Dear Parents and Guardians,
On March 7, 2024, the New York State Department of Health released newly revised COVID-19 guidelines. The updated guidance has ended the mandatory 5-day isolation period for people who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Click here to access the actual document posted on the NYSDOH website.
Basically, individuals can go back to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both of the following are true:
- Symptoms are getting better overall, and
- They no longer have a fever without the use of fever-reducing medication.
We appreciate and thank you for the support and patience you have provided us while we navigated this pandemic over the past few years. As always, the safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities. For any questions or concerns regarding the updated COVID-19 guidance, please feel free to reach out to your child’s school nurse.
Sincerely,
SANY Administration
Dear Science Academies of New York Parents, Guardians, Students, and Staff,
The Centers for Disease Control issued new guidance regarding mask usage on Friday, February 25. On Sunday, February 27, Governor Hochul provided an update on the school masking mandate. Acknowledging data regarding declining infection and hospitalization rates, Governor Hochul announced that as of Wednesday, March 2, 2022, the statewide mask mandate in Pre-k-12 schools would be lifted. Parents may choose for their children to continue wearing their masks, and staff may choose to do so as well.
On Monday, February 28, 2022, and Tuesday, March 1, 2022, masks will be required according to the New York State Department of Health requirements.
Science Academies of New York would like to thank our parents, guardians, students, and staff for their support and resilience throughout this pandemic. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. We are delighted to turn another page in our two-year wait to return to normalcy. As always, if you have any questions regarding this announcement, please reach out to your child’s school.
Sincerely,
Science Academies of New York Administration
Dear Science Academies of New York parents and guardians,
As a district, we have closely monitored the percentage of COVID-19 cases in our geographic area. It is clear that the number of COVID-19 cases are still on the rise.
With the holiday season ending and due to the increase of COVID-19 cases in our area, we will temporarily suspend in-person instruction and continue to hold remote learning. At this time, we will continue teaching all students remotely through Friday, January 15, 2021.
This decision was made as a safety precaution and is to ensure the wellbeing of our students and families during this difficult time. We are planning to resume in-person instruction on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 as we continue to monitor the progression, and number of COVID-19 cases in our area.
Please take this notice and our actions as a representation that we prioritize the health and safety of students, staff, and all members of our community to the fullest extent.
Sincerely,
Science Academies of New York Administration
Dear SANY parent(s) and guardian(s),
As a district, we have closely monitored the percentage of COVID-19 cases in our geographic area. It is clear that the number of COVID-19 cases are continuing to be on the rise.
Due to the increase of COVID-19 cases in our area, we will continue to temporarily suspend in-person instruction. At this time, the week of December 7, 2020 through December 11, 2020 will be remote learning for all students. We will monitor the data, and will make a decision next Wednesday or Thursday regarding the weeks ahead.
This decision was made as a safety precaution and is to ensure the wellbeing of our students and families during this difficult time. We are planning to resume in-person instruction on Monday, December 14th, 2020 as we continue to monitor the number of COVID-19 cases in our area.
Please take this notice and our actions as a representation that we prioritize the health and safety of students, staff, and all members of our community to the fullest extent.
Sincerely,
Science Academies of New York Administration
Dear SANY parent(s) and guardian(s),
As a district, we have closely monitored the percentage of COVID-19 cases in our geographic area. It is clear that the number of COVID-19 cases are on the rise.
Due to the increase of COVID-19 cases in our area, we will temporarily suspend in-person instruction and hold remote learning. At this time, hybrid instruction will continue through Friday, November 20th, 2020. We will begin teaching all students remotely Monday, November 23rd, 2020 and Tuesday, November 24th, 2020 before Thanksgiving break. We will continue to teach remotely the week after Thanksgiving Recess, starting from Monday, November 30th, 2020 through Friday, December 4th, 2020.
This decision was made as a safety precaution and is to ensure the wellbeing of our students and families during this difficult time. We are planning to resume in-person instruction on Monday, December 7th, 2020 as we continue to monitor the number of COVID-19 cases in our area.
Please take this notice and our actions as a representation that we prioritize the health and safety of students, staff, and all members of our community to the fullest extent.
Updated Calendar:
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
11/23 Remote Learning |
11/24 Remote Learning |
11/25 Thanksgiving Recess (No School) |
11/26 Thanksgiving Recess (No School) |
11/27 Thanksgiving Recess (No School) |
11/30 Remote Learning |
12/1 Remote Learning |
12/2 Remote Learning |
12/3 Remote Learning |
12/4 Remote Learning |
Sincerely,
Science Academies of New York Administration
As of November 9, 2020, the Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School is part of a COVID -19 "Yellow Zone," as identified by Governor Cuomo.
We are now required to have 20% of our students and staff tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis in order to keep schools open for in-person learning. The test is called BinaxNOW, and is a nasal swab that produces results in approximately 15 minutes.
All parents/guardians of hybrid students are asked to complete this survey, indicating whether or not you consent for your child to be tested. Testing would be free and would occur approximately once a month if you were to consent. If your child is currently learning remotely, you do not need to complete the survey.
Surveys are at
SAS: https://www.sascs.org/covidtesting
CITIZENSHIP: https://www.sasccs.org/covidtesting
UAS: https://www.uascs.org/covidtesting
Surveys must be completed by the end of the day Friday, November 13, 2020.
Thank you in advance for your participation in this important survey.
Administration
Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Influenza, or flu, cases are being diagnosed across New York state as flu season has officially started.
Flu spreads easily and can make people very sick, especially children. Flu symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Body aches
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Fatigue
Some people, especially children, may have stomach problems and diarrhea. Unlike a cold, the flu comes on very suddenly.
Flu symptoms are very similar to COVID-19 symptoms. It’s important for families to know that the Science Academies of New York (SANY) is required to follow the guidance in the New York State Department of Health Pre-K to Grade 12 COVID-19 Toolkit when determining if a student can attend school and when staff can go to work.
Please refer to the toolkit for help in determining if your child can attend school, return to school after an illness and whether your child needs a COVID-19 test to return to school.
“There is a large overlap between flu and COVID-19 symptoms,” said Diane Montgomery, a local physician who is supporting the district as its COVID-19 Medical Supervisor. “Our school nurses are required to follow the state Department of Health protocols, and families should know that a COVID-19 test may be required for their children to return to school after an illness or symptoms of an illness.”
If your child does need a COVID-19 test, please check the Onondaga County COVID-19 Testing website for testing information.
More information
- Fight Flu at Home and School (New York State Department of Health)
- The Flu: A Guide for Parents (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Everyday Preventive Actions Can Help Fight Germs, Like Flu (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Similarities and Differences Between Flu and COVID-19
Dear Science Academies of New York Community:
Thank you to our Reopen SANY Task Force, our administrative team, staff members, parents, and board members who contributed to our draft reopening plan for the 2020-2021 school year. A copy of the plan is available via the following link: http://reopening.sany.org Please be sure to review this draft plan.
Once you have read our reopening plan, please complete a survey for each student in your home indicating your preference for instruction this fall by Friday, August 14th. The link to the survey follows: https://sites.google.com/sany.org/reopening/select-your-model
In accordance with the Governor’s directive, the district has created a draft of two different opening plans:
- Full-time Online Education Model
- Hybrid In-Person/Online Education Model
The district developed this reopening plan in accordance with guidance from the New York State Health Department and New York State Education Department. Our number one priority is the safety and security of our students and staff. We are fortunate to have small class sizes, large classrooms, and technology resources that are readily available so that students can benefit from instruction whether they are inside of our schools or learning from home.
All students in grades K-7 in Syracuse and grades K-8 in Utica will have both hybrid and full-time online education options. Parents need to take the survey to indicate their preference for either 1) Full-time Online Education Model or 2) Hybrid In-Person/Online Education Model.
Students in grades 8-12 in Syracuse and grades 9-12 in Utica will have only full-time online education opportunities.
SANY will offer to all ELL and Special Education students in grades K-12 to attend hybrid learning 4-days per week. We will periodically reassess the effectiveness of online instruction for all students in order to maximize learning. We may make adjustments to students' learning model (online or hybrid) by reassigning students to increase in-person learning opportunities based on their individual learning needs and CDC guidelines.
In order to encourage social distancing on school vehicles, we are asking families to consider transporting their own students to reduce capacity on school buses. If you are planning to send your child to school for hybrid in-person instruction, please be sure to review all of the safety precautions that you and your child will need to take, some of which include:
- Completing a health screening each morning and not coming to school when you are sick. Please be aware that minor symptoms such as repeated coughing or sneezing, or a fever will result in children not being allowed to attend school.
- Wearing a mask to prevent the spread of germs.
- Practicing social distancing at all times (staying 6 feet away from others).
- Washing your hands and practicing appropriate respiratory hygiene.
If you are indicating a preference for full-time online education for safety or other reasons, please also be aware of the following:
- Attendance will be taken and your child will be expected to attend classes during normal school hours
- Your child will be expected to follow the school schedule
- Live interaction with teachers and assistance will occur during school hours
Again, please be sure to review the draft reopening plan prior to completing the survey. The draft plan has been submitted to the New York State Health Department and New York State Education Department. Governor Andrew Cuomo will make a determination during the first week of August regarding the ability of schools to reopen. Once the Governor has made a decision and the district has reviewed survey results from families, we will make a final decision regarding our ability to reopen and follow up with additional information. Please also be aware that as circumstances relative to infection rates and hospitalization rates change in our community throughout the year, we may need to adapt and adjust which may require a return to online education for all students.
This reopening will require some heavy lifting and we will need everyone to work together. I realize that parents, students, and staff members have questions, concerns, hopes, and fears relative to reopening schools during this challenging time. It is going to take everyone working together in a positive and cooperative manner to develop solutions that meet the needs of our students and staff.
Please be sure to read our draft plan, complete the survey by Friday, August 14th, and stay tuned in August for additional information. We believe that by each of us doing our part that we can reopen schools in a safe manner.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tolga Hayali
Superintendent
Science Academies of New York
Thursday, July 16, 2020—The COVID-19 pandemic and the closing of school buildings resulted in significant changes to our traditional face-to-face model of instruction as we transitioned to distance learning. We recognize that these changes impacted our students, families, teachers, and staff in many different ways. As a result, Science Academies of New York has created a brief survey to gain feedback from our families regarding the fall and potential reopening of school buildings.
This survey is critical, and we value the feedback from all our community members. Please fill this out by Friday, July 24th.
Friday, June 26, 2020—SANY Chromebooks were lent to families at the start of distance learning to ensure all students had access to a computer. In order to continue to serve our students over the summer months and ensure every family has access to technology, SANY will wait until Governor Cuomo announces that schools can reopen to coordinate the pick up of the SANY Chromebooks.
If you are not planning on returning to a SANY school in the fall, please reach out to
Friday, May 1, 2020—Today, Governor Cuomo announced that all schools in New York State will be closed for the rest of the academic year. This decision was made to help slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the state.
What this means for your Atom
- We will continue to offer meals at our Grab & Go Meal Locations
- We will continue to utilize our distance learning strategy to keep your scholar engaged with their academics during this uncertain time
In addition, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the New York State Board of Regents has canceled the August Regents. In the interim, we ask that all our SANY Atoms follow social-distancing best practices. If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach out to your building dean.
Thursday, April 16, 2020—Governor Cuomo has announced that NY Pause will remain in effect until May 15. The Science Academies of New York will remain closed until May 15, 2020. This includes all extra-curricular activities. Stay safe and healthy, Atoms.
Wednesday, March 17, 2020—Due to a high volume of Chromebook requests, we are canceling the Thursday, March 19th, pick-up time in order to prepare more devices.
We have scheduled two pick-up time slots for Friday, March 20th, to better accommodate our parent’s schedules. We will be handing out devices between 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. This will be the last opportunity for parents to pick up a device as school buildings will be closed through April 13.
Due to a limited supply, Chromebooks will only be provided to parents/students who do not have access to a device at home. Please complete the Internet and Device Access survey before coming to the SAS High School. Survey Link -> sascs.org/survey
For everyone's safety, we have a drive-up pickup system. No one is allowed inside of the building, so please be patient. We appreciate our staff for their dedication and our parents for their patience as we navigate this transition.
Sincerely,
SANY Administration
Wednesday, March 18, 2020—Utica Academy of Science Middle School, located at 1214 Lincoln Ave, Utica, NY 13502, is a Grab & Go Meal Pick-Up Location. Meals are available between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Child(ren) must be present to pick up a meal, and the meal is free of charge. Any child under the age of 18 in the city of Utica can pick up a meal. Please use the front side entrance of the Utica Academy of Science Middle School to pick up the grab & go meal, not the rear entrance as previously stated.
In addition, the following UCSD meal locations are open to all children under the age of 18 in the City of Utica, including UAS scholars.
Proctor High School
Donovan Middle School
John F. Kennedy Middle School
Albany Elementary
Columbus Elementary
Conkling Elementary
General Herkimer Elementary
John F. Hughes Elementary
Hugh R. Jones Elementary
Jefferson Elementary
Kernan Elementary
Martin Luther King Elementary
Watson Williams Elementary
Tuesday, March 17, 2020—Syracuse Academy of Science High School, located at 1001 Park Avenue, Syracuse, is the pick-up point for meal and technology for the SANY District Syracuse locations. We have implemented a drive-thru policy for families for pick-ups. The purpose of this measure is to practice recommended social distancing.
Technology: Pick up Park Avenue (Main Entrance)
- Families, please drive up to the Park Avenue (Main Door) Entrance
- A staff member will greet you at your car. You do not need to leave your vehicle.
- A staff member will verify if you have completed the internet availability survey. If the survey is not complete, we will ask you to do so at that time.
- A staff member will bring you a contract to sign with an already identified Chromebook assignment.
- Parent and student read and sign contract
- Chromebook is released w/ charger
- Important Notice—A parent must be present for device pick-up
- Pick-up Times—3/18, 3/19, 3/20 between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Lunch: Pick up Lakeview Avenue (Gym Entrance)
- Families, please drive up to the Lakeview Avenue (Gym Door) Entrance
- A staff member will greet you at your car. You do not need to leave your vehicle.
- Breakfast/lunches will only be provided for those children 18-and-under who are in the vehicle as you arrive.
- Staff will bring meals out to the vehicle
- Important Notice—Students 18 years and younger can walk up to the Lakeview entrance to pick up a grab and go meal. We ask that you practice social distancing while waiting in line.
- Pick-up Times—Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., until April 13th. Subject to change.
If parents need to pick up both technology and food, you can stop at one location, drive around the building to the second location. Our staff will be outside to assist with the flow of traffic. Students are not permitted to enter the building during this time
Tuesday, March 17, 2020—As you know, we are facing an unprecedented public health crisis in our state. As recommended by state and local public health authorities, schools were closed starting Monday, March 16, 2020 and we have transitioned to our distance learning plan.
We recognize that this disruption has an impact on our students, families, and staff. We know that this exceptional moment has prompted questions which we will continue to address.
Nutrition Services
The Utica Academy of Science will provide free Grab & Go breakfast and free bagged lunch to all school-aged children in the City of Utica. Students are encouraged and able to utilize this service.
Starting Wednesday, March 18, meals will be available for pick-up Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m. at the cafeteria entrance in the rear of the building of the following location:
- Utica Academy of Science Middle School, 1214 Lincoln Ave. Utica, NY 13502
Online Learning
The Utica Academy of Science is committed to the educational experience of your child. During the school closure, we will transition to online learning. All of our students have daily access to instructional notes, assignments, assessments, and virtual instruction, from their classroom teacher via their google classroom.
Chromebook Pick-Up
For those students who DO NOT have any device, we will open the doors of our buildings for students to pick up a Chromebook during the following time-frames.
Times:
Tuesday, March 17—9 a.m and 12 p.m.
Wednesday, March 18—9 a.m and 12 p.m.
Thursday, March 19—9 a.m and 12 p.m.
Location:
Utica Academy of Science High School, 160 School Lane, Frankfort, NY 13340
Utica Academy of Science Middle School, 1214 Lincoln Ave. Utica, NY 13502
Internet Survey
Before obtaining a device, we ask that you respond to this brief survey to help our school gather information related to internet access and the availability of technology in your home.
Events & After-School Programs
In order to minimize the opportunity for persons to contract and/or spread the Novel Coronavirus(COVID-19), please be reminded that -- all events and after-school programs are canceled until at least April 20. This includes school-sponsored participation in community events.
Talking with your Children about COVID-19
As public conversations around coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increase, children may worry about themselves, their family, and friends getting ill with COVID-19. Parents, family members, school staff, and other trusted adults can play an important role in helping children make sense of what they hear in a way that is honest, accurate, and minimizes anxiety or fear. CDC has created guidance to help adults have conversations with children about COVID-19 and ways they can avoid getting and spreading the disease.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/talking-with-children.html
We will maintain a continuous flow of information. Please follow our websites, social media, and ensure that we have your correct contact information in Schooltool. We want to express our appreciation for the patience of our SANY community as we work through the daily challenges COVID-19 has presented to all of us. We will miss having you and your children in our schools, and we look forward to your return!
Monday, March 16, 2020—As you know, we are facing an unprecedented public health crisis in our state. As recommended by state and local public health authorities, schools will be closed as of 4 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2020, and we will transition to our distance learning plan.
We recognize that this disruption has an impact on our students, families, and staff. We know that this exceptional moment has prompted questions which we will continue to address.
Nutrition Services
The Syracuse City School District will provide free Grab & Go breakfast and free bagged lunch to all school-aged children in the City of Syracuse. Science Academies of New York students are encouraged and able to utilize this service.
Starting Tuesday, March 17, meals will be available for pick-up Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m. at the main entrance of each of the following locations:
- Syracuse Academy of Science High School, 1001 Park Avenue, Syracuse NY 13204 (Gym Doors)
- Bellevue Elementary School, 530 Stolp Ave, Syracuse, NY 13207
- Henninger HS, 600 Robinson Street, Syracuse, NY 13206
- Peace Inc. East, 202 Beech St., Syracuse, NY 13210
- Brighton Academy Middle School, 309 W. Brighton Ave, Syracuse, NY 13205
- Huntington PK-8, 400 Sunnycrest Rd., Syracuse, NY 13206
- Peace Inc. West, 200 Wyoming St., Syracuse, NY 13204
- Burnet Park, Coleridge & Grand Ave., Syracuse, NY 13204
- HW Smith PK-8, 1130 Salt Springs Road, Syracuse, NY 13224
- People’s AME Zion Church, 2306 S. Salina St., Syracuse, NY 13205
- Central Library, 447 S. Salina, Syracuse, NY 13202
- ITC HS, 258 East Adams St., Syracuse, NY 13202
- Porter Elementary School, 512 Emerson Ave., Syracuse, NY 13204
- Clary Middle School, 100 Amidon Dr., Syracuse, NY 13205
- LeMoyne Elementary School, 1528 LeMoyne Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208
- PSLA @ Fowler, 227 Magnolia Street, Syracuse, NY 13204
- Corcoran HS, 919 Glenwood Ave., Syracuse, NY 13207
- Lincoln Middle School, 1613 James St., Syracuse, NY 13203
- Salem Hyde Elementary School, 450 Durston Ave., Syracuse, NY 13203
- Delaware Primary School, 900 S. Geddes Street, Syracuse, NY 13204
- Mary Nelson Youth Center, 2849 S. Salina St. Syracuse, NY 13205
- Seymour Elementary School, 108 Shonnard Street, Syracuse, NY 13204
- Dr. Weeks Elementary School, 710 Hawley Ave., Syracuse, NY 13203
- McKinley-Brighton Elementary School, 141 W. Newell Street, Syracuse, NY 13205
- STEAM @ Dr King Elementary School, 416 E. Raynor Ave., Syracuse, NY 13202
- Ed Smith PK-8, 1106 Lancaster Ave., Syracuse, NY 13210
- Meachem Elementary School, 171 Spaulding Ave, Syracuse, NY 13205
- Syracuse Latin School, 345 Jamesville Ave., Syracuse, NY 13210
- Franklin Elementary School, 428 S. Alvord St., Syracuse, NY 13208
- Nottingham HS, 3100 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13224
- Van Duyn Elementary School, 401 Loomis Ave., Syracuse, NY 13207
- Frazer PK-8 School, 741 Park Ave., Syracuse, NY 13204
- Payton Temple, 1816 Midland Ave., Syracuse, NY 13205
- Webster Elementary School, 500 Wadsworth Street, Syracuse, NY 13208
- Westcott Community Center, 826 Euclid Ave, Syracuse, NY 13210
Online Learning
The Syracuse Academy of Science is committed to the educational experience of your child. During the school closure, we will transition to online learning. All of our students have daily access to instructional notes, assignments, assessments, and virtual instruction, from their classroom teacher via their google classroom.
Chromebook Pick-Up
For those students who DO NOT have any device, we will open the doors of SAS High School located at 1001 Park Avenue, for students to pick up a Chromebook during the following time-frames.
Times: Wednesday, March 18—10 a.m and 12 p.m.
Thursday, March 19—10 a.m and 12 p.m.
Friday, March 20 —10 a.m and 12 p.m.
Location: Syracuse Academy of Science High School, 1001 Park Ave. Syracuse, NY 13204
Internet Survey
Before obtaining a device, we ask that you respond to this brief survey to help our school gather information related to internet access and the availability of technology in your home.
Events & After-School Programs
In order to minimize the opportunity for persons to contract and/or spread the Novel Coronavirus(COVID-19), please be reminded that -- all events and after-school programs are canceled until at least April 20. This includes school-sponsored participation in community events.
Talking with your Children about COVID-19
As public conversations around coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increase, children may worry about themselves, their family, and friends getting ill with COVID-19. Parents, family members, school staff, and other trusted adults can play an important role in helping children make sense of what they hear in a way that is honest, accurate, and minimizes anxiety or fear. CDC has created guidance to help adults have conversations with children about COVID-19 and ways they can avoid getting and spreading the disease.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/talking-with-children.html
We will maintain a continuous flow of information. Please follow our websites, social media, and ensure that we have your correct contact information in Schooltool. We want to express our appreciation for the patience of our SANY community as we work through the daily challenges COVID-19 has presented to all of us. We will miss having you and your children in our schools, and we look forward to your return!
Monday, March 16, 2020—Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon has announced that due to the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Onondaga County, all schools in the County, including the Syracuse Academy of Science, will be closed at the conclusion of school TODAY, Monday, March 16, 2020. There will be no after school activities today. Additional information regarding nutrition services and online learning will be sent out later today. Please check back for additional updates.
Sunday, March 15, 2020—Dear parent or guardian,
Science Academies of New York students will continue their education online while being away from school during this closure. We ask that you respond to this brief survey to help our school gather information related to internet access and the availability of technology in your home. If you have more than one child attending our school, please complete a form for each child. If you already completed the form, you don't need to complete it again.
Sincerely,
SANY Administration Team
- Syracuse Academy of Science & Citizenship Academy Suspend Classes
- Utica Academy of Science Suspends Classes
- Spectrum Offers Free High-Speed Internet
- False Claim COVID-19
- District Developing Contingency Plans
- District monitoring COVID-19 at local, state and national levels
- Health officials urge public to take precautions against the spread of viruses