After weeks of careful preparation — and an entire year and a half of missing each other — SA welcomed new and returning families, scholars, and staff to schools in person. But SY21-22 is significant for more reasons than our finally being together. There are plenty of books to read, new curricula to explore, and love and support to share with each other as we emerge from such a challenging experience. We’ve opened two new schools, including a high school in Harlem; we’ve distributed new technology to every student, grades K-12; we’ve refitted our middle and high school classrooms with live-streaming capabilities so that those who remain remote won’t miss a lesson; and we’ve doubled down on social-emotional support for scholars of all ages. Everyone is ready to get back to learning, but we also took a moment to savor the simple joy of seeing our school communities together again — especially scholars thrilled to make new friends or see old ones for the first time in months. Here’s to a great year!
“It’s a blessing for my son Jayden to be back on-campus — not only was remote learning challenging, but he missed his teachers, playing chess in-person with his teammates, and spending time with his friends.’‘
Kerry-Ann, eighth-grade parent at SA Springfield Gardens Middle School
“The first day of school was a great opportunity to see the community coming together again. The assistant principal at SA Harlem 2 (Travis Morgan) and the senior leader at SA Hell’s Kitchen (William Abbott) both waited by the main entrance and fist/elbow bumped every scholar coming in — it was just exciting to see the real enthusiasm brought by the adults and matched by the scholars.” James, SA Network staff
“I’m so excited!!! I already know a little bit about multiplication. I’m most excited to learn … multiplication!” Nora, third grader at SA Harlem 4
“I loved seeing the kids excited to see each other. I also saw one student run right up and hug a staff member at their school. So sweet to see them seeing their teachers in person after having been on Zoom for the last year.”Amy, SA Network staff
“The thing I’ve missed the most? The kiddos! I’ve really missed them all and I’m so excited that we’re back safely and ready to go.” Elizabeth Heaney, kindergarten teacher at SA Union Square
