September 11, 2025

Calendar of Events

Athletics Calendar

The Weekender

Available Fridays at noon on The Hive.

Students will gather Friday morning for the All-School Meeting (ASM) Opening of School ceremony, a time to honor students as the inspiration for our educational mission. This year Andover welcomes students from more than 40 U.S. states and just over 50 countries. A video of this special ASM will be posted next week to the Family Hub on Media Space, which families can access via The Hive.

The Office of Family Engagement would like to remind families of the resources available to help you support your student and various ways to stay connected.

Resources for Students and Families

The Academic Skills Center has updated its Strategies for Student Success flyer with tips and reminders on how students can access a range of resources on campus. To learn more about the Academic Skills Center, visit their webpage.

Students and families are also encouraged to review The Blue Book, detailing our shared values, community standards, and behavioral expectations, and the Course of Study, outlining graduation requirements, courses, and academic expectations. Both are available on The Hive.

Ways to Stay Connected

SmugMug: Updated regularly, SmugMug is Andover’s official online photo gallery. View photos from Opening of School, the Matriculation Ceremony, and the senior class Vista Walk.

Media Space Family Hub: View videos of our All-School Meetings, guest speakers, various campus events, and the Family Webinar Series.

Social Media: Follow PA on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Tips for Families

Provide your student’s full name: When contacting various departments about your student, please provide your student’s full name to ensure a prompt and accurate response.

My Profile on The Hive: Families can access and update My Profile throughout the school year.

Please join us on Wednesday, September 17, at noon. Merrilee Mardon P’27, deputy head of school for academics and student affairs, Susan Esty P’22, dean of students, and Dr. Amy Patel P’26, ’29, chief medical officer, will share updates on Andover’s continued commitment to student health, well-being, and connection, including priorities for student support, community-building efforts, and wellness resources available through the Sykes Wellness Center. Register here. 

Save the Dates: Register for our next webinar using the link below.

Beginning this fall, all medications—including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements—must be registered with the Sykes Wellness Center. Most will be stored and dispensed by wellness center staff; only a few low-risk medications may be approved for dorm use on a case-by-case basis.

All families are required to complete the PA Student Medication Policy and Acknowledgment Form (both the prescription and over-the-counter forms) even if your student doesn’t take medication. Prescription medications also require a Medication Order Form completed by the health-care provider who prescribes and monitors the medication. Documents should be uploaded to your student’s Medicat health record.

Questions? Email the Sykes Wellness Center.

We are currently seeking host families for international students. This is a great opportunity for both the international students and their host families, as many long-lasting friendships are often formed!

If you are interested in serving as a host family, please complete this Host Family Volunteer Form. To learn more, you can view the Host Family Program segment of the Family Webinar Series here. Questions? Please email Gina Finocchiaro, international student coordinator. 

We look forward to welcoming families back to campus in just a few weeks for Family Weekend. Join us for classroom visits, student performances, athletic events, and more. Register now!

Schedule of Events: The schedule for Family Weekend can be found here and on the Andover Event Guides. Events/programs will continue to be added once confirmed, so check back often for updates.

Be sure to accept notifications so you will receive notice of any venue or schedule changes. You can customize your weekend visit by using the My Schedule option within the guide. 

You can also reference the Family Weekend FAQ document for answers to frequently asked questions. 

Please note that students do NOT have classes on Monday, October 20, Tuesday, October 21, or Wednesday, October 22. Considerations: 

If you have additional Family Weekend questions, please feel free to email us.

The Office of Community and Multicultural Development (CAMD) will host a Club Showcase, tomorrow, Friday, September 12, from 7 to 9 p.m. outside of Paresky Commons. Students are encouraged to stop by for an evening of presentations, music, food, and games. It will be a wonderful opportunity for your student to learn more about CAMD’s work and connect with other students.

Phillips Academy will host a College Fair on Monday, September 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Snyder Center. Meet representatives from more than 100 colleges and universities from around the world. Families will find a list of registered schools a week prior to the event. The fair is open to the public and admission is free. Once on campus, follow the signs to available parking. Please note that students cannot miss any PA commitments to attend the College Fair.

Private Lessons: Students interested in private lessons should complete this Private Lessons Agreement Form. Lessons begin next week, and the ADD/DROP deadline is Monday, September 29, at 8 a.m. 

Instrument Rentals: To rent a musical instrument, students should complete this Instrument Request Form.  

Locker Requests: If students need a locker space for musical instruments, they should complete this Locker Request Form as soon as possible.  

Term 1 Performances: Join us for these free, public events held in John Barry Hall at the Falls Music Center (unless otherwise noted). 

Questions? Please email the Department of Music. 

Order the 2026 Pot Pourri, Phillips Academy’s full-color yearbook, here. Enter school code 3591 if prompted. Yearbooks will be delivered to campus in May. 

Families of seniors—stay informed! This section keeps you in the loop about important events and milestones in your student’s final year.

Senior Boat Cruise on Friday, September 26: This boat cruise in Boston Harbor is a free senior class event. There is no dress code, but most students enjoy making it a “dressy” event. Buses will depart from the George Washington Hall circle at 7 p.m. and return by 11 p.m. Students must participate in all afternoon sports commitments, community engagement activities, and music rehearsals on this day. Questions? Email the Student Activities Office.

Senior Portraits: Portraits for the yearbook are due by January 1, 2026. You may have your student’s photo taken by a photographer of your choice—or take it yourself! Photos can be emailed to us directly. We will also offer photo shoots with our student yearbook staff later this fall. More details are available in the Class of 2026 Info Flyer. 

Yearbook Family Tribute Messages: Celebrate your senior with a tribute page (additional cost). Instructions are in the Class of 2026 Info Flyer.  

Sunday, September 12

Sunday, September 14

Confirmation Program—The Catholic Chaplaincy provides a Confirmation program to all Catholic students who wish to be confirmed. This is a full academic year program that culminates in a Confirmation Mass on campus, presided over by our area bishop from the Archdiocese of Boston. The class meets each Sunday from 4:45 to 6 p.m. followed by the 6:15 p.m. Sunday Mass. (Arrangements are made for dinner.) Classes will begin in early October. All high school grade levels (including postgraduates) are welcome to take part in this program. Students interested in the Confirmation program should email Dr. Mary Kantor for more information.

Coming Up!

Monday, September 22, at 5:30 p.m.

Jewish Student Union (JSU) Rosh Hashanah Service and Dinner: Please join the JSU and Rabbi Joshua Greenberg in a Rosh Hashanah service, followed by dinner. This celebration marks the Jewish new year. Kemper Chapel, lower level of Cochran Chapel.

Wednesday, October 1, at 5:15pm

Jewish Student Union (JSU) Yom Kippur Service: Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, begins at sundown on October 11 and continues through sundown on October 12. Dinner will be served at 5:15 p.m., followed by Yom Kippur service at 6 p.m. hosted by the JSU and Rabbi Joshua Greenberg. Kemper Chapel, lower level of Cochran Chapel.

Catch the latest photos, team highlights, and player features in Andover Athletics News. Follow Andover Athletics on Instagram.

Read the latest headlines and happenings from campus at Andover Today. 

From left: Tommy Kha, Constellations XXIV, Verplanck, New York (detail), 2024. Archival pigment print. © Tommy Kha; Bill Ravanesi, The Four Vega Brothers, Holyoke, MA (detail), 1982. Chromogenic print, 16 x 20 inches, gift of the artist, 2025.59; Lewis Wickes Hine, Women at Ellis Island (detail), c. 1910. Gelatin silver print, 6 5/8 x 4 5/8 inches. Museum purchase, 2012.14; Robert Frank, Hoover Dam, Nevada (detail), 1955, print later. Gelatin silver print, 12 3/16 x 7 15/16 inches. Gift of Hart Leavitt, by exchange, 1995.9; Harold Newton, River Grass, c. 1970. Oil on board, 24 x 48 inches. Collection of Jonathan Otto (PA 1975, P 2024, 2027)

Please join us for a reception to celebrate the Addison’s new fall exhibitions on Saturday, September 20, from 4 to 6 p.m. Enjoy great company, light refreshments, and the best of American art! The event is free and open to the public.

This fall, the Addison presents six new exhibitions: Making Their Way: The Florida Highwaymen Painters; Hayes Prize 2025: Tommy Kha, Other Things Uttered; Captive Lands; Family Portrait; Playing to Our Strengths: Highlights from the Permanent Collection; and In Focus: John Singer Sargent. Featuring works of various time periods, artists, and subject matter, these exhibitions explore the American experience—past, present, and future. 

See additional upcoming programs at addisongallery.org.

Keep an eye on the Academy’s Events Calendar for more campus and regional gatherings.

The Parents of Students of Phillips Academy (PSPA) is a nonprofit organization run by parent volunteers that supports the school community through social gatherings, educational panels, and engagement events for students, parents, faculty, and staff. There’s nothing to join: all current parents and guardians are automatically members of the PSPA! 

Campus Closet

Thank you to all parent volunteers and customers who contributed to the blockbuster opening week of Campus Closet. The shop is open regularly on Fridays from 1 to 5 p.m. Our online shop is now open, offering Phillips Academy clothing and merchandise for your whole family. We offer free delivery on campus!

Special Store Hours During Volunteer Summit Weekend

Volunteer at Campus Closet: Campus Closet relies on parent volunteers to operate and raise funds for the PA community. If you’re able to volunteer for a shift in the shop in September, please sign up here.

PSPA Volunteer Opportunities: There are numerous ways to get involved with the PSPA. Sign up here to be notified about opportunities to volunteer.  

Follow us on Facebook (@Parents of Students of Phillips Academy (Andover)) and Instagram (@pspa_campuscloset).  

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

2025–2026 Information for Families

Andover Family Directory

Family Webinar Series

Guide for New Families

Strategies for Student Success

2025–2026 Academic Calendar

Weekly Class Schedule

2025–2026 Standardized Testing Schedule

Athletic Calendar