News & Announcements

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Volume 19, Issue 3

Andrews Academy's

Official Newsletter

August 22, 2025

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AA families are invited to join us tomorrow, Sabbath, August 23, at 11:45 AM at Andrews Academy as we dedicate our school year to God and fellowship with each other. The speaker will be Dr. Wagner Kuhn, Chief Academic Officer at Andrews University.

A haystack lunch will be provided. Families are invited to bring a dessert to share.

Andrews Academy Family Photo

Our school enrollment is 235 students as of August 21, 2025. Please keep Andrews Academy in your prayers as we begin the 2025-2026 school year. May each student think deeply, live fully, serve unselfishly, and trust God completely.

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

AU SciFEST

September 18–21, 2025

SciFest is a weekend of STEM activities from Thursday evening to Saturday night at and organized by Andrews University.

High school students are invited to join AU for this on-campus STEM experience. Students will design, solve problems, connect with others, and be challenged. This weekend opportunity is recommended for junior and senior high school and homeschool students, although any high school students at any level are welcome. This year's theme is Space.

To kick off the experience, students can choose to participate in a 3D printing Workshop, Natural History Museum Tour, or exercising/swimming at the Andreason Center. On Friday, students will work in small groups to complete STEM lab challenges in areas of Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, and Sustainable Agriculture. A Science and Faith panel discussion of "The Universe and Creation" will include responses to student questions. Worship with us on Sabbath and experience life on campus. A Saturday night QuizBowl game show culminates the event. Team prizes will be awarded based on percentages (1st place 100-90%, 2nd place 89-80%, 3rd place 79-70%), and scholarships will be given to all students who participate.

If you are interested in being part of SciFest, please fill out the attached application form since I am only allowed to take 10 students. The cost is $90 this year to be paid by September 12 if you are chosen. Preference will be given to juniors and seniors. The due date for the application is Friday, August 29, to Mr. Wright.

Richard Wright
Mathematics Instructor
Andrews Academy
(269) 471-6177 Office Phone

rwright@andrews.edu Email

More Information

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.

ID Card

AA students are expected to have a valid ID card. If you do not have one, please go to the Andrews University Administration Building, second floor, Academic Records Office (Mondays-Thursdays from 9-5, and Fridays from 9-12) to get your photo taken and an ID card made.

ID cards are used to get into the AA building during school hours, for the lunch program, and for clocking in/out for AA/AU campus jobs.

Medical Insurance Card

Parents/guardians, if you have not sent in a picture of your child's medical/health insurance card (both sides) yet, please do so ASAP. Email photos to aaadmissions@andrews.edu. For students with AU insurance, please make sure that we have your new HMA card on file.

NOTE: Per AU policy, students must have US-based medical insurance to participate in any off campus (AA/AU) events/trips. Those with MI Medicaid will need temporary supplemental insurance if they leave the state for a trip. Those with IN Medicaid will need temporary supplemental insurance for trips as well, and if going further north in MI. More info will be provided later.

Textbooks

Andrews Academy has established a textbook program that provides students with the necessary textbooks and digital content for their classes. Students are able to buy their required textbooks, workbooks, and digital content through the school as needed during the school year and then sell their textbooks back at the end of the semester/school year, provided that the book will be used again.

If you have not yet gotten your textbooks, please stop by the office ASAP to buy the ones that you still need. Please bring payment with you (cash/check/credit card).

Note: Some classes require digital content which will be paid for at the same time as the textbooks. The digital code will be provided to the student by Andrews Academy and is not returnable. It may not be transferable if the student drops the class.

Buy Back: Based on the condition of the textbook (as well as market value/need), returning students will receive credit on their account for returned textbooks. Non-returning students will receive the credit on their account and will need to request a refund from Student Financial Services at AU via an online form.

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.

If you have not done so already, please purchase the Multi-Factor Authentication Security Key for all AA students right away. 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, which cannot be used by anyone else.

Security Key Link

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 #1 of 10 was due on August 4. You may put your payment in the drop box on the post by the main doors if needed.

The rest of the payments are due on the 25th of each month through May (except for seniors, whose final payment is due in early May).

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!

School Hours

The typical school day begins at 8:00 AM (with the exception of string orchestra and bike tour at 7:10 AM), and ends at 3:15 PM, except for Fridays, which vary according to the student's class schedule. Students may enter the building starting at 7:40 AM.

Watch the E-Sanjo and school calendar for any changes.

Chapel Recap

On the first day of school, Principal Ruben Perez-Schulz shared a message from James 1:5, reminding us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously without finding fault. He encouraged us to carry this verse through the school year.

Reflecting on King Solomon’s request for wisdom to lead well—and how God granted it abundantly—he illustrated his point with a container filled with rocks, pebbles, and sand. The rocks symbolized our top priorities: God and our spiritual life. The takeaway was clear: if we put God first, everything else will fall into place; if we don’t, there won’t be room for what matters most.

After the song service on August 19, 2025, Pastor Lindsey Pratt—PMC's youth pastor and AA chaplain—read from Isaiah 43: “God has called you by name. You are mine.” She reminded us that we each have a purpose: to be a light that proclaims God. She challenged us to consider, “What do you want to proclaim about God this year?” To conclude, she turned off the chapel lights and held up a flashlight, demonstrating how even one small light can shine in darkness—just as each of us can reflect God in meaningful ways, no matter how small our light may seem.

This school year, Wednesdays will focus on worship through music. We'll explore both new songs and familiar favorites, with special experiences like guest presenters throughout the year. On August 20, 2025, we practiced a beloved Andrews Academy tradition: The Lord Bless You and Keep You (Hymn #669). Led by Mr. Daniel Cerna, our chorale teacher, we learned the vocal parts to this meaningful piece, often sung at dedication services, Alumni Weekend, and other key events. Music like this connects generations, showing how worship in music unites us across time.

After song service on Thursday, there was a message from Mr. Caleb Akins on Exodus 3–5, focusing on the story of Moses and the burning bush. Moses struggled to believe that God was speaking to him—and he doubted others would believe him, too.

Key principles from the message:

Stand firm, even when it's uncomfortable.
Claim the redemption God offers.
Seek God daily.

Friday was set aside for individual classes to meet as groups—a time for devotionals and class activities. The junior class gathered in Mr. Atkins’ classroom, where he led worship by sharing a personal testimony of how a guardian angel protected him and his wife during a collision with an 18-wheeler. Remarkably, everyone was unharmed, and he believes divine intervention prompted the truck driver to pull away before the accident became catastrophic.

Afterward, the junior class reviewed procedures for their upcoming officer elections and announced their vespers program. They concluded the meeting by stepping outside to take a class photo to kick off the year.

More photos on Facebook

Song Video 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.

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.