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Tuesday, October 8: Senior Boat Cruise (see Senior Scoop for details)
- Wednesday, October 9: No classes. PSAT exam for uppers (11th-graders) and mandatory community event for juniors (9th-graders). See details below.
- Friday, October 11: Midterm
- Friday, October 25–Sunday, October 27: Family Weekend
- Monday, October 28: No classes. Boarding students must check in by 9:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 29: No classes. Boarding students must check in by 8 p.m.
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Family Weekend: Just One Month Away! |
Family Weekend, October 25–27, provides a unique glimpse into your student’s daily life at Andover and includes activities such as classroom visits with your child’s instructors, student performances, and athletic events. Register here today!
Student Overnight Permissions: Students do not have classes on Monday, October 28, and Tuesday, October 29. Boarding students can use the REACH system to request and receive overnight permissions. For Family Weekend overnights, students need to submit REACH requests by 8 p.m. on Sunday, October 20.
Family Weekend Information: For frequently asked questions, the schedule of events, and other weekend details, please visit the Family Weekend website.
Schedule of Events: The full schedule for Family Weekend can be found on the Andover Event Guides app, available through the Apple App Store or Google Play (for Android users).
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| - Download the Andover Event Guides app.
- Open the app and tap Find Guides (magnifying glass in bottom right corner of the app).
- Tap the Have a passphrase? button.
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Type the passphrase Andover1778 to find the PA Families and Campus Community guide for the latest information and schedule for Family Weekend. Be sure to accept notifications so you will receive notice of any venue or schedule changes.
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Customize your weekend visit by using the My Schedule option within the guide. We hope you will attend as many events as possible! If you are unable to download the app, please refer to this schedule.
Family Weekend Highlights:
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- Academy Orchestras and Band Concerts—Friday, October 25, at 7:45 p.m. in Cochran Chapel
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Family Welcome and Lunch—Saturday, October 26, 1–2 p.m.: Join families and students of the Af-Lat-Am Society, Alianza Latina, and Black Student Union (BSU) for a gathering co-hosted by Linda Carter Griffith, associate head of school for equity, inclusion, and wellness; Jennifer Vasquez, director of the Office of Family Engagement; and Aquita Winslow, dean of the Office of Community and Multicultural Development (CAMD), in partnership with Black Families of PA. Please RSVP for this event when you register, which will take place at the Snyder Center.
- Concert of Choral Music—Saturday, October 26, at 7:45 p.m. in Cochran Chapel
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Academy Jazz Band and Ensembles Performance—Sunday, October 27, at 11:30 a.m.: Join us in Paresky Commons for a performance by the Academy Jazz Band and ensembles, conducted by instructor in music Peter Cirelli P’12.
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Student Flu Clinics in October |
Save the dates! The Rebecca M. Sykes Wellness Center will offer free flu vaccines to students on October 8, 11, 15, and 16. An email with sign-up instructions will be sent to students and families soon. If your student received the flu vaccine elsewhere, please email documentation to the wellness center.
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Ensuring Andover’s Excellence: A Quick Survey |
Andover is actively engaged in a long-range planning initiative to chart its course for the next 20 to 30 years. This effort requires the wisdom and commitment of our campus and global communities. Families are invited to take a few minutes to fill out a five-question survey that will help us shape the strongest possible future for Andover students.
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On Wednesday, October 9, all juniors (9th-graders) will go on a bowling outing. This is a mandatory event; students do not need to sign up, but please note that attendance will be taken. Buses will depart from the George Washington Hall circle at 9:30 a.m. and return to campus by noon so students are back in time for their afternoon sports activities. Students need only bring a positive attitude—everything else, including bowling shoes and pizza, is provided. Students with questions about participation in this event should contact their cluster dean. Questions? Email the Student Activities Office.
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This September, Phillips Academy welcomed 202 new and returning international students to our community. We are currently seeking host families for the academic year. This is a great opportunity for both our international students and their host families. Many families develop a long-lasting friendship with the student they host!
If you are interested in serving as a host family, please complete this Host Family Volunteer Form. To learn more, view the Family Webinar Series segment about the Host Family Program here.
Questions? Please email Gina Finocchiaro, international student coordinator.
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Greetings from Family Giving |
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Yesterday we shared a welcome note via email that provided an overview of the Family Giving team’s goals, the many ways families can support Andover (including by making your annual gift or volunteering), and when you can expect an update from our team. We look forward to meeting and connecting with many of you over Family Weekend.
Join the Andover Fund Parent Committee: We are currently seeking parents and guardians to join the Andover Fund Parent Committee (AFPC). In close partnership with the Family Giving team, AFPC volunteers engage in peer-to-peer fundraising to raise critical support for the Academy. Through their outreach to fellow families, AFPC members help enhance the student experience, advance the Academy’s highest priorities, and strengthen PA parent connections around the globe.
If you would like to explore joining the AFPC, please contact Katherine Solimini, associate director of Family Giving, at 978-749-4583 or by email. No prior fundraising experience is necessary. We would love to hear from you!
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Yearbooks are now on sale! All families are encouraged to order a 2025 Pot Pourri, Phillips Academy’s yearbook, by clicking PA Yearbook. If prompted, enter school code 3591. Yearbooks—full color and typically about 300 pages—will be delivered to campus in May.
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Families of seniors! This section keeps you in the loop on important events and milestones of your student’s final year.
Senior Boat Cruise on Tuesday, October 8: Buses will depart from the George Washington Hall circle at 8 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. Students with questions about participation in this event should contact their cluster dean. Questions? Email the Student Activities Office.
Senior Portraits: Photographers will be on campus this fall to take formal senior portraits. You are also welcome to submit your own portraits by email to PA Senior Portraits. The deadline for submitting portraits is January 1.
Yearbook Senior Tribute Ad: Our senior tribute pages in Pot Pourri are a fun senior tradition; we hope you’ll consider participating. Space for tributes to seniors, which are submitted by their family, is available through the yearbook for an additional charge. Follow the directions on the Class of 2025 Yearbook Info flyer to create and purchase your ad. The deadline for submitting senior tributes is Friday, November 15.
Class Rings: You can purchase a class ring for your senior through our vendor, Herff Jones. A representative will be on campus during Family Weekend in October. Questions? Please email Mike McCann.
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Spiritual & Religious Gatherings |
Catholic 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. This year’s Confirmation Mass, followed by a brunch reception, is the morning of Sunday, May 11.
Confirmation classes will begin Sunday, October 6, and meet most Sundays from 4:45 to 6 p.m., followed by the 6:15 p.m. Sunday Mass (arrangements are made for dinner). All grade levels, including postgraduates, are welcome to take part in this program. Interested students should email Dr. Mary Kantor for more information.
Zoom Information Sessions for parents/guardians who have questions about the program will take place Tuesday, October 1, at noon and Thursday, October 3, at 8 p.m. via this Zoom link. Passcode: Catholic
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- 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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5:30–6:30 p.m.—MSA Dinner & Discussion: Led by Noureddine El Alam and members of the MSA. All community members are welcome to join this gathering. Ada’s Room, Paresky Commons (second floor)
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5:30 p.m.—Jewish Student Union (JSU) Shabbat Celebration: Led by members of the JSU and Rabbi Joshua Greenberg. Come for blessings over candles, challah and grape juice, sharing and fellowship. All are welcome. Paul’s Room, Paresky Commons (second floor)
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- 6 p.m.—Protestant Worship: Led by the Reverend Gina M. Finocchiaro, Protestant chaplain. All are welcome for this time of scripture, prayer, music, and spoken reflection. Cochran Chapel
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6:15 p.m.—Catholic Mass: All are welcome to join the PA Catholic community for Mass on Sunday evenings when school is in session. 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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Coming Up on Wednesday, October 2
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5:30 p.m.—Rosh Hashanah Dinner and Service: Service and celebration led by Rabbi Josh Greenberg and members of the JSU. Included are Rosh Hashanah and Shabbat evening service and catered dinner. All are welcome. Please RSVP to Rabbi Josh by email. Mural Room, Paresky Commons (second floor).
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The Parents of Students of Phillips Academy (PSPA) is a nonprofit parent-run organization that hosts social gatherings, educational panels, and engagement events throughout the year for students, families, and the broader PA community. Please sign up here to be notified about opportunities to volunteer. We are looking for Class of 2026 and 2028 class representatives. To nominate yourself or someone else, please use this link.
Mark Your Calendars!
General Meetings: We hope to see you at our general meetings, which will be held once per term at the Andover Inn on the following dates:
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Friday, October 25, at 10:30 a.m. (Family Weekend)
- Friday, February 14, at 6:30 p.m.
- Friday, April 25, at 6:30 p.m.
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PSPA Parent Social and Connect—Friday, October 25,12:30–2:30 p.m.
- Parent to Parent Forum: “Thriving at Andover”—Friday, October 25, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
- All-Parents Reception—Saturday, October 26, 5–7 p.m.
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- Shop this Friday from noon to 4 p.m.: Stop by Campus Closet, located on the lower level of George Washington Hall, for Phillips Academy gear for your whole family—or shop online 24/7.
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Crew members needed: Campus Closet relies on parent volunteers. If you are able to volunteer for a shift in the coming months, please sign up here. It’s a great way to connect with parents and others in the PA community.
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Peabody Monthly Archaeology Newsletter |
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Be sure check out the current issue of the Robert S. Peabody Institute of Archaeology’s monthly newsletter. Sign up today to receive future newsletters directly from the Peabody.
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October 1 in Austin: Andover Networking Event with the Eight Schools Association
- October 4 in Singapore: An Andover Dinner with Alumni and Parents
- October 11 in Tokyo: An Andover Dinner with Alumni and Parents
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October 15—Virtual: Andover’s Foundation & Future with Head of School Raynard S. Kington, MD, PhD, P’24, ’27
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October 22 in Greenwich: Andover’s Foundation & Future with Head of School Raynard S. Kington, MD, PhD, P’24, ’27
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October 25–27 on Campus: Family Weekend 2024
- November 2 in New York: Citymeals on Wheels Fall Non Sibi Project with Marcia McCabe ’73
- November 2 in Maine: Center for Wildlife Fall Non Sibi Project with Tiffany Horne Noonan ’99
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November 7 on Campus and Virtual: 15th Annual Veterans Day Program and Dinner
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November 12—Virtual: Blue Runs Deep: Conversations with Alumni in Food & Beverage
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December 4 in Chicago: Andover’s Foundation & Future with Head of School Raynard S. Kington, MD, PhD, P’24, ’27
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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.
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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.
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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.
© 2024
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