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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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Resound & Silhouettes Music Tour
This fall, Andrews Academy’s Silhouettes (small choir) and Resound (handbells) ensembles embarked on their annual music tour—held earlier than usual this year due to a special invitation from the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists (NAD) to perform at their fall meetings on Sabbath. Both groups worked diligently to prepare a repertoire so early in the school year, and their fall tour included several concerts as well as rich educational and spiritual experiences in Washington, DC, area. Highlights included visits to the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial.
On Thursday, the students visited the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. After a morning devotional, they enjoyed learning about Ellen White at the E. G. White Estate, and took a mini tour of the GC and dialogued with the GC president. Later, they visited the Head of Sacred Heart Home, where they shared music and the love of Jesus with the residents. In the afternoon, they toured the Museum of the Bible, where interactive exhibits helped bring the story of Scripture to life.
On Friday, Resound and Silhouettes presented a special concert at Spencerville Adventist Academy, blessing their sister academy through music and ministry. That afternoon, the Silhouettes had the rare opportunity to sing in the Basilica of the National Shrine, the largest basilica in the United States. The breathtaking architecture and extraordinary acoustics created a moving and unforgettable experience as their voices filled the sacred space. That evening, students from both academies gathered for a joint vespers service, worshiping together and building friendships.
On Sabbath evening, the tour culminated in a memorable performance at the President’s Concert during the NAD meetings. The audience was deeply blessed by the students’ heartfelt music, and the performers were grateful for such a meaningful opportunity to share their gifts in ministry. A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Daniel Cerna for his countless hours of dedication, preparation, and team building with the Academy students. His leadership and passion for music ministry continue to inspire and bless everyone involved.
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Rotary Awards
Rotary is a worldwide organization of more than 1.2 million people. Rotarians provide humanitarian service and help build goodwill and peace in the world. The Berrien Springs-Eau Claire Rotary Club serves the local community in a number of ways, one of which is recognizing students for their outstanding service and achievements. Iliana Murphy & Kevin Mendonca were among other local students recognized today during the Berrien Springs - Eau Claire Rotary Club Youth Appreciation Breakfast. (November 4, 2025)
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Noon Dismissal this Friday
This Friday, November 7, we will dismiss at 12:00 PM so that we can set up for Penny Arcade. Lunch will be provided only for those students who have signed up to help set up that afternoon.
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This Friday, November 7, at 7:00 PM at the Howard on the campus of AU
Join us for a free vespers concert by the AA music groups!
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All AA students are invited to attend Penny Arcade. They will be joined by 7th & 8th grade guests this Saturday evening, November 8, at 7:00 PM (those who are needed to help with set up can arrive at 6:00 PM).
Bring your pennies (there will be a bank for change if needed)!
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Organizational Pictures
This Monday, November 10
Organizations include class officers, SA/NHS officers, music groups (band, chorale, Silhouettes, bells, Orion Strings, and orchestra), Spiritual Life Committee, PFE, Lady Acumen, and Acumen (basketball teams that played against alumni). Be sure to bring any uniform changes that you will need for music ensembles. This includes concert attire with the appropriate BLACK DRESS SHOES and BLACK SOCKS.
Check the schedule that will be posted soon (it will be emailed also) and change before your picture time so that we can run as efficiently as possible.
Please bring your instruments (if applicable) for the pictures. Thank you!
~ Mr. VanDenburgh & the Yearbook Team
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Paying for College 101 & FAFSA Night
Next Wednesday, November 12, 6:30 PM
Seniors and their parents: We invite you to join us for a presentation on Financial Aid where you will receive one-on-one help on your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and answers to questions you might have about Andrews University and college in general. Multiple financial advisors will be on hand, ready to help.
Please bring your own laptop if possible. A few Chromebooks will be available, and we recommend that seniors also attend so that they can log in to the Chromebooks.
We ask that you have your child's social security number and your 2024 taxes readily accessible. The meeting will be held in the Commons of Andrews Academy, and light refreshments will be served.
Mrs. Robinson
Guidance Counselor | Andrews Academy
269-471-3453
dionner@andrews.edu
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Andrews Academy Apparel to Support Worthy Students
We are excited to announce a new opportunity for Andrews Academy students to show their school spirit while supporting a great cause. Starting this Friday, November 7, 2025, and continuing on Fridays through Christmas break, students will be allowed to wear new school apparel that is being ordered to benefit the Worthy Student Fund at Andrews Academy.
While participation is not required, students who wish to wear non-uniform shirts on Fridays must wear one of the approved shirts available for purchase. Another order will be placed next Wednesday, November 12, 2025. If you are interested in purchasing shirts for your student, please use this link or scan/click on the QR code below to access the order form for t-shirts and sweatshirts.
Payment is expected before delivery of the shirts, and the only method of payment accepted is cash or check made payable to Andrews Academy. We appreciate your support of this endeavor to build school spirit and advance the mission of Andrews Academy. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mrs. Mills at samantham@andrews.edu.
Thank you for your continued support.
Mrs. Samantha Mills
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Opting into Texting for One Call Now
Andrews Academy utilizes One Call Now, an automated messaging service, to contact students and parents about school cancellations, upcoming events, and performances, etc.
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Please make sure that we have the phone number that you would like to have contacted. For school closings due to weather, we also send an email, put the announcement on our Facebook and Instagram pages, and alert local TV stations (WSBT, WNDU, ABC57).
To receive a text notification instead of a call (text works best), please text “ALERT” to 22300. Please make sure that you have given us the number that you would like to be texted on as well. Email ginam@andrews.edu with any changes. Thank you!
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Tuition
Payment #4 of 10 is due on November 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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AA Juniors and Seniors Attend AU Preview
This past Sunday and Monday, AA juniors and seniors—along with students from other academies in the Lake Union—participated in Preview Days at Andrews University. This 24-hour-plus program is designed to give academy students a firsthand experience of college life and an understanding of college expectations. It also provides valuable information about the steps needed to apply for and succeed in college.
The event began with an introductory session about the college experience, followed by a college fair where students met with representatives from various departments and signed up for department tours scheduled for Monday morning. After dinner in the cafeteria, students attended worship at Pioneer Memorial Church and then enjoyed an evening of food, games, and activities at the Andreasen Center for Wellness on campus.
Monday began with group worship and a gymnastics performance. Students then visited the two departments they had selected to learn more about specific programs of interest. The event concluded with a final program featuring awards and prizes, with many academy students recognized for their achievements. (November 2 & 3, 2025)
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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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Sponsored by the Berrien County Health Department
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Junior/Senior Banquet
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Sunday, November 16, 2025, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
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Pioneer Memorial Church Youth Chapel
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Sponsored by PMC
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| Tickets |
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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.
The district code is AN-MI.
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School Communications
The E-Sanjo and other communications from the school, including classroom teacher communications, use the email address(es) that you (and your parents) have recorded in FACTS when you registered for Andrews Academy. We will also use students' AU email address. Some have been wondering why they are not receiving their school communications to a certain email. If you wish to have communications sent to a specific email address, please send the change to ginam@andrews.edu. Thank you!
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Important Attendance Policy Updates
ATTENDANCE EVALUATION
Each student begins each semester with an attendance record of zero points. All absences and tardies are assigned a weight of 1 point. The FACTS system includes separate attendance codes, allowing for clear categorization and reporting:
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A (Absence)
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AE (Excused Absence)
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T (Tardy)
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TE (Excused Tardy)
The AS attendance code is assigned a weight of 0 and is used to mark school-related absences (e.g., for approved school trips or activities). These absences do not count against the student’s attendance record.
Students are allowed one long tour per semester.
PROCEDURES
Each school day, the student who was absent or tardy without excuse is notified of the record in FACTS, the student information system. Parents and students both receive email notifications. If the student believes the record to be incorrect, or has any question about the record, it is that student’s responsibility to contact the school office or attendance officer or submit to the school office a written excuse from a parent/guardian within 3 school days to remove those points.
Correction received after five days generally will not be accepted. In instances where a student is absent for several consecutive days, such as for an extended illness, two school days are allotted following the last absence to submit an excuse.
A student is responsible for all course work missed while absent with or without excuse.
Absence Policy
• After 5 unexcused absences per class: Student receives a warning email.
• After 8 unexcused absences per class: Student receives a demerit.
• After 10 unexcused absences per class: A meeting is scheduled with the student, parents, and attendance officer or another administrator.
• After 10 combined excused and unexcused absences per class: Student receives a warning email noting the risk of withdrawal from the class.
• After 15 combined excused and unexcused absences per class: A meeting with the registrar is required, and the student may be withdrawn from the class and lose all credit subject to that class, pending a review by the Student Affairs Committee.
Tardy Policy
• After 5 unexcused tardies per class: Student receives a warning email.
• After 10 unexcused tardies per class: Student receives a demerit.
• After 10 total excused and unexcused tardies per class: Student meets with the attendance officer or administrator.
Demerit Review Policy
Demerits related to attendance may be re-evaluated at the end of the semester if the student maintains no unexcused absences or tardies from the date the demerit was issued onward.
A student is eligible to hold an organizational office or leadership position as long as they maintain an attendance score below 7 unexcused absences. A student is also eligible to participate in co-curricular, overnight trips and tours if the attendance score is below 7 unexcused absences. A student is placed on citizenship probation when the attendance score reaches 7 unexcused absences.
Major off-campus school activities include, but are not limited to, overnight trips and tours (see section on Student Citizenship-Citizenship Probation). When a student’s attendance score reaches 7 unexcused absences, the student is placed on citizenship probation. Further unexcused absences could lead to future in-school suspensions. Repeated attendance issues will be referred to the Student Affairs Committee to determine if the student should continue in the Academy and, if so, under what conditions. If these conditions are not successfully adhered to, the student’s enrollment may be discontinued at the time of infractions, at the end of a given semester, or at the end of the school year.
Students who miss five (5) consecutive school days due to illness must provide written documentation from a certified medical professional corroborating the necessity of that absence.
- From the Sourcebook (pg. 67-68)
For any attendance questions that you would like to ask by email, please direct them to AAattendance@andrews.edu.
Thank you!
Mrs. Dionne Robinson
Guidance Counselor/Attendance Officer
Andrews Academy
269-471-3453
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More Attendance Information
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Pre-arranged Absences: Please be sure to fill out a pre-arranged absence card if you know in advance that you will be missing school due to a doctor/dentist/orthodontist appointment, trip, basketball tournament, driver's test, etc. These cards can be found in the main office or online. A parent's signature is required, then the office, and teacher(s) of the class(es) that you will miss.
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Class Schedule Adjustment (CSA) Requests: A CSA is available for students who have a study hall at the beginning or ending of the school day or will be working during a study hall during the school day. A CSA is required for students who leave the Academy to attend classes at Andrews University, who are going to work off campus, or who wish to begin the school day later or leave earlier on a regular basis. The CSA request form must be filled out and signed by everyone indicated on the form before the student stops attending their study hall. Students must adhere to CSA guidelines that are printed on the CSA application. Any violation may cause the CSA to be revoked. We will email students and parents when a CSA is approved.
- Other Absences: Parents, please call the main office (269-471-3138) or email AAattendance@andrews.edu if your student is going to be absent or tardy. These are the preferable methods.
Please provide the reason why your child will not be attending school and how long you think they will be out.
Parents/Guardians are the only authorized individuals who can excuse a student's attendance. When emailing, parents must send correspondence from their email account to maintain the validity of the request. Please include the name of the student.
From the Sourcebook (pg. 68):
Students who miss five (5) consecutive school days due to illness 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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This newsletter was sent to you at aanews@andrews.edu because of your interest in Andrews Academy.
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