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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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Head of School Raynard Kington with Blue Key spirit leaders in Cochran Chapel (Photo by Neil Evans)
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Mark Your Calendar for Family Weekend |
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!
Registration Upon Arrival on Campus:
We look forward to greeting families at registration in the Oliver Wendell Holmes Library (OWHL).
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Friday, October 25 (Noon–7 p.m.)
- Saturday, October 26 (7 a.m.–Noon)
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Be sure to pick up your registration materials at the OWHL, which include important information to ensure you have a great weekend. If you are unable to arrive during registration hours, please ask your student to pick up your materials for you.
For frequently asked questions, a schedule of events, and other details regarding the weekend, please visit the Family Weekend website.
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 (if you didn’t already do so for Opening of School registration).
- Open the app and tap Find Guides (the magnifying glass in the 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 Family Weekend information and schedule. Be sure to “accept notifications” so that you will receive notice of any venue or schedule changes.
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Customize your visit on Saturday by using the My Schedule option within the guide. We hope you will attend as many events as possible!
Family Weekend Highlights:
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- Friday, October 25, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Parent-to-Parent Forum: “Thriving at Andover”
Join a panel of faculty, administrators, and fellow parents for a conversation about supporting PA students. Topics will include adjusting to Andover life, challenges faced by adolescents, and support systems to help students thrive at Andover. There will be opportunities to ask questions. This is an invaluable discussion, especially for first-year parents! Sponsored by the Parents of Students of Phillips Academy (PSPA).
Kemper Auditorium (event will be recorded) - Saturday, October 26, 11:30 a.m.–noon
All-School Meeting for Families
Welcome remarks and messaging from 16th Head of School Raynard S. Kington, MD, PhD, P’24, ’27
Cochran Chapel (event will be livestreamed and recorded)
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Please note: 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 27.
More Family Weekend questions? Please send us an email.
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From the Dean of Studies Office |
The 2024–2025 Blue Book, your student’s go-to resource for our shared values, community standards, and behavioral expectations, is now available on The Hive.
Please note that, as The Blue Book states, each student is the only person permitted to use their PA credentials. No one else—including parents/guardians—may access a student’s Phillips Academy email, PAnet, or Canvas sites.
Parents have access to The Hive to see all things Andover; students have access to the new PAnet, the school’s intranet. Having separate places for students and parents to access information builds student independence, self-advocacy, and strong partnerships both on and off campus.
Rest, exercise, and downtime: As homework kicks in and students begin preparing for assessments in the coming weeks, they may experience a bit of unexpected anxiety. The return to school in September is always an adjustment! Please check in with your child to be sure they are getting enough rest, exercise, and downtime—and remind them to reach out to a trusted adult if they need help. We are so happy to have your child with us on campus—and we are always here for them!
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On Wednesday, October 9, all juniors (9th –graders) will be going 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, ensuring 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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Reaffirm Excellence: Take Our 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. We invite parents/guardians to share their insights through a brief five-question survey that will help us shape the strongest possible future for Andover students. We look forward to your thoughts!
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Upcoming Learning in the World Opportunities |
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Learning in the World (LITW) will soon announce its slate of domestic and international programs for March break and summer 2025. Follow our website and Instagram for details as they become available. LITW opportunities are diverse and multifaceted, and we encourage all students to participate in at least one program during their Andover career!
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Saturday, October 26, 9–11:30 a.m.: LITW will host an open house on Family Weekend for you to talk with student veterans of programs, program leaders, and representatives of affiliate programs. Bring your student, your questions, and your curiosity!
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Friday, November 15, 5 p.m.: Deadline for applications for PA faculty/staff–led programs and expressions of interest for LITW affiliate programs. Late submissions will be moved to waitlist status.
- Week of December 9: The LITW office will send students invitations and waitlist notifications for LITW programs and updates regarding affiliate programs.
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Monday, December 16: RSVPs due. Please be ready to make your decision, including a full consideration of available financial resources (family contributions and financial assistance from LITW) by this time. See “Take Action” for more details and information.
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Questions? Please email Mark Cutler, LITW & Academy Travel Opportunities director.
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Private lessons started on Monday, September 15. The add/drop deadline for lessons is Friday, September 27.
Please take a look at our Fall Term Concert Calendar and plan to attend some of the many events, concerts, and recitals. All are welcome!
Encourage your student to sign up for our upcoming student recital using this link or with QR codes in Graves Hall. Signups are open until Wednesday, October 2, or until the program is full.
Questions? Please email the Department of Music.
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Fall College Fair on Monday
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Phillips Academy will host a College Fair on Monday, September 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Snyder Center. Representatives from more than 100 colleges and universities from around the world will be available to answer individual questions and provide informational literature. Click here for a current list of registered schools.
The fair is open to the public and admission is free. Once on campus, please follow the signs to available parking. Please note that students cannot miss any PA commitments to attend the College Fair.
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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, 2025.
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 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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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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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.
Campus Closet: Located on the lower level of George Washington Hall, Campus Closet is open this Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Be sure to stop by or shop online for Phillips Academy clothing and merchandise for your whole family. We offer free delivery on campus!
Campus Closet Needs Crew Members: Campus Closet relies on parent volunteers! If you are able to volunteer for a shift in the shop in the coming months, please sign up here.
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Spiritual & Religious Gatherings |
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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)
- 4:30 p.m.— Gendler Peace Circle Dedication: Please join us for the dedication of the new Gendler Peace Circle. Pine grove next to Cochran Chapel (rain location: inside Cochran Chapel)
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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 a brief kabbalat shabbat service, 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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Confirmation Program—The Catholic Chaplaincy provides a Confirmation program for 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.
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Opening Reception—Saturday, September 21, 4–6 p.m.
All families are invited to join us at the Addison Gallery to celebrate the new exhibitions Americans in Paris: Artists Working in Postwar France, 1946–1962; Kay WalkingStick / Hudson River School; and Figure/Ground. Enjoy great company, light refreshments, and the best of American art! Free and open to the public.
In Conversation: Kay WalkingStick and Wendy Nālani E. Ikemoto—Sunday, September 22, 1–2:15 p.m.
Artist Kay WalkingStick and Wendy Nālani E. Ikemoto, vice president and chief curator of the New-York Historical Society, will present an engaging, informal conversation about the themes explored in Kay WalkingStick / Hudson River School. Presented in Kemper Auditorium. Free and open to the public; registration is required.
To sign up for the Addison Gallery’s newsletter, click here.
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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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September 24 in Boston: Andover’s Foundation & Future with Head of School Raynard S. Kington, MD, PhD, P’24, ’27
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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.
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