To view the full newsletter, you may need to click on the words at the top - 

"View in browser."

Mr. VanDenburgh Announced as Vice Principal of Andrews Academy

Andrews Academy is pleased to announce that Mr. David VanDenburgh will become the Vice Principal beginning this summer. This announcement was shared with students following chapel on Wednesday morning, and the students responded with strong applause in support of this choice. Mr. VanDenburgh has served as an English teacher at AA for 25 years and has a long history of excellence not only in the classroom, but also in the many school activities he helps lead. Over the years, he has directed the school play and musical productions, served as a class sponsor, sponsored England Tour, and this year acted as the faculty sponsor for the yearbook that we are all enjoying. As he shared when he was introduced as the new Vice Principal, Mr. VanDenburgh values the strong connections he builds with students in the classroom and looks forward to maintaining those relationships in his new role. He will continue teaching a couple of classes as part of his responsibilities.

Please join us in thanking Mr. VanDenburgh for his many years of excellence in English education and service to Andrews Academy as you congratulate him in this new role. We also ask for your prayers and support as he begins this new chapter of leadership. Congratulations, Mr. David VanDenburgh!

2026-2027 Re-Enrollment

Andrews Academy’s administration and staff welcome you to re-enroll your child for the 2026-2027 school year. Parents, please take time now to complete your child’s re-enrollment for next year. Only one parent/guardian can re-enroll, and if you want to change the parent responsible, please let Gina Meekma (aaadmissions@andrews.edu) know.

March 25, 2026
FACTS Re-Enrollment Opened

March 31
Academic Orientation, Class Schedule Available

Week of April 20

Financial Clearance Appointments Began
 

August 3
Tuition #1 Due

August 12

Check-In Day (times by last name)

August 19
First (Half) Day of School

FACTS ENROLLMENT

FACTS requires a non-refundable $100 payment upon submission of enrollment. A verification email will be sent to you.

Follow these simple instructions:

1. Please go to https://factsmgt.com

2. Select Log In Here.
3. Under For Families, select Family Portal Log In.

4. Enter AN-MI into the District Code field.

5. Enter your username and password. If you have forgotten your username or password, please click on the link provided. If you are unable to log in, please contact Gina Meekma (aaadmissions@andrews.edu or call 269-471-3138) for assistance.

6. After logging in, click on the Apply/Enroll button in the left menu.

7. Click on the Enrollment/Re-enrollment button.

Our Enrollment system will open with a link to the enrollment packet for your child. The online process should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Your information will be saved if you need to quit and come back later. 

(Please Note: You will need to use a computer to access the online enrollment packet. Mobile devices can be used to log into FACTS; however, the enrollment function will not work correctly.)

MEDICAL INSURANCE CARD

Upload a medical insurance card (front & back – clear photos, jpeg format only) when completing FACTS enrollment OR email to aaadmissions@andrews.edu.

🚩 FINANCIAL AGREEMENT -  You do not need to meet with Ms. Gracie before following the steps above for re-enrolling.

The Financial Agreement and Financial Aid forms are now available. They were emailed to parents on April 16. They are also on our website, and physical copies are available in the office. 

The Financial Agreement form must be approved by Gracie Gaytan, Student Accounts Manager. Please make an appointment with her at www.calendly.com/aafinances and bring your completed financial paperwork with you to the appointment. If you are meeting via Zoom, you may email the documents to gaytan@andrews.edu. Only one appointment per family is necessary unless there are special circumstances. We appreciate your patience as she has many families to meet with as well as other responsibilities.

Other financial forms (Family Discount, Project Assist, and AU Employee Educational Assistance) are also available on our website.

CLASS SCHEDULE - Available as of March 31

Upon completion of FACTS Re-Enrollment, an email will be sent to you with instructions to make an appointment with the registrar. Students, you may put your name on the sign-up sheet on Ms. Ivonne's door in the library in case she can meet with you sooner.

Note: FACTS Re-Enrollment must be done before you can meet with Ms. Ivonne regarding classes for 2026-27. 

Your class schedule will be time-stamped, and reservation for classes will be based upon financial clearance, class standing, availability, attendance records, and a time stamp.

• Instructions and forms are located on the Andrews Academy website.

CONTACT US

Re-Enrollment Process: aaadmissions@andrews.edu (Gina Meekma)

Financial Information: gaytan@andrews.edu (Gracie Gaytan)

Class Schedule: aaregistrar@andrews.edu (Ivonne Segui Medina)

Class of 2027 Senior Class Officers

At Andrews Academy, election of officers for the senior class occurs near the close of their junior year. This way the new officers have time to plan for their senior year, with their senior class trip being their first major project. Elections were held on May 5, 2026.

Thank you to ALL of the juniors who ran for class office! 

Together, we look forward to an exciting senior year. 

Congratulations to the new Class of 2027 officers!

President: Caleb Bliven

Vice President: Autumn Leets

Pastor: Luke Reid

Secretary: Gadi Igaso

Treasurer: Samantha Spare

Public Relations: Lyol Netteburg

Representatives: Hazel Cerna

Kaitlyn McKenzie

Jonni Rosenthal

Final Exam/Assessment Schedule

& Graduation Practices

Next Week, Tuesday - Thursday, May 19-21

"No early departures" policy applies.

Final exams/assessments start in a little more than two weeks. Please note when your exams are scheduled for and carefully prepare for them so that you can do well in each of your classes.

If there is a family emergency or some type of extenuating circumstances that necessitate a student missing any of their final exams, there is a form in the office to request an exception to the policy that will need to be filled out, signed by parent, administration, and teacher(s), and then turned in to the office prior to exam week. There is a $20 fee for each exam that needs to be rescheduled.

Students are required to attend even if you do not have an exam/ assessment for that time slot. However, if you have a study hall  (or band) during the first exam slot of the day, then you do not need to arrive until devotions. For students with band or a study hall for the first or last exam slot of the day (except Thursday), parents should contact us at AAattendance@andrews.edu or 269-471-3138 to excuse band/study hall. Contact Mrs. Meekma in the front office if you have any questions. Be sure to sign in at the front office if you arrive late or leave early. 

If you have a break in between two finals (for example, on Wednesday you have a 10:15 AM class final and no 11:10 AM class final [such as a study hall or CSA], then a 2:25 PM class final), then you must go to study hall. You may not leave campus. Everyone should attend Mizpah and Checkout on Thursday.

Please remember that students must stay in the classroom for the entire exam class period. You may not go "get books," "get a drink," etc. when you are done with your exam. Before the exam begins, please get books you may need to study from, get a drink, use the restroom, etc. so that you can stay in the classroom the entire time. We want the entire school to be quiet during exams so that they can be done as effectively as possible without distractions. Thank you!

Graduation Information

• Class Night: Thursday, May 21, 7:00 PM (arrive at 6:15), AA Chapel - 5 tickets per graduate; overflow in library.
• Consecration Service: Friday, May 22, 8:00 PM (arrive at 7:30), Village Adventist Church. Livestream: youtube.com/villagemediaministry
• Baccalaureate Service: Sabbath, May 23, 11:45 AM (line up at 11:30), PMC (Family, get there early for seating). Livestream: andrews.edu/livestream
• Faculty/Senior Vespers: Sabbath evening, May 23, 7:45 PM, AA. Bring yearbooks.
• Conferring of Diplomas Service: Sunday, May 24, 11:00 AM (arrive at 10:15), PMC. Livestream: andrews.edu/livestream

More Policy Reminders

The following are not allowed in the school without express permission, per the Sourcebook:

• Headphones and earbuds are not permitted to be used in the building (pg. 63).

• All head coverings, hats, hoodies, and jackets with a hood are not permitted to be worn inside the school building (pg. 65).

• Jewelry (rings, earrings, necklaces, etc.) is not permitted (pg. 65).

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).

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!

Seniors in Journal Era

Congratulations seniors! You may want to pick up the May 13 edition of the Journal Era that is in news stands now. There is a full page article about the seniors and this upcoming graduation weekend.

Parents of incoming freshmen (9th graders), along with your student, are invited to join us to learn more about Andrews Academy, including our music program and classes, get financial information, sign up for classes, meet many of our faculty and staff, and more. We will eat brunch, and students will have fun activities in the gym as well. Some uniforms will also be available for sale (limited sizes and quantities - cash or check only).

There may be limited financial clearance appointments available. You may also meet with Gracie during the summer, but you cannot move on to online enrollment and reserving classes until you meet with her as well as submit the application and two recommendation forms.

If you plan to apply for Financial Aid, please bring copies of the following:

• 2025 W2 or 1099 (if you do contract work)
• 2025 Tax Return

This will help to speed up the processing of your paperwork.

Note: Classes cannot be reserved until the online application, two positive recommendation forms, financial clearance, and online enrollment are completed, even if you turn a schedule in at Grad Brunch.

Spend Your Summer with Andrews University!

July 26 - August 14, 2026

The Early College Experience is an in-person summer program for rising high school juniors and seniors as well as incoming college freshmen. Come join us for three weeks of learning and fun on the campus of Andrews University. Each student will take one, 3-credit hour college course in addition to participating in seminars, activities, and local travel. This is a great way to earn college credit as a high schooler!

Admissions

Admissions requirements for the summer 2026 Early College Experience:

All applicants must fill out and submit the online application. Students must have a 3.25 High School GPA with a college prep curriculum.* ACT, SAT or PSAT scores preferred. Students can be admitted without test scores, but must meet high school curriculum requirements. For questions, please email explore@andrews.edu.

*Rising juniors must submit additional test scores. Please contact the program director for special inquiries.

Application

Students can apply for the Early College Experience online following the instructions below. In addition to the application, you will need to submit a copy of your high school transcript and the relevant standardized test scores.

The easiest way to apply is to use our fillable application. Click the link above and download the form. Fill it out and send it back to AU via email at explore@andrews.edu.

If you want to apply online, visit the online application right here or by visiting andrews.edu/apply. Choose the undergraduate application and be sure to apply for the Main Campus as a high school guest student. You must apply as a high school guest to get the special rate. In addition, make sure you choose the summer term and click "yes" for Early College. The rest of the application is simple and should only take a few minutes to complete.

After AU receives the application and additional documents, they will review your information and you will receive a decision letter. If you have already been admitted for the fall term, they will have your documents on file. If you are admitted to the program, you will receive an acceptance letter with instructions on your next steps and payment information. Please remember, acceptance to the Early College Program is not an admission to Andrews University as a full-time student. If you have any trouble with the application or have questions, please contact them at explore@andrews.edu.

2026 Courses

​

​College Writing I

Communications Skills

​Ignite Discipleship Program

Scripture* (general education religion)

World Civilizations

The Early College Experience is a single package price of $995. This covers all costs, including tuition, housing, food, books, and activities. There are no hidden costs or additional fees. Students should arrive on Sunday, July 26, for move in. No late arrivals are allowed.

Andrews University Junior Cardinals

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!

Important Attendance Policy Updates

ATTENDANCE EVALUATION

Each student begins each semester with an attendance record of zero points. All absences and tardies (excused and unexcused) are assigned a weight of 1 point. The FACTS system includes separate attendance codes, allowing for clear categorization and reporting:

• A (Absence) 

• AE (Excused Absence)

• T (Tardy)

• 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

More 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. 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 or injury 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

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

AA Uniforms Available from Lands' End

Please review the Sourcebook (pgs 65-66) 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).

• Only AA logoed jackets are allowed to be worn in the building.

• The PE uniform (t-shirt or sweatshirt, shorts or sweats) can only be worn during PE class.

• If a student is wearing an AA logoed jacket, they should also have an AA logoed shirt underneath.