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:

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.

Survey is at https://www.sascs.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

Monday, August 17, 2020—The opening day of school for students for the 2020-2021 school year will still be Tuesday, September 8th. All students, K-12, will begin on September 8th with remote learning.

Hybrid learning will start on Monday, September 14th for SAS Elementary and Middle school, and the Citizenship Elementary School. The SAS High School will remain remote. ENL and SPED students will be offered to come in to the school for four days of instruction with the hybrid model.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate these unique circumstances. For more information on the Full-Time Online or Hybrid school models click here.