Thursday, November 4th, 2021—It’s the Festival of Lights and a day full of delights for the Syracuse Academy of Science elementary school Atoms in Ms. Bloss’ class. On Thursday, November 4^th, India celebrated its largest holiday of the year, Diwali or Dipawali.

Diwali is also commonly known as the Festival of Lights, as it gets its name from the row of clay lamps that are left outside of homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness.

To celebrate, students listened to a story about Diwali, and flexed their creativity muscles making their own Rangoli. For those not familiar with Rangoli, it is an art of decoration drawn on the floor or the entrances of homes with sands of many colors, that is thought to bring good luck, prosperity in the house and in the family, and to welcome guests.

Saturday, November 6th, 2021—Can they build it? Yes they can! On Saturday, November 6th Syracuse Academy of Science elementary, middle and high school students competed in the annual CNY Bridges: Build ‘Em & Bust ‘Em competition held at the MOST.

This student STEM competition in balsawood bridge engineering allows for participants to compete individually or as a team. For the competition, students are tasked with designing and constructing a truss bridge built entirely of glue and balsawood. On the day of the competition, participants submit their bridge for a test of its efficiency rating, a measure of how many times its own weight the bridge can support before structural failure. Awards are given in three categories: Category I (grades 4-6), Category II (grades 7-8) and Category III (grades 9-12). 

We are pleased to announce that Syracuse Academy of Science high school received multiple awards in the CNY Bridges: Build ‘Em & Bust ‘Em competition! Congratulations to the following students.

• First Place (Category III): Andre McClain - The Positive Protons
• Third Place (Category III): Theodore Simon and Migual Mathis - Borthorn Bridge
• Fourth Place (Category III): Chimera Z Harper and Sumeiyra Barbour

Congratulations to all of the Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School Atoms, your hard work certainly paid off, and we are so incredibly proud of you and all that you have accomplished! Click here to visit our Facebook page to view more pictures from the CNY Bridges: Build 'Em & Bust 'Em Competition.

Monday, November 1st, 2021—Earlier this week, Syracuse Academy of Science 7^th grade Project Based Learning (PBL) students soared to new heights physically and mentally during their Experiential Learning field trip to Orenda Springs.

The focus of this field trip was to allow for the students to build trust within themselves and their fellow classmates through trust exercises using both the high and low ropes courses. Both courses were not only physically challenging, but mentally as well which allowed the students to work on building trust with themselves and their fellow classmates.

In the Low Ropes courses, it tested the Atoms problem solving, organization and creative thinking skills, along with their patience, as it required the full cooperation and participation from all the PBL students.

The High Ropes course allowed for the students to step outside of their comfort zone and to overcome their fears. This course is unique in the sense that the 'high' heights vary along the challenge. In addition to working on overcoming their fears, Atoms learned the importance of supporting their teammates, enhancing their problem solving skills, trusting one another, clear communication, and the responsibility for not only their actions but others, as well.

The field trip to Orenda Springs was a great opportunity for all the students to practice their creative thinking skills, all while exploring and enhancing their leadership and problem solving skills.

Click here to visit our Facebook album title, “6^th & 7^th Grade PBL Field Trip to Orenda Springs,” to view more pictures from this Experiential Learning field trip.

Wednesday, October 27th, 2021—At Syracuse Academy of Science Charter Schools we pride ourselves in believing that college is for everyone! One of the key components of college guidance at SASCS is to expose students to the college environment through various college visits and guest speakers. College visits, hosting individual college representatives and guest speakers help our students expand their knowledge about necessary skills, requirements and available programs at local, regional and national colleges.

Just last week, Syracuse Academy of Science high school welcomed a representative from the United States Navy, a member of the United States Armed Forces, and the National Guard. During their information sessions, Juniors and Seniors had an opportunity to listen, learn and ask questions about careers in the United States Armed Forces and the National Guard.

We want to thank each representative for taking time out of their schedule to come and speak with the students, as well as, thank them for their service.

Tuesday, October 26th, 2021—Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life. Throughout the month of October, Syracuse Academy of Science elementary school 4^th grade students have been busy at work participating in the Kindness Challenge. 

For this challenge Atoms were tasked with recognizing and giving 20 compliments to fellow classmates over the course of the month. Upon completion, two grade level representatives proposed their celebration ideas to the Dean of Elementary, Mrs. Miller. Their celebration idea that was approved was, shaving cream slime!

We all know that kindness goes a long way, keep up the great work, Atoms!

Wednesday, October 27th, 2021—Syracuse Academy of Science middle school Project Based Learning (PBL) students welcomed guest speaker Cheryl Welles from Empower Federal Credit Union who spoke to the students about the importance of having a budget. Cheryl led the students in a breakout session where they worked in groups of three to create their own budget through a budget simulation experience.

Thank you Cheryl for taking the time to speak with the Atoms not only about the importance of having a budget, but also how to create one. Students will be able to use this information in their upcoming project (and beyond) where they will be teaching younger students about the importance of understanding spending, sharing and savings.

Friday, October 29th, 2021—For this post, we are following Mr. Yaman and Mr. Serkan's Congressional Award students to Boston, Massachusetts! Syracuse Academy of Science high school Congressional Award students had an opportunity to explore one of the United States most historically rich cities, Boston, which was founded in 1630. During their visit, the Atoms explored the New England Aquarium, the historical Quincy Market - designed by famous architect Alexander Parris in August 1826, and of course downtown Boston.

We also can't forget there are a couple of well known and prestigious universities that just so happen to be located near Boston in Cambridge, Massachusetts - Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). For this visit, the students had an opportunity to visit the prestigious MIT campus.

Welcome home Atoms, we hope you had a great time on your trip and were able to learn, and explore many of the historical attributes of Boston!

Friday, October 29th, 2021—To get into the spirit of all things Halloween, Syracuse Academy of Science elementary school held its annual Fall Festival. For this school event, Atoms had an opportunity to dress in their Halloween costumes for the classroom parade, in which their families were invited to join via Zoom.

In addition to the costume parade, various classrooms also celebrated Halloween by having their students participate in a handful of fall themed activities like pumpkin decorating.

We hope all of our students had a happy and safe Halloween! Please click here to visit our Facebook page to view more pictures from Syracuse Academy of Science elementary school's Fall Festival.

Wednesday, October 21st, 2021—Earlier this month, Syracuse Academy of Science elementary students in Mrs. Bloss' class learned about the Ancient Asian Civilization and the significance of The Great Wall of China, and why it's considered a symbol of the Chinese Nation.

For their assignment, Atoms were tasked with using their imagination to go back in time and explore The Great Wall of China and to of course write about it. This exercise allowed for the students to practice the writing process which included: drafting, and editing their writing for a final copy. Much like The Great Wall of China, the Atoms written work was turned into masterpieces and will be preserved to stand the test of time as their published work is currently on display in the hallway of Syracuse Academy of Science elementary school.

Thursday, October 28th, 2021—In the month of October, Syracuse Academy of Science elementary school students were honored and celebrated for demonstrating great levels of the character trait trustworthiness. In addition to the Atoms, teachers Ms. Georgiadis and Ms. Murdie were also recognized as Teachers of the Month! 

Congratulations to all of our Atoms and teachers. Keep up the great work and remember to tune in each month as we share, and celebrate the students selected for our monthly Student on the Month celebration. Each month, students will be recognized for their demonstration of that month's character trait. Please click here to visit our Facebook page to view more pictures from the October Student of the Month celebration.