|
Andrews Academy's
Official Newsletter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
To view the full newsletter, you may need to click on the words at the top -
"View in browser."
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alumni Weekend 2024 - Convocation and Career Seminars
Friday, October 18, 2024, was the beginning of Andrews Academy’s alumni weekend. Hundreds of alumni returned to remember the fun times at AA and to renew friendships with each other and with our God.
The weekend started with Convocation in the chapel for the current Academy students. The senior class of 2025 led in the song service and the pledge of allegiance. Mr. Ruben Perez-Schulz, AA Principal, welcomed everyone to convocation. Mrs. Sarah (Gane) Burton from the class of 2009 presented the address. She shared some insights from her high school, college, and adult life as she is “wandering” throughout her life, drawing lessons from Abraham’s wandering in his life. We also sang the school song.
After Convocation, the students then went to various classrooms to participate in Career Seminars. Based on their interests, students were able to sign up to attend two career presentations of their choice. This was a great opportunity for students to explore possible career choices as Andrews Academy alumni shared insights about their careers. For example, Mr. Bruce Cameron (’69) presented on being a religious liberty lawyer, while Mrs. Christine (Tedjasukmana) Lee (’99) presented on being a nurse/public health practitioner.
This is the fifth year of also having a Career Fair as part of Friday's events. Half of the gymnasium had booths that helped explain more about various careers, many of which had interactive activities. Various departments from AU, the community, and alumni were represented in these booths. Thank you, Ms. Leslie Nieves, and everyone who made this a successful opportunity for students to learn more about careers.
Please go out of your way to thank Mrs. Tonya Snyder and Mrs. Gina Meekma for an excellent program on Friday and for planning alumni weekend. And thank you to a whole host of volunteers for stepping in to help make this weekend possible!
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Alumni Weekend 2024 - Friday Vespers
Friday night's vespers (October 18, 2024) was presented by Andrews Academy's class of 2004. Attendees had a great time of singing familiar hymns. Dr. Daniel Bedney shared on the theme, “It’s been too long…. It’s time to be restored.”
Thank you, AA Class of 2004, for presenting the Friday evening vespers.
Members of various classes stayed after the program for more than an hour, catching up on what has happened in their lives and that of their classmates. Some gathered around the campfire by the new benches given by the class of 2023. As they stood around the fire and talked, they also enjoyed some s'mores. It was a fun evening of sharing and remembering their time together at AA.
|
| More photos on Facebook |
|
|
|
|
|
Alumni Weekend 2024 - Sabbath School & Church
Alumni Sabbath School began at 10 AM on Sabbath morning (October 19, 2024) in the chapel. It included tributes and a special music by Noah Lim and Dr. Gallardo-Diaz. Through their tributes, presenters shared how Jesus used the faculty and experiences of Andrews Academy to change their lives. It was an inspirational time of sharing and seeing how God has blessed.
Alumni Proceedings were also interspersed throughout the Sabbath School program. Honor Classes were recognized by having each class stand. In some cases, the honored classes were asked to come to the front of the chapel to be recognized. For example, the class of 1974, celebrating their 50-year reunion, were presented with gifts. Mr. John Reichert was honored with a Teacher Legacy Award. Mrs. Marjorie (McClure) and Mr. John Eggers (‘59) were honored as alumni of the year.
Mrs. Gina Pellegrini, Mr. Gabriel Johnson, and a number of Andrews Academy students led in children’s church in the library. After singing, the leaders told a Bible story. The children also worked on a craft project. A big thank you to many students who helped with children’s church, as well as to Mrs. Nancy "May" (Kardos-Moldovan), who helped to plan children's church.
While the children were in the library, the Worship Service occurred in the Academy Chapel. Mr. Joel Bennett, from the class of 1999, presented a powerful sermon focusing on Ephesians 3:16-19. Several alumni from the class of 1999 participated with scripture and prayers. Special music was given by Orion Strings. Alumni were invited to join the current Silhouettes in singing “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross.” It was great to see a number of families with two generations of alumni singing together.
Following worship service, a lunch was provided for the alumni. We thank PPI, student officers, parents, and many other volunteers for organizing and helping with the meal. It was another good opportunity for classmates to reunite and share what has happened in their lives since graduation and remember experiences from academy years. Many shared how much of a positive impact Andrews Academy had on their lives. During lunch, each of the honored classes had their photo taken and met in a classroom so that they could fellowship together.
|
| More photos on Facebook |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Please plan for Parent/Teacher Conferences today and tomorrow (Thursday), October 23 & 24. School will dismiss at 12:00 PM on both days to accommodate the conferences, which are via Zoom. Conferences today, Wednesday, October 23, will be from 4:00–8:00 PM, and conferences tomorrow, Thursday, October 24, will be from 2:00–5:00 PM.
If you would like to conference with a contract teacher, the office will be able to provide you with contact information. College teachers must be reached through the University. If you need to meet with a teacher but were not able to sign up, please feel free to email the teachers through the FACTS portal and schedule an appointment that works for both of you. We look forward to meeting with you.
If you need help logging into FACTS, please email ginam@andrews.edu. The district code is AN-MI.
|
|
|
 |
October 23 & 24 - Adjusted Schedule
October 23 - AM Classes Meet
|
7:10-7:55 AM
|
Regular Schedule
|
|
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
|
Regular Schedule
|
|
12:00 PM
|
Dismissal
|
October 24 - PM Classes Meet
|
7:10-7:55 AM
|
Orion Strings
|
|
8:00-8:50 AM
|
12:05/12:35 Classes Meet
|
|
8:55-9:15 AM
|
Devotions
|
|
9:20-10:10 AM
|
1:30 Classes Meet
|
|
10:15-11:05 AM
|
10:15 Assembly Meets
|
|
11:10 AM - 12:00 PM
|
2:25 Classes Meet
|
|
12:00 PM
|
Dismissal
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
SAT Testing at AA
Juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to participate in SAT School Day tomorrow, Thursday afternoon, October 24. The SAT is a standardized test for college admissions in the United States. Allowing students to take the test in a familiar environment will help build their confidence. To learn more about the SAT, we invite you to explore the website: https://www.collegeboard.org/. You are also able to access a free practice test: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/practice-preparation/practice-tests
There are no spots left. The test also can be taken at other locations on other dates. See me for details.
October 24 is the second day of Parent/Teacher Conferences, and the students have noon dismissal. Students participating in SAT School Day are excused from their classes that morning only if they are present for the test that afternoon and should arrive at school at 1:00 PM to begin testing promptly at 1:30 PM. If you do come for the whole day, please bring a lunch.
Please bring an approved calculator:
https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/what-to-bring-do/calculator-policy
Ms. Leslie Nieves
Guidance Counselor | Andrews Academy
269-471-3453
nievesl@andrews.edu
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Call for Entries! Feast of Lights Cover Art Entries
Due Friday, November 1
Students are invited to submit original art to be featured on the cover of the Feast of Lights (Christmas music concert) printed program. The drawing/digital file should depict the nativity scene.
Interested? Submit your creation to Mrs. Meekma (at the front office or by email to ginam@andrews.edu) by Friday, November 1. One drawing/digital file will be selected by the faculty. The winner will be awarded a $100 prize.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Picture Day Photos
Proofs and ordered photos have arrived and can be picked up form the main office.
Retakes are on November 5. If you ordered photos and would like retakes, please bring the photos with you that day.
|
|
|
To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student's school (not AU) ID number. Contact Mrs. Meekma (ginam@andrews.edu) for the number.
All families can also log on and order a FREE Digital SmileSafe card.
More about the Smilesafe program here.
|
|
|
|
Don't Forget to Order this Year's School Pictures
ENJOY 10% OFF your order!
CODE: F202410OFF
EXPIRES: July 31, 2025
Redeem Now
Don’t forget to order your FREE Digital SmileSafe card! More about the Smilesafe program here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
AA Gym Schedule Fall 2024
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
Parents Positively Involved (PPI)
As the AA school year and events are well under way, we are thrilled with the parent involvement thus far. There are many more opportunities to serve, and I encourage you to look ahead at the school calendar of events.
Please email me (aappi@andrews.edu) if you are available and willing to serve at any of these events. ~ Mrs. Kimberly Spare
|
|
|
|
Tuition
Note that payment #3 is due on or before this Friday, October 25.
Please contact Ms. Gracie at gaytan@andrews.edu with questions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alumni Weekend 2024 - Shydepoke
The traditional Shydepoke game this year was a basketball game held in the AU gymnasium (October 19, 2024). Since Shydepoke’s inception in 1960, it was a flag football game. However, since it is no longer an option to use the high school football field, where it was traditionally held, the University’s field was transformed into a soccer field, and the Academy field does not have lighting, for the second year it was decided to have basketball games. There was a lot of excitement during the games that had many more players and a larger audience compared to recent years.
The female alumni vs students’ game was won by the alumni 21 to 16, with the alumni taking the lead early in the game. The male alumni vs students' game had the AA students taking an early lead, but the alumni tied it up in the last few seconds of the fourth period. In over time, the school then took a lead and won the game to 66 to 55. Everyone had a lot of fun.
The Doug Newberry most valuable player award went to Noah Fitzpatrick, and the Lydia Chong most valuable player award went to Anabel Dockerty. These awards are named after two PE teachers from the 1980s.
Some Shydepoke history: In 1960, the Andrews Academy Shydepoke tradition began during the principalship of Knobby Mauro. At that point, there was only one game for the males. In the 1980s, the female and then male games became a tradition. The name “Shydpoke,” which is a term from the south meaning a “get together social event,” was chosen. Also, during the Mauro's principalship a challenge was presented to the students to come up with a name for the school teams. Mr. Gordon Johns, from the class of 1966, came up with the name “Acumen.” His goal was to scan the dictionary for a unique and meaningful name, and he only go to the “ac” of the dictionary when he found this word. Acumen means “the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain.” He won the $10 prize for this.
Thank you, coaches, referees, announcers, and fans for making this a fun and successful alumni event.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alumni 2024 - Sharon Russell Memorial Walk
The second annual Sharon Russell Memorial Walk was held on Sunday morning of alumni weekend (October 20, 2024). Last year, the twenty-year honor year class of 2003 wanted to do something to remember their teacher, Mrs. Sharon Russell, who impacted the lives of many students in so many ways. Her health class was known for walking around campus and the community as part of her fitness program.
Members of the class initiated a new Worthy Student Fund called the “Sharon Russell Non-endowed Fund.” Each year, approximately 20 percent of AA students receive tuition assistance from the Worthy Student Fund. Without the gifts regularly made by alumni and friends, these tuition supplements would not be possible. Mrs. Russell had a heart for her students, and this new worthy student fund is a way for each of us to honor her as we share financially to help students attend AA.
|
|
 |
|
We thank the many people who have contributed to this fund, as well as to our General Worthy Student Fund, for helping make the Andrews Academy experience possible for these students.
Thank you, class of 2003, for initiating these two items that so many could participate in for many years to come.
|
| More photos on Facebook |
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Ads for Yearbook
Senior yearbook ad nights are next week, Monday and Tuesday, October 28 & 29, starting at 5:00 PM. At that time, parents can meet with yearbook staff to plan for senior ads for the yearbook (see the messages to seniors in the back of previous yearbooks for examples). Click here to sign up for ad night.
Payments (cash/check to Andrews Academy/credit card) should be made in the office by this Friday, October 25. There will be a late fee for payments made after that date.
Please send photos and any questions to Mrs. Diane Myers (myersd@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.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
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 to load funds online. You may still pay cash or check in the Academy office even when the website is available.
|
|
|
|
 |
Community Volleyball
AA hosts community volleyball on some Tuesday nights from 7:00-9:00 PM.
|
|
|
Click on the form link if you would like to play. It needs to be completed before you can attend and play for the evening. You can access this form repeatedly to change your sign-up status. Please sign up the day before the Tuesday you choose to play so that Mrs. Mills can give the list to the supervisor for the evening. Each person that plans on playing needs to sign up using the attached form (using an andrews.edu email address).
|
| Volleyball Sign-Up Form |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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).
|
|
|
|
Email Mrs. Gina Meekma (ginam@andrews.edu) with log in difficulties. Contact EdTech with questions about your order.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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,
Mr. Caleb Akins, MA
Media Ministry Director
Andrews Academy
akins@andrews.edu
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
 |
|
You can find your schedule, grades, missing assignments, etc. on FACTS.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Important Attendance Information
- Pre-arranged Absences: Please be sure to fill out a pre-arranged absence card if you know in advance that you will be missing school due to a doctor/dentist/orthodontist appointment, trip, basketball tournament, driver's test, etc. These cards can be found in the main office or online. A parent's signature is required, then the office, and teacher(s) of the class(es) that you will miss.
-
Class Schedule Adjustment (CSA) Requests: A CSA is available for students who have a study hall at the beginning or ending of the school day or will be working during a study hall during the school day. A CSA is required for students who leave the Academy to attend classes at Andrews University, who are going to work off campus, or who wish to begin the school day later or leave earlier on a regular basis. The CSA request form must be filled out and signed by everyone indicated on the form before the student stops attending their study hall. Students must adhere to CSA guidelines that are printed on the CSA application. Any violation may cause the CSA to be revoked. I will email students and parents when a CSA is approved.
- Other Absences: Parents, please call the front office (269-471-3138) or email aaattendance@andrews.edu if your student is going to be absent or tardy. These are the preferable methods.
Please provide the reason why your child will not be attending school and how long you think they will be out.
Parents/Guardians are the only authorized individuals who can excuse a student's attendance. When emailing, parents must send correspondence from their email account to maintain the validity of the request. Please include the name of the student.
From the Sourcebook (pg. 83):
Students who miss three (3) consecutive school days due to illness must provide written documentation from a certified medical professional corroborating the necessity of that absence.
For any attendance questions that you would like to ask by email, please direct these questions to aaattendance@andrews.edu.
Thank you!
Ms. Leslie Nieves
Guidance Counselor/Attendance Officer
Andrews Academy
269-471-3453
|
|
|
|
 |
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mondays - Thursdays:
7:40 AM - 4:30 PM
Fridays: 7:40 AM - 2:30 PM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Andrews Academy
8833 Garland Ave Berrien Springs, MI 49104
|
|
|
 |
|
269-471-3138
|
|
|
|
|
