Friday, October 25, 2019—With Thanksgiving slowly approaching, people often find themselves reflecting on what they are thankful for, and look for ways to give back to the community or those in need. With the anticipation of guest speaker, Ms. Heidi from the Food Bank of Central New York, 5th and 6th grade Atoms in Mrs. Swidowski’s social studies class, give back to the community through the efforts of collecting food donations for the organization. Ms. Heidi shared with the students the importance of the Food Bank of Central New York and how it serves around 31,000 meals a day across 11 counties. Thank you, Ms. Heidi and the Food Bank of Central New York for inspiring our Atoms and sharing how we can continue to strengthen our communities and work together to eliminate hunger through nutritious food distribution, education and advocacy in cooperation with the community.

Thursday, October 31, 2019—Scary good times were had at the annual Syracuse Academy of Science Elementary School Fall Festival. Atoms dressed in their favorite costumes and participated in Halloween games and activities. Activities included Hot Potato (or should we say gourd), ghost bowling, pin the eye on the monster, pumpkin fishing, candy corn ring toss, and the handmade photo booth. It was a howling good time for faculty, staff and students!

Tuesday, October 29, 2019—It’s not every day that you get to witness a pumpkin flying. On a recent field trip to the Golub, “Our Farm,” Atoms had a front row seat to this physics experiment. With the help of the Golub family, they placed a pumpkin on a catapult and launched it across the field - interestingly enough, when pumpkins hit the ground they make a loud bang noise! Students were also able to meet and pet the animals on the farm, such as a 10 week old calf, goats, rabbits, sheep and dogs. What’s more, Atoms had the opportunity to ride a horse. Their favorite part of this fall field trip was not only picking their own pumpkins to decorate for Halloween, but completing a challenging dragonfly corn maze. Thank you Golub Family for such a fun field trip on your family’s Farm. A perfect start to a holiday.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019—Elementary Atoms received a brief lesson in Civics as they learned about the important responsibilities of congressmen, specifically New York State's 24th Congressional District Congressman John Katko. Eager to learn more about the congressman, students wrote personalized letters inviting the congressman to come in and speak with their class, and to be a VIP Guest Reader. Congressman Katko, will you come in and read to the kindergarten Atoms?

Wednesday, October 23, 2019 — Our Atoms took the Pledge to create a world without bullying. Sponsored by our Counseling Department at the High School, Atoms had the chance to wear orange in support of the Pacer National Bullying Prevention Initiative. To learn more about this program, visit their website at https://www.pacer.org/bullying/pledge/

Wednesday, October 16, 2019—When science meets inquisitive Atoms, there is a reaction filled with learning, knowledge and excitement. Fifth grade Atoms visited the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST), where they took their turn at being scientists for the day. No lab coats were needed for their experiments as the day was filled with various hands on exhibits, science demonstrations and exploration. Students discovered the "World Inside Your Brain," a new exhibit by Upstate Medical University, where they took a look at the world inside their head. Next up, was a visit back in time where the Atoms walked with the dinosaurs in the Dino Zone exhibit. Students enjoyed a science demonstration which featured liquid nitrogen. Atoms were able to extend their knowledge of the states of matter. Thank you, MOST, for an educational field trip with hands on learning and science fun.

Friday, October 4, 2019—Students from the junior and senior class attended Hillrom's (formerly known as Welch Allyn) Manufacturer's Career Day. Atoms were able to tour the facility, learn about the various products manufactured at the company, their history and how they continue to be the leading manufacturer of medical diagnostic equipment. Thank you, Hillrom for this incredible opportunity.

Friday, October 18, 2019—Art has the ability to transform, uplift and inspire - a belief held by Yoko Ono. Mrs. Merrithew’s AP Art Class attended a tour of the Yoko Ono: Remembering the Future exhibit at the Everson Museum. With the philosophy that art belongs to everyone, can be created by anyone, and has the potential to change the world, Atoms truly embraced this notion. Ono’s pieces were highly interactive and allowed for guests to leave behind their own creative mark. Atoms had a great time not only leaving behind their own bit of artistic flair, but learning more about Yoko Ono and her artistic style.

Friday, October 11, 2019—A beautiful sunny fall day perfect for an outdoor scavenger hunt. Kindergarten English Language learners have been working on projects related to the five senses - sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell. While we are all familiar with the five senses and use them on a daily basis this activity brought everything together. Atoms discussed as a group some of the items they noticed when using their senses. For instance, students heard the birds chirping and leaves blowing in the wind, saw grasshoppers jumping, smelled flowers and touched rocks and mushrooms.

Thursday, October 10, 2019—High school Atoms enjoy a field trip of a life time at SUNY ESF's Heiberg Memorial Forest - one of the field stations of SUNY ESF where students can participate in different activities in forest ecology. With the utmost perfect fall weather, Atoms spend a day discovering and learning about the logging industry. Students experienced a demonstration on how to properly fall a tree, learned about the variety of career opportunities in the logging industry, discussed the different products made from trees and why it's important to use renewable resources, and of course, they learned about the maple syrup production (yum!). SUNY ESF graduate students shared with the Atoms research they conducted on how to bring back the Chestnut tree. Thank you, SUNY ESF and Heiberg Memorial Forest for an unforgettable day filled with incredible information relating to logging and forest ecology.