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.

Friday, November 8, 2019—In honor of Veterans Day, elementary Atoms learned the importance of showing appreciation to those who served in the U.S. Military and what it means to be a Veteran. Students wrote thank you letters, made crafts and brought gifts to one of their favorite Veterans, co-teacher Mr. Garcia who served in the U.S. Military, as a way to say thank you for your service. Thank you to all the brave men and women who have served (and are currently serving) in the U.S. Military.

Saturday, November 9, 2019—Imagine if you were given a bundle of wood and some glue, how strong can you make a bridge with these materials? Elementary, middle and high school Atoms competed against over 139 participants in the MOST's STEM Build 'Em & Bust 'Em competition. And of course, in true Atoms fashion, they won! The bridges they designed and constructed could rival any of the famous bridges like the Golden Gate, and Brooklyn. Below are the competition details and highlights for each school.

Competition Details

• Teams must design a bridge using balsa wood kids consisting of 14 2-foot long 1/8 inch square piece
• Glue will hold the pieces together
• Bridge length: 250-300 mm
• Width: 50-75 mm
• Height: Less than 100 mm

Elementary School

Atoms started designing their blueprints for the bridges over a month ago and worked together cutting and gluing to create their design. Although the students didn't place, they certainly enjoyed every element of the competition and are looking forward to next year's Build 'Em & Bust 'Em competition.

Middle School

Category 1 Winners

• 1st Place: Christina S and Sophia K - Led by Mrs. Smith
• 3rd Place: Wajih H., Yousif R., and Elijah N.  - Led by Mr. Saritga

High School

Category 2 Winners (8th Grade)

• 1st Place: Malayshia Green & Maya Plaza
• 2nd Place: Yakina Sika, Grace O'Neil, and Jaylin Regner
• 3rd Place: Saige Collins

Category 3 (High School)

• 1st Place: Anthony Losurdo
• 3rd Place: Joseph Capra & Caprianna Cornier
• 4th Place: Teng Kiir & Thiep Lual

Congratulations to all of our Atoms who participated, we are so proud of you! For more pictures from this event, please visit our Facebook page.