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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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Winter Bible Camp 2025 - Pt 2
Forty-eight students enjoyed Andrews Academy's annual spiritual retreat, "Winter Bible Camp," at Camp Au Sable (January 16-19, 2025). The Spiritual Life Committee, consisting of organizational pastors and religion teachers, prepared several interactive Bible activities for the meetings.
The weekend included singing, worship, communion, and many other spiritually focused activities. Following some evening programs, there was an afterglow time for guys to be together and reflect, as well as girls being together to reflect. Often there is very meaningful sharing and encouragement during these times. As time allowed, there was sledding on the hill by the cafeteria and other outdoor activities.
Sabbath morning involved everyone hiking out to the chapel in the woods in Hartwick Pines State Park, a nearby 49-acre park of old growth pines. The rustic wooden structure provided beautiful acoustics. For many, the spontaneous singing of hymns, gospel, and many familiar songs, interspersed with testimonials, was a highlight of the Winter Bible Camp experience. There was joy on everyone's faces, harmony was all around, and it felt like we had created our own bit of Heaven. Many students (and sponsors) came back to AA changed, having a deeper relationship with Jesus and with each other.
We thank the team of teachers and student pastors that planned this weekend. If you were not able to attend Winter Bible Camp this year, make sure you plan to attend next year.
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| See Facebook for More Photos |
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Important Deadlines from the Registrar’s Office:
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Ice Skating & Class Vespers Postponed
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 will be Friday, February 7. 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 (details pending). 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).
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.
Updated permission slips will be available in the main office soon. 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. We will leave the rink at 5:30 PM and bring you back to AA.
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Badminton Tournament Postponed
The AA PE department is sponsoring a whole school Badminton tournament on Tuesday, February 25, starting at 5:00 PM. This is a doubles competition, and it does not matter what class your partner is in. Choose a partner and indicate it on the sign-up sheet posted on the glass gym doors. We need at least 12 teams to run the tournament, so please sign-up early and ask your friends to sign-up to play. If you have signed up, you have committed to being present for the tournament on February 25, so please remember to mark it down on your calendar. Sign-ups are due by Friday, February 21.
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There will be areas for spectators to watch the games and cheer on their fellow students and athletes.
Equipment will be provided to each of the players for the tournament.
Looking forward to this fun event.
~ Mrs. Mills
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SA Election forms will be available starting Monday, March 3, at the SA Election Orientation meeting. ~ Mrs. Mills
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REMINDER: Backpack Policy
Students should store their backpack in their locker. They should only take their books and materials to class. Backpacks are not permitted in the classrooms, library, or the hallways outside of the classrooms.
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Loose backpacks on the floor or in the hallways create hazards to the safe egress from the classroom or the hallways and impede exit routes in the case of a fire or tornado evacuation.
Students may use whatever backpack they choose to carry their books and materials to and from school; however, these backpacks should safely fit in their Academy locker and be kept there. We recommend that students who need to transport a computer or tablet acquire a small protective sleeve. Small pencil cases are also allowed to be taken to class.
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REMINDER: Cell Phone/Smart Watch Policy
To maintain a safe teaching and learning environment for students, teachers, staff, and the community, the Academy has a strict electronic devices policy.
Any violation of this policy or otherwise inappropriate use of electronic devices in text messaging, recording, loudspeakers, or electronic photo capabilities will lead to immediate confiscation, and may lead to further disciplinary action. Students should arrange with the office to pick up their confiscated device(s).
Exceptions to this policy will only be made based on medical necessities or other special needs that are recognized by school officials and/or officially documented by appropriate professionals.
Cell Phones & Smart Watches:
Cell phones and smart watches should be kept in a safe place—such as a locker (devices should be neither seen nor heard)—and are not to be used during the school day or during on-campus school activities during school hours. Students may use their cell phones during school hours only under the following limited circumstances:
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Students may check their cell phones for important messages at their lockers 5 minutes before their lunch period ends. Phone should then be redeposited in a safe storage area after checking messages.
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With the express permission of a school teacher or administrator. Students may come to the main office to use their phone with permission.
Inappropriate Use of Electronic Devices:
Students are not allowed to record any person, including students or teachers/staff, without the express permission of the person whose picture is being taken during the school day. Photos and video recordings are prohibited in locker rooms and bathrooms.
Trips and Tours:
Electronic devices may be used for trips or tour events in which cell phone/electronic device use is deemed appropriate by the sponsor.
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Textbook Buyback
We are excited to announce an initiative aimed at helping reduce the cost of books for the 2025-2026 school year.
AA is 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 of Andrews Academy and for partnering with us in this initiative.
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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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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 #6 is due on or before January 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.
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Chapel Recap: Joshua 20-24
Janielly Cruz, AA senior, presented chapel on Thursday. She reviewed the highlights of Joshua chapters 20-23 leading up to chapter 24, which she focused on. In verse 15, we read about the dedication of Joshua and his people, "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." In verse 31, we read, "Israel served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had experienced everything the Lord had done for Israel." Joshua 24 shows the faithfulness of God and the faithfulness of Joshua. After she shared these deep insights, Janielly encouraged each of us that when given whatever leadership position, if it be great or small, to be faithful as Joshua was and remember that God is faithful to each of us.
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Periodically we have class devotions on Friday. This is a time to worship together as a class and organize the class into whatever project they may be working on, often planning fundraisers and other class activities. For example, Chrissy Penno, sophomore pastor, led in the sophomore class devotions. The sophomores then had a report on their cookie dough fundraiser from last semester, which brought in close to $2,000. Then they talked about the upcoming ice skating activity followed by a vespers, and initiated dialogue about their next fundraiser.
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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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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).
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Email Mrs. Gina Meekma (ginam@andrews.edu) with log in difficulties. Contact EdTech with questions about your order.
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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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