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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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Washington, DC, Educational Tour
At Andrews Academy, tours are an important part of the curriculum. So much can be learned in the classroom, but being at historical sites and experiencing these locations are what creates life-long memories, not only of the sites but also of the friendships while on these tours. Students also draw closer to Jesus through worships and seeing the sights and learning the history from a Christian perspective.
Mr. Sherman, AA social studies teacher, and a group of sponsors led a history tour of Washington, DC, area April 28 - May 3, 2024. The twenty-four students saw many sights, and for the major locations, they went on guided tours to experience and understand the history that occurred at that location. When one looks at the itinerary, it's amazing that Mr. Sherman can fit in so many sites in such a short time. On Monday, they toured Monticello, Jefferson’s historic home and then Historic Williamsburg in VA. Historic Williamsburg is a village built like it was in historic times with various locations that have guided tours and reenactments.
Tuesday included the Jamestown Settlement historical reenactment site and the Jamestown Archeological site, followed by a tour of George Washington’s Mount Vernon home, overlooking the beautiful Potomac River.
Wednesday was filled with tours, monuments, museums, and a healthy walking tour through DC. They began the day with a tour of the Capitol building, moved to the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court, and then on to several monuments and memorials including Lincoln, Jefferson, Martin Luther King Jr, FDR, Vietnam War, Korean War, and WWII. The day ended with a trip through the American History Museum and an evening walk to see the Capitol by night.
Thursday's summary can be found on Facebook at a later time.
One of the many highlights of this trip for the sponsors was to meet their former student, Joy Ngũgĩ, who works in White House (she is pictured with Ms. Chao). She was SA president her senior year in 2015 and led in many leadership positions while at AA. She regularly meets with the president with her White House responsibilities and helped lead the tour for our students inside the White House.
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Mountain Bike Tour
This year, the Andrews Academy physical education department sponsored a mountain bike trip (April 28 - May 3, 2024). Twenty-one students departed early Sunday morning for the Smoky Mountains, Big South Fork National Recreation Area, in Tennessee.
In our "wired" world, many teens do not get exposed to nature on a daily basis. This mountain biking trip provided an important back-to-nature experience. When Jesus wanted to mediate and pray, he found a quiet place, tucked away in a natural setting. As this group had fun biking and hiking many miles, as well as seeing beautiful sites this week, we pray that they had a transforming spiritual journey as well.
Thank you, Mr. Herbie Helm (AA alumnus), for planning this trip which will provide wonderful memories…. and sore muscles!
The first ride on Monday morning was a fun nine miles out and back, including crossing a bridge. The second ride on Monday was a 10 mile loop. The students mapped out the routes each ride before they hit the trail. Because of heavy rain on Tuesday morning, the group decided to take an amazing hike to Yahoo Falls and the over looks. Wednesday was the long, challenging 25 mile bike ride—every single student completed it! The evening concluded with swimming in the river and worship around the fire. On Thursday, the group had an awesome last day of biking and hiking. They did two more mountain bike trails and one more hike. Total mileage for the week was 65 miles on the bike and 12 miles hiking! Each one really worked hard this week. We are so impressed with all of them. The evening ended with a well deserved trip to Pizza Hut and worship.
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If your student plans to or may participate in one or more of the following off-site activities in May, parents and students must sign and turn in the attached blanket Hold Harmless form ASAP:
Note that the form may not be digitally signed or sent to us as a picture or file. We need the original, signed form turned in to the office several days in advance of a trip (even day trips). Therefore, we now have this blanket hold harmless agreement that can be used for any school activity that is on our calendar. A new one will be required for next school year.
Note that this form is now required prior to all day trips (which must be approved by AU ahead of time), and that medical insurance coverage is required for students to participate in off-site activities. You can also find it on our Useful Documents web page. Printed copies are available in the main office.
Parent/adult volunteers who help with events must also sign a hold harmless form.
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Class Devotions/Class of 2025 Elections
Instead of Chapel this Tuesday, May 7, you will have devotions with your class at 8:45. The juniors will also be having their senior class elections. The seniors will be taking their class picture in their graduation gowns.
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Important Information from the Registrar’s Office:
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Class Withdraw Deadline: This Tuesday, May 7. There is a drop/add form in the main office that needs to be filled out, signed, and turned in to me. It can also be found on our Useful Documents web page.
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2024-2025 Class Schedule Appointments: For those who have completed re-enrollment, including the financial agreement, you will receive an email with a link to make an appointment for your class schedule. You can also put your name on my door, and I will meet with you as I can.
Ms. Ivonne Segui Medina
Andrews Academy Registrar
269-471-6234
aaregistrar@andrews.edu
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Upcoming AA Spring Concerts
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You are invited to attend our music performances in May at the Howard. They will also be live-streamed on our Facebook page.
This Tuesday, May 7, 7 PM: Vocal & Bells Concert
This Thursday, May 9, 7 PM: Band & Orchestra Concert
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This Monday, May 6: Vocal & Bells Rehearsal
Call Times: 5:50 PM (Resound) /
6:25 PM (Chorale)
Rehearsal Schedule:
RESOUND: 6-6:30 PM
CHORALE: 6:40-7:15 PM
SILHOUETTES: 7:20-8 PM
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This Wednesday, May 8, 6 PM: Orchestra & Band Rehearsal
(watch for more info from your music teacher)
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NHS Officer Orientation
An orientation for those wanting information about running for an NHS office will be held this Tuesday, May 7, at 3:30 PM in Sherman's room. See Mr. Sherman for more information.
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Bible Study
Next Sabbath, May 11, at 3:30 PM, AA
It's my privilege to invite all of the Andrews Academy students to our last Bible Study Sabbath experience! We have had meaningful studies thus far, opening Scripture to find answers to difficult questions and hearing the experience of others in answering life application questions as well.
All AA students who are interested in attending this experience, please fill out the Google Form. It will help us prepare accordingly, especially concerning the finger food portion. There is also further information towards the end of the form to help you prepare/know what to bring.
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| Google Form |
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We will finish with enough time for the girls to transition to their girls' night experience.
May the LORD cover this experience with His blessing and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we dig into the Bible to ground our walk with the LORD.
As always, if there are any questions, comments, concerns, etc., please feel free to contact Mrs. May.
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The permission slip to attend Girls' Night is in the main office.
Tickets will be sold next week.
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UPDATE
Monday, May 13
8:30 AM - 2:00 PM, at AA
Please plan to arrive by 8:30 AM for devotions as we dedicate new officers for the next school year and unveil the yearbook. There will be fun activities, games, and lunch.
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SA Beach Vespers
Sabbath, May 18, 4:15 at AA - 8 PM
In two weeks, the newly elected Student Association will hold their first event: Beach Vespers. Dress code is casual (within guidelines - Sourcebook page 80) and bringing jackets, blankets, bug spray, and towels/blankets is encouraged.
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Students may not drive themselves. Come to AA at 4:15 PM to be transported by bus to the beach. You must have a signed permission slip to get on the bus, and the office must have an original, signed hold harmless agreement by Wednesday, May 15, or you will not be able to attend. Both forms are needed to attend. All parent/adult volunteers also need to sign a hold harmless form.
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Final Exam/Assessment Schedule
& Graduation Practices
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May 21-23
No early departure policy applies.
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Final exams/assessments start on May 21. 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 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 and walk over to Apple Valley or anywhere else. Everyone should attend Mizpah/Communion/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!
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Graduation Information
- Senior Class Night Practice: Tuesday, May 21, 1:15 PM, AA Chapel
- Class Night: Thursday, May 23, 7:00 PM, AA Chapel - 6 tickets per graduate; overflow in library.
- Consecration Service: Friday, May 24, 8:00 PM, at Village Adventist Church
- Senior Parent Sabbath School: Sabbath, May 25, 10:00 AM, AA Chapel
- Baccalaureate Service: Sabbath, May 25, 11:45 AM (Get to PMC early)
- Faculty/Senior Vespers & Party: Saturday night, May 25, 7:45 PM
- Commencement Service: Sunday, May 26, 11:00 AM, at PMC
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New Students
Applications for new students are open. If you have a current student at AA, you can start a new application packet in FACTS, in the same place that you re-enroll your current student (under Apply/Enroll, click on Application).
For new families, please go to the AA website and click on "Apply Now" for the online application.
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| AA Website |
| Instructions for New Students |
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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 (2024-25) if their account has a balance.
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| FACTS |
| Re-enrollment Instructions for Returning Students |
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Tuition
Note that payment #10 FOR SENIORS is due this Monday, May 6.
Tuition payment #10 for everyone else is due by May 25.
Please contact Ms. Gracie at gaytan@andrews.edu with questions.
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Thank You!
We are thankful to our principal, vice principal, and all of our teachers for their tireless, hard work! Leading and teaching are often thankless jobs.
We invite you to let Pastor Ferguson, Ms. G, and your teachers know how much you appreciate them! Remember the staff also.
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Farewell Reception
A farewell celebration was held on Wednesday for the Ferguson Family at the Andrews University Campus Center. Many individuals expressed thanks for their time of service here at Andrews Academy (Pastor Mario Ferguson) and Andrews University (Dr. Heather Ferguson). Several AA students, as well as an a capella group, provided musical selections. The Fergusons also expressed thanks for their time working together with so many that were in the room. Everyone enjoyed tasty Jamaican food at the reception.
Thank you, Pastor Ferguson, for your 11 years of service at Andrews Academy!
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Pastor Ferguson especially thanked Ms. Gracie Gaytan for all that she has done as they worked together in the front office of the school.
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Chapel Recap
Pastor May, AA religion teacher, has such an interesting repertoire of children’s books and story books that tell insightful stories. She also has an effective way of presenting the story. On Prayer Monday, she read a real story of how God answered a prayer for a family. Great spiritual insights were gained by this simple story. (April 29, 2024)
On Tuesday, Wyatt Lawson, AA freshman, shared how often we call ourselves a Christian but too often do not live like a Christian. Sometimes we focus on the rules, while Christ truly wants a deep relationship. Like a loving parent Christ gives us rules to follow to keep us safe and to develop our relationship with Him. He encouraged each of us to develop our relationship with Jesus. (April 30, 2024)
On Wednesday, guest speaker Pastor Castelo, a first year seminary student at AU, presented insights on Matthew 4. When we start questioning ourselves or others start to question you, turn to God. When Jesus was taken into the wilderness, this helped Him answer questions and prepare Him for His ministry. As you go through your wilderness experience, keep turning to God and remember that this may be preparing you for your future. (May 1, 2024)
On Thursday, Pastor May read a story that was about money. As she read, she asked us to deduce who it is about. It became clear that the story was about Matthew, who heard about the “prophet” and eventually decided to follow Jesus. He wrote the book of Matthew that has so many details and talks about the influence of money more than any of the gospels. (May 2, 2024)
Today (Friday) included a creative, interactive challenge to interpret emojis. Four or five emojis were displayed on the screen, and then students would guess the Bible character and state the verse it is associated with. A brief insight or story was shared from each depicted character. We appreciate the creativity in chapel program presentations. (May 3, 2024)
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| More photos on Facebook |
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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 and to add funds, 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. At this time (while the new website is being worked on), you will still contact Dining Services to add funds to your student's account. Parents will now need to purchase at least 20 meals at a time. Any leftover funds will be refunded at the end of the year.
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
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Jr. Cardinals Girls Volleyball Tryouts
Questions and inquiries can be directed to Coach George Kim at gskim575@gmail.com.
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Spend Your Summer with Andrews University!
July 28-August 16
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 2024 Early College Experience have been changed.
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.
2024 Courses
College Writing I*
Communications Skills
World Civilizations*
Scripture* (general education religion)
*honors eligible courses
The Early College Experience is a single package price of $1,295. This covers all costs, including tuition, housing, food, books, and activities. There are no hidden costs or additional fees.
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Mondays - Thursdays:
7:40 AM - 4:30 PM
Fridays: 7:40 AM - 2:30 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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Opting into Texting for One Call Now Alerts
Andrews Academy utilizes One Call Now, an automated messaging service, to contact students and parents about school cancellations (including snow days), upcoming events, and urgent information, etc.
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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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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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Andrews Academy
8833 Garland Ave Berrien Springs, MI 49104
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269-471-3138
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