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.

Saturday, September 28, 2019—We are excited to share one of Syracuse Academy of Science High School's newest student club and activity, Adventure Cooperative for Environmental Stewardship, or ACES. Atoms participated in various outdoor activities like hiking, GeoCaching, and exploring state parks, trails and more in the greater Syracuse and Central New York area. ACES have recently explored both Green Lakes State Park and Tinker Falls. Atoms had the opportunity to learn the history of Green Lakes State Park, the local environmental conditions, and native flora and fauna. Students also participated in a guided hike around the meromictic Green and Round Lake, and visited a patch of old growth forest where they used a GPS navigation to locate a registered GeoCache. ACES are planning future exploration adventures, and environmental conservation opportunities, please stay tuned for future club outings.

Friday, October 25, 2019—Middle school Project Based Learning (PBL) students gear up for one of their biggest projects to date - their first Spaghetti Dinner. In efforts to raise funds for an upcoming field trip, students work together as a team to create an evening of fine Italian cuisine. Atoms divided up the various responsibilities such as meal prep, greeters, waiters/waitresses, servers and of course chefs. Guests also had the opportunity to shop at the school store, Above Average, where they could purchase school supplies, Syracuse Academy of Science gear, squishies and more. Thank you to all who could attend and for those who made this event possible. Great work, Atoms on your first Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser.

Monday, October 7, 2019—As we prepare our students on their next steps after Syracuse Academy of Science, we strive to have our students college-ready and civic minded. Throughout the year we provide opportunities for our Atoms to learn about colleges, universities and various trades. High School Atoms welcome Laura Tickner, the Admissions Officer at Keuka College. She shared with the students what it means to be a Keuka Wolf, how the college provides a student-centeredness approach, achieve academic excellence, stewardship and much more. Thank you, Laura, for taking the time to speak with our Atoms about Keuka College.

Thursday, October 24, 2019—It’s not every day that you receive VIP guests from the New York State Charter School Community and the Office of New York State Assemblyman, Marcos Crespo. Guests received a tour of both the Syracuse Academy of Science Elementary and Middle School, and were amazed at all the hard work not only our students accomplished this year but our teachers, faculty and staff.

Middle school Project Based Learning Students shared with guests about the projects they have been working on, about the program, and the benefits of having this type of classroom.

Superintendent, Dr. Hayali shared a few words about the school’s mission and passion we all share for education. Thank you to all who attended, we couldn’t be more honored that so many people took time out of their day to visit Syracuse Academy of Science Elementary School.

Tuesday, October 1, 2019—Middle school Atoms welcome guest speaker, Ms. Aza Gradinic who came and shared her life story that was incredibly moving, and gripping. Ms. Gradinic shared with the students stories about her life growing up in Bosnia during the war, and connected them to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) - a document the Atoms have been learning about. The UDHR was written by the United Nations in 1948 and states the human rights of every man, woman and child. As part of their project, students would learn about these rights and apply them to news articles and books in class. Thank you, Ms. Gradinic for speaking with the Atoms and sharing your incredible life story.

Monday, October 21, 2019—Syracuse Academy of Science High School Robotics team hosted an outreach event on Monday, October 21^st at The Palace Theater. During this event, Atoms shared their new initiative with the greater Syracuse community - FIRST Lego League (FLL) and FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC).

FLL: This program is designed to support children (both young and old) that aims to introduce them to science and technology in a ‘sporty’ atmosphere.

FTC: This program is a team based competition that challenges those in 7th-12th grade to design, build and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format. Teams can have up to 15 members total.

Both the FLL and the FTC will be guided by adult coaches and mentors. Students will work on developing STEM skills and practice engineering principles, while realizing the value of hard work, innovation and working together as a team.

Tuesday, October 8, 2019—The Middle School STEAM club met for the first time and lets just say things got a bit sticky and slimey! Atoms put their creative and scientific brains to work as they combine glue, Borax, shaving cream and food coloring to create everyone's favorite, slime. This hands on experience allowed the students to understand both the chemical bonds to create this gooey, sticky, slime, as well as, perfecting the right color combination to create the most beautiful hues. The STEAM club discussed upcoming competitions they would like to participate in throughout the year. Stay tuned for more from the STEAM club and these awesome experiments and activities.

Friday, October 4, 2019—Every Atom is an artist! During our merit point celebration, Atoms were able to unleash their creativity and paint not only outside the lines but also off the canvas. With one of the objectives being to add as much color (or paint) to your coveralls as possible. I think the Atoms succeeded, but of course we'll let you be the judge of that. Students who were eligible to participate in this Paint Party had excelled in following the middle school's norms of respect, responsibility, safety and improve their tier from Rookie to Pro. Each student was given a disposable coverall outfit that zipped up with a hood, a cup of washable paint and a brush. Students chased one another in the parking lot while flinging or painting one another. An afternoon of laughter, celebration, and of course paint. To view more pictures of the Paint Party celebration, please visit our Facebook page.

Thursday, October 3, 2019—Syracuse Academy of Science High School welcomed Admissions Counselor, Shaquan McDowell, from Brandeis University. Shaquan shared with the Atoms how this 235 acre private research University with a liberal arts focus, located just outside of Boston, Massachusetts could be a perfect fit. Students who are looking for a small class size, a handful of various clubs and activities, and are open to exploring new and challenging experience, look no further than Brandeis University. Thank you, Shaquan for visiting and sharing with our Atoms about the University.