- Friday, October 10: Midterm
- Friday–Sunday, October 17–19: Family Weekend
- Monday, October 20: No classes. Boarding students check in by 9:30 p.m.
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Tuesday, October 21: No classes. Boarding students check in by 9:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 22: No classes. PSAT exam for uppers (11th graders). Boarding students check in by 8 p.m.
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From the Dean of Studies Office |
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Mid-point grades and progress reports will be posted on The Hive on Tuesday, October 14. At the Term 1 (fall) mid-point, all students will receive brief progress reports from each of their instructors. Reports will be written directly to the student (in the second person) and will be viewable by both students and families.
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The guidance and feedback contained in the mid-point reports is intended to provide advice for students at a time in the term when they can still act on teachers’ suggestions for improvement. Students will hear from instructors in writing again at the end of Term 1 and at the end of Term 3 (spring term).
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Just Two Weeks Until Family Weekend! |
We can’t wait to see you on campus for Family Weekend, October 17–19. Register here today!
Student Overnight Permissions: Students do not have classes on Monday, October 20, Tuesday, October 21, or Wednesday, October 22. 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 12. Considerations:
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- Student athletes must return for Tuesday afternoon practices and Wednesday competitions.
- Boarding students taking the PSAT exam must return by Tuesday, October 21, at 9:30 p.m.
- No community engagement activities are scheduled Monday–Wednesday.
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No music rehearsals on Monday or Tuesday afternoons. Students with private lessons should confirm attendance with their instructor.
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Schedule of Events: The schedule for Family Weekend can be found here and on the Andover Event Guides app. Events/programs will continue to be added once confirmed, so check back often for updates.
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Download the Andover Event Guides app (Apple App Store or Google Play)
- Open the app and tap Find Guides (magnifying glass in bottom right corner of the app).
- Tap the Have a passphrase? button.
- Type the passphrase Andover1778.
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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.
Grasshopper Night Tickets: Grasshopper is a popular talent show that is presented by students. The four performances will take place Friday, October 17 (6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.), and Saturday, October 18 (6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.). Due to Tang Theatre’s seating capacity, a limited number of tickets are available for each show. We, unfortunately, cannot guarantee that all families will be able to attend a show in the theatre. However, all performances will be simulcast in nearby Kemper Auditorium, where no tickets are needed.
Tickets will be available at Family Weekend Registration (in the Oliver Wendell Holmes Library) on the day of each performance: Friday show tickets are available on Friday ONLY and Saturday show tickets are available on Saturday ONLY. Tickets for each of these shows will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. Once theatre capacity has been reached, tickets will no longer be available. Tickets can only be reserved and obtained in person at registration. We will not accept advance requests for ticket reservations unless your student is a performer in the show.* Note that there will be tickets reserved for non-performing students, who can line up outside of each performance prior to showtime.
Grasshopper Night Ticket Availability
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- Each Andover family is eligible to reserve 3 tickets at registration to only ONE of these three performances: Friday at 6:30 p.m., Friday at 9 p.m., or Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
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The Saturday 9 p.m. show will be open admission and will not require pre-reserved tickets. Tickets will be available on a first-come-first-served basis to those who line up in Steinbach Lobby 30 minutes prior to the show. Again, we cannot guarantee attendance for all in line, as the theatre has a limited capacity.
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In-Person Pickup of Grasshopper Night Tickets
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Friday 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. performances—Friday Only at the Grasshopper desk at Registration (Oliver Wendell Holmes Library). See hours listed below.
- Saturday 6:30 p.m. performance—Saturday Only at Registration (Oliver Wendell Holmes Library). See hours listed below.
- Tickets must be presented at Tang Theatre to see the show.
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Registration Hours for Family Weekend
Oliver Wendell Holmes Library
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Friday, October 17 (Noon–7 p.m.)
- Saturday, October 18 (7 a.m.–Noon)
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*If you are a performer’s parent/guardian, you will be receiving a separate email communication the week of October 6.
You can also reference the Family Weekend FAQ document for answers to frequently asked questions. More Family Weekend questions? Please send us an email.
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Students use REACH Boarding Management software to record campus leaves, including weekend day/overnight excuses, college visits, medical appointments, and Dean’s Excuses.
A Dean’s Excuse is required whenever a student will miss school commitments—such as classes, athletics, or other obligations. These requests often involve follow-up conversations, so we ask that they be submitted two weeks before the departure date. For events like tournaments, competitions, music or academic performances, presentations, or award ceremonies, dates are typically known ahead of time—please ensure your student submits the REACH leave request accordingly. Late submissions may be denied, though we understand last-minute situations and will do our best to accommodate them. Questions? Please contact the Dean of Students Office by email or phone at 978-749-4175.
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Student Flu Clinics Coming |
The Sykes Wellness Center now has the seasonal influenza vaccine! We will be sending out communications to students to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine. Families, if you haven’t done so already, please complete a consent form on the Medicat Health Portal.
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We are currently seeking host families for international students. We have students from more than 45 countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Germany, and Austria and so many more! This is a great opportunity for both the international students and their host families, as many long-lasting friendships are often formed.
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If you are interested in serving as a host family, please complete this Host Family Volunteer Form. We particularly need host families for the Thanksgiving break. 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.
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Family Webinar Series: PA’s Travel-Based Programs |
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Join us on Wednesday, October 15, at noon for an overview of travel-based programs supported by the Learning in the World (LITW) and Academy Travel Opportunities (ATO) office.
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Led by LITW and ATO director Mark Cutler, this session will cover key requirements, deadlines, and planning tips for families as they and their students gear up for these transformative experiences, including LITW March break and summer programs, LITW affiliate programs, Performing in the World, and March break preseason training trips. Whether you're new to these programs or looking for updates, this is a great chance to learn more and ask questions.
Start of School Session: Did you miss the Start of School with session? You can view the recording here.
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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.
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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.
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 |
- 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)
- 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.—Protestant Worship: Led by Rev. Gina M. Finocchiaro, Protestant chaplain. Cochran Chapel
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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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Special Announcements
Catholic Confirmation Program Begins Sunday—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 Sunday, October 5. 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.
Jewish Holiday of Sukkot—Sukkot is a seven-day Jewish holiday which occurs in early autumn. In the ancient world, it was one of the three Jewish pilgrimage festivals as well as a celebration of the harvest season. Jewish farmers would construct modest, temporary dwellings—sukkah (singular) or sukkot (plural)—in their fields, and orchards to camp in while gathering their crops before winter. Today, Jews build these huts to commemorate the tradition. People gather in them to eat, study, and spend time with family and friends throughout the holiday. The Jewish Student Union will be constructing a Sukkah outside Paresky Commons next week.
Coming Up!
Tuesday, October 14, at 5 p.m.
Interfaith Pumpkin Carving: Back by popular demand, the Chaplaincy will host an interfaith pumpkin carving event by the Sukkah outside Paresky. Students are encouraged to stop by to carve spooky designs, have some treats, and enjoy fellowship with our community.
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| Read the latest headlines and happenings from campus at Andover Today.
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October 4 in New York: Naval Cemetery Landscape Cleanup Non Sibi Project with Roderic L. Rolett ’75.
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October 7 in Boston: Steering Toward the Future: Andover’s Framework for 21st-Century Learning with Head of School Raynard S. Kington, MD, PhD, P’24, ’27, and Nicholas Zufelt, Instructor in Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science
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October 23—Virtual: Steering Toward the Future with Head of School Raynard S. Kington, MD, PhD, P’24, ’27
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October 28 in Denver: Steering Toward the Future: A Leadership Conversation with Charter Trustee David J. Corkins ’84, P’25, and Head of School Raynard S. Kington, MD, PhD, P’24, ’27
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November 10 on Campus: 16th Annual Veterans Day Program & Dinner (a hybrid event)
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Keep an eye on the Academy’s Events Calendar for more campus and regional gatherings.
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Family Weekend: The PSPA (Parents of Students of Phillips Academy) is looking forward to welcoming families back to campus October 17–19. Special PSPA-sponsored events:
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- General Meeting, Social & Mixer—Andover Inn: Friday, October 17, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Click here to RSVP.
- Thriving at Andover Forum—Kemper Auditorium: Friday, October 17, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
- Parent Reception with Family Giving Office—Addison Gallery: Saturday, October 18, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
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Campus Closet
Shop Campus Closet this Friday! Stock up on new PA gear at the store tomorrow from 1 to 5 p.m. (located on the lower level of George Washington Hall) or online, open 24/7. We offer free delivery to your student’s dorm room. All proceeds from Campus Closet fund the work of the PSPA.
Volunteer at Campus Closet: If you're available to volunteer for a shift, the October sign-up is here. If you're planning to be in town for Family Weekend, it's a great opportunity to connect with other families while supporting your favorite campus shop.
Family Weekend Special Hours for Campus Closet
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- Friday, October 17, 11:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Saturday, October 18, 12:30–5:30 p.m.
- Sunday, October 19, 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
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Other PSPA Volunteer Opportunities: There are numerous ways to get involved with the PSPA. Sign up here to be notified about opportunities to volunteer.
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We’re currently accepting nominations for the following positions: Class of 2029 representatives, marketing and social media director, and treasurer secretary. If you’d like to nominate yourself or someone else, please use this link.
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If you have some time to assist the PSPA remotely with its marketing activities, please email us.
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Follow us on Facebook (@Parents of Students of Phillips Academy (Andover)) and Instagram (@pspa_campuscloset).
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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.
© 2025
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