August 17, 2023

Our “Big Blue Be Well” health and wellness video was recently created for the 2023–2024 school year. Watch and listen as Jennifer Vasquez, inaugural director of the new Office of Family Engagement, talks with Dr. Amy Patel, chief medical officer and dean of health and wellness, about the upcoming academic year, required medical forms, and what students and their families should know about the many services offered by the Rebecca M. Sykes Wellness Center. Please be on the lookout next week for an email from Jennifer introducing herself.

This issue of the Family Bulletin has lots of important and timely information, all intended to help ensure that Opening of School (OOS) goes smoothly for you and your student. Please read on.

It is imperative that students arrive on their designated registration day. They may NOT arrive prior to this date.

First task upon arrival: REGISTER! (Students will not be allowed to move into their dorm until they have registered.) Questions? Email the Dean of Students Office or call 978-749-4175.  

Early Arrivals: If your student has been notified to register earlier, here are the details:

Snyder Center parking is near the PA ice arena (220 South Main Street in Andover). 

All registration requirements, including medical and insurance information, were due via The Hive on August 1. If you have difficulty logging onto The Hive, please email the Help Desk or call 978-749-4357. If you have questions specific to health and medical insurance information, please contact the Sykes Wellness Center team via email or call 978-749-4455.

Be sure to view this short video tutorial to help ensure your child has everything completed and will be ready to begin classes this fall.

Phillips Academy uses an app-based assessment tool created by Sway Medical (“Sway”) for head injury assessment and monitoring. All students must complete a new baseline assessment at the beginning of every school year to ensure the most accurate baseline.

Good news! The 15-minute Sway assessment can be completed now using any smart phone or tablet. Students received an email on August 15 if their Sway test had not been received. Please check with your student and encourage them to do this before they come to campus. Results are automatically shared with the Sykes Wellness Center team.

An email will be sent to all students (copied to parents/guardians) the week of August 21 with cluster and residential information. All students will receive their cluster assignment, and their point person and advisor. Boarding students will also receive their dorm and room assignment, house counselors, and roommate (if applicable). Students will be asked to reach out to their cluster dean to say hello.

Wondering what your student should—and should not—pack? Check out this list of “What to Bring,” which is posted on The Hive.

For quick access to all the latest Opening of School information, be sure to download the Andover Event Guides app. Here’s how:

Parents and guardians of new students are cordially invited to a “meet and greet” reception on Tuesday, September 5, from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. The event will take place on the Abbot Circle in front of McKeen Hall (or, in case of rain, in Davis Hall inside McKeen Hall).  

If you are dropping off your student on September 5, we hope you will join us for this informal social event before you depart campus. Light refreshments will be available! For more information, email Katherine Solimini, associate director of Parent Development.

We look forward to welcoming families back to campus for Family Weekend, Friday, October 20, to Sunday, October 22. Please mark your calendar!

Family Weekend provides a special glimpse into your child’s daily life at Andover through classroom visits with your child’s teachers, student performances, and more. Highlights include:

More information will be coming your way in the next few weeks, and registration will open soon.

The next Family Bulletin will be emailed on Thursday, September 7, with issues sent weekly on Thursdays when classes are in session. Past issues of the Family Bulletin can always be found on The Hive—or click the Archive link below.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!