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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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SA Retreat 2025
On a crisp late summer Sabbath afternoon, students gathered for the Student Association Retreat—an afternoon of connection, worship, and fun.
The retreat began with a peaceful time of singing and worship near the gazebo by the pond, setting a calm and worshipful tone for the day. Laughter and energy soon filled the air during a lively scavenger hunt, where teams raced to various locations to solve riddles, snap creative photos, and answer Bible trivia questions.
As the sun began to set, the group shifted into a moment of reflection. Students lit candles and gently released them onto the pond, each flame representing a prayer—that our light as Christians would shine brightly and guide others to Jesus.
The evening wrapped up around cozy campfires with warm s’mores, good conversations, and the kind of fellowship that makes memories last long after the marshmellows are gone.
A big thanks to the Ashleys for allowing us to use their home and hosting this wonderful event. Also, a huge thanks to Mrs. Spare for all of her hard work and planning behind the scenes to create a yummy and delicious menu for the students to eat. We could not have done this event without these AA volunteer families. (September 6, 2025)
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| More Photos on Facebook |
| Video of Candles on Facebook |
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Andrews Academy Senior Convocation
Today, Tuesday, September 9, 2025, marked Senior Convocation—a formal service dedicated to presenting the senior class and challenging them to reflect on and embody their class motto, aim, and text throughout the school year.
The program featured special music, prayers, and the presentation of the class banner, a symbolic and artistic representation of the class aim: “To trust God’s plan above my own, knowing His purpose will always prevail.” Their motto, “My path, His purpose; My drive, His direction,” along with their class verse, Proverbs 19:21—“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails,” —were at the heart of the event’s message.
Dr. Anthony Bosman, AU math professor and chair of the mathematics department, delivered the keynote address. His speech complemented the class motto and its overarching aim. He began by highlighting how many choices we face in life—such as deciding whether to attend college or pursuing other paths. He shared that while our plans often falter, God's plan is unwavering and will never fail. God's purpose, he explained, may reveal itself through the changes and setbacks in our own plans. Ultimately, God’s purpose isn’t about where we end up working or living, but about who we become. Will we be kind-hearted, faithful, and steadfast in our love for Jesus? His profound insights were drawn from the class text Proverbs 19:21: "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails."
Class President Audrey Simpson offered the president’s response, reflecting on the message and encouraging her classmates to walk confidently in God’s direction. Class sponsors Gina Pellegrini and David VanDenburgh formally presented the senior class, followed by a special charge delivered by AA Principal Mr. Ruben Perez-Schulz.
The program concluded with a reception in the Commons, graciously organized by the junior class. We extend our sincere thanks to them for their hospitality.
It was a meaningful and inspiring beginning to the senior year, setting the tone for a year of purpose, growth, and faith.
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Senior Spirit Week
This Week, September 8-12 - For Seniors ONLY
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Freshmen & Sophomores
(Grades 9 & 10)
This Monday, September 15
This Monday, September 15, grades 9 & 10 will take the MAP® Growth™ test from NWEA® on a Chromebook (provided - bring security key). Students should arrive at school at 8:00 AM. Testing will begin promptly at 8:30 AM and should conclude by 12:30 PM. Parents, please arrange for your student to be dropped off and picked up on time.
If you would like to have your student see what to expect on Monday, visit the NWEA website: https://www.nwea.org, go to the login tab, and select MAP Growth student login from the drop down menu. Once at the login page, select try the practice test. After clicking, try the practice test, enter grow for the username and password. On the next screen select grade, choose any of the subjects, language preference, and any of the tests. This will help the students see what a test will look like on Monday.
Parents, please contact Mrs. Robinson (aaattendance@andrews.edu or 269-471-3453) if your student is not able to make it to the school for MAP testing so that we can schedule their make-up test.
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Juniors (Grade 11)
This Monday, September 15
As the juniors prepare for the PSAT on October 9, a test prep session has been scheduled for this Monday, September 15, at 8:00 AM, while grades 9 & 10 take the MAP tests. The PSAT, when taken in a student's junior year, is a qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship. They will also meet with Andrews University. They should be done around 12:00 PM.
PM E-Learning Day (Grades 9-11)
This Monday, September 15
There will be e-learning (at home) for the afternoon classes, so grades 9-11 should check Google Classroom or watch for an email from their teacher for each of their afternoon classes to see what may have been assigned for that day.
(Seniors will be on their class trip.)
- Mrs. Dionne Robinson, Guidance Counselor & Attendance Officer
269-471-3453
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â–º Note: All freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will take the PSAT test on October 9. We encourage our students to familiarize themselves with the test by taking practice tests online. In addition, students will receive a PSAT study guide and practice test soon from their English teachers in preparation for test day.
There is no cost to Andrews Academy students to take the PSAT or MAP tests.
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Picture Day is coming on Monday, September 29!
You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVTPSJXDD. Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!
Your child can also bring their completed flyer (available soon in the office) with cash or check on Picture Day.
Orders after Picture Day must be placed online only on mylifetouch.com.
Note: Pictures will be taken in the AA uniform.
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Call for Entries! Feast of Lights Cover Art
Due Friday, October 3
Students are invited to submit original art to be featured on the cover of the Feast of Lights (annual Christmas concert) printed program. The drawing/digital file should depict the nativity scene or a related motif.
Interested? Submit your creation to Mrs. Meekma (at the front office or by email to ginam@andrews.edu) by Friday, October 3. One drawing/digital file will be selected by the faculty. The winner will be awarded a $100 prize.
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Tuition
Payment #2 of 10 is due on September 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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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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Senior Spirit Week
Squad day on Monday kicked off Senior Spirit Week, which occurs the week before their senior class trip. This fun week of dressing up differently each day also includes Senior Convocation and the senior vs school flag football game.
More pictures will be added to the album below as the week continues.
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| More photos on Facebook |
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Freshman and Junior Class Vespers
The freshman class of 2029 gathered for their very first class vespers and activity — a perfect way to begin their four-year journey at Andrews Academy. The evening was filled with fun and fellowship as students enjoyed boat rides, games, a delicious dinner, and a memorable vespers service by the campfire. Special thanks to the Dockerty family and all of the volunteers who made this event possible. Your support helped create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where students could relax, connect, and start building lifelong friendships. 52 of 62 freshman participated. (August 29, 2025)
The junior class had a wonderful evening of fellowship and worship together. We are grateful to the Reid family for graciously opening their home by the St. Joe River, allowing us to enjoy boat rides, volleyball, a campfire, a meal, and a time of worship. The newly elected class pastor, chosen earlier that morning, led the worship reflection after a group of students played and sang together. It was a meaningful evening filled with camaraderie, worship, and even some tears as we shared around the campfire. This was the first junior class vespers this school year, held on September 5, 2025, with about 80 percent of the class in attendance.
For more junior vespers photos, go to the class of 2027 Facebook album, and juniors (and parents) please join this class FB group.
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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 Friday, October 17, 2025. We encourage you to get your senior picture done ASAP. 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.
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 17), 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 27 & 28, 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). Watch for more information about signing up for ad night.
Please send photos and any questions to AAyearbook@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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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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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.
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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. 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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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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269-471-3138
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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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