​Head of School Message

AYA Reopening Safety Guidelines

Dear Parents,

Assalamu Alaikum,

I am so excited to introduce myself to all the amazing students, staff and community members here at AYA. My name is Dr. Samah Bkhaitan and it is my pleasure to be working with you as the Head of School. This is an amazing opportunity, and with the guidance of Allah (SWT) and support from the community, I know that we will achieve great things together. I am hopeful that with the combination of my education, working experience, personal abilities, skills and knowledge that I will be able to provide a substantial contribution to the excelling educational environment known as AYA. 

Before moving to Tampa, I lived in New York for 15 years, then in Arizona for almost 12 years. In Phoenix, I worked at an Islamic school as the Principal for 5 years, and in multiple other capacities for a total of 10 years as a Montessori teacher, school counselor and vice principal. I am a huge believer in education and most recently earned my Ed.D in Educational Leadership and my Ed.S in Education. I also hold a Master’s of Science in Guidance and Counseling, as well as a Bachelors of Science in Human Development. People find me to be a very hands-on leader and very passionate about my work. I put 110% into all of my work and I am dedicated to growing our community and organization.

Aside from work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Back in Phoenix, I enjoyed hiking the beautiful mountain trails and taking day trips to Sedona whenever possible. I also really enjoy spending time with my grandson, Hamza, who is one and a half years old! Now that I live near the beach, I look forward to spending my days there and exploring all that Tampa has to offer. 

Inshallah this will be a very productive year filled with growth and improvement. I look forward to meeting everyone and working with you all.

Summer hours are from June 1st to July 29th 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday-Thursday and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Friday.

Office will be closed on July 3rd for Independence Day, and on July 30th and 31st for Eid Al-Adha.

Office will reopen on Monday, August 3rd.

Please stop by if you have any questions or call us at 813-987-9282. We wish you and your family a safe and healthy summer break.

Dr. Samah Bkhaitan 

Head of School 

Ed.D Educational Leadership

Assalam Alaikum Wa Rahmat Allah Wa Brakatoh

Dear respected AYA Family, 

We hope you are all staying safe and healthy. Under the current uncertain circumstances, The American Youth Academy strives to provide quality education in a safe environment for all. We are working diligently on our plan for the next school year.

The best interest of our students is to have regular school onsite to help our students get engaged in the learning process. Additionally, by having instruction onsite, staff can adequately cater to the social and emotional well-being of our students, which have been significantly impacted by prolonged social isolation due to COVID-19. However, prioritizing the safety and health of our students is far more critical and, above all else, while also working to ensure the highest quality education possible. 

Our plans for onsite instruction – following the hybrid model – focus heavily on the guidelines and protocols set by CDC and FCIS as it relates to preventive health measures including but not limited to:

·Social distancing strategies                                         

·Class size and ratio requirements                          

·Drop-off and pick-up procedures

·Staff and student screening                                                       

·Cleaning and disinfecting measures

 Priorities: 

·To provide quality education in a safe environment

·To establish a new school system that accommodates all safety measures without compromising learning

·To raise awareness and educate our students about safety and health 

·To help our students to feel comfortable with the new safety measures 

Options: (The last three options will apply if needed)

· Onsite school 

· Onsite School at 50% capacity (Two Shifts)

· A hybrid model

· Online school 

Stays tuned for more information, May Allah protect you all!

Best Regards 

Dr. Samah Bkhaitan

Head Of School

Ed.D Educational Leadership.