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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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First Day of School
Monday, August 19
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Classes
12:00 -3:15 PM, HodgePodge
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Be sure to wear your uniform (AA polo)! Limited quantities and sizes of polos, fleece jackets, and PE uniforms are still available from the school office if needed.
HodgePodge
In the afternoon, we will have a free lunch and fun activities to help us get acquainted with each other. Bring a change of clothes for the afternoon, as well as a towel (for possible water activities), and sunscreen.
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New Student Orientation
Thursday, August 15, 6:30 PM at AA
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New students, please come with your parents to learn more about the program at AA, where your classes will be located, the cell phone and backpack policies, uniforms/textbooks, the attendance policy, FACTS login for students, schedules, behavioral expectations, and more.
If you still have paperwork to turn in/get scanned (medical insurance card, health appraisal, immunizations, immunization disclosure, birth certificate or passport, hold harmless form, etc.), please bring them to the office.
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Faculty Updates
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For those who haven't seen this information yet,
we are repeating the new faculty updates:
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Introducing Ms. Jessica Catron, English Teacher
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Hello! My name is Ms. Jessica Catron, and I am delighted to return to my alma mater, not as a student but as one of the English teachers! Andrews Academy holds a special position in my heart as the place where I met Jesus and learned to walk with Him daily. What a journey we have embarked on since!
After graduating the Academy in 2005, I attended Southern Adventist University and then graduated from Andrews University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in English with minors in English Literature, Teaching English as a Second Language, and Secondary Education. I spent the next decade teaching middle school— first at Hinsdale Adventist Academy in Hinsdale, Illinois, for six years, and most recently at Naples Adventist Christian School in Naples, Florida, for the last five years. I’m going to miss all that sunshine! But I am also excited to enjoy all four seasons again.
Some hobbies I enjoy are long walks on the beach collecting seashells, playing with my two poodles, baking and decorating sugar cookies, painting, gardening, and, of course, spending time with family and friends.
One of my favorite pieces of scripture comes from Luke 10:41-42. The Bible says, “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” It is a necessary reminder to me to stop striving and to rest in the presence and goodness of our Friend, Savior, and King Jesus. May we all know the peace and joy of His presence in our lives this year more deeply than ever before.
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Introducing Mr. Daniel Cerna, Chorale/Bells Teacher
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Hello, my name is Mr. Daniel Cerna. I am excited to be joining the Andrews Academy family as the new chorale and handbell director. While studying at Andrews University the past few years, I have had the pleasure of getting to meet and work with many of you already, and I look forward to continuing the important musical work that Andrews Academy does each year.
I am originally from the Loma Linda area and was a part of the university church's handbell ensemble during my high school years. I am also a violist and have been teaching violin/viola privately for almost a decade now. I graduated from Andrews University this last May with a BMus in Music Education with a focus in composition and choral conducting.
I am deeply passionate about music ministry, particularly music education as a ministry. As the president of the Institute of Young Musicians for Christ, a non-profit ministry I founded eight years ago, I have designed and taught numerous classes exploring the connection between music and theology. This is an area I believe Adventists should study more deeply. To learn more about what we do, please visit iymcsda.org or follow us on Instagram.
As a teacher, I want you to fall in love with the process of making music and understand what it takes to create music that moves hearts. I aim to foster an environment where we strive for musical excellence and appreciate the profound role music plays in the Christian life. Together, we will make meaningful music that shares beautiful messages about God. It won't often be easy, but I hope you will find it to be truly rewarding.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy hiking, learning new languages, visiting aquariums, studying apologetics, and sharing meals with friends.
I look forward to a fantastic year of music-making with all of you. See you at auditions!
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In case you missed this announcement:
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Mr. Ruben Pérez-Schulz, New Principal
Mr. Ruben Pérez-Schulz, who has been serving as a vice-president and campus director at the Career Care Institute, accepted the Andrews Academy Board’s June 5 invitation to serve as Andrews Academy’s next principal. He will formally begin his role on July 15, 2024.
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A fourth-generation Adventist educator, Pérez-Schulz holds a master’s degree in education from the University of Lethbridge, Canada. He brings almost thirty years of experience to his new role, including time spent as a high school teacher, elementary and high school vice-principal and principal, university instructor, college administrator, institutional administrator, and educational administrator.
Notably, he served as educator and principal of Los Angeles Adventist Academy, the second largest Adventist K–12 academy in Chile. He also served in various educational administrative positions at Concepción Adventist Academy, Chile Adventist University, and Lake Michigan College. In 2006, he was invited to serve as a faculty member in the Department of International Languages & Global Studies at Andrews University. He later served as assistant dean for the College of Arts & Sciences at Andrews, before he accepted a position with the Career Care Institute in 2019.
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Our online textbook store is now 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).
See the attached PDF for ordering instructions.
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Email Mrs. Gina Meekma (ginam@andrews.edu) with any questions or log in difficulties.
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Testing Out of Spanish I or II at AA
Spanish I and/or II test out exams will take place on Thursday, August 15, at 4:00 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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School Hours
The typical school day begins at 8:00 AM (with the exception of strings/ orchestra and backpacking), and ends at 3:15 PM. Students may enter the building starting at 7:40 AM.
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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 do have a limited supply of uniforms for sale at AA (cash or check only) during office hours.
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| AA's Lands' End Store |
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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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As we approach the start of the fall semester, we kindly request that you purchase the Multi-Factor Authentication Security Key for all AA students who do not have one. 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.
Watch for information coming soon about school laptop loans.
Thank you for your cooperation,
Caleb Akins, MA
Media Ministry Director
Andrews Academy
akins@andrews.edu
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School Supplies
Either via email or on the first day of classes, teachers will inform students as to what supplies are needed for their classes. For the first day of school, please at least bring a pen or pencil, your textbooks, and some paper to write on.
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AU Campus Safety Parking Permit
Academy Vehicle Registration Process
- All vehicles parked on Andrews University property must register their vehicle with the Office of Campus Safety. This must be done online before you plan to park in the AA parking lot or anywhere else on the AU campus. (See instructions below.)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The Andrews University adopted vehicle policy can be found at the link below.
- 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.
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Click on “Campus Safety” and enter your AU username/password.
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Click on “Register Vehicles”
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Click on "Re-register" or "Start New 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 Campus Safety 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, & Model of 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 the issuing State & License Plate number
Step 6: Click on the Agreement button at the bottom of the webpage. 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.)
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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.
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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 further instructions.
Your registration is complete once the permit has been placed on the windshield.
* 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.
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| AU Vehicle Policy/Information |
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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 by August 19:
- 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.
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Hold Harmless Form
Note that the attached hold harmless form is required for all day and overnight trips (e.g. beach day, class vespers, ice skating, trips and tours, etc.), and that medical insurance coverage is required for students to participate in off-site activities. You can also find it on our Useful Documents web page, and printed copies are available in the main office.
Note that the form may not be digitally signed or sent to us as a picture or file. We need the original, signed form turned in to the office by the time school starts on August 19. This blanket hold harmless agreement can be used for any school activity that is on our calendar.
â–º Parent/adult volunteers who help with any event/activity must also sign a hold harmless form (also attached) ahead of the event and complete Sterling Volunteers training/background check. It would be best to have this done at the beginning of the year or as soon as possible.
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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 (2024-25) if their account has a balance.
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| FACTS |
| Re-enrollment Instructions for Returning Students |
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Instructions for most new students to obtain an ID card have been sent out. Please go to the AU Administration Building, second floor, Academic Records (Mondays-Thursdays from 9-5, and Fridays from 9-12) to get your photo taken and an ID card made. AA students are expected to have valid ID cards.
New students, if you do not have an AU username/email address yet, watch for instructions to set one up.
Please send an email to ginam@andrews.edu if you need help resetting your AU username/email password.
For new and returning students, 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.
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Tuition
Note that payment #1 for new and returning students is due on or before Monday, August 5.
Please contact Ms. Gracie at gaytan@andrews.edu with questions.
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Berrien County Youth Fair
Show that you are a fan of Andrews Academy! We invite you to stop by AA's booth and pick up a fan at the Youth Fair in Berrien Springs (across from Apple Valley), from August 12-17.
How would you like to get into the Berrien County Youth Fair
for free?
We'd love to have your help staffing the AA booth. Please click on the sign-up link and take a look at the available times to see when would work best in your schedule—then invite a friend to sign up for a shift (or two!) with you! Each volunteer will get a free fair entrance ticket per shift.
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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 18, 2024. 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.
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Pictures for the yearbook and senior ads must adhere to the following requirements:
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- In color
- 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)
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Baby Photos
By the same date (October 18), 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 28 & 29, 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).
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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, 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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