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.

Monday, October 28, 2019—A ‘gorges’ college visit was in store for the junior class as they traveled to Ithaca, New York to learn more and experience first hand Ithaca College. Students attended an information session where they gathered insight regarding admission requirements, tuition, information about the college, campus and student life. With no cloud in sight and a beautiful day, Atoms took in the campus’ natural beauty, various building and experienced a glimpse of campus life while on a tour. Atoms take-away how Ithaca College prepares its students for the workforce or graduate school, as well as, the requirement that all undergraduate students must complete a minimum of one internship prior to graduation. Thank you, Ithaca College for sharing this opportunity, and showing the Atoms around campus on this ‘gorges’ college visit.

Thursday, November 14, 2019—A little snow and cold didn’t stop these Atoms from learning and having the ‘best day ever’ at one of their favorite field trip locations, The Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Students bundled up with their hats, coats, mittens and boots and walked both indoors and outdoors taking in all the animals in their habitat. Students were able to make connections from this experience and what they are learning in the classroom. At each exhibit, teachers would lead a discussion and ask the students about animals, plants and habitats. Some of their favorite animals they saw were the ducks swimming in the pond, wolves pacing around back and forth, and of course the Snow and Amur leopards. The Amur leopards came up close to look at the Atoms and ended up giving them quite the performance. Thank you, The Rosamond Gifford Zoo for creating an opportunity to have the ‘best day ever’ even in the snow!

Friday, November 15, 2019—High school Atoms take the afternoon to celebrate all they have accomplished so far this school year at the Marking Period 1 award ceremony. Students were recognized for their academic achievements and for making the honor roll. Keep up the great work, Atoms! To view more pictures, please visit our Facebook page.

Friday, October 25, 2019—With their future after graduation on their minds, high school students had the opportunity to ask a handful of questions, gather information and introduce themselves to over 23 colleges, universities and post-high school learning opportunities. From questions regarding topics such as campus life, student housing, scholarships, admission requirements and so much more. Thank you to all those who made the college fair event possible and for the admission and recruiting teams from the colleges, universities and post-high school learning opportunities for attending.

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.