From left to right, Brittany and Brianna, both sixth-grade students at Summit Academy Community School for Alternative Leaners in Xenia, decorate a classroom door with candy wrappers entwined into sentiments expressing students’ feelings about their school. The students are joined by English language arts and science teacher Chris Lunger. The door is one of more than a dozen the school students are decorating in celebration of National School Choice Week, which takes place January 26 to February 1.

At Summit Academy Community School for Alternative Learners in Xenia, doors to meeting students’ social, emotional and academic needs open daily. It’s only fitting that the school will celebrate National School Choice Week with its hallways, corridors and nooks dotted by decorated doors.

Summit Academy Community School Xenia, which includes two buildings that serve students in kindergarten through 12th grade, will showcase as many as 15 doors dressed in tribute to its students, parents and teachers.

“National School Choice Week is an opportunity for our teachers, families and students to express what Summit Academy means to them,” says Principal Cassy Stidham, who is leading her school community in a series of activities during the national week of recognition, January 26 to February 1. The doors will serve as tangible expressions of Summit Academy Community School Xenia’s commitment to building hope, success and well-being through education and advocacy for children with special needs, according to Stidham.

Other activities in store for the Xenia school community include videos, skits and classroom newspapers by seventh- and eighth-graders; poster creation, signing and posting by elementary students; and classroom circle discussions by ninth- through 12th-grade students. In addition, students will sport scarves that reflect a “soaring” theme, in keeping with the school’s Falcon mascot and emphasis on soaring through school with safe choices, a spirit of participation, open and honest feedback, and respect.

“The decorated doors will help start the conversation about why our families choose Summit Academy Community School Xenia,” says Stidham, adding that parents and guardians will join that discussion over the school’s Pastries With a Parent breakfast on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

When asked why families select Summit Academy Community School Xenia, Stidham checks off a verbal list she finds difficult to end. “Safety, being around peers, finding friends, small classrooms, two classroom teachers, feeling supported, and on and on,” she says.

For more information about Summit Academy Community School for Alternative Leaners in Xenia call 937-372-5210 or visit https://summitacademies.org/schools/xenia-elementary/