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Volume 18, Issue 66

 

Andrews Academy's

Official Newsletter

May 9, 2025

 

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Vocal and Bells Spring Concert

 

The Andrews Academy Spring Concert featuring Resound, Echo, Silhouettes, and Chorale, was held on Tuesday evening, May 6, 2025. The program showcased performances by each ensemble, along with several impressive student soloists.

 

One particularly memorable moment was when senior André Henry, a Resound bell choir member, debuted his own composition and conducted the group in its performance—it was an inspiring display of student creativity and leadership.


A heartfelt thank you goes to all the students for their dedication in making this concert such a beautiful experience. Special appreciation is also extended to Music Director Mr. Daniel Cerna for his tireless effort in guiding and developing the talents of his students.


The evening concluded with the presentation of music awards, recognizing the hard work and accomplishments of these talented young musicians.

More photos on Facebook
Video of Concert
 

2025-2026 Re-Enrollment


Andrews Academy’s administration and staff welcomes you to re-enroll your child for the 2025-2026 school year. Parents, please take time now to complete your child’s re-enrollment for next year.

 

March 12, 2025
FACTS Re-Enrollment Opened

 

April 8
Academic Orientation, Class Schedule Available

 

August 4
Tuition #1 Due

 

August 18
First Day of School

 

FACTS ENROLLMENT

 

FACTS requires a non-refundable $100 payment upon submission of enrollment. A verification email will be sent to you.

 

Follow these simple instructions:

  1. Please go to https://factsmgt.com

  2. Select Log In Here.
  3. Under For Families, select Family Portal Log In.
  4. Enter AN-MI into the District Code field.

  5. Enter your username and password. If you have forgotten your username or password, please click on the link provided. If you are unable to log in, please contact Gina Meekma (ginam@andrews.edu or call 269-471-3138) for assistance.

  6. After logging in, click on the Apply/Enroll button in the left menu.

  7. Click on the Enrollment/Re-enrollment button.

Our Enrollment system will open with a link to the enrollment packet for your child. The online process should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Your information will be saved if you need to quit and come back later. 

 

(Please Note: You will need to use a computer to access the online enrollment packet. Mobile devices can be used to log into FACTS; however, the enrollment function will not work.)

 

You do not need to meet with Ms. Gracie before doing online enrollment.

 

MEDICAL INSURANCE CARD

 

Upload a medical insurance card (front & back – jpeg format only) when completing FACTS enrollment OR email to aaadmissions@andrews.edu.

 

Note: Anyone who had AU's Priority Health insurance needs to submit their new HMA insurance card.

 

🚩 FINANCIAL AGREEMENT - Sign up for an appointment with Ms. Gracie.   You do not need to meet with her before following the steps above for re-enrolling.

 

The Financial Agreement form must be approved by Gracie Gaytan, Student Accounts Manager. Please make an appointment for your family as soon as possible at https://calendly.com/aafinances. Only one appointment per family is necessary unless there are special circumstances. We appreciate your patience as she has many families to meet with as well as other responsibilities.

 

CLASS SCHEDULE - Available as of April 8

 

Upon completion of FACTS Enrollment and the Financial Agreement, an email will be sent to you with instructions to make an appointment with the registrar. Appointments begin in April starting with the new seniors, then juniors, and sophomores (see dates in registrar's announcement below).

 

Your class schedule will be time-stamped, and reservation for classes will be based upon class standing, availability, attendance records, and a time stamp.

  • Based on FACTS Enrollment and Financial Agreement dates, you will be able to choose your locker for next school year, typically during the summer.
  • Instructions and forms are located on the Andrews Academy website.

CONTACT US

 

Re-Enrollment Process: aaadmissions@andrews.edu

Financial Information: gaytan@andrews.edu

Class Schedule: aaregistrar@andrews.edu

2025-26 Year-at-a-Glance Calendar
 

Thank You, PPI

 

We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Parents Positively Involved (PPI) for going above and beyond this week to provide delicious meals and treats for our faculty and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week! We’re especially grateful to the many parents who helped prepare the dishes, and to PPI Coordinator, Mrs. Kim Spare, for her leadership—not only this week but throughout the entire school year.


As the school year winds down, teachers and staff often feel the weight of fatigue and stress. Your thoughtful gestures, kind notes, and tasty expressions of appreciation truly lifted our spirits and re-energized us for these final busy weeks.


We’re also still smiling about the fun watermelon glasses you provided—they made for some great selfies! Thank you all for your involvement and generosity. It means more than you know.

More photos on Facebook
 

New Students


Applications for new students are now open. Parents, 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.

 

To reserve classes, new students must have applied, been financially cleared, turned in two recommendation forms, and be done with online enrollment.

 

March 11, 2025
FACTS Applications Opened

 

May 19

Class Schedule Appointments Begin for New Enrollees in Grades 10-12

 

June 1
Grad Brunch for 9th Graders, Schedule Available - 10:30 AM

 

June 3

Class Schedule Appointments Begin for New Enrollees in Grade 9

 

August 4
Tuition #1 Due

 

August 18
First Day of School

AA Website
Instructions for New Students
2025-26 Year-at-a-Glance Calendar

CONTACT US

 

Application/Enrollment Process: aaadmissions@andrews.edu

Financial Information/Questions: gaytan@andrews.edu

(Appointments: https://calendly.com/aafinances)

Class Schedule Questions: aaregistrar@andrews.edu

 

Tomorrow, Saturday evening, May 10, 8:00-10:30 PM
Worship, activities, games, and food

A permission slip and ticket are required. Please contact Mr. VanDenburgh with any questions (denburgh@andrews.edu).

 
Sign Up Here
 

SA Banquet

This Sunday, May 11, 5:30 PM

 

Please note that students cannot attend the banquet without a ticket.

 

School Banquet Dress Code:
All students attending a banquet must choose formal attire that adheres to the following guidelines (per the Sourcebook):

  • Tops must have solid fabric (nontransparent, non-lace) that goes no lower than four finger widths from the clavicle all the way around the body.

  • If the top buttons, it needs to be buttoned no lower than four finger widths below the clavicle.

  • No bare shoulders are permitted. The shoulders must be covered by sleeves or straps at least the width of three fingers.

  • If a jacket, sweater, shawl, etc. is used to cover the shoulders, it must be worn during the entire event.

  • If wearing a two-piece outfit, the top must meet the bottom so that no midriff shows.

  • Bottoms must reach the knees or lower, all the way around.

  • There must be no transparent/sheer cutouts, any slits, or any holes anywhere that violate the above standards.

  • Avoid clothing that is excessively tight.

  • Per AA policy, students may not wear jewelry.

 

Open Forum with Principal Perez-Schulz

This Tuesday, May 13, at 6:30 PM

 

Parents are invited to attend this meeting with the principal to wrap up the current year and plan for the next school year.

 
Sign Up Here
 

Next Friday, May 16,

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM at AA


Please plan to arrive by 8:30 AM for devotions, SA election speeches and election, and the unveiling of the new yearbook. We will also have fun activities and food.

  • If you do not receive your yearbook that day, you may pick it up later from the main office.

  • Athletic wear may be worn. Please come to school dressed according to the AA Sourcebook policy (pg. 80) for school functions.
  • Bring your pen to sign yearbooks. 
  • Food will be provided. 

Dismissal is at around 12:00 PM (no afternoon classes).

 

Bible Study

Next Sabbath, May 17
5:00-7:00 PM

AA Library

 

All Andrews Academy students are invited to a Bible Study Sabbath experience.

 

This Bible Study Sabbath is a revival of the Bible Studies we experienced last year on a few select Sabbaths. It has been a wonderful blessing to open the Bible and wrestle through some of the tough Bible questions you, the students, have in our Bible classes and through last year's Q&A times. Because we'd like to continue this tradition of our Bible Study and Q&A, we have a Sabbath afternoon set aside for just this.

 

All AA students who are interested in attending this experience, please fill out this Google Form. It will help us prepare accordingly, especially concerning the finger food portion.

There is also further information towards the end of the form to help you prepare/know what to bring.

 

I am looking forward to this experience, and hope you are too! May the LORD cover this experience with His blessing and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we dig into the Bible to ground our walk with the LORD.

 

As always, if there are any questions, comments, concerns, etc., please feel free to contact me. ~ Mrs. May (kardosmoldo@andrews.edu)


ONLY AA students using their AU email can access and fill out the survey.

Bible Study Google Form
 

Testing Out of Spanish I or II at AA


Spanish I and/or II test out exams will take place on 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.

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.

 

Important Information from the Registrar’s Office:

  • 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.

Please note dates for priority enrollment based on class standing. **It is important to schedule your appointment in the correct week:

 

â–º Seniors (Class of 2026) - April 8-18 - Ended

â–º Juniors (Class of 2027) - April 20-25 - Ended

â–º Sophomores (Class of 2028) - May 5-9 - Ended

â–º All classes - May 12 forward

 

* If you missed your designated class week, you may need to schedule your appointment for May 12 or later. Be sure to put your name on the sign up sheet on my office door in case I can meet with you sooner.

 

Ms. Ivonne Segui Medina

Andrews Academy Registrar
269-471-3996
aaregistrar@andrews.edu

 

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.

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.

 

Parents Positively Involved (PPI)

 

The school year is winding down fast! We have 2 more events we need PARENTS help with.  

 

#1 – SA BANQUETThis Sunday, May 11

It’s not far away! We need help with SETUP and SERVING and CLEAN UP. Please click here to see what time slots are available. IF you are able to sign up for multiple slots, that would be great! We would like to see everything filled by next Wednesday. Thank you!

 

#2 – SCHOOL PICNIC DAYNext Friday, May 16

We are having 5 rotations of FOOD tables outside for Picnic day. Please click here for the sign-up sheet. I will need help with people manning the food tables and serving students outside. If you are able to help setup or cleanup, that would be appreciated too.  

 

Let me know if you have any questions. 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

 

 

Tuition

 

Payment #10 out of 10 is due by May 25 (except for seniors, which is due sooner). 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.

 
 

Home Economics

 

On Thursday, Mrs. Melissa Poua — mother of sophomore Losa — visited the home ec classroom to teach students how to decorate two types of cupcakes, featuring buttercream and fondant roses. Thank you, Mrs. Poua, for being our guest and sharing your time and talent!

More photos on Facebook
 

Chapel Recap: 2 Samuel

 

Wednesday's chapel was small group Bible study focusing on 2 Samuel.

 

During Thursday’s chapel, the Evangelism and Leadership class led worship following a time of singing. They focused on prayer, inviting students to write prayer requests on small slips of paper to be placed on a prayer wall in the library. There, students and class members prayed together, and the class will continue praying over these requests throughout the rest of the semester.  

 

Simeon Jackman, an Andrews Academy alumnus, returned Friday to speak at chapel. He explored a question many wrestle with: Why do bad things happen? Drawing from the story of Joseph, he emphasized that even in hardship, God remains present and guiding. Simeon also shared his own journey. Last year during his senior year at the Academy, after giving a chapel message, he was encouraged to consider ministry. Though he initially pursued a different major, life experiences and open doors eventually led him to study theology. Along the way, he witnessed miracles—including the opportunity to serve as a student missionary in the upcoming year. He reminded us that just as God worked in Joseph’s life, He is working in our lives today.

More photos on Facebook
 
 

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 front office.

Parents: To sign your student up for the lunch program or add funds to your student's account, please pay at the Academy main office (cash/check/credit card) until a website is set up to load funds online. You may still pay cash or check in the Academy office even when the website is available. The preset amount for 20 lunches is $132, unless your student has been approved for reduced lunch.

 
  • www.landsend.com

  • Enter school name and city/state (or use Preferred School # 900150871).

  • After selecting “Andrews Academy,” select “Shop for this School.”

 
 
Full Calendar on Website
2024-25 Year-at-a-Glance Calendar
2025-26 Year-at-a-Glance Calendar
 

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.

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!

 

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.

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.

AA's Lands' End Store
 

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. 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

 

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.

You can find your schedule, grades, missing assignments, etc. on FACTS.

 

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. 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

 

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!

 

Mondays - Thursdays:
7:40 AM - 4:30 PM

Fridays: 7:40 AM - 2:30 PM

 

CONTACT US:

 

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

Financial Questions: gaytan@andrews.edu

Class Schedule Questions: aaregistrar@andrews.edu

Attendance: aaattendance@andrews.edu

Guidance Counselor: nievesl@andrews.edu

Faculty & Staff Contact Info
 
Useful Documents
Sourcebook (revised 2021-22)
 

Andrews Academy

8833 Garland Ave Berrien Springs, MI 49104

 

 

academy@andrews.edu

 

269-471-3138

Find us on the Web: www.andrews.edu/aa

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