Dear AA Families,
 

Hope you are enjoying your summer thus far, although it is quickly coming to an end. As we get closer to the beginning of the 2022-23 school year, I want to communicate with you regarding some important information. I want to thank you for your commitment to Seventh-day Adventist Christian education.

We understand that the rate of inflation is at a high level. Despite this fact, you have decided to trust in God knowing He is faithful. I personally pray for each family that is affiliated with Andrews Academy. God is not just a provider of financial resources; He is also our redeemer and friend.

COVID-19 Update:

With the continued decline of COVID-19 cases, Andrews Academy will return to pre-COVID-19 standards. A face-covering is still optional, and hand sanitizers will still be available throughout the building. Students will no longer be required to use the CampusClear app. However, students and parent should still monitor for any COVID-19 related symptoms, report symptoms, contacts, and positive status through a Google form that will be provided at a later date. If your child is sick, please keep them home.

Laptop Computers:

Andrews Academy recently acquired laptops. AA students will be provided with a school-owned laptop for their use during the academic school year. Students will be responsible for bringing their laptops fully charged and functional each morning, ready for use in the classroom. Laptops must be returned at the end of the school year or at withdrawal. Laptops should be kept in a protective case/sleeve. Students will be allowed to take the laptops home each night for homework/schoolwork purposes. They must not make any changes/modifications to the hardware or software configurations already set on the devices. Additional information will be added to our Sourcebook regarding this and other items.

Volunteers:

If you are planning to volunteer at Andrews Academy, you must notify the office of your intent and the area you would like to serve. To continue to provide a safe learning environment, everyone (including volunteers) who works with AA students is required to complete a background check and child protection training.
 

Background checks will be done every three years. Once background checks are completed and volunteers approved, a list of accepted persons will be kept on file. Only individuals who have passed the background check and training will be permitted to volunteer/work with our students. https://www.ncsrisk.org/ncs/

These are the areas where we are seeking volunteers. It is not an exhaustive list of volunteer ministries.

• Intramurals after school Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45 - 6:00 PM

• Parents Spiritually Impacting Andrews Academy (Bible studies, mentoring, prayer ministry)

Please call the office or stop by the school if you are interested in partnering with us to provide a Christ-centered experience for our children. 2 Timothy 2:2: You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will pass them on to others. We have a great responsibility to introduce our young people to Jesus who transforms lives.

AU Bookstore:

The AU Bookstore is contracted to handle books and uniforms. If you have questions, please contact them directly. A list of required books was sent to parents and students. Please review the list, and use it as a resource to guide in acquiring the textbooks. A few books may be missing from that list for various reasons, but the list will be updated once information is available. Like most businesses today, the Bookstore has its challenges with staffing. Please display the fruits of the spirit when you visit or place orders. Some things are beyond their control. Let’s model for our children what it means to have patience and show kindness. Thanks in advance for your kind and gracious attitude.

Dedication Service:

We are inviting all our AA families to join us on Sabbath, August 27, 2022, for our Dedication Service. Our speaker is Dr. Fernando Ortiz. This is a time for us to dedicate our school year to God and fellowship with each other. I am delivering this personal invitation to all our families. Looking forward to worshiping and fellowshipping with you. See you all on Sabbath, August 27, at 11:45 AM. Lunch will be provided for our families who attend.
 

I can’t believe I am heading into my third year as principal of AA. It has been challenging yet rewarding. Leading through COVID-19 had its challenges. We have learned much about ourselves, and we have also learned to depend on God. A special thanks to the faculty and staff of AA. Thank you to parents and students for your support and willingness to serve when called upon.

One of my favorite hymns is Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine. Please reflect on the words of this inspirational song:

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above.
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

I believe these words are relevant to what we have been through and what we’ll continue to go through. The best thing for us to do is submit and rest in God’s unwavering promises. Jesus is mine, and I am His.

Our theme for the 2022-23 school year is “Live His Light.” Scripture 1 John 1:7: But if we walk in the light, as He is the light, we have fellowship with one another. And the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
 

Please review the rest of this E-Sanjo for important information regarding the start of school and more.

Annual Dedication Service

Date: Sabbath, August 27, 11:45 AM
Location: Andrews Academy Chapel
Speaker: Dr. Fernando Ortiz

Lunch will be provided afterwards.

CONTACT US:
 

Main Office: ginam@andrews.edu or call 269-471-3138
Principal: aaprincipal@andrews.edu
Application/Enrollment Process: aaadmissions@andrews.edu

Financial Plan: gaytan@andrews.edu

Class Schedule: aaregistrar@andrews.edu

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. A number of individuals 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!

Hot Lunch Contracts

Andrews Academy
School Lunch Program

2022-2023

Note: If you do not know your student's ID number, please reply to this email with the student's first and last name.

The school lunch program will begin on Monday, August 22. School begins on Wednesday, August 17, with three half days.
 

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.

As classes begin at Andrews Academy, Bon Appetit will continue to work closely with Andrews University to ensure we are following the latest guidelines from the CDC and Berrien County Health Department to ensure the safety of your student. 

• Full Paying Meal Plan ($5.50 per meal)

We are pleased to inform you that this year participating in the school lunch program will be easier than ever! We will no longer be using the mobile GET app or requiring a contract. You can simply send us an e-mail, including the student’s name, ID# and the amount you would like added. This is very important to make sure funds are deposited into the correct student’s account and charged accordingly. You may also stop by our office to add funds using a credit or debit card. You may add as much money as you would like; however, a minimum of $50.00 is required to get the account started. We are unable to accept cash.

• Reduced Meal Plan

The contract and application are attached. They must be filled out and returned to Dining Services by this Monday, August 15. Additional proof of income is required this year. We are unable to accept cash. Student is allowed one swipe per day. 

• Free Meal Plan

The contract and application are attached. They must be filled out and returned to Dining Services by this Monday, August 15. Additional proof of income is required this year. We are unable to accept cash. Student is allowed one swipe per day. 
 

Students must present their ID card for meal pickup. Portion sizes are predetermined, and second servings are not provided. 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,

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

August 17-19, 2022

Dear Band & Orchestra Students,

Welcome to the AA Band and Orchestra program! I'm so glad you are interested in joining our ensembles.
 
Auditions this year will be in person. Below are the dates, times, and place:

BAND @ AA CHAPEL
August 17, 12:30-6 PM
August 18, 12:30-6 PM
Sign up for your spot here.

ORCHESTRA (STRINGS) @ AA CHAPEL
August 19, 12:30-4 PM
August 21, 12-5 PM
Sign up for your spot here.

CONCERTO NIGHT @ AA CHAPEL
August 26, starting @ 1 PM
Sign up for your spot here.

Here you may access all the information you need regarding audition requirements, uniforms, major performances, syllabus, and etc.

I'm looking forward to meeting and working with you all this new school year.

Happy practicing!

Dr. Elsy Gallardo-Diaz

Mr. Daniel Rojas, AA IT person, is pictured working on the new Dell computers that will be available for students to use during the school year. The Latitude 3120 has a keyboard and can also be touchscreen.

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 17 (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 “Vehicle 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, & Modelof 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 theissuing 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.

After-School Hours Agreement

The After-School Hours Agreement needs to be signed by a student and a parent. Here are the acceptable ways to return this document:

• Complete the attached fillable document and email to ginam@andrews.edu.
• Print the attached document, complete it, scan or take a picture, and email it to ginam@andrews.edu.
• Stop by the school office and complete the form.

Reminder: August 17-19 are half school days at AA (12 noon dismissal). AA students 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 21, 2022. 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.

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.

Pictures for both the yearbook and senior ads must adhere to the following requirements:

Baby Photos

By the same date (October 21), 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 Wednesday, September 12 & 14, 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).

If you have any questions or need more information, please email Ms. Kim at joellek@andrews.edu.

Instructions for new students to obtain an Andrews username/email address and ID card were sent out earlier this week. Please send an email to ginam@andrews.edu if you did not get it, or if you need help resetting your 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.

For more information about this fundraiser or PFE in general, contact the coordinator, Joelle Ashley at joellea@fullylive.com.

From Andrews University: Scan the QR code or click here for more information. The Berrien Springs Partnership registration will be open through this Sunday, August 14, at midnight. Or you may self pay for the swim club if you would like to join.

AU Junior Cardinals Basketball & Soccer Programs

It is time to register and get signed up for the Jr. Cardinals basketball and soccer programs through the Berrien Springs Partnership Program.

Registration for the Partnership is open through this Sunday, August 14, at midnight.

For those who wish to take advantage of this amazing opportunity and avoid the cost of either program, register for the fall and spring session of the Berrien Springs Partnership. 

Or you may choose to self pay the cost if you wish.

If you aren't sure if you will make the teams or not, please sign up through the partnership anyway—it will be great basketball instruction either way!

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Basketball:

• Cathy Leonor - Cathrynleonor@gmail.com
• Scott Schalk - Scott.e.schalk@gmail.com

Soccer:

• David Poloche - drpoloche@gmail.com
• Scott Schalk - scott.e.schalk@gmail.com