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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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No School
this Monday,
February 16
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Andrews Academy Participates in MI Conference Music Fest
The Michigan Conference Music Fest, held at Andrews University on February 4, 2026, brought together 145 students in grades 4–6 and 190 students in grades 7–12 from across Michigan, including the AA chorale students. It was one of the largest groups that this festival, which rotates locations every year, has ever had. This was the first year that Andrews hosted the festival, and the Academy's choir director, Mr. Daniel Cerna, was the coordinator.
The 4th–6th grade choir rehearsed in the lobby of the Howard Performing Arts Center, while the 7th–12th grade choir practiced in the auditorium. After a full day of rehearsals, the event concluded with an evening concert (see YouTube video link).
Both the 4th–6th grade choir and the 7th–12th grade choir performed two selections each for the concert. It concluded with the combined choirs presenting two additional pieces together. Mr. Cerna led the 7th–12th grade choir and directed one of the combined choir selections.
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Important Dates from the Registrar’s Office:
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Tuesday, March 31 – Work Experience Forms Due (Seniors)
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Tuesday, March 31 - Academic Orientation for 2026-27 (9-11th Graders)
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Ice Skating & Class Vespers
Next Friday, February 20, starting at 2:45 PM, AA Parking Lot
Class vespers and activities provide a meaningful time to be drawn closer to God, to develop friendships outside the classroom setting, and an opportunity for class officers to develop leadership skills as they plan and lead in the activity and worship experience.
Ice skating and class vespers has been rescheduled for next Friday, February 20. Due to space limitations, the first 110 students that turn in their signed permission slips and $10 for ice skating at the main office will skate together, and then classes will have a vespers and some food.
Students who don't go ice skating can still go to the evening vespers, and they will still need a permission slip ($10 not required if not going ice skating). Permission slips are available in the main office. The $10 is to cover the cost of using the ice rink, skate rental, and to help defray some of the cost for transportation to the rink.
As you load the bus at 2:45 PM in the parking lot of AA to go ice skating, please bring cold weather gear since the rink is outside. Students are not allowed to drive themselves.
We will leave the rink at 5:30 PM and bring you back to AA (or to your class vespers location) by around 6:00 PM for class vespers or pick-up.
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Senior Class Vespers
Next Friday, February 20, after Ice Skating
Seniors, please bring food/drink according to the first letter of your last name:
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A-F: Drinks
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G-J: Fruit/Dessert
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K-L: Crackers/Chips
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M-R: Salad/Veggies
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S-Z: Soup/Chili
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Andrews Academy will be closed during Spring Break
(except by appointment).
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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.
Textbooks for second semester are available in the main office. Please stop by ASAP to buy any that you still need, bringing payment with you (cash/check/credit card). If you would like to know the cost ahead of time, please email ginam@andrews.edu.
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We are also buying back textbooks that students no longer need, especially for classes that will be taught again second semester.
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.
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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. Hopefully you received the recent messages from us regarding E-Learning Days.
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Please make sure that we have the phone number that you would like to have contacted. For school closings due to weather, we also send an email, put the announcement on our Facebook and Instagram pages, and alert local TV stations (WSBT, WNDU).
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!
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Tuition
Payment #7 of 10 is due on February 25. 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.
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Seniors Prepare for College
On Tuesday, seniors met individually with Andrews University representatives to help in their application to AU or to learn more about the application process for colleges in general. Also for the seniors who have already applied, they learned how much scholarships funds they will receive. This ranges from $8,000 to $14,000 a year while at AU. These scholarships are based on ACT/SAT scores and GPA.
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Adventist Seniors of Michiana Luncheon
Each year Andrews Academy hosts a luncheon for the Adventist Seniors of Michiana (members are 55 or above). The meal also includes some music entertainment, provided this year by various students under the direction of Mr. Daniel Cerna.
Each month this organization meets at various locations in the area. This luncheon on February 8, 2026, was one of their monthly meetings which included remarks by the president of the Adventist Seniors of Michiana, Mrs. Christine Rorabeck. She discussed some items for their meeting and announced some upcoming events. She then expressed her appreciation for Andrews Academy hosting this meal and encouraged each member to keep AA in their prayers, asking for blessings on this school year.
Andrews Academy appreciates the service of the seniors in our community, whether they have been missionaries at various places around the world and/or served in our community for many years. We also appreciate the support of the Adventist seniors who have volunteered their time at Andrews Academy and those who have given financial support to help send students to AA.
Thank you to Iliana, Kevin, Nathan, and Imani for saying thank you to this group on behalf of AA students. These four students represented the students well in expressing their thanks of the many things they appreciate about Andrews Academy and thanking the seniors for their financial support in helping students attend AA.
Thank you to the many students, parents, and teachers who volunteered for this program by either presenting music, making or serving the food, hosting, as well as setting up and cleaning up after the program. Your service in helping with the seniors' luncheon is appreciated and is an expression of the unique school spirit that we enjoy here at Andrews Academy.
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| More photos on Facebook |
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Chapel Recap
Pastor Ron du Preez spoke at Monday’s chapel, presenting “a marathon of miracles.” A South African–born pastor, scholar, and author, he has shared insights about Jesus worldwide. More than 25 years ago, while serving as a missionary, du Preez was critically injured in an accident and airlifted to Switzerland for multiple surgeries. At one point, his oxygen level dropped to 18 percent—yet he miraculously suffered no brain damage. Despite lasting injuries and ongoing pain, he committed to recovery through faith and perseverance, eventually running a marathon five years later. This summer, he was featured at a General Conference session after completing 50 miles in all 50 states in 50 days. Along the way, he encourages seniors to stay active and shares the love of Jesus—truly living a marathon of miracles.
Tuesday’s interactive chapel, led by the Spiritual Life Committee, invited students to discuss questions with those around them, including sharing Bible passages about love that resonate with them. Afterward, students wrote on heart-shaped sticky notes something they love about Jesus, along with a prayer request, and placed them on the cross at the front of the chapel. The service concluded with a rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
On Wednesday morning in chapel, Mr. Daniel Cerna, the choir director, taught basic note reading and continued developing the rhythm for “The Lord Is My Rock.” The sound team did incredible work to make it a success. After practicing together, three volunteers came forward to lead. Mr. Cerna concluded by emphasizing that putting Scripture to rhythm is a powerful way to memorize it.
Andrews University sophomore Joseph Pelote, a pre-physical therapy student, spoke at chapel on Thursday about moving to Kenya in sixth grade when his father served as a missionary—a change he initially resisted. Two years later, the COVID-19 pandemic brought more disruption, and he later attended Shenandoah Valley Academy, where he deepened his faith. Joseph shared that challenges can lead to growth and encouraged others to rely on a favorite Bible passage during difficult times. His was Book of Isaiah 40:28–31, which sustained him through high school. He urged listeners to return to Scripture and trust God to carry them through hardships.
After the song service Friday morning, recent graduates Leo Aguilera (Class of 2020) and Bethany (Shelley) Aguilera (Class of 2019) returned to the chapel to discuss relationships. Married for nine months after dating seven years, they answered student-submitted questions collected by Pastor Johnson, including, “How do we know if we’ve found the right partner?” Thank you to Leo and Bethany for sharing their valuable insights.
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8th graders are invited to attend....
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Tuesday, March 3, 8 AM - 3:15 PM (gym doors open at 7:30 for registration)
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Lunch is provided.
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Call 269-471-3138 with any questions.
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Students who attend local Adventist schools do not need to RSVP.
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Current AA Students: Some will help with the event. The rest will stay home for an E-Learning Day. Watch for more information.
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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.
Online Menu: Go to https://andrews-university.cafebonappetit.com, under Cafe, click on School Lunch. Then click on View/Print Weekly Menu. To subscribe to the daily menu email, scroll to the bottom of the website, and enter your email address under Subscribe to Menu Mail. Choose School Lunch for the menu (or All Cafes if you prefer).
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 9 digit AU ID number, including the zeros - a computer rather than a phone works best), 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.
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FACTS or Andrews Email Log In Help
The FACTS district code is AN-MI.
During the school year, you will be able to find your schedule, grades, missing assignments, attendance, etc. on FACTS.
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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.
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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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Important Attendance Policy Updates
ATTENDANCE EVALUATION
Each student begins each semester with an attendance record of zero points. All absences and tardies (excused and unexcused) are assigned a weight of 1 point. The FACTS system includes separate attendance codes, allowing for clear categorization and reporting:
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A (Absence)
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AE (Excused Absence)
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T (Tardy)
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TE (Excused Tardy)
The AS attendance code is assigned a weight of 0 and is used to mark school-related absences (e.g., for approved school trips or activities). These absences do not count against the student’s attendance record.
Students are allowed one long tour per semester.
PROCEDURES
Each school day, the student who was absent or tardy without excuse is notified of the record in FACTS, the student information system. Parents and students both receive email notifications. If the student believes the record to be incorrect, or has any question about the record, it is that student’s responsibility to contact the school office or attendance officer or submit to the school office a written excuse from a parent/guardian within 3 school days to remove those points.
Correction received after five days generally will not be accepted. In instances where a student is absent for several consecutive days, such as for an extended illness, two school days are allotted following the last absence to submit an excuse.
A student is responsible for all course work missed while absent with or without excuse.
Absence Policy
• After 5 unexcused absences per class: Student receives a warning email.
• After 8 unexcused absences per class: Student receives a demerit.
• After 10 unexcused absences per class: A meeting is scheduled with the student, parents, and attendance officer or another administrator.
• After 10 combined excused and unexcused absences per class: Student receives a warning email noting the risk of withdrawal from the class.
• After 15 combined excused and unexcused absences per class: A meeting with the registrar is required, and the student may be withdrawn from the class and lose all credit subject to that class, pending a review by the Student Affairs Committee.
Tardy Policy
• After 5 unexcused tardies per class: Student receives a warning email.
• After 10 unexcused tardies per class: Student receives a demerit.
• After 10 total excused and unexcused tardies per class: Student meets with the attendance officer or administrator.
Demerit Review Policy
Demerits related to attendance may be re-evaluated at the end of the semester if the student maintains no unexcused absences or tardies from the date the demerit was issued onward.
A student is eligible to hold an organizational office or leadership position as long as they maintain an attendance score below 7 unexcused absences. A student is also eligible to participate in co-curricular, overnight trips and tours if the attendance score is below 7 unexcused absences. A student is placed on citizenship probation when the attendance score reaches 7 unexcused absences.
Major off-campus school activities include, but are not limited to, overnight trips and tours (see section on Student Citizenship-Citizenship Probation). When a student’s attendance score reaches 7 unexcused absences, the student is placed on citizenship probation. Further unexcused absences could lead to future in-school suspensions. Repeated attendance issues will be referred to the Student Affairs Committee to determine if the student should continue in the Academy and, if so, under what conditions. If these conditions are not successfully adhered to, the student’s enrollment may be discontinued at the time of infractions, at the end of a given semester, or at the end of the school year.
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.
- From the Sourcebook (pg. 67-68)
For any attendance questions that you would like to ask by email, please direct them to AAattendance@andrews.edu.
Thank you!
Mrs. Dionne Robinson
Guidance Counselor/Attendance Officer
Andrews Academy
269-471-3453
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More Attendance Information
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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. 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 or injury 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.
Mrs. Dionne Robinson
Guidance Counselor
dionner@andrews.edu
269-471-3453
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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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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
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AA Uniforms Available from Lands' End
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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.
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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 65-66) for more information regarding uniforms.
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Only approved logoed uniform wear is allowed.
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A solid-color, long sleeved undershirt may be worn under the AA short-sleeved polo (no writing should be visible on the undershirt).
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Only AA logoed jackets are allowed to be worn in the building.
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The PE uniform (t-shirt or sweatshirt, shorts or sweats) can only be worn during PE class.
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If a student is wearing an AA logoed jacket, they should also have an AA logoed shirt underneath.
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Regular School Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday:
7:40 AM – 4:30 PM
(except Wednesdays when there's faculty meeting: 3:30 PM)
Friday:
7:40 AM – 2:30 PM
(see website for exceptions/holidays)
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Andrews Academy
8833 Garland Ave Berrien Springs, MI 49104
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269-471-3138
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Find us on the Web: www.andrews.edu/aa
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This newsletter was sent to you at aanews@andrews.edu because of your interest in Andrews Academy.
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