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Monday, January 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day. A reminder to families: MLK Day is a “day on” for students, with special programs for all grades. Attendance is mandatory. See how the tradition started 37 years ago.
- Friday, January 23: Midterm
- Monday, February 2: No classes. Boarding students must return by 8 p.m.
- Saturday, February 28: Andover-Exeter athletic contests
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Next Week! Webinar on Supporting Student Success |
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Curious about the resources that can help your student thrive? Join us on Wednesday, January 14, at noon for an inside look at the Academic Skills Center! Register here.
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Special MLK Day Programming |
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For the 37th year, Andover will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by taking the “day on.” The Academy’s special MLK Day programming—which students attend in lieu of regular classes—takes place on Monday, January 19.
Students will begin their day at 9:30 a.m. with a special All-School Meeting (ASM) featuring keynote speaker Dr. José M. Hernández, former NASA astronaut and engineer.
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Hernández’s remarkable journey—from migrant farmworker to astronaut—is the subject of the film A Million Miles Away and reflects the perseverance, purpose, and commitment to service that Dr. King championed. His story reminds us that barriers can be broken through courage, community, and education.
Following ASM, students will attend various workshops, guest lectures, and student-run performances. MLK Day workshops are designed to expand students’ understanding of significant cultural and societal issues. Whether introducing a topic students have not yet encountered or examining familiar ideas through a new lens, these sessions foster thoughtful dialogue, critical thinking, and shared learning across our community.
To cap off our MLK Day events, students and families are invited to attend The Barbara Landis Chase CAMD Scholar presentation, titled “Do I Run? Climb? Swim? The Untold Experiences of Mexican Migrants Crossing the U.S./Mexico Border,” by Daisy Lopez Vargas ’26 at 7 p.m. in Kemper Auditorium (5 Chapel Avenue). This event is free and open to the public.
MLK Day reflects months of thoughtful planning and deep commitment from students, faculty, and staff, and we ask families to support this work by helping students engage fully in the day’s programming and by prioritizing their presence on campus throughout the day.
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Andover Welcomes Tessa Hulls |
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In celebration of PA’s 13th annual Mixed Heritage Awareness Week, families are invited to attend a talk titled “None of the Above: Forging an Identity Outside the Box” with artist, writer, adventurer, and comics journalist Tessa Hulls on Friday, January 16, at 7 p.m. in Kemper Auditorium. Books will be available for purchase, and a book signing will follow the talk. This event is free and open to the public.
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Cluster Dean Fireside Chats |
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The Office of Family Engagement invites you to join us for an engaging conversation with your student’s cluster dean. Learn about the many ways cluster deans support your student, hear from student leaders about cluster traditions and events, and more. All gatherings are local time. Register now using these links:
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West Quad South Cluster: Tuesday, January 20, at 7:30 p.m.
- Abbot Cluster: Tuesday, January 27, at 7:30 p.m.
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Flagstaff Cluster: Tuesday, February 3, at 7:30 p.m.
- West Quad North Cluster: Tuesday, February 10, at 7:30 p.m.
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Pine Knoll Cluster: Tuesday, February 17, at 7:30 p.m.
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Not sure which cluster your student belongs to? You can find this information on The Hive. Questions? Email the Office of Family Engagement.
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2026 Commencement: We are excited to invite the families of the Class of 2026 to celebrate Commencement on Sunday, May 31, 2026. For a complete schedule of events and FAQs, please visit the Commencement webpage.
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If you have accessibility needs, such as an ASL interpreter, wheelchair, or other accommodations, please email Naomi Mashburn your request by Friday, February 13.
Questions? Please contact Naomi Mashburn ’08 in the Office of Alumni Engagement via email or 978-749-4225.
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Term 2 Theatre & Dance Performances |
Save the dates! All are encouraged to attend the following winter term performances.
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The THD902 Dance Showcase, Dance Mainstage Performance
Showtimes: Friday, February 13, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, February 14, at 7 p.m.
Venue: Cristina A. Rubio Dance Studio, Pan Athletic Center
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Saturday Night/Sunday Morning, Theatre Mainstage Performance
Showtimes: Friday, February 20, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, February 21, at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, February 22, at 1 p.m.
Venue: Steinbach Theatre, George Washington Hall
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I and You, A THD901 Production directed by Maya Clark ’26
Showtimes: Friday, February 20, at 6 p.m. and Saturday, February 21, at 6 p.m.
Venue: Cristina A. Rubio Dance Studio, Pan Athletic Center
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All are invited to the following musical performances, which are held in John Barry Performance Hall in Falls Music Center unless otherwise noted.
January
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- Friday, January 23, at 7:30 p.m.—Student Piano Recital
- Saturday, January 24, at 7:30 p.m.—Senior Soloist Concert
- Friday, January 30, at 7:30 p.m.—Adjunct Faculty Showcase
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- Wednesday, February 4, at 1:45 p.m.—Student Recital
- Friday, February 13, at 7:30 p.m.—Academy Chorus and Fidelio Society Concert
- Sunday, February 15, at 3 p.m.—Academy Wind Ensemble
- Friday, February 20, at 7:30 p.m.—Academy Orchestras
- Saturday, February 21, at 7 p.m.—Academy Chamber Music Society Concert
- Sunday, February 22, at 3 p.m.—Academy Jazz Band & Ensembles Concert
- Sunday, February 22, at 4:30 p.m.—Coffeehouse, *Gershwin-Godowsky Court in Falls Music Center
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Wednesday, February 25, at 1:45 p.m.—Student Recital
- Saturday, February 28, at 7 p.m.—Academy Chamber Music Society Concert
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Welcome back to school, and cheers to 2026!
Winter Cluster Olympic Treats
Once again, the PSPA will be sponsoring Winter Cluster Olympic treats on the evening of Saturday, January 17, during the Cluster Dodgeball Tournament coordinated by the Dean of Students Office. Volunteers are needed to help serve treats and keep the cluster spirit soaring! Please sign up here. We look forward to hosting another fun event together to brighten the winter days.
Campus Closet
Campus Closet Needs Crew Members: Campus Closet relies on parent volunteers to operate the shop—it’s fun, and you get to meet other parents. To volunteer for a January shift, please sign up here.
Shop on Campus or Online: Visit our campus store tomorrow, January 9, from 1 to 5 p.m. (located on the lower level of George Washington Hall) or shop online for PA clothing and merchandise for your whole family. We offer free delivery on campus!
Get Involved with the PSPA:
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- Sign up here to be notified about volunteer opportunities.
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Follow us on Facebook (@Parents of Students of Phillips Academy (Andover) and Instagram (@pspa_campuscloset).
- Subscribe to our newsletter for updates.
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The PSPA is a parent-run nonprofit that hosts social gatherings, educational panels, and engagement events throughout the year for students, families, and the broader PA community.
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Spiritual & Religious Gatherings |
- 1–1:25 p.m.—Muslim Student Association (MSA) Jummah Prayer: Led by Noureddine El Alam. Meditation Room, lower level of Cochran Chapel (enter from left side of building).
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5:15 p.m.—Jewish Student Union (JSU) Shabbat Celebration: Led by members of the JSU and Rabbi Joshua Greenberg. Paul’s Room, Paresky Commons (second floor).
- 5:30–6:30 p.m.—MSA Dinner & Discussion: Led by Noureddine El Alam and members of the MSA. Ada’s Room, Paresky Commons (second floor).
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- 11:30 a.m.—No Protestant Worship this week
- 6:15 p.m.—Catholic Mass: Overseen by Dr. Mary Kantor, Catholic chaplain, with presider Fr. Jack O’Brien and other guest priests from the Archdiocese of Boston. Kemper Chapel, lower level of Cochran Chapel (enter from left side of building).
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January 12 in Hong Kong: Steering Toward the Future with Head of School Raynard S. Kington, MD, PhD, P’24, ’27
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January 14 in Shanghai: Steering Toward the Future with Head of School Raynard S. Kington
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January 15 in Seoul: Steering Toward the Future with Head of School Raynard S. Kington
- January 18 in Dubai: Andover Dinner with Alumni & Parents
- January 27 in Seattle: Andover Networking with the Eight Schools Association
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February 7—Virtual: MAXCourage Virtual Essay Judging Day Non Sibi Project with Blakeman Hazzard Allen ’66
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February 10 in Naples: Steering Toward the Future with Head of School Raynard S. Kington
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February 11 in Coral Gables: Steering Toward the Future with Head of School Raynard S. Kington
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February 12 in Boston: MAXCourage Essay Judging Day Non Sibi Project with Blakeman Hazzard Allen ’66
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February 12 in Palm Beach: Steering Toward the Future with Head of School Raynard S. Kington
- February 21 on Campus: Coed Alumni and Parent Hockey Game
- February 24 in Chicago: Annual Winter Doldrums Gathering
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February 25 in Los Angeles: Steering Toward the Future: Andover’s Framework for 21st-Century Learning with Head of School Raynard S. Kington and Nicholas Zufelt, Instructor in Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science
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February 26 in San Francisco
: Steering Toward the Future: Andover’s Framework for 21st-Century Learning with Head of School Raynard S. Kington and Nicholas Zufelt, Instructor in Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science
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Keep an eye on the Academy’s Events Calendar for more campus and regional gatherings.
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The Office of Family Engagement is here to help. Email Director Jennifer Vasquez or call 978-749-4068.
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Phillips Academy
180 Main St. | Andover, MA 01810 US
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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.
© 2026
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