On a journey nearly 12 years in the making, Summit Academy School Warren Middle and Secondary seniors Mason Sheller and Charles Snyder recall fond school memories, old and new. For Snyder, recollections of third-grade indoor recess and visits by Kona Ice at special school events bring a sense of nostalgia. For Sheller, building friendships and tapping newfound talents such as art highlight the school years. Both students began attending Summit Academy as kindergarteners.
Veteran students along with veteran staff share a sense of belonging at Summit Academy Warren Middle and Secondary, where members of this small, tight-knit school community come together like a family.
At the helm, Principal Erin Bradley wouldn’t have it any other way. Bradley, who joined Summit Academy in 2009 and became the school principal in 2014, sets a tone of mutual support within the school. Familiar faces – staff and students alike – return year after year to a school where they experience growth, respect and support.
“I value everyone’s input. I love our staff. I love our students. Where we came from to where we are now, we’ve come a long way,” says Bradley, describing a staff that represents longevity and an all-for-one, one-for-all spirit.
Art teacher BreAnne Baldarelli, who started teaching at the school 11 years ago, says while the work can be challenging, having support from school leaders and peers “makes it easy to do my job.”
“We’re just a family here. We’re all very different. Everyone is very accepting of each other, and we are all here for the same reason,” says Balderelli, describing a shared desire among staff to see each student succeed.
Student achievement is celebrated routinely at Summit Academy Warren Middle and Secondary. In English Language Arts class, ninth graders can be found discussing “Hamlet” with passion at the delight of their teacher, Ricky George. In visiting artist Tim Milner’s classroom, students are creating T-shirt designs and crafting welcome doormats. In a few months, works of the entire student body will be showcased for celebration. At the school’s annual Summit Showcase, students’ projects in math, science, English and art will be on display for students, families and staff to view.
Data coach Allison Garisto, who joined Summit Academy as an ELA teacher 12 years ago, says Summit Academy Warren Middle and Secondary School students receive advocacy and realize success they may not otherwise experience in a traditional school setting.
“We’re here to serve a population of students who [may] not be able to be as successful at their home school,” Garisto says. “We’re able to make sure students are successful and don’t fall through the cracks.”
Garisto and other teachers see the fruits of their labor years after their students graduate. Alumni return to the school to visit favorite teachers from their past or post social media updates announcing personal and professional milestones ranging from college graduation to home ownership to marriage.
“It’s nice to see them all grown up,” Garisto says.
Bradley adds that seeing both her students and staff flourish in a nurturing environment that leads to success delivers tremendous privilege and joy every day.
“Coming to work doesn’t feel like a job to me,” she says. “I love our school.”