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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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AA will be closed this Monday, October 14.
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Hispanic & Latin American Heritage Assembly
This week we have been enjoying presentations during chapel in honor of Hispanic & Latin American Heritage Month. Today (October 11, 2024), there was a special assembly led by the Hispanic students. The assembly began with students marching in with flags representing the Hispanic country they are from. A prayer was given, thanking God for the multicultural family that we are a part of, and that we are united in strength, faith, and diversity.
The students were then divided into six groups that rotated through the school for various traditional Hispanic and Latin American games that were led by Hispanic and Latin American students. It was a fun interactive assembly in which students enjoyed playing these games and getting to know various cultures better. Playing games together does enhance our oneness. To end the assembly, there was a traditional tasty meal given to each student. Thank you to the many volunteers that made this meal possible.
Thank you, Mrs. Silvestre, for organizing the week of activities and this special assembly. And thank you to the Hispanic & Latin American students for leading out in these activities.
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Next Week, October 14-18, 2024
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Monday - Sick Day: Don't show up to school - it's a holiday!
Tuesday - Family Day: Freshmen dress up as toddlers (appropriately), sophomores as teenagers, juniors as parents/adults, and seniors as grandparents/senior citizens.
Wednesday - Wacky Tacky Day: Show us your wildest, most clashing outfits! Mix and match socks, tie-die tees, let your imagination run (appropriately) wild.
Thursday - Dynamic Duo: Team up with a friend or friends to become an amazing group costume!
Friday - Young Professionals: Come looking classy.
Remember to follow the AA dress code guidelines (no sweats, hoodies, shorts, short skirts, open toed shoes, etc.) in our school Sourcebook (pgs. 79-80).
If you aren't dressing up for Spirit Week, you must be in AA uniform!
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Career Seminars & Fair
Next Friday morning, October 18
On Friday of AA's alumni weekend, there will be a special Convocation for our students. The speaker will be Mrs. Sarah (Gane) Burton from the class of 2009.
Following the Alumni Convocation, twelve AA alumni will hold Career Seminars, sharing about their occupation, the education needed for their career, and more. There will also be a Career Fair in the gym. No classes will meet at AA during that time. The regular school schedule will resume at 11:00 (11:10 class).
Students, please click on the link to sign up for Career Seminars. Give your top three choices, although you will only attend two seminars and the Career Fair.
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Deadline: Please sign up by this Sunday, October 13, or you will be assigned to two seminars.
Please contact Mrs. Meekma in the front office if you have any questions.
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Note: Students who will be at Union for the volleyball or soccer tournament will not be here for the seminars.
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E-Learning Day
Next Monday, October 21
AA Closed
Students, please check Google Classroom and your email for assignments from your teachers.
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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.
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SAT Testing at AA
We are excited that juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to participate in SAT School Day on 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 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
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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.
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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.
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AA Gym Schedule Fall 2024
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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.
We are especially looking for help with Sabbath lunch during alumni next weekend (October 19).
Please email me (aappi@andrews.edu) if you are available and willing to serve at alumni or any of these events. ~ Mrs. Kimberly Spare
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Tuition
Note that payment #3 is due on or before October 25.
Please contact Ms. Gracie at gaytan@andrews.edu with questions.
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PSAT Testing & Senior Day
On Thursday the freshmen, sophomores, and juniors wrote the PSAT. This is an important test to prepare for SAT and ACT testing, and the result of this test determines National Merit recognition based on results of the junior year testing.
Freshman and sophomore testing provides good practice and skill developing in preparation for the junior year testing. We appreciate the diligent effort of the students during the morning of testing. No pictures could be taken of this testing. Since these tests are now computer based, things were rather busy to get every student set up for the testing.
While the rest of the school was testing, seniors went to Andrews University for Senior Day. They participated in an amazing race to get to know the campus and departments. It was an opportunity to learn more of what AU offers and to meet college professors. This way seniors can begin to make choices about their majors in college and learn about what degrees are available at AU.
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New Boilers Being Installed
During these last few weeks, the original boiler for the school has been removed and two new ones are being put in place. The old boiler for heating has served the school well for more than 45 years. For well over a decade, repairs had been made to extend its life, and in recent years, we realized that it needed to be replaced so that we aren't "left in the cold" if it totally broke down and was not repairable.
We would like to thank the school finance committee, Ms. Gracie Gaytan (AA business manager), and AA principals for their careful and prayerful management of funds to keep tuition as low as possible yet maintain a well-managed school. Each year, a small portion of tuition dollars goes into a fund set aside for major repairs. The finance committee then prioritizes what items need to be repaired and/or upgraded to maintain a well-functioning school structure. After a number of years of saving for the overdue replacement boilers, this just under $400,000 project began a few weeks ago and should be completed in the next few days, just before the cold weather sets in! These new set of boilers are smaller but more efficient than the one they are replacing.
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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 next Friday, October 18, 2024. We encourage you to get your senior picture done ASAP since photographers get busy in the fall. 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 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). Click here to sign up for ad night.
Please send photos and any questions to Mrs. Diane Meyers (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.
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Chapel Recap: Latin American and Hispanic Emphasis Week - Genesis 12-15
This is Latin American and Hispanic Month, and this week the chapels highlight these cultures. The theme this week is United in Strength, Faith, and Diversity.
On Wednesday, Pastor Jésus Recon, AU seminary student, presented on trusting God and being patient for the fulfillment of God’s promises. Even though Abram failed, God was faithful and changed his name to Abraham. Like Abraham, we find our identity in God. He then shared his testimony of trusting God to fulfill His promises in our lives.
Thursday was PSAT testing, so there was no chapel. Our day began as usual with prayer over the intercom.
Today's (Friday) chapel period was merged in with the special assembly.
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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 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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Attention AA Alumni:
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On Sunday at 9:00 AM, there will be a memorial walk on the campus of Andrews University in honor of former teacher Mrs. Sharon Russell. Meet in the AA parking lot.
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| Alumni Sign-up for Shydepoke |
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Community Volleyball
AA hosts community volleyball on some Tuesday nights from 7:00-9:00 PM.
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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).
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| Volleyball Sign-Up Form |
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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).
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Email Mrs. Gina Meekma (ginam@andrews.edu) with log in difficulties. Contact EdTech with questions about your order.
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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.
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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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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,
Mr. Caleb Akins, MA
Media Ministry Director
Andrews Academy
akins@andrews.edu
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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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