News & Announcements

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Volume 19, Issue 50

Andrews Academy's

Official Newsletter

May 22, 2026

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Last Day of School - Mizpah

After completing final exams on Thursday morning, May 21, 2026, the entire school gathered in the chapel for one last worship service together. During the program, the principal interviewed the four faculty/staff members who will be leaving at the end of the school year. They reflected on questions such as which activities or traditions they will miss most and how their time at AA influenced their spiritual lives. Each faculty/staff member was also presented with a gift in appreciation for their service. Mrs. Dionne Robinson then shared a heartfelt letter she had written to the students following her year serving as the school counselor. Afterward, the principal interviewed five seniors, asking them reflective questions about their experiences and memories at the Academy.

The worship service began with a time of singing, followed by a reading from 1 Peter 2:9, which reminds us that we are living stones and part of a royal priesthood. Pastor Gabriel Johnson expressed gratitude to the many groups who helped lead chapel throughout the year. He thanked Sarah Ayaz for leading the praise team, the AV team for their faithful work behind the scenes, and the Spiritual Life Committee for their careful planning and prayers for each student. Pastor Johnson then concluded the service by sharing a worship thought.

The Mizpah closing program, a cherished Andrews Academy tradition, began in 1992 under the leadership of Dr. Nash. During this ceremony, student leaders presented the full list of names from each class—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. Mr. Steven Atkins presented the faculty and staff list, while the NHS and SA presidents presented their respective organization lists. These names were then placed into the Mizpah vault, which is located in the theme wall of the Academy Commons. This symbolic act represents our commitment to God, entrusting the entire Academy family—students and faculty—from this year and dating back to 1979, when the building first opened. By placing these names in the vault, we prayerfully place each individual into God’s care, with the hope that we will all be reunited when Christ returns. The ceremony concluded with the entire school community reciting Genesis 31:49: “The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.” One of the most meaningful moments of the morning was the Andrews Academy family prayer time—a powerful bookend to the school year. Just as we began the year in August with prayer, we ended it the same way. Various individuals led in prayer as hundreds of students joined together, lifting one another up in a beautiful expression of faith and unity.

Following this, students cleaned out their lockers and checked out of school. Numerous students stayed a little longer to talk and sign each others yearbooks, almost as if they did not want to leave school.

More photos on FB

Mrs. Kimberly Spare Announced as New Administrative Assistant

We are pleased to announce that "Ms. Kim" Spare has accepted Andrews Academy’s invitation to serve as our next Administrative Assistant beginning June 1, 2026. Ms. Kim brings extensive experience in administrative leadership and office management, having previously served as Administrative Assistant and Office Manager for the School of Communication Sciences & Disorders at Andrews University.

Her professional background, organizational skills, and commitment to service will be a wonderful addition to Andrews Academy.

Ms. Kim is an AA class of 2000 alumnus, so she already knows a lot about the school. She has two children attending AA, has been PPI director and continues to support the school by volunteering in many ways.

Over the next week, Ms. Kim will be working alongside Mrs. Gina Meekma as part of her transition and training process. We are grateful for this opportunity to provide continuity and support as she becomes familiar with the daily operations of our school community.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Ms. Kim to the Andrews Academy family. We are excited to have her join our team and look forward to the positive contributions she will bring to our school community.

SA Vespers

The Student Association wrapped up the 2025–26 school year with a special evening at the Ashley home, hosted under the leadership of the incoming 2026–27 SA officers and bringing students together for a night of fellowship and faith. The evening began with lawn games, good food, and relaxed conversation. As the sun went down, students gathered for a time of worship led by Pastor Lindsey Pratt, who anchored the night in Joshua's call to be strong and courageous. Pastor Pratt then invited students into a reflective exercise: writing personal letters to their future selves, sharing their current struggles, their hopes, and what they are choosing to surrender to God. In a beautiful touch, Pratt plans to mail the letters back to students next school year as a reminder of God's faithfulness through every season. The night closed around a fire with s'mores—a sweet end to a meaningful year. It was a fantastic, spirit-filled close to 2025–26 and a promising start to the 2026–27 school year.

Thank you to the Ashleys, SA sponsors, and the SA officers...and, of course, all of the students who came out for one last evening vespers together!

More photos on FB

NHS Officers

At Andrews Academy, the election of officers for NHS occurs towards the close of the school year. This way the new officers have time to plan for the next year. Elections were held on May 18, 2026. Congratulations to each and prayers of blessings as you plan for the 2026-2027 school year!

President: Daniel Butnaru

Vice President: Axel Davis

Pastor: London Acquah

Secretary: Juliana Payne

Treasurer: Zarah Prentice

Public Relations: Kwame Amponsah

2026-2027 Re-Enrollment

Andrews Academy’s administration and staff welcome you to re-enroll your child for the 2026-2027 school year. Parents, please take time now to complete your child’s re-enrollment for next year. Only one parent/guardian can re-enroll, and if you want to change the parent responsible, please let Gina Meekma (aaadmissions@andrews.edu) know.

March 25, 2026
FACTS Re-Enrollment Opened

March 31
Academic Orientation, Class Schedule Available

Week of April 20

Financial Clearance Appointments Began

August 3
Tuition #1 Due

August 12

Check-In Day (times by last name)

August 19
First (Half) 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:

Please go to https://factsmgt.com
Select Log In Here.
Under For Families, select Family Portal Log In.
Enter AN-MI into the District Code field.
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 (aaadmissions@andrews.edu or call 269-471-3138) for assistance.
After logging in, click on the Apply/Enroll button in the left menu.
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 correctly.)

MEDICAL INSURANCE CARD

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

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

The Financial Agreement and Financial Aid forms are now available. They were emailed to parents on April 16. They are also on our website, and physical copies are available in the office.

The Financial Agreement form must be approved by Gracie Gaytan, Student Accounts Manager. Please make an appointment with her at www.calendly.com/aafinances and bring your completed financial paperwork with you to the appointment. If you are meeting via Zoom, you may email the documents to gaytan@andrews.edu. 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.

Other financial forms (Family Discount, Project Assist, and AU Employee Educational Assistance) are also available on our website.

CLASS SCHEDULE - Available as of March 31

Upon completion of FACTS Re-Enrollment, an email will be sent to you with instructions to make an appointment with the registrar. Students, you may put your name on the sign-up sheet on Ms. Ivonne's door in the library in case she can meet with you sooner.

Note: FACTS Re-Enrollment must be done before you can meet with Ms. Ivonne regarding classes for 2026-27.

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

Instructions and forms are located on the Andrews Academy website.

CONTACT US

Re-Enrollment Process: aaadmissions@andrews.edu (Gina Meekma)

Financial Information: gaytan@andrews.edu (Gracie Gaytan)

Class Schedule: aaregistrar@andrews.edu (Ivonne Segui Medina)

Testing Out of Spanish I or II at AA

Spanish I and/or II test out exams will take place this Thursday, May 28, at 2:00 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.

Graduation Information

Consecration Service: Today, Friday, May 22, 8:00 PM (arrive at 7:30), Village Adventist Church. Livestream: youtube.com/villagemediaministry
Baccalaureate Service: Sabbath, May 23, 11:45 AM (line up at 11:30), PMC (Family, get there early for seating). Livestream: andrews.edu/livestream
Faculty/Senior Vespers: Sabbath evening, May 23, 7:45 PM, AA. Bring yearbooks and a pen.
Conferring of Diplomas Service: Sunday, May 24, 11:00 AM (arrive at 10:15), PMC. Livestream: andrews.edu/livestream

Hi there Class of 2026 graduates! Your parents had some wonderful words of wisdom to share in the survey that Mrs. Tonya Snyder sent out, and she didn't want them to go to waste. She had the attached document created for you to check out. Enjoy and refer to it frequently!! Best wishes and blessings for you all as you launch!

Creative Credit: Nevaeh Hippler, AA Class of 2022

Band and Strings Spring Concert Link

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.

We will be taking textbooks (except for Nautical Arts books) back in June during office hours.

May/June Office Hours:

Open: Most Tuesdays - Thursdays from 9-1 in June.
Closed: June 5-15
Limited hours next week due to meetings. Closed May 25 & 26.

Tuition

Payment #10 of 10 is due on May 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.

Ceramics Final

The Ceramics class final exam looked very different from a typical exam-week test. Instead of filling out papers, students presented the ceramic pieces they had created throughout the semester. Mr. Zech Ray—our teacher, AA alumnus, and local artist—personally critiqued each student’s work, highlighting their strengths, unique styles, and creative approaches to pottery and design. It was fascinating to see the wide variety of techniques, personalities, and artistic growth reflected in each collection. From carefully detailed pieces to bold and creative designs, the exam showcased how much skill and creativity students had developed over the course of the semester.

More photos on Facebook

Home Ec Class

The home ec students designed and sewed their own aprons from scratch and added handmade embroidery as part of their projects.

Thank you to Ms. Frandialina Jean-Baptiste, our home ec and foods class teacher, for teaching our students important skills for everyday life!

Chapel Recap

On Monday, as the school year came to a close, Pastor Johnson, AA religion teacher, encouraged students to reflect on the people who made their AA experience meaningful. Students then paired up to pray for one another’s requests. He shared a childhood story about being frightened during a thunderstorm while home alone in the campus apartments and running to his mother for comfort. Connecting this to Deuteronomy 31:6, he reminded students that God promises never to leave or forsake us. Pastor Johnson also shared that after his first year teaching, he considered leaving the Academy, but a student’s simple question—“Are you leaving?”—helped him realize he could not leave the students. Looking back, he is grateful he stayed. He encouraged students to trust God’s unfailing love, remembering that even when we feel forsaken, God never leaves us.

On Tuesday, Pastor Steve Toscano, AA religion teacher, shared the chapel message, Saul of Tarsus: From Persecutor to Preacher of Righteousness. Reading from Acts 9, he recounted Saul’s dramatic conversion and how both Saul and Ananias obeyed God despite fear and uncertainty. Pastor Toscano highlighted three lessons: God’s grace is for everyone, His grace transforms lives, and He has a purpose for every person. He concluded with a prayer that students would accept God’s transforming grace and be willing to serve Him.

Mr. Caleb Akins presented the final regular chapel of the school year on Wednesday. He spoke about mental health and “NEWSTART: A Road to a Healthier You,” sharing practical ways to handle stress and anxiety in healthy ways. NEWSTART is an acronym representing eight principles for healthy living:

N – Nutrition
E – Exercise
W – Water
S – Sunlight
T – Temperance
A – Air
R – Rest
T – Trust in God

He concluded with a mind exercise, asking students to visualize a roof protecting them from the rain—a place of safety and refuge. He connected this thought with Proverbs 18:10: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.” Mr. Akins shared that this is one of his favorite Bible verses and reminded students that God provides a safe place for us as we face the stresses of life.

More photos on Facebook

Grad Brunch for Incoming Freshmen

Sunday, May 31, 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM, Andrews Academy

Parents of incoming freshmen (9th graders), along with your student, are invited to join us to learn more about Andrews Academy, including our music program and classes, get financial information, sign up for classes, meet many of our faculty and staff, and more. We will eat brunch, and students will have fun activities in the gym as well. Some uniforms will also be available for sale (limited sizes and quantities - cash or check only).

There may be limited financial clearance appointments available. You may also meet with Gracie during the summer, but you cannot move on to online enrollment and reserving classes until you meet with her as well as submit the application and two recommendation forms.

If you plan to apply for Financial Aid, please bring copies of the following:

• 2025 W2 or 1099 (if you do contract work)
• 2025 Tax Return

This will help to speed up the processing of your paperwork.

Note: Classes cannot be reserved until the online application, two positive recommendation forms, financial clearance, and online enrollment are completed, even if you turn a schedule in at Grad Brunch.

Spend Your Summer with Andrews University!

July 26 - August 14, 2026

The Early College Experience is an in-person summer program for rising high school juniors and seniors as well as incoming college freshmen. Come join us for three weeks of learning and fun on the campus of Andrews University. Each student will take one, 3-credit hour college course in addition to participating in seminars, activities, and local travel. This is a great way to earn college credit as a high schooler!

Admissions

Admissions requirements for the summer 2026 Early College Experience:

All applicants must fill out and submit the online application. Students must have a 3.25 High School GPA with a college prep curriculum.* ACT, SAT or PSAT scores preferred. Students can be admitted without test scores, but must meet high school curriculum requirements. For questions, please email explore@andrews.edu.

*Rising juniors must submit additional test scores. Please contact the program director for special inquiries.

Application

Students can apply for the Early College Experience online following the instructions below. In addition to the application, you will need to submit a copy of your high school transcript and the relevant standardized test scores.

The easiest way to apply is to use our fillable application. Click the link above and download the form. Fill it out and send it back to AU via email at explore@andrews.edu.

If you want to apply online, visit the online application right here or by visiting andrews.edu/apply. Choose the undergraduate application and be sure to apply for the Main Campus as a high school guest student. You must apply as a high school guest to get the special rate. In addition, make sure you choose the summer term and click "yes" for Early College. The rest of the application is simple and should only take a few minutes to complete.

After AU receives the application and additional documents, they will review your information and you will receive a decision letter. If you have already been admitted for the fall term, they will have your documents on file. If you are admitted to the program, you will receive an acceptance letter with instructions on your next steps and payment information. Please remember, acceptance to the Early College Program is not an admission to Andrews University as a full-time student. If you have any trouble with the application or have questions, please contact them at explore@andrews.edu.

2026 Courses

College Writing I

Communications Skills

Ignite Discipleship Program

Scripture* (general education religion)

World Civilizations

The Early College Experience is a single package price of $995. This covers all costs, including tuition, housing, food, books, and activities. There are no hidden costs or additional fees. Students should arrive on Sunday, July 26, for move in. No late arrivals are allowed.

More Info

Andrews University Junior Cardinals

Calendar on Website

2025-26 Year-at-a-Glance Calendar

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.

If you need help logging in to FACTS or help with your Andrews email and password, please contact Mrs. Gina Meekma (ginam@andrews.edu).

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!

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.