Monday, November 25, 2019—This was not your average Monday for Director of Dining Services - Chartwells K12, Tammy Pittsley. With balancing a full-time job, a family and planning on attending college in the fall, there was a lot on her mind. Little did she know, she was about to receive a surprise of a lifetime that would make things just a bit easier.

Chartwells K12 recently launched their first ever scholarship program that would assist employees who were interested in earning their degree. After careful review, one National Scholarship Recipient was selected, as well as, three Partial Scholarship recipients.

The Chartwells team flew out to Syracuse, New York to surprise their National Scholarship recipient, Tammy, and present to her a full scholarship to attend DeVry University. Tammy was surrounded by friends, family and loved ones. Click here to watch the video. Congratulations, Tammy we are all so proud of you!

Sunday, December 8, 2019—High school Robotics team competed in the FTC Rochester Qualifier, and in true Atoms fashion won! With this recent victory, the Robotics team has qualified them for the next round of competition.

Awards and Recognition

• Best Design Award
• Second Alliance Team Award
• Third Nominee for the Inspire Award

Congratulations, Atoms we are proud of all your hardwork and look forward to seeing you in the next round of competition.

Thursday, October 31, 2019—Middle school Atoms dress for the fall and use their imagination as they embark on tropical safari to the rainforest at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Students learned about the rainforest and the various animals that inhabit its unique ecosystem, as well as, how it is important to their lives. While on their safari, Atoms were able to pet a snake, observed poison dart frogs, compared different skulls of animals and saw a variety of animals from other ecosystems. Thank you, Rosamond Gifford Zoo for the ‘best day ever’ on a field trip to a tropical location and beyond. To view more pictures from the field trip, please visit our Facebook page.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019—No treble makers on this field trip, only band members who want to sharpen their musical talent. High School band members visit Ithaca College for a clinic with band director, Dr. Ben Rochford. Under Dr. Rochford’s guidance he shared with students various techniques that would help them enhance their music ability, listen to the various instrument sections, and shared ways on how they can reach their optimal performance capabilities as an ensemble. Following the clinic, students observed the Ithaca College Wind Ensemble rehearse, took a tour of the campus and had lunch in the dining hall. Thank you Dr. Rochford and Ithaca College for hosting the Syracuse Academy of Science Middle School Atoms for the day and your excellent music guidance.

Thursday, November 21, 2019—With Thanksgiving Recess just a few short days away there were just a few things on these middle school Atom’s mind. Keeping the true essence of the holiday in mind, students find a way to give back to their community and support a dear SAS teacher who is currently battling cancer, while enjoying their first Teen Center Night of the school year.

Students were encouraged to bring with them to Teen Center Night, non-perishable food items to assist CNY families in need. With no surprise, middle school Atoms went above and beyond the call to action and collected over 170 items which were donated through the CNY Pay It Forward organization.

At the Teen Center Night, students enjoyed an evening filled with activities such as basketball, video games and movies, while enjoying some delicious snacks from the PBL concession stand. All proceeds from this event were donated to the SAS teacher battling cancer.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019—Each Student of the Month ceremony, there is a character trait that we encourage students to embrace both inside and outside the classroom. For the month of November, the character trait was Citizenship. Kindergarten and first grade Atoms were awarded for their willingness to help others, while going above and beyond demonstrating and embracing this character trait.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019—As the school day was winding down the day before Thanksgiving Recess, high school Atoms took the time to celebrate in style with a pep rally. An afternoon filled with great camaraderie, excitement and ultimately fun. In fact, Officer Brandon Hanks played Aniyah for a 1:1 Sneaker Challenge. To view the videos, visit our stories on Facebook or Instagram. In addition to the Sneaker Challenge, staff introduced the winter athletes and offered words of encouragement for the holiday. To view more pictures from the event, please visit our Facebook page.

Thursday, October 30, 2019—Where Orange is more than just a color, high school students learn just what it takes to become a student at Syracuse University. Admission counselors shared with the students about campus and academic life up on the hill, and how Syracuse University customizes its education so students are able to gain real world experience from industry leaders. Students are bold, stand out from the crowd and hold the belief that one person can make an impact - and the Orange Family can change the world. Thank you, Syracuse University for taking the time out of your schedule to come and speak with our high school students.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019—With the goal in mind to become a better you, martial arts is just one of many programs that will have the potential to instill confidence, self-discipline and perseverance. An art that will literally knock your socks off, elementary Atoms are ready to get moving and learn from the master himself at Five Star Martial Arts. Students were taught self-defense, discussed bullying, and learned patience while perfecting each move. Thank you, Five Star Martial Arts for the hands on learning experience.

Friday, November 15, 2019—Perfect weather, beautiful sunsets, incredible architecture, rich history and only a short bus ride away. Any guesses where the middle school PBL students went? We’ll save the anticipation, and let you know. The students packed their bags and visited the Nation’s Capital. While in Washington D.C., students toured Capitol Hill where they visited the Library of Congress and learned about the architecture of the building, how guests can use one of the largest libraries in the world, and also saw the first books ever in the Library of Congress - which fun fact, were donated by Thomas Jefferson. Next on the tour, Atoms walked around the National Mall where they saw the Capital Building, the Washington Monument, the White House and finally the Lincoln Memorial - where many stood in the same place as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This field trip, and these incredible experiences are ones our Atoms will cherish and remember always. To view more pictures from the trip, please visit our Facebook page.