Thursday, November 14, 2019—Calling all space rangers! Elementary Atoms and their families embark on an adventure in a galaxy far, far away for the 2019 - 2020 Literacy Night. Atoms and their families participated in activities to practice their letter recognition, sight words, scrambled sentences, Scrabble and much more. What adventure is complete without a quick photo opportunity, right? Students took pictures in the galaxy photo booth and created STEM based rocket crafts. While in this galaxy, Atoms had an opportunity to participate in Brush Cuts and Edge Ups for Education, speak with Syracuse City Fireman, visit with a local librarian, speak with an Empower Federal Credit Union representative, as well as, Early Childhood Alliance. 

Parents that were aboard this adventure where given information about activities they can do at home to support their child, as well as, information to sign up the next generation of Atoms for the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program. Each student left the evening with a book to take home to add to their own libraries. As we get ready to wrap up this space odyssey, we would like to thank all those who made this event possible and for the families who were able to attend. If you would like to see more pictures of this event, please visit our Facebook page.

Friday, November 1, 2019—Middle school Atoms learned about the importance of the Amazon rainforest and the dangers it can face. Students expressed what they recently learned with a mixed media, impasto painting. They could show either a healthy rainforest or one that is in danger. The media used in this project consisted of the following.

• Handmade paper from past students
• Newsprint used from textbooks that were going to be recycled
• Plastic from grocery bags brought in from the students
• Streamers that were recycled from past events
• 690 branches picked up from the outdoors

Through this project it helped remind the students that it is important to take care of our planet.

Thursday, November 14, 2019—With a little help from the U.S Army, high school Atoms not only experience a day in their boots through virtual reality and simulation, but they also discover what is their ‘warrior.’ Atoms were able to experience six different adventures in the self contained simulation system.

• Oculus Rift Virtual Reality System
• M4 Laser-Shot Simulator
• Apache Flight Simulator
• EOD Interactive Robotic Arm Simulator

In addition, there were two touch screen computers complete with career navigation capabilities, static displays and Army leadership, educational and career opportunities videos. Thank you, U.S. Army for visiting the Atoms and sharing the variety of opportunities and career paths within this branch of the military. To view more pictures please visit our Facebook page.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019—It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood to take a quick stroll to gather insight on an upcoming project. Middle school PBL students will be creating their very own Little Free Libraries - the world’s largest book sharing movement. Atoms were fortunate enough to have an opportunity to ask a local resident questions about their Little Free Library, as well as, the various construction materials, and of course how do you keep the shelves full. With this new insight, students are ready to tackle this new project and create their own Little Free Library.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019—Elementary Atoms didn’t start the fire, but they certainly learned all about the importance of fire safety. Ms. Peryea’s second grade class welcomed volunteer fireman with over 50 years of experience, Mr. Hudson. He shared with the Atoms his knowledge and advice on what they can do if they ever find themselves in this type of situation.

• Create a game plan. This includes talking with your family and discussing an exit plan and meeting spot so everyone knows where to go in case of an emergency.
• Practice your Stop, Drop and Roll.
• How can you bring yourself to safety if you were in a second story fire and your doorknob is hot.

Thank you Mr. Hudson for sharing this helpful fire safety information with the students.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019—High School Atoms welcome Brown University’s Admission Counselor, James Walsh. He shared with the students the benefits of attending this prestigious Ivy League university, and how the spirit of the undergraduate open curriculum allows for students to develop a personalized course of study. This type of curriculum provides students with greater freedom to study what they choose and flexibility to discover what they love. In addition, James shared how the environment at Brown University allows for students to feel challenged, supported and have an opportunity to expand their worldview. The education received at Brown will prepare students to flourish as an independent thinker, an innovative collaborator and an active global citizen. Thank you, James for taking the time to speak with the Atoms about Brown University.

Friday, November 8, 2019—It's not every day you receive a visit from your local assemblyman. Middle school PBL Atoms welcome guest speaker, Assemblyman Al Stirpe - Assembly District 127. Mr. Stirpe shared with the students how he became an assemblyman, as well as, the various laws he helped pass. Thank you Assemblyman Al Stirpe for taking time out of your schedule to speak with the Atoms!

Friday, November 8, 2019—"There will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations,” in this post, just middle school Atoms who received their ‘official’ letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Students who received this letter went above and beyond and were eligible to spend the day at Hogwarts because they followed the school norms of respect, responsibility and safety. 

While at Hogwarts, Atoms were able to experience great adventures such as being invited to play a game of Quidditch, partaking in activities like making Harry Potter bookmarks, playing Jelly Belly Bean Boozled, and of course dressing up as their favorite characters in a themed photo booth with props. Keep up the great work, Atoms. To view more pictures from this merit based activity, please visit our Facebook page.

Wednesday, October 30, 2019—Before the snow started to fly, the elementary Atoms adventured out to a beautiful park right in their backyard, Onondaga County Parks’ Beaver Lake Nature Center. Students gained hands-on experience by exploring nature, learning about plant adaptation and the various woodland creatures in our ecosystem. Thanks to the helpful guides at Beaver Lake, Atoms were able to get an up close to view of plant adaptation. They learned that pitcher plants need more energy than photosynthesis can provide, so the plant lures insects into its water-filled flower to use as fuel! In addition the guide shared with them fun facts about the animals at Beaver Lake such as turtles, chipmunks, deer, squirrels and of course beavers. To wrap up their time at Beaver Lake, Atoms saw an eagle-eye view of the lake and enjoyed a relaxing picnic lunch with friends. Thank you, Beaver Lake Nature Center for this hands on learning experience.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019—High school Atoms visited SUNY Cortland on a college visit. Students attended an information session where they learned the rich history of the university, what it takes to be a 'red dragon,' academic life, admission requirements, as well as, tuition information. Following the information session, students headed out on a guided campus tour where they took in everything the university had to offer. Atoms visited residence halls, classrooms, athletic facilities, and even got to experience Bistro Dining Hall - where they all enjoyed a delicious lunch. Thank you, SUNY Cortland for a great college visit and campus tour.