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Saturday, November 9: Andover-Exeter athletic contests
- Friday, November 22: Students may depart campus after 3 p.m. for Thanksgiving Break.
- November 23–December 3, Thanksgiving Break: Students must depart by noon on Saturday, November 23.
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Tuesday, December 3: Dorms reopen at 8 a.m. Boarding students must return by 8 p.m.
- Wednesday, December 4: Term 2 classes begin for all students.
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A Big Blue Family Weekend Thank You |
Thank you to those who were able to join us on campus this past weekend. We had over 1,800 family members registered! We hope you enjoyed the beautiful weather, spending quality time with your student, and learning more about Andover’s programs.
Your survey feedback is essential to us. Please take a few minutes to complete a confidential survey to help strengthen our Family Weekend programming. It only needs to be completed once. The survey will close on Friday, November 8. Thank you in advance for your feedback!
Videos from Family Weekend: If you were unable to join us on campus or were here but missed some programs, check out these videos (also available on the Family Weekend webpage):
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Our apologies for the unforeseen technical issues that prevented us from recording the Introduction to the College Counseling Office event for families of 9th- and 10th-graders.
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Grasshopper Night, the much-anticipated Family Weekend variety show produced and performed by students, filled Tang Theatre for each of its four performances. Visit PA’s Smugmug site for a full array of photos. Photo by Gil Talbot
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In case you missed it! Thanks to your feedback from the Family Survey conducted in winter term 2024, the Office of Family Engagement launched the Andover Family Directory. Log in now using your Hive credentials. The directory is opt-in; families must log in to be visible to others. You can find tutorials on how to use the directory here.
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Should you need assistance with resetting your Hive log-in information, reach out to the Technology Help Desk by email or call 978-749-4357.
Ways to use the Andover Family Directory:
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Connect: Search for and reach out to fellow Andover families to build connections.
- Seek support: Use the directory to find families for advice, support, and shared interests.
- Coordinate activities: Connect with other families to arrange travel, visits, and participate in school-related events.
- Host or join gatherings: Organize or attend regional meetups or virtual events to build community and share experiences.
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We hope you take advantage of this resource!
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Theatre & Dance Presents: Why We Vote |
Why do we vote? Join us this Friday and Sunday as we explore personal, community, national, and global perspectives on voting. During the multifaceted rehearsal process— which included learning about different forms of government and interviews with friends, family, and members of the PA community—the ensemble investigated what it means to vote. In this deeply personal production, we share these perspectives to tell the story of Why We Vote.
Showtimes:
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- Friday, November 1, at 8:30 p.m.
- Sunday, November 3, at 1 p.m.
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Venue: Evans DeFelice Theatre Classroom, George Washing Hall (lower level)
This event is first-come-first-served seating. We recommend arriving 30 minutes prior to showtime to secure your seat for the show. All persons in your party must be present to claim their seat—there is no saving seats and no late seating. Families of students involved in the production and campus adults who come to see the show can check in with the house manager to receive priority seating.
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Repertory Dance Theatre and Theatre & Dance Present: Excursion |
The Repertory Dance Theatre (RDT), in collaboration with the Department of Theatre and Dance, presents Excursion. Now in its 59th year, America’s premiere modern dance repertory company will perform an eclectic range of historic and contemporary dance created between 1916 and 2024. The performance features legendary choreographers Michio Ito and Donald McKayle, plus new work by boundary-pushing artists whose dance is filled with athleticism, invention, and vision. Excursion features additional choreography by Katarzyna Skarpetowska, Yusha-Marie Sorzano, Noa Zuk, and Ohad Fishof.
This event is a culmination of the RDT’s two-week residency at PA, during which students have had an opportunity to take class and work closely with the company. We are proud to showcase their hard work as our student performers join the RDT on stage for this production.
Showtimes:
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- Friday, November 1, at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, November 2, at 6 p.m.
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Venue: Cristina A. Rubio Dance Studio, Abbot Academy Dance Suite, Pan Athletic Center (third floor)
This event is first-come-first-served seating. See notation under Why We Vote for further information.
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Travel Options for Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks |
PA will offer transportation at Thanksgiving Break and Winter Break to and from New York City (NYC), with a stop in Darien, Connecticut. Students can sign up for one-way travel ($100) or roundtrip ($160).
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For Thanksgiving Break: Buses will depart from campus at 4 p.m. on Friday, November 22, and return Tuesday, December 3, departing NYC at 11 a.m.
- For Winter Break: Buses will depart from campus at 4 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, and return to campus Sunday, January 5, departing NYC at 11 a.m.
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For additional details, bus forms, and commonly asked questions, please review the Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks Travel FAQ. This information has been posted on PAnet for student access and in 2024–2025 Information for Families.
For transportation to Logan (Boston) and Manchester (N.H.) airports or Boston’s South Station, arrangements can be made with private taxi and limousine service providers. A list of service providers regularly used by members of the PA community is available here and in 2024–2025 Information for Families. FlightLine offers a shared car service exclusively for PA students for one-way travel to Logan or Manchester airports ($55.85) and to Boston’s South Station ($53.25). Details on how to make a reservation with FlightLine can be found in the Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks Travel FAQ.
Questions? Email Claudia Scofield or call 978-749-4124.
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Applications and Expressions of Interest |
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We had a wonderful Learning in the World (LITW) open house during Family Weekend. Thank you to all those who joined us to learn about LITW faculty/staff-led and affiliate opportunities. In case your child missed it, we will host a reprise event this Friday, November 1, from 12:25 to 1:25 p.m. in the Oliver Wendell Holmes Library (first floor). Student global ambassadors and Mark Cutler, LITW director, will be there to answer questions about all LITW opportunities.
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One question that came up several times this past weekend is: What’s the best strategy for ranking LITW and affiliate preferences in the Main Application on EduCompass?
It depends:
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- If the student is interested in only one experience, that’s all they should put down. There is no need to list more than one, though they may list a maximum of three.
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Program leaders will interpret the student’s number 1–ranked opportunity as their top choice, with numbers 2 and 3 as subordinate. We will do our best to place students in their top choice, while hoping that students will be pleased with any choice.
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Students who rank at least one affiliate program among their preferences—whether mixed with other affiliate programs or with PA faculty-/staff-led programs—have the highest probability of being offered a LITW opportunity.
- Some affiliate programs fill faster than others, so students should start the application process for their chosen affiliate as soon as possible, especially for School Year Abroad (SYA) and the Island School.
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Please see the full catalogue of current LITW and affiliate opportunities on our website. Find more answers to your questions on the Take Action page.
Questions? Email Mark Cutler, director of LITW.
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Fall Registration for 2025 AP Exams |
Registration for AP exams is open now through noon on Friday, November 8, and will reopen from Wednesday, February 5, through noon on Wednesday, March 5. The exams run May 5–16.
Phillips Academy students will be sent an email from PA’s Standardized Testing office with registration instructions. Exam fees will be paid through the Course Material Account and processed later in the spring. This year, most AP exams will be in a digital format with students testing on their own device.
Please note that AP exams are optional and not required for college applications. Student grades and classwork are more important than AP exam scores. The exams require a significant amount of preparation and missed class time just before final assessments. Please be aware that AP exams are later in the month this year and will bump up against end of term activities. Students who are unsure about taking AP exams should speak to a teacher or college counselor. Students should not register for more exams than they are sure to take. For specific information on registration and exam dates and fees, click here.
Questions? Email Deb Colombo, director of Standardized Testing.
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Family Giving Appreciates You |
Family Giving would like to thank the many parents, guardians, siblings, and other family members who joined us for Family Weekend. Our team looks forward to continuing to get to know all of you in the year ahead!
Parent Participation and Your Support: In the coming weeks, please be on the lookout for communications from our Andover Fund Parents Committee volunteers. We will be sharing exciting updates, including our parent donor participation progress. Andover aspires to have every family contribute to the Andover Fund annually at whatever amount is right for them. We hope you will join us this year. Every gift counts!
For more information, please contact Katherine Solimini, associate director of Family Giving, by email or call 978-749-4583.
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To view the recording of the annual College Athletics Panel hosted by the Department of Athletics and College Counseling Office, click here.
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Families of seniors! This section keeps you in the loop about the important events and milestones of your student’s final year.
Upcoming November Events and Deadlines
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- Senior Oasis is on Monday, November 11, from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., see News from the PSPA for volunteer opportunities.
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Senior Portraits: Mark Lawrence Photographers will be on campus from Tuesday, November 12, through Friday, November 15, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The sitting fee is $30, payable via credit card. Photos taken will be submitted directly to the Pot Pourri yearbook. Students will receive an email from the Student Activities Office one week prior so they can sign up for a sitting. Families are also welcome to submit your own portrait of your student by email to PA Senior Portraits. The deadline for submitting portraits is January 1. If no photo is submitted, the student’s BlueCard ID photo will be used.
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Yearbook Senior Tribute Ad: Our senior tribute pages in the Pot Pourri yearbook are a fun senior tradition; the yearbook staff hopes 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!
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2025 Commencement: We are excited to welcome the families of the Class of 2025 to celebrate Commencement on June 1. For a complete schedule of events and FAQs, please visit the Commencement webpage.
If you have any accessibility needs (ASL interpreter, wheelchair, among other accommodations), please make those requests before February 14. If you have additional questions, please contact Naomi Mashburn ’08 in the Office of Alumni Engagement via email or call 978-749-4225.
Class Rings: You can purchase a class ring for your senior through our vendor, Herff Jones. Questions? Please email Mike McCann.
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PA yearbooks are now on sale! All families are encouraged to order a 2025 Pot Pourri 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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Check Out the Peabody’s Monthly Newsletter |
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The current issue of the Peabody Institute of Archaeology’s monthly newsletter is now available! Interested in receiving future newsletters directly from the Peabody? Sign up for our newsletter today!
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It was great seeing so many of you in person during Family Weekend. We hope you enjoyed the PSPA-sponsored events and appreciate you taking the time to stop and say hello!
Senior Oasis: The PSPA is partnering with the Empathy, Balance & Inclusion program, the Dean of Students Office, and the Sykes Wellness Center to host Senior Oasis—an event to mark the end of early college applications and celebrate wellness and well-being—on Monday, November 11, from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Volunteers are needed! Please sign up for a shift here. Questions? Email Ursula Masters, PSPA senior class parent representative.
Campus Closet
Shop This Friday: Stop by Campus Closet from 2 to 6 p.m. tomorrow (lower level of George Washington Hall) for Andover gear for your whole family—or shop online 24/7.
Volunteer for Campus Closet: If you can help in the shop for a few hours in November or December, please sign up here.
Get Involved: The PSPA is seeking support in marketing and social media. If you have some time to help out, please email us. Interested in being a class representative for the Class of 2026 or 2027? Please fill out this form.
Parent-Hosted PSPA Socials: Interested in hosting a PSPA gathering in your home near campus? If so, please email us.
Area Short-Term Lodging: The PSPA occasionally becomes aware of rental properties or homes for sale near campus. Please reach out via email.
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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. 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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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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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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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 9 in Philadelphia: Andover-Exeter Viewing Party
- November 9 in Palo Alto: Andover-Exeter Viewing Party
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November 9 in Washington, DC: A Wider Circle Non Sibi Project with Beth Crowley ’94
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November 12—Virtual: Blue Runs Deep: Conversations with Alumni in the Food & Beverage Industry
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November 24 in Stamford, CT: Domus Non Sibi Project with Karen Humphries Sallick ’83, P’14, ’17, Elizabeth Siderides Theofanidis ’77, P’08, Amy Lord Wilkinson ’76, P’05, ’06, and Torrance York ’84
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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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December 10 in New York: Andover’s Foundation & Future with Head of School Raynard S. Kington, MD, PhD, P’24, ’27
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December 13 in New York: Hudson Guild Holiday Non Sibi Project with Thao Nguyen Kelly ’07 and Garth Williams ’97
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December 15 on Campus: Annual Lessons and Carols Service & Pre-Service Reception
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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!
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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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