
|
|
|
Tuition
Note that payment #3 is due today, Friday, October 25.
Please contact Ms. Gracie at gaytan@andrews.edu with questions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Ads for Yearbook
Senior yearbook ad nights are next week, Monday and Tuesday, October 28 & 29, starting at 5:00 PM. At that time, parents can meet with yearbook staff to plan for senior ads for the yearbook (see the messages to seniors in the back of previous yearbooks for examples). Click here to sign up for ad night.
Payments (cash/check to Andrews Academy/credit card) should be made in the office. There will be a late fee for payments made after October 25.
Please send photos and any questions to Mrs. Diane Myers (myersd@andrews.edu). Note the student’s name in the subject line and indicate if the photos are for the senior/baby section OR the parent dedication/senior ad.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health Week: Genesis 25, 26
At various times during the year, we have a special emphasis for a week of chapels and assembly. This week was health week. (October 22-25, 2024)
During chapel on Tuesday mornings, the entire school divides up into small groups for Bible study together. We have been reading about Abraham and his fasting as a result of Sarah dying. One of the group leaders was helping us see how the fasting process is not so much about putting up walls; instead fasting is a way to open up doors of spiritual growth.
|
|
|
|
On Wednesday, Dr. Rahel Wells, AA alumnus and AU professor of Biblical studies, shared on the topic of fasting, which usually occurs during a time of sorrow, grief, or mourning. She shared about various Bible characters that went through a period of mourning and taught us how to “lament.” She did this by having us write down on a paper the acronym “moan.”
She then had quiet time for students to write their own personal “moan” on a piece of paper and contemplate these thoughts while in prayer with God.
Nicolas Poloche, AA senior, on Thursday shared insights on the continued blessings given Abraham, followed by Jacob and Esau. We should claim God’s promises as we saw played out in Abraham’s life. He shared three things we can do to deal with problems we may face:
-
Prayer!
-
Journal as a way to express your thoughts.
-
Prioritize our relationship with Jesus. We too often focus on the things of daily life such as grades and many other things. Instead, focus on Jesus.
On Thursday, there was a special assembly dealing with digital fasting. It began with an interactive survey to learn more about cell phone use by AA students. There was a lot of energy and interaction on this assembly’s topic. One of the statements was, “If I’m being honest, I am addicted to my phone.” 57 percent replied yes! Pastor Lindsey Pratt then shared four benefits of digital fasting:
-
Helps us with real connections.
-
Help hear God’s voice.
-
Helps strengthen your self control.
-
Increases our gratitude of the present moment.
She then had the Spiritual Life Committee members share what each were doing for their fast and what they experienced in the process.
Following Friday’s song service, the health classes led out in a game of Bible Sword Drill. Students held up their Bible, and Mrs. Mills called out a text. The first one to find and read the Bible promise got a point for their class. The juniors won, but in the process, the students heard the theme from the texts of how spending time in a relationship with God will result in these various blessings. It helped students see how participating in a social media fast discussed this week would be a great way to have those quiet times with God.
Thank you, Mrs. Mills and health classes, for leading out in this series of chapels this week.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
 |
Community Volleyball
AA hosts community volleyball on some Tuesday nights from 7:00-9:00 PM.
|
|
|
Click on the form link if you would like to play. It needs to be completed before you can attend and play for the evening. You can access this form repeatedly to change your sign-up status. Please sign up the day before the Tuesday you choose to play so that Mrs. Mills can give the list to the supervisor for the evening. Each person that plans on playing needs to sign up using the attached form (using an andrews.edu email address).
|
| Volleyball Sign-Up Form |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our online textbook store is open. Please follow the instructions for purchasing workbooks and digital content that are automatically placed in your cart, which is required to purchase from them as part of our contract. The bookstore will list all of the textbooks required for each class that the student is registered for (note that some textbooks are optional if there is digital content required).
|
|
|
|
Email Mrs. Gina Meekma (ginam@andrews.edu) with log in difficulties. Contact EdTech with questions about your order.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mondays - Thursdays:
7:40 AM - 4:30 PM
Fridays: 7:40 AM - 2:30 PM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Andrews Academy
8833 Garland Ave Berrien Springs, MI 49104
|
|
|
 |
|
269-471-3138
|
|
|
|
|
