Thursday, May 20th, 2021—A month away from their upcoming graduation, Syracuse Academy of Science high school students from the class of 2021 received a very special and surprise knock at the door. Who could it be? Why, Syracuse Academy of Science high school faculty, staff and administrators, of course! Each member of the upcoming graduating class received a special graduation gift of a yard sign to celebrate this momentous occasion.

As we get ready for graduation later this month, tune in this week as we continue to celebrate the class of 2021 as we highlight top 7 students of the graduating class and reveal who are this year's salutatorian and valedictorian. Congratulations, Atoms, we are very proud of you and all that you have accomplished!

Friday, June 4th, 2021—Syracuse Academy of Science high school had an opportunity to virtually interview high school Earth Science and Forensics teacher, Mrs. Coe who shared with us fun facts about herself, advice for Atoms, an item she truly cannot resist and so much more. Scroll down to read our virtual interview with Mrs. Coe as we get ready to shine that spotlight on her for Syracuse Academy of Science high school’s bi-weekly Teacher Spotlight.

Interview with Mrs. Coe

• What three traits define you? Creative, Giving, Devoted
• What is your greatest accomplishment? My family
• Best book you have ever read? Very hard question, Harpy Thyme because it finally got me reading, Black Jewels series (it’s amazing), Harry Potter (of course), and any books by Laurell K Hamilton
• What is one thing you cannot resist?(food/dessert/candy/etc.) A good book.
• If you could have dinner with one person living or dead who would they be and why? My parents, I miss spending time with them like I did when I was younger (alive). Jesus, so I could ask questions.
• What advice would you give to kids who are struggling at school? Ask questions, reach out to your teachers, we are here even if you just want to chat about non-school stuff.
• Tell us, what is something that might surprise us about you? I like hunting, fishing, playing golf, kayaking, ropes courses, and even putting puzzles together.

Thursday, May 27th, 2021—Syracuse Academy of Science high school choral collaborated with Syracuse University to perform a very moving a cappella arrangement. Over the months of April and May, Atoms learned the song, Khalid’s ‘Talk,’ an a cappella arrangement by Syracuse University student, Emery Schramm, in person and over Zoom with choir teachers Ms. Carlson and Mr. Schramm. With months of hard work, dedication and persistence, we are excited to share and release their virtual performance. Click here to watch Syracuse Academy of Science high school choir’s performance of Khalid’s ‘Talk.’

Tuesday, May 25th, 2021—Over the last month, Syracuse Academy of Science elementary school students in the Green Thumb Club have been learning all about plants. From their importance in our lives, to how they grow, to even what they are used for, the students have been able to see all their hard work come through fruition. With the cold weather days hopefully behind us, the Atoms took the plants they grew from seeds and successfully transplanted them into the garden. Way to grow, Atoms!

Thursday, May 20th, 2021—It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood and the Syracuse Academy of Science elementary school students in grades 1st and 2nd enjoyed some fun in the sun during their outdoor recess. The first grade Atoms were busy at work trying to see how big of a bubble they could blow, as well as, how many they could pop! Meanwhile, the second grade Atoms tried their luck at finding the ever popular 4-leaf clover! We hope their search was successful and they were able to find a 4-leaf clover to have and keep as a lucky charm.

Friday, May 28th, 2021—Syracuse Academy of Science virtually interviews high school senior Yhadia Wilson for its bi-weekly Senior Spotlight. During our interview, Yhadia shares with us how she has her eyes set on making history in the medical field by becoming the first African American female neurosurgeon! This bright young Atom also mentions who is the most inspirational person in her life, favorite memory at Syracuse Academy of Science and so much more. Read our interview below with Yhadia Wilson as we get ready to shine that Senior Spotlight.

Interview with Yhadia Wilson

• What is one major accomplishment you had in your senior year of high school? Completing College Anatomy & Physiology
• What are your goals for after high school? I want to become one of the first African American female Neurosurgeons. (There are the only 8 in the United States)
• Name one person that inspires you? Definitely my Mom!
• What advice would you give to the next senior class? Don’t procrastinate!! If you can, get it done early because if you don't it will begin to pile up. Also, don’t stress the small stuff. In a few years you’ll look back & laugh at the stuff you used to stress about.
• Where do you see yourself in five years? In medical school, starting off my career.
• If you could have dinner with any person living or dead who would they be and why? Definitely my nanna. She always gave the best advice, and had answers to any and everything. She was smart as a whip & was the most genuine person ever.
• Name three traits that describe you? Talkative, Easygoing, and Opinionated
• What is your favorite hobby? Listening to music.
• What is a hidden talent that no one or only a few people know about you? I can read energies & I always can tell when something & someone is off.
• What is your favorite memory of SAS? There’s way too many because I’ve been at Syracuse Academy of Science since 6th grade but one of my favorites is Ms. Wheeler dancing at every assembly, and always being the life of the party.

Friday, May 21st, 2021—On a hot sunny day in Central New York, the Syracuse Academy of Science elementary students in the third grade take a quick stretch break in between class projects. To beat the heat, Atoms shared their impressive and slightly back breaking moves that will leave you with your back possibly aching. We advise to please stretch before and after if you attempt any of these flips, twists, splits and human pretzels. Very impressive, Atoms you are all certainly talented!

Friday, May 21st, 2021—Syracuse Academy of Science high school welcomes a high school teacher who has a heart of gold, loves and cares for the Atoms as if they were his own children, let us introduce Mr. Joshua! Mr. Joshua is a Behavioral Specialist for the 11^th and 12^th grade Atoms, and he shares with us a very encouraging message for the students, his favorite book of all time, greatest accomplishment of all time and so much more. Without further ado, scroll down below to read our virtual interview with Mr. Joshua for this week's Teacher Spotlight.

 Interview with Mr. Joshua

• What three traits define you? I believe the three traits that define me are hope, respect and love. I believe I am a "Hope shot" to our students. Each day I come to work, I am that strength of hope our students see throughout their day. I also believe in respect. I learned over the years that it is better to be respected than liked. People may like you but not respect you. This is something I encourage our students daily, the importance of respect. I also believe in love. I have learned that when you love something you are doing... you will never work another day in your life! I love our students, and all I want from them is to see them be successful in school, and out. I just do not say I love them, I show this love in my walk daily, and in how I treat them.
• What is your greatest accomplishment? My greatest accomplishment was helping two young men through high school, and then taking them both to college. In 2008 I was given the opportunity to adopt two teenage boys. These young men came from a group home. I was given the opportunity to bring them into my home, and assist them in graduating high school. After graduating high school, I was blessed to take these two young men off to college. You asked why this is my greatest accomplishment? Because these two young men listened to what I had to say and did something with the information.
• Best book you have ever read? The Envy of the World: On Being A Black Man In American by Ellis Cose.
• What is one thing you cannot resist?(food/dessert/candy/etc.) My Chunky Monkey Ice cream by Ben and Jerry.
• If you could have dinner with one person living or dead who would they be and why? I wish I could have dinner with my mother again. My mother passed away back in 2012 from cancer. I would love to sit down while we eat and have a conversation. I would share with her everything that has gone on in my life since she has been gone. I would tell her about our students, and just enjoy seeing her face, listening to her laugh, and getting the feedback from her.
• What advice would you give to kids who are struggling at school? I encourage students daily by telling them that I love them, and want them to be successful. I just don't say, I love them, and care about them in my words, but I also show them in my actions. I make home visits, and FaceTime our students on a daily basis because I want them to be successful. I let them know, getting their education is like a marathon! Sometimes you will find yourself getting tired. When this happens, stop and use the restroom, get you some Gatorade or water and let's get back in the race! The goal is to finish the race even when you find yourself struggling.... Never give up!
• Tell us, what is something that might surprise us about you?  I am scared of heights ... but do not tell anyone!

Friday, May 21st, 2021—Earlier this month, Syracuse Academy of Science high school students, faculty and staff had an opportunity to highlight the variety of connections they have with countries from around the world to celebrate the cultural diversity of its school and community. Students who take the subjects of A.S.L., Art, Music, P.E. and Spanish participated in class projects that highlight and celebrate country’s languages and cultures from around the world.

Today, in honor of World Culture Day, we invite you to click here to explore the Syracuse Academy of Science Language and Culture Festival interactive world map.

Monday, May 17th, 2021—Syracuse Academy of Science second grade Atoms combine two of their favorite subjects in a hands-on, minds-on printmaking activity. During this activity, students were able to explore radial symmetry, which is an art technique where you create a design that when turned looks the same from any angle. To create their designs, Atoms designed their own plate which they would then ink to make their original piece. From there, they would use that same plate to create multiple designs to add to their collection and portfolio. Keep up the great work, Atoms!