Wednesday, December 9th, 2020—It seems like yesterday, that Syracuse Academy of Science Middle School held its science fair event. The Atoms eagerly conducted impressive experiments ranging from vaccines all the way to water filtrations (and everything in between). Little did we know at the time what 2020 would be like, and the awards and medals the students would receive for placing in the science fair were delayed. On Wednesday, December 9^th teachers Ms. Smith and Ms. Burke delivered the medals to the current middle school 2019 science fair participants. To refresh everyone's memories, below are the 2019 science fair winners. Congratulations to all of our students who participated. To view more pictures of the delivering of the medals, please visit our Facebook page.

Current 6th Grade Atoms

• 1st Place: Airplanes vs. Humans | Lydia Masinde & Isabella Destito
• 2nd Place: Think Before You Flush | Elda Goodyear
• 2nd Place: A Different Tide Pod Challenge | Cece Goodyear
• 3rd Place: Soda Wars | Ellery Beck & Harmony West

Current 7th Grade Atoms

• 2nd Place: Cool Liquids | Evan Shelley

Current 8th Grade Atoms

• 1st Place: Vaccinations | Arden Goodyear
• 3rd Place: Water Filtration | Natalie Shelley

Friday, December 11th, 2020—A virtual field trip to a bee farm was all the buzz for the Syracuse Academy of Science kindergarten Atoms. Students watched the lead beekeeper demonstrate how to harvest honeycomb and learned interesting bee facts. Did you know that bees have two stomachs? During this virtual field trip, the students were able to apply their knowledge from learning about plants, pollination and bees by asking questions and listening to the presentation. This virtual field trip certainly was the bees-knees! Head to our Facebook page to view more pictures from this virtual field trip. Please note, this field trip was 100% virtual and the students assisting the beekeeper are not Atoms from Syracuse Academy of Science.

Monday, December 14th, 2020—As seen on the Food Network, Syracuse Academy of Science alumna, Tykemia Carman, the proud owner of Crave Dessert Studio, recently competed on the Christmas Cookie Challenge. This Food Network competition aired on Monday, December 14th at 10:00 PM. The details are so sweet, we just had to share with you. But if you haven’t seen the episode just yet, this is your spoiler alert warning.

Contestants were tasked with coming up with cookies for a Christmas wedding. Each of the five contestants made two types of cookies while keeping the theme of wedding and Christmas in mind. Tye made one cookie that was a wedding cake with the ever popular fault line. She received rave reviews from the judges. Her second cookie, she used isomalt to allow for the judges to see the hand written vows in the middle of the cookie key ornament. Of course, this was left a sweet note and impressed the judges. With the rave reviews, Tye moved on to round 2.

In round 2 there were three contestants. Each contestant was tasked with making a 3D cookie cake. Sounds challenging, right?! Well there of course, was a twist. Contestants had to use the secret ingredient of prunes somewhere in their cookies. Oh and the cookie had to be desert flora like a cactus, succulents, etc. Tye created a beautiful succulent cookie cake. Each of the succulent cookies that made up the layers of the cake were hand piped in a variety of desert colors. While the cookies looked amazing, and she did fantastic in the second round, she did not win the competition.

Tye did a fantastic job, her desserts certainly made the viewers at home's stomach grumble and crave a sweet treat. We are proud of you, Tye!

Thursday, December 3rd, 2020—Do you recognize any of these famous paintings? We certainly do! The Syracuse Academy of Science 8th grade Atoms participated in the famous Art Challenge where they used household objects and props to recreate masterpieces. Head to our Facebook page to see more images of these works of art come to life!

Tuesday, December 15th, 2020—Welcome to Syracuse Academy of Science high school's first ever Senior Spotlight! Each month we will highlight a member of the senior class of 2021. We asked the members of the senior class some very important questions such as: goals for after graduation, advice they would pass on to future Atoms, people who inspire them, and so much more! To kick-off the month of December, let us introduce and shine a spotlight on Owyn Blue.

Meet Owyn

• What are your goals for after high school? To go to the University At Buffalo for nursing.
• Name one person that inspires you? My Mom
• What advice would you give to the next senior class? Stay on top of your grades 
• Where do you see yourself in five years? A physical assistant
• If you could have dinner with any person living or dead who would they be and why? Kobe Bryant he was my favorite basketball player 
• Name three traits that describe you? Smart, Athletic and Funny
• What is your favorite hobby? Playing video games or Basketball
• What is your favorite memory of SAS? Any basketball memories with my teammates and coaches 

Friday, December 4th, 2020—Congratulations to Syracuse Academy of Science high school student athlete, Daniel Pontello for being selected to play on the Section 3 OHSL Central Second Soccer Team!

 Daniel was a starter on the Boys Varsity soccer team for Syracuse Academy of Science Charter school and concluded this past season with 111 career saves in one season. Click here to read the full article.

Thursday, December 3rd, 2020—It’s story time, virtual of course, with the Syracuse Academy of Science elementary school Atoms! One of our many favorite activities is inviting members of the community to read classic children's books to the students for story time. This year we continue this activity, but virtually. We are excited to invite and welcome Syracuse University School of Education, Dean Joanna O’ Masingila who read ‘The Foolish Tortoise,’ written by Richard Buckley and illustrated by Eric Carle.

This story follows a tortoise who is convinced that to move fast through life he must lose his shell. It's with close and frightening encounters that he soon realizes that it is okay to go slow, and be safe. Click here to listen and watch this virtual story time, ‘The Foolish Tortoise,’ read to you by Joanna O’ Masingila.

Thank you, Joanna for reading to our elementary school Atoms!

Monday, November 30th, 2020—Syracuse Academy of Science High School choir students deliver a moving social justice performance that you will have to see and hear to believe. In collaboration with Syracuse University, students practiced for months both in person and on Zoom to learn the song, ‘Make Them Hear You,’ By Stephen Flaherty. This song was selected as the lyrics spoke to the students and allowed for great discussion of the social justice nature of the lyrics and the importance of every voice being heard. Students would then record their section of the song and send it to Ms. Carlson who would then edit the pieces to create the performance. This performance served as the music for Mrs. Merrithew’s social justice art project. Click here to watch the Syracuse Academy of Science High School Atom’s performance.

Tuesday, December 1st, 2020—Syracuse Academy of Science Elementary School counselor, Mrs. Wittchen creates a unique program that would allow for its students to connect and share their thoughts during these unprecedented times. The program, Mrs. Wittchen’s Pen Pals. Students share not only their thoughts, but experiences during these challenging times and how they are feeling. Each student who writes, draws, or simply colors a picture to Mrs. Wittchen will receive not only a letter back, but a self-addressed return envelope with postage, and some fun activities. What an incredible idea to let students know that they too are not alone.

Monday, November 23rd, 2020—This school year looks different for many, but one thing is certain, the teachers at Syracuse Academy of Science Middle School are putting their creativity to work coming up with clever and safe ways for students to connect with fellow classmates despite the distance. The student club advisors for the Leading Ladies group, Ms. Chapman & Ms. Catanzarite delivered special items for the students in their club. Items included bracelets, stickers and other goodies to play virtual games.