Click here to read Summit Academy’s Return to School Plan

Summit has developed this document in response to the profound changes that have been thrust upon our educational systems in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Due to a rapid escalation of cases in New York State, Governor Cuomo issued an Executive order to close schools for two weeks on March 16, 2020. Additional executive orders extended this closure period throughout the school year, with students and teachers having to quickly adapt to remote learning. This has been a difficult transition for all involved.

Although we still face many unknowns, efforts are being made to return students to school in the Fall of 2020. The purpose of this plan is to guide this return process in a manner that meets the needs of students and families, while also maximizing the health and safety of all.

The New York State Department of Health issued a guidance document for in-person instruction on July 13, 2020. The New York State Education Department held multiple regional task force meetings and forums to inform their guidance document “Recovering, Rebuilding and Renewing: The Spirit of New York’s Schools,” which was released on July 17, 2020. These documents can be found on the websites of the respective departments.

Summit’s plan has been written to incorporate the directives in each of the above guidance documents, while also considering the unique needs of the Summit Academy’s student population. This plan will be updated as new guidance is provided. In early August, Governor Cuomo is expected to announce if schools will be allowed to open for the Fall term. If Summit is allowed to open, this plan will take effect on September 9, 2020.

Please also visit www.thesummitcenter.org/reopeningplanwebinars to view and register to the webinars that Summit Academy Principal Sue Whittaker will be presenting to parents and caregivers regarding Summit Academy’s return to school plan.