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Andrews Academy's
Official Newsletter
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Class of 2026 Sophomore Class Officers
We express our congratulations to the class of 2026 sophomore class officers and are excited to see what their leadership will bring to the table here at AA!
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President: Audrey Simpson
Vice President: Dynae Newkirk
Pastor: Lily Murphy
Secretary: Sarah Ayaz
Treasurer: Kevin Mendonça
Public Relations: Emerson Kim
Representatives: Solomon Miller, Jonathan Raveloharimisy, Montgomery Snyder
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SA "Beach Day" at Warren Dunes Andrews Academy
After a few weeks of classes, it is great to take a break and go to the beach (September 6, 2023) for a day of games and activities, and for an opportunity to get to know each other better while building some class spirit. Weather this year caused us to have the "beach day" at the Academy.
In the morning, we started with the potato sack relay race and the famous class of tug of war. Each class took turns pulling another class. This year the juniors were the “strongest” class. The second part of the morning included a volleyball tournament, table games, ping pong, and watching a movie.
Lunch was provided by the school. Thank you, Principal Ferguson, PPI (Parents Positively Involved), and various students for preparing the meal. After a morning of games, everyone was ready for a good meal and an early dismissal.
It was a fun morning for all. A big thank you to the SA officers and sponsors for creating “plan B” and running the activities, keeping the games going throughout the morning. You did a great job.
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SENIORS ONLY - Next Week,
September 11-15, 2023
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Monday - Mismatched Clothes Day
Tuesday - Dress Up Day (for Senior Convocation)
Wednesday - Senior Jersey Day
Thursday - Throw Back Day
Friday - Sports Fans Day
Remember to follow the AA dress code guidelines (no sweats, hoodies, shorts, short skirts, etc.) in our school Sourcebook (pgs. 79-80). If you aren't dressing up for Senior Spirit Week, you must be in AA uniform!
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Senior Class Meeting
This Monday, September 11, there will be a meeting after school (3:30) in the chapel. We will practice for Senior Convocation, which is Tuesday, September 12, at 9:50 AM.
Also, in that meeting, we will go over expectations and information for senior trip. You will sign up for rooms at that time. Please plan to be there.
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Parents and guardians of Seniors are invited to Senior Convocation this Tuesday:
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Hispanic Heritage Assembly - Flag Parade
Friday, October 13
Hispanic students that would like to carry their flag need to sign up in Mrs. Silvestre’s room before Septembre 22. Wear traditional clothing, soccer jerseys, etc. If you don’t have any of these, you will need to wear the AA uniform.
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Virtual Parent Meeting
You are invited to our Parent Meeting on Zoom this Thursday, September 14, at 6:30 PM.
Meeting ID: 912 9107 7600
Passcode: 332717
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Two Factor Authentication Device & School Laptop Loans
When logging into school computers and AU email, students are now required to use the two factor USB authentication device that has been provided by the school. Most students have already received and installed the device.
Please sign the technology form (attached in case your student did not bring one home), indicating if your student would like to take home a school-owned laptop for use during the school year, and/or noting that they received (or will receive) the required two factor USB device, and return the form to the main office. Students, if you have not yet received at two-factor device, please stop by the main office.
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School laptops will be loaned with a signed form from the student. Parents and students, be sure to read the second page of information, the Authorized User Policy, which includes replacement costs for lost or damaged laptops and two factor devices.
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School Vs Senior Flag Football Games Rescheduled
Thursday, September 28, Girls' Game starting at 5:30 PM, Boys' game immediately follows, at the Academy field
Mrs. Mills needs a list of teams by Friday, September 22. Sign up sheets are on the gym door.
***MUST be coached by an adult that is verified by Mrs. Mills at all practices
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The school team must have at least 1 representative from each class on the team.
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| Flag Football Rules |
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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. Meekma (ginam@andrews.edu) in the main office.
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You can find your schedule, grades, etc. on FACTS.
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After-School Hours Agreement
The After-School Hours Agreement needs to be signed by a student and a parent. Here are the acceptable ways to return this document (if you haven't already done so):
- Complete the attached fillable document and email to ginam@andrews.edu.
- Print the attached document, complete it, scan or take a picture, and email it to ginam@andrews.edu (or turn it in to the school office).
- Stop by the school office and complete the form.
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Hot Lunch Contracts
Andrews Academy
School Lunch Program
2023-2024
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.
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. Please note that you must contact Dining Services in order for your child to participate in the program, even if they participated last year.
The contract and application are attached. We also have copies in the AA 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.
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
Note: The menu is posted in the display case at school as well as towards the end of the E-Sanjo each week. Students who are signed up for the hot lunch program and would like the Friday boxed lunch will need to sign up in the office or at lunch by Wednesday at 2 PM.
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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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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.
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| AA's Lands' End Store |
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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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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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Tuition
Tuition payment #2 is due on September 25.
Please contact Ms. Gracie at gaytan@andrews.edu with questions.
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Freshman Class Vespers
The freshman class enjoyed an afternoon and evening of water fun, supper by the campfire, and worship together on August 25, 2023. The weather was perfect for tubing, jet ski rides, and boat rides. Thank you to the Hippler family for opening their home for our vespers and for the use of their water equipment, and to the Hill family for bringing their boat over as well for the water fun. After two and a half hours of water fun, everyone was ready to enjoy a meal of haystacks and s'mores by the campfire.
The class sponsors were so impressed with the camaraderie of the class and their willingness to help and lead. We asked for some volunteers to lead in the song service. A group of about seven decided on the songs the evening before, practiced singing them the evening before, and printed words for the class to follow as we enjoyed their song service by the campfire. We also asked for volunteers to lead in worship. Three volunteered and had everything scripted as they took turns sharing their personal stories that went along with Peter walking on water and the fiery furnace. They were very effective, personal, and spiritual presentations as freshmen begin their four year journey at Andrews Academy.
Thank you to the group of freshman parents that helped prepare the food and kept things going.
Please go to the class of 2027 Facebook album for more photos. Freshmen and their parents are invited to join the Facebook group.
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| More photos on FB |
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International Student Orientation
Thursday evening, August 31, 2023, host families and their international students met for a meal and an international student orientation. A number of students attend Andrews Academy from around the world and live with a host family during the school year. This meeting was to discuss the details of having a successful international program. Thank you, host families, for being willing to host a student so that international students can attend Andrews Academy, and thank you to Ms Chao for leading in this meeting.
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Chapels this Week
The theme for this week of chapels was on “Mental Health.” This was an informative practical series for students and faculty to learn from. School guidance counselor, Ms. Leslie Nieves, invited various guest speakers to present. During chapel on Tuesday, we had Mariesa Swisher and Emily Cancel from the AU counseling and testing center present on various addictions that teenagers may experience. For both chapel and assembly, they shared a couple of short videos and had discussions on various addictions and how to get free from them. Assembly was presented by Dustin Young and an AU student. We are blessed to have professionals that work on campus or are in their masters or doctorate programs that are willing to present to our students at Andrews Academy.
On Wednesday, Alyssa Sussdorf, an AU Phd student in counseling and psychology, presented on how exercise helps our mental health, suggesting a number of practical ways to exercise daily. There are a multitude of benefits for exercising such as releasing “feel good” hormones, improving self esteem and confidence, reducing stress, increasing your energy level, and providing a sense of community. Exercise is not only import in losing weight, but helping to maintain good mental health.
On Wednesday, Moreen Obae presented on the topic of resiliency, the ability to bounce back from tough situations. She shared from her life that by the time she was a teenager, both of her parents had died, as well as her sister. She was sad and even mad at God. She had a friend, like Proverbs 18:24 says that is even “closer than a brother,” that was there for her and talked with her during this difficult time. Talk therapy on the professional level and even on the friend level is so helpful to bring you through these tough times. It’s important to have friends, but more importantly, to have at least one very close friend that can be there for you and help you through the tough times. And if more help is needed, make sure you get professional talk therapy care.
Today (Friday) was class devotions, with each class having their own worship, and for two of the classes, their elections.
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Attention: 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.
To sign up for the lunch program or add funds to your student's account, please contact Andrews University's Dining Services at ds@andrews.edu or call 269-471-3161. The Dining Services Office is 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
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AU Harvest Run 2023
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Homecoming Weekend at Andrews University (September 28 – October 1) is fast approaching, and we’d like to personally invite you to participate during one of our weekend events, the Bradley Family Harvest Run on Sunday, October 1, starting at 9:00 AM at the Andreasen Center for Wellness. The race features a 5k and 10k distance around the campus of Andrews University and, for the 10k, challenging trails down by the Dairy. Come enjoy a morning of exercise and test your competitiveness with the rest of our Andrews University community and visiting alumni. There will be overall 5k/10k awards in addition to age group medals. The race will be timed, and we’re offering finisher photos for the first time this year that we’ll send out to you after the race. Learn more and register at https://alumni.andrews.edu/run. We hope to see you on race day!
Your AU Alumni Team
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AU Agriculture Education Center
Open House:
September 30, 4-6 PM
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Set your GPS to 8385 Farm Oval Drive to park at the top of the hill and take a stroll down, or 8225 Dairy Dr, Berrien Springs, MI 49104 to find parking down at the Agriculture Education Center.
Wander around, meeting the animals and seeing the facilities. This is not just a mini farm, this is our pride and joy. This facility allows us to offer hands on education to our students, as they learn to care for our animals.
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Mondays - Thursdays:
7:40 AM - 4:00 PM
Fridays: 7:40 AM - 2:00 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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