Tuesday, May 27th, 2025: We’re on a mission to ensure every student reads on grade level by the end of second grade, and that 60 percent of our third graders are reading proficiently by 2028.
To support this goal, we’ve implemented the Road to Reading program by Dr. Benita Blachman and Darlene Tangel in our K-4 classrooms. This research-based, structured literacy approach emphasizes decodable texts, which are books that are essential for students developing strong decoding and comprehension skills.
But we couldn’t do this alone. Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Jim and Julie Boeheim Foundation, we’ve been awarded a grant to help build our Road to Reading Decodable Libraries across our elementary schools!
This support allowed us to purchase $60,000 worth of Benchmark Education texts and backpacks for each student. This grant helps every kindergarten through 4th-grade student access texts aligned with our reading instruction. These libraries are vital for daily targeted instruction and long-term reading success.
We’re deeply grateful to the Boeheim Foundation for investing in our students’ futures and helping us close the literacy gap, especially for learners impacted by the pandemic. Together, we're opening the book to a brighter future in literacy!
Saturday, May 10th, 2025: The Atoms Adventure Club took a scenic trip to Chittenango Falls State Park. After a week of rain, the waterfall roared, creating a breathtaking backdrop for the day’s hike.
Throughout the adventure, students discussed the Chittenango Ovate Amber Snail — a rare species found only in this state park. It was a perfect blend of exploration, environmental education, and fun.
The students had a great time and look forward to their next outdoor adventure!
Thursday, May 8th, 2025: A group of Syracuse Academy of Science High School students had the exciting opportunity to visit SUNY Oswego as part of their college and career exploration.
During the visit, the Atoms toured lecture halls, student common areas, and dorm rooms, getting a firsthand look at campus life. Despite the chilly breeze, students enjoyed the breathtaking views of Lake Ontario, which added to the memorable experience.
College visits like these play a vital role in helping our students dream big, set goals, and envision the many possibilities that lie ahead. We’re proud to support our scholars as they explore their future pathways!
Tuesday, May 20th, 2025: Students from Syracuse Academy of Science High School proudly participated in the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) Environmental Summit, a prestigious event that brings together young environmental leaders, researchers, and educators to address today’s most pressing environmental challenges.
The summit featured a full day of student research presentations, sustainability workshops, and keynote speakers from the environmental science field. SAS students contributed 16 original research projects, demonstrating their creativity, critical thinking, and commitment to environmental stewardship.
We are thrilled to announce that Irene Garcia and Christina Say were honored with the Poster Award for their project, “The Toxic Elements in Our Daily Supplies: The Effect of Detergents on the Germination and Growth of Corn and Beans.”
Since October, Irene and Christina have been conducting experiments and analyzing data to explore how everyday household detergents impact plant development — an important issue linking daily habits to broader environmental health. Their work stood out for its scientific rigor, relevance, and exceptional presentation.
Congratulations to Irene, Christina, and all our participating students for their dedication to research and environmental responsibility.
Monday, May 19th, 2025: Second-grade students at Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School were treated to a special visit from Mayor Ben Walsh this week. As part of an engaging and educational experience, Mayor Walsh read "Officer Buckle and Gloria," a beloved story emphasizing the importance of safety and teamwork.
Following the reading, Mayor Walsh spoke with the students about his responsibilities as the Mayor of Syracuse. He emphasized that one of the most essential parts of his role is ensuring the safety and well-being of all Syracuse residents. His message resonated with students, reinforcing the story’s theme in a real-world context.
Thank you, Mayor Walsh, for connecting with our young scholars and inspiring them to be thoughtful, safety-conscious citizens. His visit was a memorable experience, highlighting the power of reading and community leadership.