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Volume 17, Issue 3

 

Andrews Academy's

Official Newsletter

August 11, 2023

 

AA families are invited to join us as we dedicate our school year to God and fellowship with each other. Our speaker will be our new Vice Principal, Ms. Girlie Aguilar.

 

Wednesday, August 16
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, AM Classes

Please note that the first three days of school will be half days. On Thursday, August 17, PM classes will meet in the morning, and on Friday, August 18, we will have devotions and HodgePodge (fun activities).


See the full schedule for the first three days in the announcement section below.

 

Testing Out of Spanish I or II at AA


Spanish I and/or II test out exams will take place this Monday, August 14, at 4:00 PM in the Andrews Academy library.
 

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.

 

New Student Orientation

This Monday, August 14,

6:30 PM at AA

 

New students, please come with your parents to learn more about the program at AA, where your classes will be located, the cell phone policy, uniforms/textbooks, the attendance policy, FACTS login for students, schedules, behavioral expectations, and more.

 

First Week of School

  • Please remember to wear your uniform (AA polo shirt) starting the first day of class. We do have a limited supply for sale at the school if needed.

  • HodgePodge includes fun activities for our students as they get to know each other. You may want to bring a change of clothes for possible water activities, sunscreen, and a towel. Food will be provided.

 

Hot Lunch Contracts


Andrews Academy
School Lunch Program

2023-2024

 

The school lunch program begins on Monday, August 21.

 

Dear Parents and Guardians,


Bon Appetit 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 and always prepared from scratch. We take the care of your student very seriously, and thank you in advance for placing your trust in us.

  • Full Paying Meal Plan ($6.35 per meal)

We are pleased to inform you that this year participating in the school lunch program will continue to be as easy as last year! You can simply give us (Dining Services) a call, and provide the student’s name, ID# and the amount you would like added to their meal plan, and your credit card information. You may also stop by our (Dining Services) office to add funds using a credit or debit card. You may add as much money as you would like; however, a minimum of $100.00 is required to get the account started. A week of meals is $31.75, a month is $127.00, a five-week month is $158.75. We are unable to accept cash. The cashier will let the student know when funds are low, and it is the student's responsibility to notify their parents.

  • Reduced Meal Plan

The contract and application are attached. We also have copies in the office. They must be filled out and returned to Dining Services ASAP. Please provide your student with a lunch until your application is approved. Proof of income is required, so please see the application for details. We are unable to accept cash. Student is allowed one swipe per day. 

  • Free meals will no longer be offered.

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 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 

Fax: 269-471-3789


Dining Services Office located on the first floor of the AU Campus Center.

Monday–Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

 

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

 

Textbook Information

Be sure to check to see if used options are available.

 
 
 
 

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.

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.

AA's Lands' End Store
 

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!

 

School Supplies


Either via email or on the first day of classes, teachers will inform students as to what supplies are needed for their classes. For the first day of school, please at least bring a pen or pencil, your textbooks, and some paper to write on.

 

Tuition

 

Tuition payment #1 was due on Tuesday, August 1.

Please contact Ms. Gracie at gaytan@andrews.edu with questions.

 

AU Campus Safety Parking Permit

 

Academy Vehicle Registration Process

  1. All vehicles parked on Andrews University property must register their vehicle with the Office of Campus Safety. This must be done online before  August 16 (or before you plan to park in the AA parking lot or anywhere else on the AU campus). (See instructions below.)
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. The Andrews University adopted vehicle policy can be found at the link below.
  6. 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.

  • Click on “Campus Safety”

  • Click on “Register Vehicles”

  • 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 our office 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

  • If you have a temporary license plate, see * below. If you have NO plate, see ** below.

Step 6: Click on the  Agreement button (may be small in size below license plate information). 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.)

  • 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.

  • 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 instructions.


* 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.

AU Vehicle Policy/Information
 

New Students


Each week more students are applying and enrolling for this coming school year. If you have not applied yet or you know someone who has not, please contact the school at aaadmissions@andrews.edu.

For new students, please go to the AA website and click on "Apply Now" for the online application.

AA Website
Instructions for New Students

Returning Students


For returning students who have not yet re-enrolled, please log in to FACTS and re-enroll. See the link below for detailed instructions.

(Parents, please keep in mind that even if your child was financially cleared, they will not be able to begin class this next school year (2023-24) if their account has a balance.)

FACTS
Instructions for Returning Students
 

Instructions for new students to obtain an ID card have been sent out. Please go to the AU Administration Building, second floor, Academic Records (Mondays-Thursdays from 9-5, and Fridays from 9-12) to get your photo taken and an ID card made. AA students are expected to have valid ID cards.

 

New students, if you do not have an AU username/email address yet, watch for instructions to set one up.

 

Please send an email to ginam@andrews.edu if you need help resetting your AU username/email password.

If you have not sent in a picture of your insurance card (both sides) yet, please do so ASAP. Email photos to aaadmissions@andrews.edu. Thank you!

 

Some of you are in the process of applying, enrolling, or re-enrolling. Please refer to the instructions sent to you by email. If you have any questions or need assistance, email Mrs. Gina Meekma at aaadmissions@andrews.edu.

 

Berrien County Youth Fair

 

Show that you are a fan of Andrews Academy! We invite you to stop by AA's booth and pick up a fan at the Youth Fair in Berrien Springs (across from Apple Valley) next week, from August 14-19.

 

Reminder: August 16-18 are half school days at AA (12 noon dismissal). AA students who signed up will be able to volunteer at the fair in the afternoon on those days (the fair opens at 11:00 AM).

 

Senior Pictures & Ads for Yearbook


Senior pictures are needed for yearbook, class night, and the class composite to be hung in the AA Commons. Yearbook will need your senior and baby pictures by Friday, October 20, 2023. We encourage you to get your senior picture done during this 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.

Please send an electronic senior picture (JPEG) to the yearbook team (aayearbook@andrews.edu). 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.

Pictures for the yearbook and senior ads must adhere to the following requirements:

  • 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 - both
  • High-resolution JPEG (at least 4x6, 300 ppi resolution)
 

Baby Photos

By the same date (October 20), 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 staff, and they will scan it for you.

Also, please plan ahead for senior yearbook ad nights on Monday and Tuesday, October 30 & 31, 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).

 

Some AU Dual Enrollment Options (Juniors/Seniors)

 

Andrews University Sports Programs

Berrien Springs Partnership
 
 
2023-24 Year-at-a-Glance Calendar
 

Office Hours & Info

Summer Office Hours:

 

August 14-15:

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Regular Office Hours Resume
August 16:

Mondays - Thursdays:
7:40 AM - 4:00 PM

Fridays: 7:40 AM - 2:00 PM

 

CONTACT US:
 

Main Office: ginam@andrews.edu or call 269-471-3138
Principal: aaprincipal@andrews.edu or mferguson@andrews.edu
Vice Principal: girlie@andrews.edu

Application/Enrollment Process: aaadmissions@andrews.edu

Financial Questions: gaytan@andrews.edu

Class Schedule: aaregistrar@andrews.edu

Attendance: aaattendance@andrews.edu

Guidance Counselor: nievesl@andrews.edu

Faculty & Staff Contact Info
 
Useful Documents
Sourcebook (revised 2021-22)
 

Andrews Academy

8833 Garland Ave Berrien Springs, MI 49104

 

 

academy@andrews.edu

 

269-471-3138