Andrean News

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!