Wednesday, May 5th, 2021—Syracuse Academy of Science elementary school had the privilege of virtually welcoming Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter from Assembly District 128 to speak with the Atoms. During her virtual visit, the students learned about Assemblywoman Hunter’s leadership role and involvement in the community, fun facts and stories about her dog Barkley and items in her office that she treasures dearly. In addition, Assemblywoman Hunter read to the students the story, ‘If I were President.’ Thank you, Assemblywoman Hunter for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with the students. We look forward to an in-person visit sometime in the near future.

Friday, May 14th, 2021—Syracuse Academy of Science high school had an opportunity to virtually interview a Jamirah Tookes-Muhammad, a member of its senior class for its bi-weekly Senior Spotlight. During our interview Jamirah shares with us advice for future Atoms, goals and aspirations, her favorite memory while being an Atom at Syracuse Academy of Science and much more. As we get ready to shine the Senior Spotlight, read our interview below with high school Atom, Jamirah Tookes-Muhammad.

Interview with Jamirah Tookes-Muhammad

• What is one major accomplishment you had in your senior year of high school? Getting through it since it has been a little difficult.
• What are your goals for after high school? Owning some sort of business and being an OB-GYN. Then just being my best self.
• Name one person that inspires you? My higher self.
• What advice would you give to the next senior class? Do your work..... on time.
• Where do you see yourself in five years? At least starting my career, already having my business up and running, probably starting my family.
• If you could have dinner with any person living or dead who would they be and why? My late Grandparents, I would like to spend time with them because I either never met them, or I was too young to understand anything.
• Name three traits that describe you? Caring, Loving, Charming
• What is your favorite hobby? Writing
• What is a hidden talent that no one or only a few people know about you? I don’t really have one.
• What is your favorite memory of SAS? The whole 8th grade year..... it was one of my best years at Syracuse Academy of Science.

Friday, May 7th, 2021—In honor of Mother’s Day the Syracuse Academy of Science elementary hybrid learning Atoms expressed their creativity by crafting something special for that marvelous woman in their life. Students had an opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind flower pot, and color a card or poem that shared the many reasons why the marvelous woman in their life deserved a cheer. Students also had an opportunity to Zoom with their loved ones and share their love, gratitude and appreciation. Thank you to all the wonderful mothers and marvelous women in the Atoms’ lives, and for all that you do! We hope you all had a wonderful and happy Mother’s day. Click here to view more pictures from their celebration.

Wednesday, May 12th, 2021—In honor of National School Nurse Day, Syracuse Academy of Science would like to take this moment to thank all of our school nurses for playing such a vital role not only this past school year but each and every day. These healthcare heroes make sure that our schools remain a safe, and healthy place where all students feel included and encouraged to learn especially during this unprecedented time in our nation's history. School nurses make a difference! Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and selfless commitment to the Atoms, teachers, faculty and staff. Happy School Nurse Day!

Thursday, May 6th, 2021—To kick-off spring, Syracuse Academy of Science elementary school 3^rd and 4^th grade students had an opportunity to join a socially distant extracurricular activity, the kickball league. In this league, Atoms will learn how to be a good sport, engage with their peers and of course exercise. Last week was their first practice, and a blast was had by all! Keep up the great work, Atoms.

Friday, April 30th, 2021—The 7th grade artists from Syracuse Academy of Science middle school impress us again with their creativity, detailed drawings and of course their talent! The Atoms have been learning about Israeli sculptor Yaacov Agam who is best known for his contribution to Optical Art and Kinetic Art. For their latest assignment, students experimented making their own optical art by creating agamographs, which are a series of images that change at different angles. Atoms were tasked with focusing on merging two separate drawings that could be deciphered only when viewed from each side of the agamograph! Click here to view the entire art collection. Super creative Atoms, way to go!

Sunday, May 9th, 2021—“The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation.” —James E. Faust

Friday, April 30th, 2021—Color us excited as we share that the Syracuse Academy of Science fifth grade Atoms express their creativity and draw inspiration from Yayoi Kusama - a Contemporary Japanese Artist. For those not familiar with Yayoi Kusama, she  is best known for creating sculptures, installations and painting with vibrant and exploding colors and dots.

For this art assignment, students were tasked with applying what they learned about Yayoi Kusama’s art technique and creating their own amoeba dot art. This task also allowed the Atoms to apply what they learned about primary, secondary and tertiary colors. Click here to view the entire art collection. Super creative Atoms, way to go!

Friday, May 7th, 2021—This Syracuse Academy of Science high school English Teacher, former Teacher of the Year is certainly a team player as he takes a pie to the face in the name of good fun and cheer for the Atoms. This is just a quick glimpse as to how he can let fun, and positive nature influence and bring laughter and joy to those around him. Please let us welcome, high school English Teacher, Mr. Carver for our next Teacher Spotlight interview. 

Interview with Mr. Carver

• What three traits define you? I try to think outside the box, listen to all sides, and the type to promote positivity.
• What is your greatest accomplishment? This is a loaded question. The academic answer would be winning the Teacher of the Year award back in 2018... but honestly, as amazing as that moment was, seeing graduated students thrive after graduating is equally as satisfying.
• Best book you have ever read? I could read The Hitchhikers Guide to Galaxy over and over.
• What is one thing you cannot resist?(food/dessert/candy/etc.) I am a recovering and relapsed Chocoholic. Anything that has chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is up my alley.
• If you could have dinner with one person living or dead who would they be and why? I know the traditional answer involves a celebrity or public figure, but the answer is easily my parents. Family is a big thing to me, but during the social distancing world, I've only gotten the opportunity to visit them once in the past 18 months.
• What advice would you give to kids who are struggling at school? Tough times don't last, but tough people do. This year might be difficult for many, but life will always require that we adapt and improve. Take the year as a learning experience. Come out of it hungry and eager to continue to improve.
• Tell us, what is something that might surprise us about you? Are you ready to cringe? I'm the type who puts on one sock and shoe at a time... and only tie my shoes bunny style. Go ahead, judge away.

Saturday, May 1st, 2021—It’s official! This past weekend, the OHSL Fall II girls volleyball All-Star teams were announced. Congratulations to Illagah Brown and Jamirah Tookes-Mohammad for being selected to play in the Central Division All-Star team. We are so proud of you both!

The All-Star teams are chosen by Section III league coaches. There are two teams per division, with five divisions total. Click here to read more about the OHSL Volleyball All-Star teams.