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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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Last Day of School - Foot Washing and Mizpah
After completing their final exams on Thursday morning, May 22, 2025, students split into groups—males headed to the library, and females to the Commons—for a time of reflection. There, they participated in foot washing, singing, and shared testimonies. Following this, everyone gathered in the chapel for the final worship service and the annual Mizpah ceremony.
Worship began with a time of singing, followed by the principal interviewing three seniors. They shared highlights from their experiences at Andrews Academy and reflected on their spiritual journeys. The principal encouraged each student to make a personal decision for God. Pastor Johnson then gave a devotional, focusing on the story of Jacob and Laban and their Mizpah. He concluded by reading from 1 Peter 2:9, which calls us to be living stones—a people belonging to a royal priesthood.
The Mizpah closing program, a cherished Andrews Academy tradition, began in 1992 under the leadership of Dr. Nash. During this ceremony, student leaders presented the full list of names from each class—freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Steven Atkins presented the faculty and staff list, while the NHS and SA presidents represented their respective organizations.
These names were then placed into the Mizpah vault, which is located in the theme wall of the Academy Commons. This symbolic act represents our commitment to God, entrusting the entire Academy family—students and faculty—from this year and dating back to 1979, when the building first opened. By placing these names in the vault, we prayerfully place each individual into God’s care, with the hope that we will all be reunited when Christ returns. The ceremony concluded with the entire school community reciting Genesis 31:49:
The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.
One of the most meaningful moments of the morning was the Andrews Academy family prayer time—a powerful bookend to the school year. Just as we began the year in August with prayer, we ended it the same way. Various individuals led in prayer as more than two hundred students joined together, lifting one another up in a beautiful expression of faith and unity.
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Graduation - Class Night
Graduation weekend began with a heartfelt evening of celebration and recognition during Class Night (May 22, 2025). The program opened with a prayer from the class pastor, Gabrielle Roper, followed by a warm welcome from the class president, Sara Lemon, and the presentation of the class gift.
One of the most moving moments of the evening was when each senior took time to thank their parents. As photos of each graduate were shown and pre-recorded tributes played, students came forward to receive roses, which they then presented to their parents in gratitude for their love and support.
The program continued with a tribute to class sponsors (Nieves, Silvestre, and Johnson), honoring their dedication and guidance throughout the students' high school journey. Next came the People’s Choice Awards—light-hearted recognitions voted on by classmates, celebrating the unique contributions of individual seniors.
A major portion of the evening was dedicated to the presentation of achievement awards. Students were recognized in a variety of categories, including academics, music, spiritual leadership, physical education, responsibility, and more. The Alumni Legacy Pin was awarded to those whose families included two or even three generations of Andrews Academy graduates.
Underclassmen—take note! Many seniors received generous college scholarships, ranging from $32,000 to $56,000, with some even earning full four-year tuition packages valued at over $146,000. In total, Andrews Academy graduates received $4.6 million in scholarships from Andrews University and other organizations.
As the evening concluded, representatives from Andrews University encouraged each senior to follow God’s calling in their lives and presented a special gift to every graduate.
A reception followed in the Commons, providing a time to relax, reflect, and celebrate together.
Special thanks to the junior class officers and sponsors for their behind-the-scenes work in preparing the reception and handling countless event details. Their efforts helped make the evening a success.
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NHS Officers
At Andrews Academy, the election of officers for NHS occurs towards the close of the school year, allowing the new officers to have time to plan for the next year. Elections were held on May 19, 2025. Congratulations to each and prayers of blessings as you plan for the 2025-2026 school year!
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President: Sarah Ayaz
Vice President: Kevin Mendonça
Pastor: Ava Zygowiec
Secretary: Lillian Dronen
Treasurer: Jaira Kim
Public Relations: Briauna Skinner
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Seniors in The Journal Era
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Congratulations seniors! You may want to pick up the May 21 edition of The Journal Era that is in newsstands now. There is a full page article about the seniors and this upcoming graduation weekend.
Throughout the weekend please go to the Academy Facebook page to see pictures of each event of graduation weekend as well as livestream links.
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| AA Facebook Page |
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Graduation Information
- Consecration Service: Tonight, Friday, May 23, 8:00 PM, Village Adventist Church. Livestream: youtube.com/villagemediaministry
- Baccalaureate Service: Tomorrow, Sabbath, May 24, 11:45 AM, PMC (Get there early). Livestream: andrews.edu/livestream
- Faculty/Senior Vespers: Tomorrow, Sabbath evening, May 24, 7:00 PM, AA.
- Conferring of Diplomas Service: This Sunday, May 25, 11:00 AM, PMC. Livestream: andrews.edu/livestream
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Returning Laptops and Chromebooks
If you did not turn in your school-owned laptop yet, please do so ASAP during school office hours (see above). Every laptop turned in should come with the charger and box in which it came.
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Any student issued a laptop that is not returned in good condition will incur a $600.00 charge on their account.
Your promptness with this allows us time to ensure that the laptops are received with all components and no damage to them in order to prevent missing or damage charges to student accounts.
Also, if you have a Chromebook that has not been returned, please turn it in right away.
Thank you for your attention and help,
Mr. Caleb Akins
AA Media Ministry
akins@andrews.edu
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Testing Out of Spanish I or II at AA
Spanish I and/or II test out exams will take place next Friday, May 30, at 3:00 PM at Andrews Academy.
The cost is $25 to take the exam, and students can bring cash or a check made to Andrews Academy.
If the student passes the test, an additional $75 will be charged if you would like the school to grant credit.
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If you would like to take the test out exam, please email Mrs. Silvestre (silvestre@andrews.edu) and let her know which one you would like to take. If you have any questions, please let her know.
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New Students
Applications for new students are open. 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.
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| AA Website |
| Instructions for New Students |
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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 (2025-26) if their account has a balance.
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| FACTS |
| Re-enrollment Instructions for Returning Students |
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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.
To reserve classes, new students must have applied, been financially cleared, turned in two recommendation forms, and be done with online enrollment. The class schedule for freshmen will be available at Grad Brunch on June 1.
Note: Anyone who had AU's Priority Health insurance needs to submit their new HMA insurance card.
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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.
Ms. Ivonne Segui Medina
Andrews Academy Registrar
269-471-3996
aaregistrar@andrews.edu
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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)
I will be evaluating PPI and the structure for next year and would value your input. I will put a survey out closer to the end of the year. Thank you for your continued support for our faculty and AA SCHOOL as a whole. Parent involvement is essential to the Christian education of our children!
Kimberly Spare
Andrews Academy PPI Coordinator
aappi@andrews.edu
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Tuition
Payment #10 out of 10 is due by May 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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Baptism Invite
Micah Leiterman will be getting baptized tomorrow, Sabbath, May 24, at 4:00 PM at PMC. The AA family is invited.
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Grad Brunch for Incoming Freshmen
Next Sunday, June 1, 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM, Andrews Academy
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Parents of incoming freshmen (9th graders), along with your student, are invited to join us to learn more about Andrews Academy, including our music program and classes, get financial information, sign up for classes, meet many of our faculty and staff, and more. We will eat brunch, and students will have fun activities in the gym as well. Some uniforms will also be available for sale (limited sizes and quantities - cash or check only).
There may be limited financial clearance appointments available. You may also meet with Gracie during the summer, but you cannot move on to online enrollment and reserving classes until you meet with her as well as submit the application and two recommendation forms.
If you plan to apply for Financial Aid, please bring copies of the following:
• 2024 W2 or 1099 (if you do contract work)
• 2024 Tax Return
This will help to speed up the processing of your paperwork.
Note: Classes cannot be reserved until the online application, two positive recommendation forms, financial clearance, and online enrollment are completed, even if you turn a schedule in at Grad Brunch.
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Spend Your Summer with Andrews University!
July 27 - August 15, 2025
The Early College Experience is an in-person summer program for rising high school juniors and seniors as well as incoming college freshmen. Come join us for three weeks of learning and fun on the campus of Andrews University. Each student will take one, 3-credit hour college course in addition to participating in seminars, activities, and local travel. This is a great way to earn college credit as a high schooler!
Admissions
Admissions requirements for the summer 2025 Early College Experience:
All applicants must fill out and submit the online application. Students must have a 3.25 High School GPA with a college prep curriculum.* ACT, SAT or PSAT scores preferred. Students can be admitted without test scores, but must meet high school curriculum requirements. For questions, please email explore@andrews.edu.
*Rising juniors must submit additional test scores. Please contact the program director for special inquiries.
Application
Students can apply for the Early College Experience online following the instructions below. In addition to the application, you will need to submit a copy of your high school transcript and the relevant standardized test scores.
The easiest way to apply is to use our fillable application. Click the link above and download the form. Fill it out and send it back to AU via email at explore@andrews.edu.
If you want to apply online, visit the online application right here or by visiting andrews.edu/apply. Choose the undergraduate application and be sure to apply for the Main Campus as a high school guest student. You must apply as a high school guest to get the special rate. In addition, make sure you choose the summer term and click "yes" for Early College. The rest of the application is simple and should only take a few minutes to complete.
After AU receives the application and additional documents, they will review your information and you will receive a decision letter. If you have already been admitted for the fall term, they will have your documents on file. If you are admitted to the program, you will receive an acceptance letter with instructions on your next steps and payment information. Please remember, acceptance to the Early College Program is not an admission to Andrews University as a full-time student. If you have any trouble with the application or have questions, please contact them at explore@andrews.edu.
2025 Courses
College Writing I
Communications Skills
World Civilizations
Scripture (general education religion)
Discipleship
The Early College Experience is a single package price of $995. This covers all costs, including tuition, housing, food, books, and activities. There are no hidden costs or additional fees. Students should arrive on Sunday, July 27, for move in. No late arrivals are allowed.
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| More Info |
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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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Andrews Academy
8833 Garland Ave Berrien Springs, MI 49104
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269-471-3138
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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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