Dear Utica Academy of Science 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.

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 29th, 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 Monday, February 1st, 2021 as we continue to monitor the progression, and number of COVID-19 cases in our area.

Meal pickup this week will be on Tuesday, January 26th and Thursday, January 28th at the Utica Academy of Science middle school from 10AM-12PM.

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,
Utica Academy of Science Administration

Dear Utica Academy of Science 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.

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 22nd, 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 Monday, January 25th, 2021 as we continue to monitor the progression, and number of COVID-19 cases in our area.

Meal pickup this week will be on Tuesday, January 19th and Thursday, January 21st at the Utica Academy of Science middle school from 10AM-12PM.

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,
Utica Academy of Science Administration

Dear Utica Academy of Science 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.

Meal pickup this week will be on Tuesday, January 12th and Thursday, January 14th at the Utica Academy of Science middle school from 10AM-12PM.

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,
Utica Academy of Science Administration

SANY in collaboration with Chartwells has developed a [contactless drive through] meal service that will allow students greater access to food while at home.

Please see below for pickup times and locations for 12/14/2020-1/7/2021.

Any questions about pick ups, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Who Qualifies

• All children 18 or younger are eligible to participate.
• Children do not need to be enrolled in SANY Schools to participate.

Registration and Pickup
Pre-ordering is not necessary but is helpful to ensure enough meals are ready! If the hours listed are not convenient for you, please call the school’s main office to arrange alternate pickup times between 8am-4pm. 

PICK-UP Locations and times:

• Tuesdays and Thursdays
• 10am - 12pm
• UAS Middle School – 12/15, 12/17, 12/22, 12/29, 1/5, 1/7
• Meal pickups on 12/22 and 12/29 will be a box of food with 5 days worth of food. 

Cost
Meals are free for all children up to 18 years old.

Dear Utica Academy parent(s) and guardian(s),

As a district, we closely monitor the percentage of COVID-19 cases in our geographic area. Currently, the 7-day rolling average infection rate is 8.5%. The 14-day rolling average is 6.9%. It is clear that the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in Oneida County.

Due to the increase of COVID-19 cases in our area, we will continue to temporarily suspend in-person instruction. Utica Academy of Science Charter School will extend full-time online learning through January 8th, 2021.

All students will continue to meet daily with their classroom teachers for online instruction via Zoom and engage in online instruction through the school’s platform. Winter Recess remains scheduled for December 23rd, 2020 to January 1st, 2021, during which time school is closed and classes will not be in session. Classroom teachers will communicate with families in order to arrange a time to pick up learning materials.

We made this decision as a safety precaution to ensure the wellbeing of our students and families during this difficult time. We plan to resume in-person instruction on Monday, January 11th, 2021 depending on updates from the Oneida County Health Department and regional development of COVID cases. Please see the calendar below for an updated tentative schedule.

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

SANY in collaboration with Chartwells has developed a [contactless drive through] meal service that will allow students greater access to food while at home.

Please see below for pickup times and locations for the week of December 7.

Any questions about pick ups, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Who Qualifies

• All children 18 or younger are eligible to participate.
• Children do not need to be enrolled in SANY Schools to participate.

Registration and Pickup
Pre-ordering is not necessary but is helpful to ensure enough meals are ready! If the hours listed are not convenient for you, please call the school’s main office to arrange alternate pickup times between 8am-4pm. 

PICK-UP Locations and times:

• Tuesdays and Thursdays
• 10am - 12pm
• SAS High – 12/8 and 12/10
• UAS Middle School – 12/8 and 12/10

Cost
Meals are free for all children up to 18 years old.

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

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 New York State 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 Utica Academy of Science Elementary School Parents and Guardians,

We are writing to share an important health announcement.

On Monday, October 12, 2020, the Oneida County Health Department notified us that one UAS elementary school student has tested positive for COVID. The last day that this student attended school was September 29. The student was put in quarantine due to possible exposure to COVID-19 by an individual in the community who does not attend UAS but had interaction with the child’s family. The UAS student tested negative while in quarantine since September 29. However, the student was tested again last week and the result received on October 12 was positive.

According to the health department, since the student has already been out of school for more than two weeks, UAS does not need to take any action other than the regular COVID-19-related cleaning and disinfection performed daily.

We wish everyone to stay safe, healthy, and informed.

Sincerely,

Elementary School Administration
Utica Academy of Science Charter School

Dear High School Parents and Guardians,

We are writing to you this afternoon in order to share an important announcement.

On Thursday, October 8, 2020, Oneida County Department of Health officials directed the school to temporarily halt all Utica Academy of Science High School athletic activities, including practices, games, and all in-person tutoring sessions for high school students until Tuesday, October 13, 2020, due to a student who tested positive for COVID-19. The student who tested positive was never in the school building, but was part of our soccer team. The high school has been following an online education model since the school started on September 8, 2020.

All team members and coaches have been placed in quarantine due to possible exposure to the virus until October 17, 2020, by the Oneida County Health Department.

School officials will update families via AP Notify and the school website if an extended halt is necessary. Tutoring and mentorship sessions will resume in person for high school students on Tuesday, October 13.

We have been working with Oneida County and Herkimer County Health Departments to take the steps necessary to ensure that the safety of our school community remains our first priority.

High School Administration
Utica Academy of Science Charter School

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:

1. Full-time Online Education Model
2. 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:

1. 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.
2. Wearing a mask to prevent the spread of germs.
3. Practicing social distancing at all times (staying 6 feet away from others).
4. 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:

1. Attendance will be taken and your child will be expected to attend classes during normal school hours
2. Your child will be expected to follow the school schedule
3. 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. 

Click Here to Submit Survey

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to coordinate a time to drop-off your SANY Chromebook. We ask that all students treat their Chromebooks with respect, and ensure the device stays in proper working condition. Thank you, all, and have a great summer.

Tuesday, June 9, 2020—SANY Families, Governor Cuomo announced that all summer school programs in New York State will be moved online. If your child is required to attend summer school, you will be notified directly. Additionally, all SANY schools will continue to follow their original calendar for the end of school. The last day of school for Utica Academy of Science students is Friday, June 26. We ask that all our SANY Atoms continue to follow social-distancing best practices. If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach out to your building dean. 

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.

Thursday, April 9, 2020—The State Education Department announced the cancellation of the June 2020 administration of Regents Exams and released guidance on modifications to requirements for students to graduate and earn their high school diplomas, credentials, and endorsements.

Regents Exams and Diploma Requirements

The COVID-19 emergency has evolved rapidly, leading to uncertainty as to when regular in-school classroom instruction will be able to resume throughout the state and whether students will be adequately prepared to take the Regents examinations. As a result, the Board of Regents and Department have cancelled the June 2020 administration of the NYS High School Regents Examination Program.

Because of this, the Department has modified the requirements that students must meet in order to earn high school diplomas, credentials, and endorsements. These modifications apply to all students enrolled in grades 7-12 during the 2019-20 school year who were intending to participate in one or more of the June 2020 Regents Examinations.

Students who, during the June 2020 examination period would have taken one or more Regents examinations, will be exempted from passing the assessments in order to be issued a diploma.  To qualify for the exemption, students must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:

• The student is currently enrolled in a course of study culminating in a Regents examination and will have earned credit in such course of study by the end of the 2019-20 school year; or
• The student is in grade 7, is enrolled in a course of study culminating in a Regents examination and will have passed such course of study by the end of the 2019-20 school year; or
• The student is currently enrolled in a course of study culminating in a Regents examination and has failed to earn credit by the end of the school year. Such student returns for summer instruction to make up the failed course and earn the course credit and is subsequently granted diploma credit in August 2020; or
• The student was previously enrolled in the course of study leading to an applicable Regents examination, has achieved course credit, and has not yet passed the associated Regents examination but intended to take the test in June 2020 to achieve a passing score.

Full Article

Wednesday, April 8, 2020—As we work through these challenging times together, NY State of Health is committed to ensuring access to affordable, quality health insurance for all New Yorkers so they can get the care they need during this state of emergency. With the recent closure of businesses across the state, many New Yorkers are at risk of losing their health insurance coverage as a result of COVID-19. Many are likely to be eligible for health coverage with financial assistance through NY State of Health due to their loss of coverage and income.

NY State of Health opened a Special Enrollment Period last month for people who are uninsured, and the Marketplace has started an awareness campaign to let people know that NY State of Health is there as a safety net in difficult times like these. New Yorkers who are without health insurance should apply now through NY State of Health. If you lost employer coverage, you must apply within 60 days of losing that coverage. Because of a loss of income, New Yorkers may also be eligible for Medicaid, the Essential Plan, Child Health Plus, or subsidized Qualified Health Plan coverage.

Thousands of assistors are ready throughout the state to help consumers enroll by phone. NY State of Health is committed to helping New Yorkers get the coverage they need so they can get the care they need. Visit us at: www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov and let us help you find a health care plan that works for you. If you have additional questions you can contact the Marketplace directly at 518-486-9102 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Monday, April 6, 2020—SANY Families, Today, Governor Cuomo announced that all schools and non-essential businesses in New York State will be closed until April 29th. 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 June Regents. Specifics for how this will affect your scholar will be released in the coming days. 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. 

Wednesday, April 1, 2020—Amid the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, SANY remains committed to providing students with equitable learning opportunities and access to healthy meals while school is closed.

As you are aware, Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently directed an extension to prior plans, meaning schools are to remain closed until at least April 15. During this extension, districts are expected to provide continuity of learning and food service to students and childcare for its essential workers. Because the extended executive order encompasses the district’s upcoming Spring Recess, which was previously scheduled for April 3-13, SANY’s academic calendar has been amended by executive order so that staff members can continue to support students with remote learning opportunities and food distribution during this timeframe. Instruction will continue Friday, April 3rd through Thursday, April 9th. There will be no instruction, and both students and staff will not be expected to report, Friday, April 10 through or Monday, April 13th. Distance learning will resume Tuesday, April 14th. 

Learning
Our staff will continue to provide and support students with remote instruction. Students and staff will continue their distance learning in the same capacity we have been with live office hours via Zoom, Google Classroom, and Class Dojo. If you have any questions in regards to online education, please get in touch with your building dean.

You can access the SANY Online Learning Portal for valuable school-specific links via http://onlineeducation.sany.org/

Nutrition
We will offer meals for the week of April 6th through the 10th via a larger pick-up on Friday, April 3rd, 2020 that will include meals for the full week. The Grab & Go Meal service will resume normal operating hours Monday, April 13, 2020. 

While the loss of planned vacation time would not be welcome news during a typical school year, we recognize that this is anything but a typical school year. Since the health, safety and education of students remain the district’s top priorities, the governor’s commitment to maintaining the continuity of learning, food service and child care is understandable.  

We recognize that this is a stressful and challenging situation. We’re here to support you through it, and know that you are managing many personal and professional responsibilities. We would like to remind you of something that we often tell our students: All we can do is our best. We’ll get through this together.

Thank you all for your continued patience, understanding and support.

Sincerely,
Dr. Tolga Hayali
Superintendent SANY Charter Schools