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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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Week of Prayer
Next Week, September 22-26, 8:50 AM
Pastor Thorly James, Speaker
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Senior Class Trip
After a long day of travel on Sunday, the class of 2026 woke up to a beautiful view of the Smoky Mountains as they kicked off their senior class trip on Monday morning. The deck overlooking the mountains provided a peaceful setting for morning devotions before the day's adventures began.
The cottage where they stayed has three floors and multiple rooms, allowing the entire class to stay together in one building. The main floor features a spacious kitchen, a cafeteria, and a cozy sitting area that opens onto a deck with stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. Seniors were divided into teams that took turns preparing meals and cleaning up, fostering teamwork and bonding as they begin their senior year.
Monday was spent at Dollywood, where the class enjoyed a full day of rides and activities. Another day was dedicated to a community service project in Smoky Mountain National Park, where students helped clean trails and campgrounds. They also spent a day in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, enjoying a variety of activities there and on Ober Mountain.
The group returned on Thursday and was welcomed back by chalk artwork from the junior class. Andrews Academy’s senior class trip is held in the fall to give returning students a chance to reconnect and to help new seniors build friendships for the year ahead. The itinerary is designed to strengthen relationships with one another and with God. As a result of their time together, the seniors returned as a much closer, more united class.
Thank you senior class sponsors (Mrs. Pellegrini and Mr. VanDenburgh), faculty, staff, and the parent volunteer that went on this trip for your efforts and long hours to make this a memorable trip for our seniors.
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PC: Dylan Bergmann
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Service Day
As part of Andrews Academy's educational program, we participated in community service this Wednesday September 17, 2025. As a school, we think that it is important for students to learn to serve our community. We teach this concept in a very practical way by devoting an entire morning to service with the students, as well as having various smaller projects throughout the year.
Many projects were accomplished around Berrien County. One group of students picked up many bags of garbage at the on and off ramps of US 31 going into Berrien Springs as part of the Adopt-A-Highway program. Another group of students helped clean and organize things at the Berrien Springs Fairgrounds. Another group worked at Niles Adventist School. Others did various projects at AU James White Library, AU Wellness Center, RMES, PMC, and interior and exterior updates at Andrews Academy. This service day has reminded us all about the importance of serving the community and creation around us for God's glory!
Parents, you should be proud of what your children did on Service Day as they served the community. At these locations, people commented on how diligently AA students worked as they helped others, and how thankful they were for all that was accomplished. Our little bit of effort went a long way in demonstrating the philosophy of Andrews Academy and the diligence, maturity, and selflessness of its students. As faculty we are blessed to be able to have a part in it.
It was a fun day, and God blessed with a beautiful and safe experience.
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| More Photos on Facebook |
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Junior/Senior Parent Information Night
This Tuesday, September 23, 6:30 PM
Attention all parents of juniors and seniors! 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, parents (and students) 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!
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Picture Day is coming on Monday, September 29!
You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVTPSJXDD. Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!
Your child can also bring their completed flyer (available in the office) with cash or check on Picture Day.
Orders after Picture Day must be placed online only on mylifetouch.com.
Note: Student pictures will be taken in the AA uniform.
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Call for Entries! Feast of Lights Cover Art
Due Friday, October 3
Students are invited to submit original art to be featured on the cover of the Feast of Lights (annual Christmas concert) printed program. The drawing/digital file should depict the nativity scene or a related motif.
Interested? Submit your creation to Mrs. Meekma (at the front office or by email to ginam@andrews.edu) by Friday, October 3. One drawing/digital file will be selected by the faculty. The winner will be awarded a $100 prize.
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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 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. Excuses received between the 4th and 5th days will result in the partial removal of 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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Tuition
Payment #2 of 10 is due on September 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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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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NAD College Fair
The North American Division College Fair was held on Tuesday, September 9, from 8:00 to 9:30 AM for juniors and seniors. Students had the opportunity to meet with admissions counselors from Adventist colleges and universities across North America.
Students learned about scholarships, financial aid, and explored nearly 500 academic programs and career options. They were able to ask questions directly to college representatives and gained valuable insight into the application process.
As an added bonus, application fees for these colleges were waived during the fair!
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PSAT Prep and MAP Testing
This past Monday morning (September 15) was a "Test Preparation Day" for the Juniors while seniors were on their class trip. Juniors met in the chapel with AU representatives for a short worship and discussion of what these standardized tests are for. Juniors then worked together on test sample questions, a prudent way to prepare for the PSAT and SAT tests.
Freshmen and sophomores did their MAP® Growth™ test from NWEA® on a computer or tablet. MAP Growth scores help teachers check student performance by measuring achievement and growth. Teachers use results to tailor classroom lessons and set goals for students. This test adapts to the student’s responses to measure the student’s skill level. These results will provide a more complete picture of what the student knows and is ready to learn—whether it is on, above, or below their grade level. Teachers can identify students with similar scores that are generally ready for instruction in similar skills and topics and then plan instruction accordingly.
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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 17, 2025. We encourage you to get your senior picture done ASAP. 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 - yearbook picture
- 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 17), 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 27 & 28, 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). Watch for more information about signing up for ad night.
Please send photos and any questions to AAyearbook@andrews.edu. Note the student’s name in the subject line and indicate if the photos are for the senior/baby section OR the parent dedication.
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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.
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 AU ID number), 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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Pizza & Parables
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FACTS or Andrews Email Log In Help
New students, you should have set up your Andrews email address if you didn't already have one. Students should also have a FACTS log in.
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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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. 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 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 where there's faculty meeting: 3:30 PM)
Friday:
7:40 AM – 2:30 PM
(see website for exceptions)
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Andrews Academy
8833 Garland Ave Berrien Springs, MI 49104
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269-471-3138
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