Campus Updates

Andrean Family-

While the campus has power and remains ready to greet students to officially begin the 2026-27 school year, the impact of this week's storm is still impacting a large constituency of our families and staff. With this in mind and in the interest of safety and convenience, we are postponing Freshmen Orientation to Monday, August 17 and the First Day of School to Tuesday, August 18. We feel this modification gives families more time to address personal needs as well as allow NIPSCO crews to actualize their full-service restoration goal. A revised school calendar will be published as soon as updates are made and will be posted to the website and Niner News. Thank you for your flexibility, patience, and grace as we discern these decisions to best serve our school community. Stay Safe

Dear Andrean Family,
While we remain prepared to welcome our students for the 2026/2027 school year, it is clear that the impact of yesterday’s storm continues to affect many families and staff throughout our community.

Given these circumstances, Andrean has decided to postpone Freshmen Orientation and Retreat until Friday, August 14, at 8 AM. As a result, the first day of school for all students will now be Monday, August 17.

We recognize that this is another adjustment to the school calendar, but the safety and well-being of our students, families, and staff must take precedence. We are grateful for your patience and understanding as we navigate these circumstances together.

We look forward to welcoming the entire Andrean Family back to campus on Friday and beginning the 2026/2027 school year together on Monday.

Niner Nation, we are ready to welcome you home.

We are reaching out with a special call-out for parents, students, and alumni to help us unload and place our final delivery of classroom furniture on Friday, August 7th at 9 AM, in preparation for the new school year.

Volunteers may park in the Stracks parking lot (tailgate area) and will then be directed to the appropriate door for unloading and classroom placement. While most of campus will still be closed off, we will organize a clear path to help volunteers safely and efficiently assist with this work.

If you are able to help, RSVP at https://forms.gle/cQgxJk844xU226jh7

For the safety of all volunteers, closed-toe shoes are required. Please note that, due to ongoing construction work, access will be limited to the designated volunteer areas only.

Every desk, chair, and classroom prepared brings us one step closer to welcoming students back for an exciting new school year. Thank you for your continued generosity, support, and willingness to serve the Andrean community.

Dear Andrean Family,

We are reaching out with a special call-out for parents, students, and alumni to help us unload and place classroom furniture on Tuesday, July 28, in preparation for the new school year.

We will have three volunteer waves available at 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, and 11:00 AM. Volunteers may park in the Stracks parking lot (tailgate area) and will then be directed to the appropriate door for unloading and classroom placement. While most of campus will still be closed off, we will organize a clear path to help volunteers safely and efficiently assist with this work.

This effort carries special meaning for our community. Just as parents and students helped with furniture delivery and placement when Andrean first opened in 1959, we are inspired to offer this same act of symmetry for the next chapter in Andrean’s history.

If you are able to help, RSVP so we can plan accordingly and assign volunteers to the appropriate time wave. RSVP at https://forms.gle/L8qkrwpN6DXTQKGd7

Please note that volunteers must wear closed-toed shoes. Also, due to the ongoing work on campus, there will be no opportunity to visit any other areas except the designated path to and from classrooms.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to support Andrean. We are grateful for your help and look forward to working together as we prepare for the year ahead.

Go Niners!

Click here to RSVP

Dear Andrean Family,

As we bring Niner News back early this summer, we want to ensure our families receive timely updates as we prepare for an exciting new school year at Andrean.

We are pleased to share that our first day of school remains on schedule, and planning continues each day to welcome students back to campus on Thursday, August 13th. We are also excited to announce that athletic practices and home competitions will resume on the Andrean campus beginning with the start of the school year, we will be sure to provide specific timeframes as they become available. We know how important athletics are to the Andrean experience, and we're grateful to be able to bring our student-athletes back home.

Since the tornado impacted our campus in June, incredible progress has been made thanks to the dedication of our construction partners, the Diocese of Gary, Big Shoulders Fund, and countless others working behind the scenes.

Throughout the summer, crews have secured the campus, removed damaged roofing and structural components, completed extensive debris removal, replaced broken windows, installed temporary weatherproofing, mitigated water damage, advanced asbestos abatement, restored power to portions of the building, and begun construction of the permanent roof. Interior cleanup and classroom preparation continue each day as the campus moves from recovery to sustainability to renewal.

At the same time, Andrean has been preparing for our students by ordering new classroom furniture, projectors, student Chromebooks, teacher technology, and other educational resources that will help create an outstanding learning environment this fall.

While some areas of campus may look different from how they did last spring, our mission remains exactly the same. This moment has given us the opportunity not only to restore our campus but to invest in spaces that better reflect the exceptional Catholic, college-preparatory education our students strive towards every day.

We remain incredibly grateful for the prayers, generosity, and encouragement of the entire Andrean family. Your support has carried us through these past several weeks, and we cannot wait to welcome our students back home for what promises to be a memorable school year.

See more back-to-school updates here

Dear Andrean Family,
One month ago, our community experienced the challenges left behind by a destructive tornado. In the days that followed, we saw the incredible resilience and strength of the Andrean Family.

We have seen recovery crews work tirelessly, neighbors help one another, and an outpouring of encouragement and support from students, families, alumni, faculty, and friends. Throughout these arduous days, the Andrean spirit has remained steadfast and unshakable.

Today, I am excited to share the next step in our journey.

Andrean High School will honor its previously published calendar and welcome students back for the first day of school on Thursday, August 13, at 5959 Broadway. Freshmen Orientation will precede this on Wednesday, August 12.

From the beginning, we promised that the Niners would be back. Today, we're proud to tell you exactly when and where.
 

As we've worked alongside the Diocese of Gary, Big Shoulders Fund, Tonn and Blank Construction, and countless others, our focus has been steady: to bring our Andrean Family back together. While our campus may look different this fall and still be a work in progress of what is to come, our mission remains unshaken: providing an exceptional Catholic, college-preparatory education rooted in the faith, learning, leadership, and service that has defined Andrean for over 65 years.
 

In many ways, this challenge has fostered an accelerated opportunity to act on what we’ve already been working towards… to dream, organize, and design Andrean's future for generations to come. We will be able to actualize that together as we look to the 2026-27 school year and beyond.
 

As classrooms and areas of the building are restored and made safe for everyone before our return and more efficient throughout the year, they will also be upgraded with new furnishings, technology, and improvements that will reflect the outstanding education our students deserve.
 

This school year will be unlike any other in our history, not necessarily because of the storm, but because of how our community and partners have responded to it and will continue to. When our students walk through our doors on August 13, they won't be returning to what they left behind. It will be different, but they'll be contributing authors of a new chapter in the Andrean High School story- one defined by resilience, faith, gratitude, hope, and progress.
 

In the coming days and weeks, we'll share additional information about schedules, classrooms, arrival procedures, safety protocols, specific upgrades and projections, and anything else we feel families need to know before the first day of school. We are committed to making sure every student, every family, and every teacher and staff member feels prepared and excited for the year ahead.
 

To every member of the 59er family, thank you. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your generosity. Thank you for believing in Andrean. That belief is what has driven us to continue to serve and strive.

The future of Andrean is bright, you can count on that!
 

We can't wait to welcome you home on Thursday, August 13.
 

Go Niners!
 

Jaycob Knazur ‘05
Principal

 

Recovery efforts at Andrean High School continue to advance, with steady progress each day as crews work across campus. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, our team remains focused on preparing for a successful return this fall.

We know our families have questions about the upcoming school year, and we appreciate your continued patience as plans are finalized.

Please keep an eye out for an important update about the school year on Monday, July 13, when we hope to share answers to many of your questions and outline the next steps for the start of the school year.

Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and unwavering support of the Andrean family.

Dear Andrean Family,

As we approach the Fourth of July weekend, we wanted to provide a brief update on the progress made across campus and our preparations for the upcoming school year.

Recovery crews continue to make significant progress. This week, crews have entered the second phase of asbestos abatement, continued construction of the permanent roof, begun replacing broken windows, and continued to phase in the restoration of electrical power and connectivity across campus. Every day brings meaningful progress as we continue moving toward reopening our campus. We remain grateful for our crew’s hard work!

At the same time, we are preparing our learning spaces for students. This week, Andrean placed orders for new classroom furniture, projectors, and student and teacher devices. We are also continuing to organize our normal summer functions and back-to-school tasks and events.

Behind the scenes, Andrean's leadership team remains focused on preparing for a successful school year and beyond. As stated previously, we are planning to return for in-person instruction with a start date to be determined based on campus progress; currently, there are no plans for remote learning. Ongoing conversations with the Diocese of Gary, construction partners, Big Shoulders Fund, and other key stakeholders continue as plans for the campus recovery and renovation move forward.

Class of 2026 Diploma Pick-Up

Graduates from the Class of 2026 are invited to pick up their diplomas on July 7 or July 8 at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs (formerly Our Lady of Consolation), where the class assembled for Baccalaureate Mass, 8303 W. Taft St., Merrillville, IN 46410. Andrean staff will be available from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on both days to assist graduates. Thank you for your flexibility in this pickup process.

Indiana Choice Scholarship Applications

Our Finance Department is actively processing Indiana Choice Scholarship applications. We are also still planning to hold our Choice Signing Night and Uniform Sale on Wednesday, July 29, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. The event location will be determined and communicated soon.

We remain grateful for your continued patience, prayers, and support as recovery efforts continue. Additional updates regarding the upcoming school year will be shared as plans are finalized.

We wish you and your family a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend.

Go Niners!

Dear Andrean Family,

As recovery efforts continue following the tornado that impacted our campus, we wanted to provide a brief update on this week's progress and share a look at what comes next.

Recovery crews continue to make significant progress across campus. To date, crews have removed damaged roofing and structural components, installed temporary weatherproofing measures, mitigated active water intrusion, cleared debris from buildings and grounds, begun interior demolition of storm and water-damaged areas, and started the asbestos abatement process. These efforts have focused on protecting the facility, improving site safety, and preparing for the next phase of assessment and restoration.

In addition, consultation has begun with the Merrillville Building Department and Merrillville Fire Department regarding occupancy requirements and the goal of preparing the building for student use this fall in a safe, secure, and code-compliant manner.

Over the coming days, work will continue across campus, meaning we are still closed for visitors at this time. Staff continues to be available via phone and email should any needs arise, but thank you for your patience and understanding with any delays as we focus our attention to these matters.

At the same time, Andrean leadership continues to work closely with our partners to develop plans for the upcoming school year. While those plans are still being finalized, we remain committed to welcoming students back this fall and plan to share a projected timeline as soon as we are confident it won’t need modification.

Today also provided a powerful reminder of what makes the Andrean family so special. Andrean students participated in the Merrillville Community Cleanup Project, sponsored by Big Shoulders Fund, helping neighbors affected by the storm. Their willingness to serve others reflects the faith, compassion, and spirit of service that define our Andrean Family.

For those interested or who have reached out, we have a quick update regarding Andrean Scholarships. We are currently delayed in reviewing applications, but awards will be announced to recipients by mid-July. We apologize for the delay, but appreciate your understanding. As a reminder, incoming Freshmen scholarship applications are due by July 15. Further, our Finance Department is working to update all FACTS accounts for the upcoming school year with tuition discounts and scholarships so you know your accurate balance.

Thank you for your continued prayers, patience, and support. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Go Niners!

Dear Andrean Family,

We wanted to provide a brief update on the recovery of our campus and share an opportunity for our students to serve the broader Merrillville community.

Recovery efforts continue at Andrean. Tonn and Blank Construction is currently working on asbestos remediation, securing the roof, and preventing additional water intrusion. Crews are also assessing items that may be salvaged, including student desks, classroom furniture, and educational equipment. Significant progress has been made in restoring power to portions of the campus.

At the same time, Andrean administration continues to evaluate options and needs for the upcoming school year. While there are still many assessments to complete, we hope to share a more detailed timeline and additional information in the coming weeks, if not sooner. As a reminder, the campus remains closed while recovery crews continue working around the clock.

In the days since the tornado, we have witnessed incredible generosity from the Andrean family and our broader community. While Andrean has the resources and partners in place to support the recovery of our campus, many of our neighbors throughout Merrillville continue to face significant challenges.

As 59ers, we are called to put our faith into action and serve those in need.

Student Volunteer Opportunity

On Friday, June 26, students are invited to participate in a town of Merrillville cleanup effort sponsored by Big Shoulders Fund. This is an opportunity to assist local families and neighborhoods as they continue recovering from the storm.

Event Information

Date: Friday, June 26, 2026
 

Student Volunteer Check-in Time and Location: 8:00 AM at Command Center/Staging Area - 6161 Cleveland St., Merrillville, IN 46410 - Look for Big Shoulders Fund tent
Student Volunteer Shift: 8:00 AM – noon
Lunch: Noon – 1:00 PM at Command Center/Staging Area 
Event Concludes: 1:00 PM

Students will check in with a Big Shoulders Fund representative and will be assigned to chaperones. Chaperones and student volunteers will be transported by bus (with thanks to our partners from the Crossroads YMCA) to local clean-up locations. Student volunteers will move storm debris from neighborhood cleanup areas to the curb. Work will take place rain or shine but will be suspended or canceled if lightning is present. Security will be present (with thanks to our partners at the Merrillville Police Department) to patrol cleanup areas.
Adult supervision will be provided at all times with an approximate ratio of one adult for every 10 students.

Transportation
Transportation will be provided to students between the volunteer command center and local worksites.
 

What to Wear and Bring
 

• Andrean shirt or other Andrean-branded clothing
• Long pants, required
• Sturdy, closed-toe footwear, required
• Long sleeves and long socks, highly recommended
• Personal water bottle
• Baseball hat
• Work gloves (if possible)
• Sunscreen and bug spray will be available. Volunteers may bring their preferred products.

Registration and Waiver
Registration due by June 25th at noon. Please register using the Google Form below:

CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION FORM

A parent or guardian must also complete the required waiver through the provided Adobe Acrobat electronic-signature link. Students may not participate without a completed waiver.

CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE MANDATORY MERRILLVILLE VOLUNTEER RELEASE FORM

Any parents or staff who would like to chaperone the trip should contact Shellie Zaberdac at szaberdac@bigshouldersfund.org

Go Niners.

One week ago, a tornado caused significant damage to the Andrean campus and impacted communities throughout Merrillville. While the past seven days have brought many challenges, they have also reminded us of the incredible strength of the Andrean Family.

To everyone who has prayed for us, shared our updates, reached out with encouragement, offered assistance, or asked how they can help: thank you. Your support has meant more than words can express. A special thank you to Tonn and Blank Construction LLC; they have been working around the clock to help us be ready for the fall semester. 

Over the past week:
 

• Recovery crews have worked around the clock to secure the campus, remove debris, and begin mitigation efforts. 
• Andrean leadership has met with the Diocese of Gary, Big Shoulders Fund, FEMA, the Town of Merrillville, and other partners to assess damage and plan next steps.
• Bishop McClory visited campus on Saturday and Monday with Big Shoulders Fund, Superintendent Dr. Colleen Brewer, and said a blessing on Andrean’s campus and the work ahead. 
• We launched our Campus Recovery Updates webpage to serve as the official source for updates and information.
• Governor Mike Braun, accompanied by Bishop McClory, Superintendent Dr. Colleen Brewer, and Big Shoulders Fund, visited campus to assess the damage and offer support from the State of Indiana.
• Principal Jaycob Knazur announced that Andrean High School will return this fall. The Niners will be back.

While many details are still being finalized, our commitment to our students, families, and mission remains unchanged. We expect to share another update early next week and hope to provide additional details regarding the upcoming school year soon.

As a reminder, the campus remains closed as recovery work continues. We ask that community members refrain from visiting campus at this time.
 

Looking to support Andrean? Our official donation page, available through our website at andreanhs.org/support/donatenow.cfm, is currently the only authorized donation platform. You can also support our students through the 30th Annual Andrean Golf Classic on July 17. Learn more at andreanhs.org/support/2026golfclassic.cfm

Tomorrow, the Andrean Family can cheer on our Varsity Baseball team at 4:30 PM EST /3:30 PM CST at Victory Field. You can also stream the game online at IHSAAtv.org.

The buildings may look different today, but the heart of Andrean remains as strong as ever.
 

Thank you for your prayers, patience, and unwavering support.
Go Niners!
 

Dear Andrean Family, 

Over the past week, our community has witnessed the devastating impact of the tornado that struck Merrillville and caused significant damage to our campus. While the destruction has been difficult to see, what has inspired us most has been the incredible response from our students, families, alumni, supporters, and friends.

Today, I want to share an important message:

Andrean High School will return this fall. The Niners will be back. This I pledge to you.

While we are still working through assessments and determining exactly what the start of the school year will look like, our commitment to providing a quality, Catholic, college preparatory education and the Andrean experience remains unchanged. Some details are still being finalized, and we will share those updates very soon as they become available.

I also want to thank the countless members of the 59er family who immediately reached out to offer their support. Your prayers, encouragement, and willingness to help have been a powerful reminder of what makes Andrean so special.

In the days and weeks ahead, there will be opportunities for our community to support the recovery effort through their time, talent, and treasure. We ask for your patience as we continue working with our partners to complete assessments and develop plans for the coming school year.

In the meantime, please utilize our website as a resource for the latest information at andreanhs.org/about/campus-updates.cfm.

The building may look different today, but the heart of Andrean remains as strong as ever. Together, as one Andrean family, we will move forward, rebuild better, and write the next chapter of our story.

Thank you, and Go Niners.
Jaycob Knazur '05
Principal

Click here for video update

Dear Andrean Family,
As recovery efforts continue following last week's tornado, we want to provide a brief update on the status of our campus and ongoing planning efforts.

Today, Andrean leadership met with representatives from Big Shoulders Fund, the Diocese of Gary, and Tonn and Blank Construction, LLC to discuss damage assessments, potential timelines, and next steps for our school community. These conversations are ongoing, and we will share additional information as plans continue to develop.

At this time, the Andrean campus remains closed. For the safety of our community and to allow recovery personnel to perform their work, please refrain from visiting campus until further notice. Thank you to Merrillville Police for their presence and for keeping an eye on Andrean’s campus. 

To help keep our community informed, we have launched a Campus Update webpage that will serve as the central source for the latest information, frequently asked questions, and future announcements. Please check this page regularly as new updates become available. We will still communicate updates through email to families first.
We anticipate providing additional updates later this week as more information becomes available.

Thank you for your continued patience, support, and prayers during this challenging time. Please continue to keep the Andrean and Merrillville communities in your prayers as we navigate the recovery process together.

See you at Victory Field! Go Niners!

Jaycob Knazur
Principal, Andrean High School

Today, Principal Jaycob Knazur led Bishop McClory, Josh Hale and Dan Kozlowski of Big Shoulders Fund, and Superintendent Dr. Colleen Brewer through the damage caused by Thursday night's tornado and discussed next steps as we work toward a plan for our students, families, faculty, and staff.
During the visit, Bishop McClory offered a blessing over the cross standing on campus and for the work that lies ahead. While many questions remain, we are grateful for the support, leadership, and partnership surrounding our Andrean community during this challenging time.
We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. 

Dear Andrean Family,
We want to begin by expressing our heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of support we have received since last night's tornado. The number of 59ers, neighbors, friends, alumni, and supporters from across our community and beyond who have reached out offering their time, talent, and treasure has been truly humbling and heartwarming. Thank you for your generosity, your encouragement, and your willingness to help. The time to act on that support will come soon.

For now, we ask that you continue to keep the Andrean Family and all those throughout the Merrillville community impacted by this storm in your prayers.

Andrean’s leadership team is present on campus and working closely and quickly with the Diocese, partners, and stakeholders. Our insurance representatives and contractors have been on campus assessing the damage and working to secure the property. While progress is being made, campus remains closed. We continue to ask that you refrain from visiting campus at this time for your own safety. There are still significant hazards present as crews work to evaluate damage, remove debris, and make the area safe.

Following the weekend, we will provide additional updates regarding the extent of the damage and how Andrean High School will navigate the weeks ahead. As we learn more, we will continue to keep our community informed. Please look for additional updates early next week.

Many have also asked how they can support Andrean during this time. Individuals who wish to make a donation may do so through our official website at www.andreanhs.org/support/donatenow.cfm. We ask that you please be cautious of any other donation links shared online. At this time, our website is the only online platform through which Andrean is accepting donations. We have also heard from many individuals eager to assist through volunteerism and service. We are deeply grateful for that generosity. As opportunities become available, we will share those details with our community.

Andrean has always been more than buildings and grounds. It is a community bound together by faith, tradition, and a shared commitment to one another. While the damage to our campus is significant, the strength of our Andrean Family is even greater.

Thank you for your continued prayers, support, and patience as we move forward together.

Magister Meus Christus.

As many of you know, Andrean withstood significant damage from this evening's storm. While we don't know the full-scale impact quite yet, we do know that the grounds are not suitable for visitors or concerned friends. There are active power lines, downed trees, broken glass, significant roof damage, etc that make it unsafe. While we assess the damage, mitigate safety risk, and determine next steps, we ask that you please stay away from campus until we provide an update. Campus is closed and all activities will be suspended and/or scheduled off-site pending next steps.

Andrean is a special and sacred place for so many of us. The damage incurred by this storm is devastating and hits us in a very personal way. But with that, we've always known that Andrean is about people, not infrastructure. Everyone is safe; there were no members of our family on campus at the time of the storm. We have had many friends reach out these fast few hours offering to help. There will certainly be time to act on that generosity of time, talent, and treasure in the coming days and weeks, but right now we ask that you simply remember our community in prayer. We will be in touch with a more thorough update as more information becomes available.