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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 on Monday
Since this Monday, September 2, is Labor Day, there is no school.
Enjoy the long weekend!
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2024-25 AA Family
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Please keep Andrews Academy in your prayers during the 2024-2025 school year. May each student think deeply, live fully, serve unselfishly, and trust God completely.
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Dedication Convocation Service
The first Sabbath of the school year (Aug. 24, 2024) is when the Academy has a dedication service for the year. The school year's theme and banner was unveiled, “Called For A Purpose.” The text on which the theme is based is Romans 8:28.
Dedication and Litany preceded the sermon. The principal, a student, a teacher, and a parent led in each of the components of the “Dedication Litany of Praise" to begin our school year. The scripture was read in six different languages, reflecting the diversity that the school enjoys.
The Principal Installation of Mr. Ruben Perez-Schulz was presented by Dr. Wager Kuhn and board chair Fares Magesa. Dr. Jerome Skinner presented the sermon, “Called For A Purpose."
A meal followed as we enjoyed fellowship with each other. Thank you to PPI for organizing this meal, and thank you to each participant.
Please continue to pray that we will have a blessed year.
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Our online textbook store is open. Please follow the instructions for purchasing workbooks and digital content that are automatically placed in your cart, which is required to purchase from them as part of our contract. The bookstore will list all of the textbooks required for each class that the student is registered for (note that some textbooks are optional if there is digital content required).
See the attached PDF for ordering instructions.
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Email Mrs. Gina Meekma (ginam@andrews.edu) with any questions or log in difficulties.
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Safety Reminders
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Do not leave vehicles unattended in the fire lane at the Academy. If you need to drop something off and/or someone will not be in the vehicle, please park in the temporary parking spaces or in the regular parking lot.
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If there is a long line of cars waiting to get in at the Academy front entrance, DO NOT stop on the side of the road and wait for the student. You must go to the regular parking lot.
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E-Learning Day for Students/Professional Development for Faculty & Staff
Please note that the e-learning day was moved from October 7 to Monday, September 30. Students will work from home while the faculty and staff have some important training.
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Student Association Camp Out & Orientation
The SA camp out is quickly coming up and will take place from September 6-8, 2024.
Orientation is this Wednesday, September 4, at 8:00 AM in the chapel (before Beach Day). If you are going to SA Camp Out, please attend the orientation.
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SA School Picnic/Beach Day
This Wednesday, September 4, 8:30 AM - 3:15 PM
Just like a regular school day, attendance is required. We must have a Hold Harmless signed for your child in order for them to attend.
Everyone get excited for our annual beach day! Beach Day will occur on Wednesday, September 4, starting at 8:30 AM and ending at 3:15 PM.
Be sure to come to school in appropriate beach day attire and feel free to bring the following:
- towels
- sand toys for our sand castle class contest
- a swimsuit
- sunscreen
- a change of clothes
However, please make sure that your clothes and swimsuit follow the school guidelines in the Sourcebook (pg. 83).
Food will be provided, but if you have special dietary needs, you may bring your own. Get ready for a fun day bonding with your classmates and a day off of school!
If you are taking a college class during the day, please arrange for transportation with Mr. Sherman on Tuesday. Students are not allowed to drive themselves to beach day or their college class.
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Senior Convocation
Tuesday, September 10, 9:50 AM
Senior parents/guardians are invited to this special service in the AA chapel. This is a formal event. Refreshments will follow for seniors and their families.
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School Vs Senior Flag Football Games
Tuesday, September 10, Girls' Game starting at 5:00 PM, Boys' game immediately follows, at the Academy field.
Mrs. Mills needs a list of teams by Friday, September 6. Sign-up sheets are on the gym door for those that are interested.
The school team must have at least 1 representative from each class on the team. ***MUST be coached by an adult that is verified by Mrs. Mills at all practices.
Teams should also have a uniform shirt with a number on the back of the shirt in order to play. Creating a shirt is a perfect option for the game. Jerseys are not required.
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Please park at either the school parking lot or near Auto Zone. There are no unauthorized vehicles permitted on or near the field for practices or the games.
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Note: PPI will provide some concessions of beverages and light refreshments at the football games.
Parents, PPI is asking for help in concessions. Contact Kimberly Spare at AAppi@andrews.edu if you can help.
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| Flag Football Rules |
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AU SciFEST
September 19–22, 2024
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 us 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 Light. To kick off the experience, students can choose to participate in a 3D printing Workshop, Natural History Museum Tour, or exercising/swimming at the Andreasen 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 "Creation Care & Technology" 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 only 10 students are allowed to attend from AA. 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 30, to Mr. Wright.
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| More Information |
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Picture Day is coming soon - September 26
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School Hours
The typical school day begins at 8:00 AM (with the exception of strings and backpacking), and ends at 3:15 PM. Students may enter the building starting at 7:40 AM using their ID card.
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School Lunch Program
Andrews Academy
2024-2025
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Bon Appetit Management at Andrews University is honored to have the opportunity to provide your child with delicious meals that promote health and wellness. Our chef-driven food is alive with flavor and nutrition, always prepared from scratch. We take the care of your student(s) very seriously and thank you in advance for placing your trust in us.
Meals are sold as a package of 4 weeks of meals (one month). Students may choose which lunches they want to eat and bring a lunch on the other days. When the academic semester has completed, the cost of any unused meals remaining are credited back to the Andrews Academy student (tuition) account.
Important Information for 2024-2025 School Year
For the first month of school (August 19 - September 13, 2024), those parents desiring to purchase school lunches for their enrolled students will need to pay via cash, check, or credit card at the Andrews Academy office or via credit card over the phone for their student's lunch service for the month. Checks (noting that the payment is for lunches and the student's name) may also be put in the dropbox on the pillar by the front door also. Lunch payments may NOT be made on TouchNet.
This is a temporary arrangement, since Andrews University ITS is planning to provide a secure web page where parents of AA students can pay online for any subsequent school lunch charges after the first month of school. Further announcements will be forthcoming.
The reduced meal plan contract and application can be obtained from the school office, or you can reply to this email to request them to be sent to you in an email in case you would like to be considered for this program. Please return the completed forms to Andrews Academy ASAP. Proof of income will be required. Please see the application for details.
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 by AA 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
Notes: The menu will be posted in the display case at school as well as towards the end of the E-Sanjo each week.
The Friday boxed lunch must be ordered by putting the student's name and ID number on a sign-up sheet in the office (also passed around during lunch) by Wednesday at 2:00 PM.
This is an optional lunch program. Students are always welcome to bring their lunch or their parent can bring them a lunch, but students are not allowed to have lunch delivered to them by a restaurant/Door Dash.
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| More information |
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Hold Harmless Form
Note that the attached hold harmless form is required for all students so that they may attend day and overnight trips (e.g. required school days such as beach day, class vespers, ice skating, trips and tours, etc.), and that medical insurance coverage is required for students to participate in off-site activities. You can also find it on our Useful Documents web page, and printed copies are available in the main office.
Note that the form may not be digitally signed or sent to us as a picture or file. We need the original, signed form turned in to the office ASAP. This blanket hold harmless agreement can be used for any school activity that is on our calendar.
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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. We found a few more used uniforms in storage, so those who don't have uniforms should come tomorrow (Monday) to see if you can find something that fits (first come, first served).
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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.
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| AA's Lands' End Store |
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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. 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,
Caleb Akins, MA
Media Ministry Director
Andrews Academy
akins@andrews.edu
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AU Campus Safety Parking Permit
Academy Vehicle Registration Process
- All vehicles parked on Andrews University property must register their vehicle with the Office of Campus Safety. This must be done online before you plan to park in the AA parking lot or anywhere else on the AU campus. (See instructions below.)
- You will be given a green community registration sticker or an orange staff registration permit if your parent/guardian currently is employed by Andrews and is present at the time of registration. This will go on the driver’s side lower corner of your windshield and should be visible to the on duty patrol officer. This permit will allow you to park in all blue and green lots on campus. No overnight parking is permitted.
- The parking permit will expire on August 31 of the following year, when it will need to be renewed. It may be renewed sooner, starting in early May.
- As a complimentary service, Campus Safety is pleased to offer free jump starts and vehicle lockouts to our guests and students provided they are on University property.
- The Andrews University adopted vehicle policy can be found at the link below.
- If you have further questions, Campus Safety is available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week and can be reached at the following number: 269-471-3321.
Walk-through of Online Vehicle Pre-Registration:
(Please read through instructions before you begin)
Step 1: Go to www.vault.andrews.edu and login using AU username and password (a DUO push will be required to enter system). New AA students who have not yet set up their AU username and password will be sent instructions soon.
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Click on “Campus Safety” and enter your AU username/password.
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Click on “Register Vehicles”
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Click on "Re-register" or "Start New Registration"
Step 2: In Permit Type, select the permit type available (NOT Bicycle). The vehicle information boxes will then populate. (If your permit type is not shown, please select what is available, clarify the appropriate type needed with Campus Safety by email or at decal retrieval.) (If decal option is not given for Faculty/Staff, and this is your campus status, please skip step 8)
Step 3: Skip down to the Vehicle section and fill in the Type, Year, Make, & Model of your vehicle. For Color, choose from the menu provided that is closest to your vehicle color.
Step 4: Your VIN number (Vehicle Identification Number) is string of numbers and letters that you should be able to find this on both the insurance and state registration (number must match on both documents.)
Step 5: In the License section, enter the issuing State & License Plate number
Step 6: Click on the Agreement button at the bottom of the webpage. Read through the Vehicle Registration Agreement and then sign using your AU password and then click Submit.
Step 7: Attach all documents requested (must be taken in any .jpeg format. If you are using your mobile device to take the pictures, check format: Settings, Camera, Format - use most compatible option.)
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You must have CURRENT Registration & Insurance and a valid Driver’s License to be issued a permanent parking decal. If document is expired see * below.
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Click “Upload” after each document has been selected
++ Faculty/Staff skip to Step 9 ++
Step 8: There is a $10 annual fee per vehicle for non-faculty/staff parking decals. Select payment method. If you wish to pay cash or in person, do not choose an option. Cash can only be paid at the Financial Aid Cashiers Desk. (Note: Tell cashier payment is for Vehicle Registration and bring receipt to retrieve the decal.)
Step 9: Click “Update.” Please look for emails in your AU email account with further instructions.
Your registration is complete once the permit has been placed on the windshield.
* Place picture of plate in registration attachment slot. Please email safety@andrews.edu with this information after you complete all possible information online. A temporary parking permit will need be issued. Temporary Parking Permits must be placed in vehicle driver’s side dash when parked on campus.
** If you have an appointment to register with state, please bring verification (email, screen capture) along with all other requested documents, and a temporary parking permit will be issued.
Temporary Parking Permits dates must be viewable on driver’s side dash when vehicle is parked on campus.
Call AU Campus Safety at 269-471-3321 if you have any problems or questions.
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| AU Vehicle Policy/Information |
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Tuition
Note that payment #2 is due on or before September 25. If you have not yet paid payment #1, please do so right away. It was due on August 5.
Please contact Ms. Gracie at gaytan@andrews.edu with questions.
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Class Vespers and Activities
At various times throughout the school year, class officers in consultation with their class sponsors, organize class vespers. Sometimes the class vespers also involves an activity and/or meal for the class to enjoy and bond together. These class vespers also provide opportunities for officers to develop their leadership skills.
Although the sophomore class does not have officers yet, a number of individuals who are running for an office helped organize their first water activity and vespers of the school year at the Loenser’s property. The senior class already has their officers, and they also planned a water activity and vespers at the Reid’s home.
A big thank you to the Loensers and the Reids for opening their home for the class vespers and activity on the water. It was a perfectly warm day to enjoy the water together with friends. And thank you to parents who volunteered to help take care of things as the class did various activities together. Last year’s freshman pastor, Chrissy Penno, led in the worship thought for the sophomores, while Pastor Gabriel Johnson, senior class sponsor, led in worship for the seniors. (Aug. 23, 2024)
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Seniors, for more photos, please go to the senior class album on the school Facebook page.
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| Senior Photos on FB |
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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 18, 2024. 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.
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Pictures for the yearbook and senior ads must adhere to the following requirements:
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- In color
- 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)
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Baby Photos
By the same date (October 18), 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 28 & 29, 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).
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AA Fall Week of Prayer - 2024
Andrews Academy’s Fall Week of Prayer (Aug. 26 - Aug.30, 2024) was presented by Pastor Jezer Castillo, a student from the AU seminary. The theme for the week is “Under Construction.” We were blessed by beginning the school year with Week of Prayer. By focusing on Jesus as we begin the school year, we pray that each and every day of this school year we will continue to be focused on Jesus.
Monday (Aug. 26) began our Fall Week of Prayer. Students led out in a song service, followed by prayer time when students and faculty talked with someone next to them to find out their prayer request and then prayed for each other. Pastor Jezer shared the day's theme, “It’s all about your foundation.” The foundation for good shooting a hoop in basketball is to shoot with your legs, which are the foundation of the shot. It is even more important to set up a good foundation of your life now in high school, which will greatly impact your future. We are to build our house on a rock (Jesus) our foundation; however, it will fall if it is built on sand (Matthew 7:24-27). Storms will still hit us even when we build our foundation on Jesus; however, we will be able to remain standing because of the foundation we are built on.
Tuesday began with time to again pray for the requests of our prayer partner from Monday. We then turned to another person and prayed for them. Pastor May, AA religion teacher, read Psalm 91 as a prayer over the students and faculty. Pastor Jezer’s theme for the day was "From Dust to Life," as was printed on the shirt he was wearing. He pointed out that to be able to read the fine print of the shirt, to know what the shirt says, you have to get closer. Likewise, to know God, we need to be close and personal with Him. He then read Genesis 2:7, about taking the dirt of the ground to create Adam. God used the simple ground to make an extraordinary thing, and He can take our messed up, dirty lives and transform us into something incredible!
Wednesday’s theme was “Turn It Around.” Thursday’s theme was “Without Limits.” Please watch the Facebook album for pictures and a write-up for these two days.
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Friday’s concluding worship was called, “Come out of the Window.” Acts 20:7-12 records the story of Paul healing the boy that had sat in the window during the evening’s worship and fell to his death. As we sit on our “window,” Satan knows how to tempt us and have us fall from our window. Remember that we may fall, but God still has the last word: He bends over and picks us up from our fall like Paul did in Acts. Jesus is always there, ready to pick you up no matter what.
Pastor Jezer encouraged students to make a commitment to be baptized, which is a display of our inward decision. He made a call for students to fill out a commitment card or to come forward if they want to have this covenantal relationship with our God.
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| More photos on Facebook |
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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 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 in mid-September to load funds online. You may still pay cash or check in the Academy office even when the website is available.
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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.
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You can find your schedule, grades, missing assignments, etc. on FACTS.
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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.
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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. 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
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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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Mondays - Thursdays:
7:40 AM - 4:30 PM
Fridays: 7:40 AM - 2:30 PM
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Andrews Academy
8833 Garland Ave Berrien Springs, MI 49104
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269-471-3138
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