Summit Academy Community School – Columbus is beaming with pride and ready to show it in a big way during its upcoming Virtual Spirit Week, Jan. 24-30. The event will be held in tandem with National School Choice Week, celebrated annually during the last week of January. The nationally recognized week promotes the availability of K-12 education options that best fit a student’s individual needs.
For a community school like Summit Academy, which specializes in serving students with special education needs, school choice holds significant meaning, according to Principal Cheryl Elliott.
“Our mission at Summit Academy is to create an environment where students can thrive without limits and to continue to have greater opportunities for success. Through School Choice Week, we are able to showcase our strengths and our appreciation for our students,” Elliott said.
Third-grader Avery, who has attended Summit Academy since kindergarten, said she is excited about her school’s Virtual Spirit Week. She is getting a jumpstart on the celebration by creating a sign to express her school pride.
When asked what she enjoys most about Summit Academy, Avery said, “hanging out with my teachers and friends. My teachers are nice and they help me.”
Avery’s mother, Emily Melson, shares her daughter’s sentiments, and then some.
“I love the teachers. Avery loves the teachers. The students are all very nice. It’s also diverse, which I like. The classrooms are smaller with two teachers at a time,” said Melson, adding that all these attributes, along with reading tutoring, music and therapeutic martial arts have contributed to her daughter’s success. On her latest report card, Avery earned highest grade marks across all subjects.
It’s no surprise that Avery is looking forward to joining her classmates, teachers and other school staff members in an action-packed Virtual Spirit Week that will begin with students sporting school-themed clothing and writing a thank-you letter to someone important in their lives. Days that follow will be filled with activities ranging from students dressing like their teachers and in their favorite college gear to drawing pictures that depict fond school memories and journal entries that express why their love their school. Several other school pride events are on the weeklong agenda.
“Spirit Week brings a sense of togetherness for our elementary and middle school students and staff. During this time with virtual learning, it’s important to create opportunities for students and staff to build camaraderie, reflect and share gratitude. Plus, it’s fun,” Elliott said. “It’s a platform where students can show their personalities and creative sides.”