News & Announcements

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Volume 19, Issue 3

Andrews Academy's

Official Newsletter

August 31, 2025

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No School on Monday

Since tomorrow, Monday, September 1, is Labor Day, there is no school.

Enjoy the long weekend!

Introducing Steven Toscano, Contract Religion Teacher

It is our pleasure to share with you some exciting news for the upcoming school year. Andrews Academy has invited Mr. Steve Toscano to join our faculty as one of our religion teachers for the 2025–26 school year.

Mr. Toscano brings with him a wealth of ministry experience, having served as a Bible worker, missionary, evangelist, pastor, and church history professor. His passion for God’s Word and his heart for young people is evident in every aspect of his ministry. Most recently, he served as the missions’ coordinator for ASAP Ministries, where he worked to serve refugees, persecuted believers, and unreached people groups in Southeast Asia.

We believe Mr. Toscano’s commitment to Christ, his teaching experience, and his enthusiasm for mentoring young people will be a tremendous blessing to our students. Together with his wife, Shylene, and their two children, Annalyn and Joshua, the Toscano family is excited to be part of the Andrews Academy community.

Thank you for your support and prayers as we welcome Mr. Toscano to our Andrews Academy family.

Introducing Dionne Robinson, Contract Guidance Counselor

We are pleased to introduce Mrs. Dionne Robinson, who has joined Andrews Academy as Guidance Counselor for the 2025–26 school year. She brings nearly twenty years of experience in Adventist education, both locally and internationally. Mrs. Robinson holds degrees in Counseling Psychology and Curriculum & Instruction, and her background includes serving as an English teacher, counselor, department chair, and Bible teacher.

She is deeply committed to supporting students academically, socially, and spiritually, fostering an environment where every student feels valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Mrs. Robinson and her husband, Don, have two children who will begin their freshman year at Andrews University this fall.

We look forward to the many blessings she will bring to our school community!

First Day of School & AA Family Prayer

AA Family Prayer marked the beginning of our school year—a special time to dedicate the year to God. During our first worship service of the school year, we sang uplifting songs, introduced our faculty, and heard a meaningful message from our principal, Mr. Ruben Perez-Schulz, who shared wisdom from the life of King Solomon and how it applies to us this school year.

At lunch time, we enjoyed a picnic lunch together provided by the PPI (Parents Positively Involved). When it started raining, those outside came inside to finish their lunch.

Following lunch, there was an orientation assembly outlining expectations to help ensure a smooth and successful school year.

Student went to their shorter class periods (35 minutes) to get the course outline and begin their educational journey for each class. (August 18, 2025)

More photos on Facebook

AA Dedication Convocation Service

Andrews Academy began the school year with its annual Dedication Convocation Service, bringing together students, families, and faculty to commit the year to Christ. The program opened with a welcome, prayer, singing, and announcements. Parents Positively Involved (PPI) encouraged parental engagement and invited families to join the parent prayer group, a key support for the school community.

Pastor Gabriel Johnson, one of AA's religion teachers, unveiled the 2025–2026 theme banner: “Called to Proclaim,” based on Isaiah 43:21. Faculty, students, and parents participated in a school litany and prayer. Board Chair Fares Magesa invited donations to the Worthy Student Fund, with two students presenting the offertory. Seven students read the theme verse in seven languages, reflecting the Academy’s diversity. Orion Strings provided special music.

Dr. Wagner Kuhn, Chief Academic Officer at Andrews University, delivered a sermon titled “Education: God’s Mission for Andrews Academy.” Dr. Kuhn shared the story of a North American Adventist missionary who traveled to Brazil—Dr. Kuhn’s home country—and founded a small school.

That school grew over the years, eventually becoming the place where both Dr. Kuhn and his mother received their education. Thanks to the missionary’s vision, hundreds—and even thousands—of students have since dedicated their lives to serving God.

The service concluded with a dedication prayer, benediction, the traditional closing song, “The Lord Bless You and Keep You,” and a fellowship haystack meal prepared by PPI. This meaningful Sabbath set a Christ-centered tone for the year ahead.

As we continue supporting Andrews Academy, we invite your prayers that each student may be inspired and equipped to PROCLAIM God to the world. (August 23, 2025)

More photos on Facebook

Video 1 on FB

Video 2 on FB

Important Deadline from the Registrar’s Office:

This Tuesday, September 2, 2025 – Drop/Add Class Deadline

See Ms. Ivonne Tuesday if you need to add or drop a class!

Beach Day

This Wednesday, September 3, 8:20 AM - 3:15 PM

Lunch provided.

Freshmen wear blue, sophomores wear green, juniors wear red, and seniors wear black. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at beach day!

Beach Day Dress Code: Per the AA Sourcebook (pg. 65), open-toed sandals and flip-flops are acceptable. Athletic gear is permitted. Students may wear a modest one-piece bathing suit or shorts for swimming.

Note: Per AU policy, students who do not have health insurance on file with AA will not be able to attend Beach Day (or any other off-AA/AU campus event). If you have not submitted proof of health insurance yet, please do so right away to academy@andrews.edu. Thank you!

College Classes: Students with college classes, please let Mr. Sherman (sherman@andrews.edu) know if you would like to go to the beach this Wednesday. There will be a shuttle from/to the beach mid-day to take you from/to the beach.

SA Retreat

This Sabbath, September 6, 4:00 - 9:00 PM

(No cost event. Permission slip required, see slip for location.)

Note: Per AU policy, students who do not have health insurance on file with AA will not be able to attend the SA Retreat (or any other off-AA/AU campus event). If you have not submitted proof of health insurance yet, please do so right away to academy@andrews.edu. Thank you!

Senior Convocation

Tuesday, September 9, 9:50 AM

Senior parents/guardians are invited to a special service in the AA chapel on September 9 at 9:50 AM. This is a formal event. Refreshments will follow for seniors and their families.

Note that ALL students will attend the Senior Convocation, and there will be an adjusted schedule for the morning. Watch for details.

Cell Phone/Smart Watch Policy

To maintain a safe, effective teaching and learning environment for students, teachers, staff, and the community, Andrews Academy maintains 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:

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.
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.

Backpack Policy/Lockers

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 or the hallways outside of the classrooms.

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.

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.

Tuition

Payment #2 of 10 is due on September 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.

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!

Class Vespers & Activities

The freshman class enjoyed their first class vespers at the school on August 22, 2025. The evening began with snacks and icebreakers, followed by a devotional thought from Ms. Catron, who shared from John 17:3: "Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent." Her message emphasized the importance of staying connected to Jesus in order to receive His power and help—even for the things that may seem impossible. To close the evening, the sophomores wrote “Dear Senior Me” letters, reflecting on how far they've come since their freshman year and what they hope to achieve by the time they open these letters as seniors.

Also on Friday evening, August 22, the seniors came together for an evening of food, fun, and fellowship at AA. The night kicked off with a grilled dinner of veggie burgers, corn, and plenty of tasty treats before the group moved into games like corn hole, volleyball, and football. Some students played while others enjoyed catching up and relaxing with friends. As the sun set, the seniors gathered for icebreakers, a time of worship through song, and a heartfelt message from Mrs. Paula Dronen, who commended the seniors for their motto, aim, and verse and challenged them to continue living their lives according to God’s purpose and direction.

Freshmen had their vespers on August 29, and juniors will have theirs this Friday, September 5 (health insurance required).

More photos on Facebook

Rainbow over AA

Monday morning’s rainbow over Andrews Academy reminds us of God’s promises for AA. We pray that our hearts remain open to His guidance and that the promises He has for us this school year come to fruition.

August 25, 2025

Chapel Recap

On Monday, after singing Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, Mr. Ron Norton, AA Maintenance Director, shared how we are called to fix our eyes on Christ. He briefly recounted his struggle to choose a career—preacher, math teacher, or music teacher—none of which felt right. Turning to prayer, he reflected on Isaiah’s vision of God and came to better understand both God and himself. Through this journey, Ron discovered his true calling and highlighted the powerful exchange of Isaiah’s righteousness for God’s grace. He concluded by urging everyone to seek a personal encounter with God, reminding us: “I was dead, but now I am alive in Jesus.” (August 25, 2025)

After the Tuesday’s song service, Mrs. Joelle Ashley, an AA alumna, shared a thought-provoking message with students. She asked Mr. Atkins to illustrate the water cycle, noting that water never leaves the earth—it only moves and changes form. She then invited students to recall Bible stories involving water, while Kaitlyn McKenzie recorded key examples on the whiteboard. Mrs. Ashley emphasized that the same water from Elijah’s altar on Mount Carmel, the Sea of Galilee where Jesus walked, and even the water from His side on the cross still exists today—possibly even in Lake Michigan!She highlighted two main truths:

Bible stories remain just as powerful today.
Jesus is still the same life-giving and compassionate God.

She encouraged students to reflect next time it rains—wondering where that water has been and how it now serves them—a powerful reminder of water’s spiritual significance.

During Wednesday’s worship, Andrews Academy chorale/bells teacher, Mr. Daniel Cerna, spoke on the importance of singing. He reminded us that God not only commands us to sing but also created us for it. Singing strengthens both our spiritual and mental well-being and helps us connect with God. Mr. Cerna emphasized that singing is a key part of worship, uniting everyone in praise—regardless of skill. He also encouraged us to read Psalms, which celebrates the role of singing in our relationship with God.

After Thursday's song service, Pastor Ben Martin, youth pastor at PMC, spoke about our common desire for clear boundaries—often just to see how far we can push them, like testing speed limits. He then read from Luke 18, where the rich young ruler asks Jesus how to gain eternal life. Though the man claimed to follow the commandments, Jesus told him to sell everything, give to the poor, and follow Him. The man walked away, unwilling to let go. Pastor Martin emphasized that Jesus still calls us to follow Him, though that may look different for each person. Rather than fixating on rules, he urged us to pursue Jesus and discover who He truly is. He closed with a challenge: make it your goal this school year to fully pursue Jesus.

On Friday, Pastor Gabriel Johnson, an AA religion teacher, shared life lessons drawn from personal experience. He recalled a vivid memory from 2001 while working a mail route on a college campus. Entering an office, he saw people transfixed by a TV screen showing a plane crash into a skyscraper. Someone said, “This is real. It’s 9/11.” Reflecting on that moment and other turning points in modern history, Pastor Gabriel posed a powerful question: What do you do when life changes so drastically, you can’t go back? He turned to Deuteronomy 31:8 for the answer: “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Pastor Johnson's message was as follows: with God, you can face anything. Trusting in Him brings peace, courage, and strength to move forward.

More photos on Facebook

Senior Pictures & Ads for Yearbook

Senior pictures are needed for yearbook, class night, and the class composite to be hung in the AA Commons or Library. The yearbook team will need your senior and baby pictures by Friday, October 17, 2025. We encourage you to get your senior picture done during the 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.

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 - yearbook picture
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 - yearbook AND senior ads
High-resolution JPEG (at least 4x6, 300 ppi resolution)

Baby Photos

By the same date (October 17), 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 team, and they will scan it for you.

Also, please plan ahead for senior yearbook ad nights on Monday and Tuesday, October 27 & 28, starting 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). Watch for more information about signing up for ad night.

Please send photos and any questions to AAyearbook@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.

www.landsend.com
Enter school name and city/state (or use Preferred School # 900150871).
After selecting “Andrews Academy,” select “Shop for this School.”

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.

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 AU ID number), 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

New students, you should have set up your Andrews email address if you didn't already have one. Students should also have a FACTS log in.

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.

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. 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 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.