August 18, 2022

Hello from Andover!

Preparations for our 2022–2023 academic year are well underway, and we look forward to welcoming students to campus in just a few weeks. To help Opening of School go smoothly for your family, please review this newsletter carefully.

Coming soon: Your student will receive a personalized email next week with specific instructions related to their arrival and registration as well as their cluster/housing assignment. Boarders will also receive roommate information, if applicable, and the name of their house counselor(s). Parents/guardians: You will receive a copy of the email at the email address we have on record for you in The Hive. Please be sure to review arrival and registration instructions with your student: it is important they arrive at the designated location during the times indicated.

Visit 2022–2023 Information for Families for a list of “What to Bring” to campus (including what NOT to bring) and “Central Services Mailroom Policies.” Visit Frequently Asked Questions for other important information.

Don't Miss These Videos

The recently recorded Family Information Video Series is now available here.

“Health & Wellness”—Chief Medical Officer Amy Patel, MD, shares important health information, including services available on campus and what you need to do before your student comes to campus (COVID-19 testing, required health paperwork, etc.).

“Student Life”—Dean of Students Susan Esty, PhD, and Associate Dean of Students Kathryn Dolan talk about various ways you and your child can prepare for the new school year.

“Academics”—Dean of Studies Caroline Odden and Dean of Scheduling and Associate Director of College Counseling Ken Shows, with moderator Timothy Liu from the Office of Admission, discuss the excitement of returning to the classroom, details of fall course scheduling, and much more.

OOS Schedule at Your Fingertips

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

If you have an old version of the app, it’s best to delete it from your device.
Go to the Apple App Store (Mac) or Google Play (android) and search for Andover Event Guides (not “Events Guide”).
Download.
Enter passphrase Andover22 (no space and NOT: Andover2022).
Download guide and OPEN.

Registration Reminders

All medical and insurance information was due to the Rebecca M. Sykes Wellness Center (via The Hive) on July 1. The Sykes Wellness Center medical team asks for your assistance with completing all required student medical forms as soon as possible. Please be sure to log onto The Hive to access the health portal. Reminder: We require a student physical (dated after August 1, 2021) and an updated TB Risk Assessment form (dated after June 1, 2022).

Returning families, please remember to update your permissions forms, which is required annually. Questions? Contact the Sykes Wellness Center medical team via email or phone (978-749-4455).

Most other registration requirements should have been completed via The Hive by August 1. If you have difficulty logging onto The Hive, please contact the Help Desk or call 978-749-4357. 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.

Arrival Dates and Times

Students may not arrive prior to their scheduled registration day and are not allowed to move into their dorm until they have registered.  

Early Arrivals: Some students are required to arrive on campus prior to September 3. If your child has been invited to come to campus early, please note registration date and time below. If your child cannot register on their scheduled day, please email the Dean of Students Office or call 978-749-4175.

Thursday, September 1, 9–11 a.m., Dean of Studies Office in George Washington Hall: Registration for student leaders, including Proctors, Prefects, Day Student Mentors, World Partners, EBI Seniors, CAMD Power Players, Blue Key Heads, School & Cluster Co-Presidents.
Friday, September 2, 8–11 a.m., at the Snyder Center: Registration for New International Students, Blue Key Orientation Leaders, Outdoor Pursuits Leaders, Invited Fall Varsity Candidates for cross country, field hockey, football, soccer, volleyball, and water polo. Snyder Center parking is near the Academy ice rinks.
All other new and returning students should register at the Snyder Center on Saturday, September 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Snyder Center parking is near the Academy ice rinks.

Varsity Tryouts: By Invitation Only

As noted above, varsity tryouts are by invitation only from the respective varsity coach and begin Friday, September 2. If your student has not received this specific invitation from a fall varsity coach, they will receive information during orientation about junior varsity tryouts, which begin the first week of school. All invitations to attend varsity tryouts have been extended as of this date.

Meet and Greet for New Families

Don’t miss it! Parents and guardians of new students are cordially invited to Parent Development’s annual meet and greet reception on Saturday, September 3, from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. in Davis Hall (in McKeen Hall on the Abbot campus). We hope you will join this informal social event and enjoy a drink and refreshment before you depart campus. For more information, email Katherine Solimini, associate director of Parent Development.

Advisor Assignments

Students will be notified of their advisor assignment via email the week of August 29. For student-advisor meeting dates and further details, please visit Frequently Asked Questions.

Textbooks

The Academy currently purchases course materials in bulk for all classes. These materials—a physical book, information for access to electronic resources, or information on availability of books at the library—will be provided by teachers on the first day of classes. To cover the cost of the books and other course materials, a Course Materials Charge of $800 is included in the first student tuition invoice. This yearly $800 charge will be placed in a separate Course Materials Account; the account will also be used to cover art fees, PSATs, and Advanced Placement Exams. Any balance in your child’s Course Materials Account will be refunded upon their departure from the Academy. Questions? Please email Cindy Stewart.

Family Weekend Is October 14–16

We look forward to welcoming families back to campus for Family Weekend, Friday, October 14, to Sunday, October 16. Please mark your calendar!

Family Weekend provides a special glimpse into your child’s daily life at Andover. There will be activities such as classroom visits with your child’s teachers, student performances, and athletic events. Highlights include:

All-School Meeting with Head of School Raynard S. Kington, MD, PhD, P’24
Meeting with your boarding student’s counselor or your day student’s advisor
Cheering on your child during their athletic competitions. Go Big Blue!

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

You Are Invited

Please check the Alumni & Families Events Calendar for activities and events in your area! Key events will be listed regularly in the Family Bulletin, beginning with our September 8 issue.

The Family Bulletin is typically emailed on Thursdays during the school year when classes are in session. Each issue includes important, timely information, a quick glimpse of what’s happening on campus, and a selection of events of interest to parents, guardians, and other family members.

Family Bulletin Archive »

Phillips Academy
180 Main St.
Andover, MA 01810

You received this message because you are a valued member of the Andover community. We are obligated to communicate with you, and require you to be on our email list while your student(s) attends Phillips Academy. For more information contact the Dean of Studies Office.