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Volume 17, Issue 10

 

Andrews Academy's

Official Newsletter

September 15, 2023

 

Senior Presentation Convocation

 

Tuesday (September 12, 2023) was Senior Convocation, a formal service to present the senior class and to challenge them to think of and apply their class Motto, Aim and text. Besides special music and prayers, some officers presented their class banner, which artistically portrays their class Class Aim: “Leading through service,” and their motto, “Serving others prepares you to lead others,” and Bible verse, Matthew 20:28.

 

Pastor Nancy Kardos-Moldovan ("Ms. May"), one of AA's religion teachers, presented the Address. She presented on the aim and motto about serving others. At one point, she presented treasures stored in gift boxes to the class. A number of the class “served” their classmates as they opened the boxes and put the treasures together. It was also an exercise on working together to solve a mystery. When they unraveled their treasures, another class member read the verse “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" Matthew 20:28. (This is their class text).

 

Mr. Richard Wright and Mrs. Ivonne Segui Medina, class sponsors, presented the class. The principal, Pastor Ferguson, then gave a charge to the class, followed by Callie Carlsen, who gave the class president’s response. It was an inspiring program to present the senior class and dedicate their school year. A reception in the Commons followed the program. We thank the junior class for organizing this reception.

More photos on FB
 
Freshmen & Sophomores (Grades 9 & 10)


This Monday, September 18, grades 9 & 10 will take the MAP® Growth™ test from NWEA® on a Chromebook (provided). Students should arrive at school at 8:00 AM. Testing will begin promptly at 8:30 AM and should conclude by 12:30 PM. Parents, please arrange for your student to be dropped off and picked up on time. 

 

Lunch will not be provided

that day.

 

If you would like to have your student see what to expect on Monday, visit the NWEA website: https://www.nwea.org, go to the login tab, and select MAP Growth student login from the drop down menu. Once at the login page, select try the practice test. After clicking, try the practice test, enter grow for the username and password. On the next screen select grade, choose any of the subjects, language preference, and any of the tests. This will help the students see what a test will look like on Monday.

Parents, please contact Ms. Nieves (aaattendance@andrews.edu or 269-471-3453) if your student is not able to make it to the school for MAP testing.

Juniors (Grade 11)

As the juniors prepare for the PSAT on October 11, a test prep session has been scheduled for this Monday, September 18, at 8:00 AM, while grades 9 & 10 take the MAP tests. The PSAT, when taken in a student's junior year, is a qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship. They will also meet with Andrews University. They should be done around 12:00 PM.

PM E-Learning Day

There will be e-learning (at home) for the afternoon classes, so grades 9-11 should check Google Classroom or watch for an email from their teacher for each of their afternoon classes to see what may have been assigned for that day.

(Seniors will be on their class trip.)

 

Ms. Leslie Nieves, Guidance Counselor & Attendance Officer
269-471-3453

Note: All freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will take the PSAT test on October 11. We encourage our students to familiarize themselves with the test by taking practice tests online. In addition, students will receive a PSAT study guide and practice test soon from their English teachers in preparation for test day. There is no cost to Andrews Academy students taking the PSAT test.

 

School Name: Andrews Academy

Picture Retake Day: Thursday,September 28

Picture Day ID: EVTCCZXPJ

You can order ahead of time at mylifetouch.com with the above Picture Day ID. Or you can order after the proof has arrived.

 

Hispanic Heritage Assembly - Flag Parade

Friday, October 13

 

Hispanic students that would like to carry their flag need to sign up in Mrs. Silvestre’s room before next Friday, Septembre 22. Wear traditional clothing, soccer jerseys, etc. If you don’t have any of these, you will need to wear the AA uniform.

 

Two Factor Authentication Device & School Laptop Loans


When logging into school computers and AU email/Google Classroom, students are now required to use the two factor USB authentication device that has been provided by the school. Most students have already received and installed the device.

 

Please sign the technology form (attached in case your student did not bring one home), indicating if your student would like to take home a school-owned laptop for use during the school year, and/or noting that they received (or will receive) the required two factor USB device, and return the form to the main office. Students, if you have not yet received at two-factor device, please stop by the main office.

School laptops will be loaned with a signed form from the student. Parents and students, be sure to read the second page of information, the Authorized User Policy, which includes replacement costs for lost or damaged laptops and two factor devices.

 

Intramurals and Fitness Center at AA


Students, please click on the intramural interest button and answer all of the questions to aid in planning the after-school activities at AA for the 2023-2024 school year. You can also sign up to use the fitness center on Monday afternoons from 3:30-4:30 PM.

Student Intramural Interest
Student Fitness Center Sign-Up
 

School Vs Senior Flag Football Games 

 

Thursday, September 28, Girls' Game starting at 5:30 PM, Boys' game immediately follows, at the Academy field

 

Mrs. Mills needs a list of teams by Friday, September 22. Sign up sheets are on the gym door.

 

***MUST be coached by an adult that is verified by Mrs. Mills at all practices

The school team must have at least 1 representative from each class on the team.

Flag Football Rules
 

Junior/Senior Parent Information Night

Tuesday, September 26, 6:30 PM

Attention all juniors, seniors, & parents! The Guidance Department, in collaboration with Andrews University's Enrollment Department, will host a Parent Information Night at Andrews Academy. The purpose of this Parent Night is to provide information about GPA and test scores, registration, scholarship opportunities, and Andrews University's Early College Experience Program. In addition, students and parents will have the opportunity to hear more about the pros/cons of community college vs. four year universities, how to schedule a family visit at AU, and learn more about upcoming events. Please join us!

 
 

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. Meekma (ginam@andrews.edu) in the main office.

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

 

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 (if you haven't already done so):

  • 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 (or turn it in to the school office).
  • Stop by the school office and complete the form.
 

Hot Lunch Contracts


Andrews Academy
School Lunch Program

2023-2024

 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

 

  • Full Paying Meal Plan ($6.35 per meal)

We are pleased to inform you that this year participating in the school lunch program will continue to be as easy as last year! You can simply give us (Dining Services) a call, and provide the student’s name, ID# and the amount you would like added to their meal plan, and your credit card information. You may also stop by our (Dining Services) office to add funds using a credit or debit card. You may add as much money as you would like; however, a minimum of $100.00 is required to get the account started. A week of meals is $31.75, a month is $127.00, a five-week month is $158.75. We are unable to accept cash. The cashier will let the student know when funds are low, and it is the student's responsibility to notify their parents. Please note that you must contact Dining Services in order for your child to participate in the program, even if they participated last year.

  • Reduced Meal Plan

The contract and application are attached. We also have copies in the AA office. They must be filled out and returned to Dining Services ASAP. Please provide your student with a lunch until your application is approved. Proof of income is required, so please see the application for details. We are unable to accept cash. Student is allowed one swipe per day. 

  • Free meals will no longer be offered.

Students must present their ID card for meal pickup. Portion sizes are predetermined, and second servings are not provided. All meals now include the house legume and whole grain brown rice. 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 our youth!


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

 

Note: The menu is posted in the display case at school as well as towards the end of the E-Sanjo each week. Students who are signed up for the hot lunch program and would like the Friday boxed lunch will need to sign up in the office or at lunch by Wednesday at 2 PM.

 

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

 

Textbook Information

Be sure to check to see if used options are available.

 
 
 
 

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 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.

 

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!

 

Tuition

 

Tuition payment #2 is due on September 25.

Please contact Ms. Gracie at gaytan@andrews.edu with questions.

 

Chapels this Week

 

On Monday, Pastor Nancy Kardos-Moldovan ("Ms. May"), one of AA's religion teachers, continued the discussion of the SA campout’s theme for the weekend, “Love Languages.” It was a good review of the highlights of the discussions from the weekend and also a time for the rest of the students to learn of these love languages. This insightful presentation taught us that Jesus used the love language of the person He was with to effectively communicate with them.

 

Wednesday’s chapel consisted of a game called “Two Truths and a Lie.”  Students were divided into three groups, and then two truths were stated as well as a lie. The group who had their representative run to Ms. May first and state what the lie was and give their rationale won the point. This was a fun and interactive way to learn more Biblical facts. Thank you, religion teachers, for creating this fun interactive game.

 

On Thursday, Dr. Baker, from the AU archeology department, presented on the archeological dig in Jordan this past summer. Three Academy students presented some of their experiences from the dig of this past summer. For example, Adam Hamstra shared a picture of Mount Sinai where they reached the peak at sunrise and stood at what is considered the spot where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments. Experiencing the places of the Bible brings the Bible to life for the participants. Dr. Baker shared from Luke 19:40 that even the stones will cry out. In a way, unearthing the stones of their archeological dig in Jordan where King David once built a fortress, they were unearthing pottery and stories from King David’s time! AA students can participate in the AU 2024 dig where they will visit Petra, the Jordan River sites, and Israel. It’s a life changing experience that students are encouraged to participate in.

 

Thank you, trio and pianist, for the special music today (Friday). This morning included “Friday Questions,” a time where a few questions were asked of the students. The students discussed the questions, and then reported back to the entire group. This was a good way to process important concepts. This was led by religion teacher, Pastor Gabriel Johnson, and SA officers.

More photos on FB
 
 

Attention: 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.

To sign up for the lunch program or add funds to your student's account, please contact Andrews University's Dining Services at ds@andrews.edu or call 269-471-3161. The Dining Services Office is 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

 

AU Harvest Run 2023

Homecoming Weekend at Andrews University (September 28 – October 1) is fast approaching, and we’d like to personally invite you to participate during one of our weekend events, the Bradley Family Harvest Run on Sunday, October 1, starting at 9:00 AM at the Andreasen Center for Wellness. The race features a 5k and 10k distance around the campus of Andrews University and, for the 10k, challenging trails down by the Dairy. Come enjoy a morning of exercise and test your competitiveness with the rest of our Andrews University community and visiting alumni. There will be overall 5k/10k awards in addition to age group medals. The race will be timed, and we’re offering finisher photos for the first time this year that we’ll send out to you after the race. Learn more and register at https://alumni.andrews.edu/run. We hope to see you on race day!

 

Your AU Alumni Team

 

AU Agriculture Education Center

Open House:
September 30, 4-6 PM

Set your GPS to 8385 Farm Oval Drive to park at the top of the hill and take a stroll down, or 8225 Dairy Dr, Berrien Springs, MI 49104 to find parking down at the Agriculture Education Center.


Wander around, meeting the animals and seeing the facilities. This is not just a mini farm, this is our pride and joy. This facility allows us to offer hands on education to our students, as they learn to care for our animals.

 
 
2023-24 Year-at-a-Glance Calendar
2023-24 Calendar
 

Mondays - Thursdays:
7:40 AM - 4:00 PM

Fridays: 7:40 AM - 2:00 PM

 

CONTACT US:

Main Office: ginam@andrews.edu or call 269-471-3138
Principal: aaprincipal@andrews.edu or mferguson@andrews.edu
Vice Principal: girlie@andrews.edu

Application/Enrollment Process: aaadmissions@andrews.edu

Financial Questions: gaytan@andrews.edu

Class Schedule: 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