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