January 11, 2024

Calendar of Events

Athletics Calendar

The Weekender (View on The Hive)

Phillips Academy has been using ReachBoarding for only a few years, and we are learning the advantages and disadvantages of an electronic platform for permissions. One feature that’s been lost is the ability to communicate with families when large groups of students are spending the night off campus together. We value our partnership with families to keep students safe, and we want to allow parents/guardians the opportunity to communicate with their teenagers and with one another. As with other overnight permissions, we also want to be sure that a host 25 years or older will be present when we have a large group of students spending the night off campus. 

Effective immediately, we will require a student host inviting three or more guests to spend the night off campus to come to the Dean of Students Office during regular business hours—and no later than 3 p.m. on the Wednesday before a weekend request—to obtain a group overnight permission or “bulk leave request.” This will allow us to communicate to parents/guardians that they are being asked to approve requests for group leaves and not an overnight with a friend or two.  

For 35 years, Andover has celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by taking the day “on.” This tradition dates to 1989, when senior Brian Gittens staged a protest on the steps of Samuel Phillips Hall and played King’s speeches on his boombox to implore friends and faculty to mark the day with meaningful curriculum.

The Academy’s special MLK Day programming—which students attend in lieu of regular classes—takes place on Monday, January 15. Students will begin their day at 9 a.m. with a special All-School Meeting featuring keynote speaker Angie Thomas, acclaimed author of The Hate U Give, On the Come Up, and Concrete Rose, among other books. Following ASM, students will attend various workshops, guest lectures, and student-run performances.

The practice PSAT is a preview of the official College Board PSAT that students will take in the 11th grade. It is managed by Compass Education Group and will simulate the digital PSAT. This test does not count in the admissions process and scores are only provided to students. Registration for the exam, which takes place on Saturday, February 17, is open now through January 19 at noon.

The results of the practice PSAT and the PreACT can be a guide toward the standardized testing a student pursues in the college admissions process. A presentation comparing the ACT and the SAT to help families and students create a college testing plan will be available in the spring. Look for details and registration information in a future Family Bulletin. Click here for more information about testing.

We are excited to welcome the families of seniors to campus in June to celebrate Phillips Academy’s 246th Commencement. In the coming months an invitation will be sent to your home, and seniors will receive four additional “keepsake” invitations in their student mailboxes. Please note that invitations are not required for admittance.

For a complete schedule of events and FAQs, please visit the Commencement webpage.

If you have additional questions, please contact Naomi Mashburn ’08 in the Office of Alumni Engagement via email or call 978-749-4225.

With its shorter days and colder temps, winter is for many the most challenging season in New England. The Dean of Students Office is partnering with others on and off campus (thank you, PSPA!) to offer pop-up events to brighten students’ days. Please feel free to email any ideas you have for lifting spirits! We welcome your questions, feedback, and good suggestions. The first Snooze the Blues event will take place tomorrow, Friday January 12, with donuts, hot chocolate, and bracelet-making in place of the All-School Meeting.

Friday, January 12

Sunday, January 14

Keep an eye on the Academy’s Events Calendar for gatherings in your area and an array of campus and other events that may be open to families (i.e., special student presentations; music, theatre, and dance performances; and athletic competitions). Please join us!

Health and safety guidelines, provided here, are also available when you register for an event.

PSPA General Meeting and Curriculum Night—Tuesday, January 16: You are invited! Join us for an early light dinner at 5:45 p.m. ET and the PSPA General Meeting at 6:15 p.m. ET in the Underwood Room. Curriculum Night will follow at 7 p.m. ET in Kemper Auditorium. Curriculum Night is an opportunity to hear from department chairs about Andover’s academic program.

For those who cannot attend the General Meeting in person, here is a Zoom Link (Meeting ID: 870 6153 9613, Passcode: 638906).

Campus Closet is open tomorrow: PSPA activities are funded by profits from our volunteer-run Campus Closet, which features official Phillips Academy gear for your whole family. The shop will be open tomorrow, Friday, January 12, from noon to 4 p.m. Campus Closet is located on the lower level of George Washington Hall. Remember, you can shop online 24/7! Campus Closet needs your help staffing the shop in the upcoming winter months. Please click here to volunteer.

The Office of Family Engagement is here to support you throughout the school year. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Director Jennifer Vasquez by email or call 978-749-4068.

2023–2024 Academic Calendar

Information for Families Webpage 

BlueCard Portal