Saturday, May 28th, 2022—Over the last few months, the Syracuse Academy of Science high school's Congressional Awards students have been busy at work exploring the great outdoors and seeing what Central New York has to offer in efforts to complete their exploration requirement.

For this requirement, students are to plan and lead a trip that allows them to be immersed in an unfamiliar environment or culture. During their journey, students must complete 6-8 hours of immersive activities per day to earn a day toward this requirement.

Syracuse Academy of Science high school, Congressional Awards students visited Niagara Falls, Rochester, and the Adirondacks to fulfill this exploration requirement. When visiting Rochester, the Atoms walked by the Genesee River, explored the downtown area, and saw the High Falls. Over Memorial Day weekend, students spend time in the Adirondacks camping, swimming at Golden Beach Campground (a first for many students), and hiking up on the Blue Mountain.

We want to thank Mr. Serkan for his help and support in arranging the Adirondack trip for the students. For many of the students, this was their first-time-ever camping, and they are appreciative of gaining this important life skill and having this opportunity. In addition, we want to thank Superintendent Dr. Hayali, Ms. Smith, and Ms. Hahn for their leadership and guidance in introducing and supporting this honorary program at Syracuse Academy of Science high school.

Please click here to visit our Facebook page to view additional pictures from the Syracuse Academy of Science high school Congressional Awards students’ exploration trips.

Friday, May 20th, 2022—School is still in session, but it's hard not to start thinking about summer with the warm weather like today! In fact, Syracuse Academy of Science elementary school has already begun its annual 'Countdown to Summer' event. Each Friday, Atoms will have a chance to participate in Spirit Day themes like Favorite Color accessory, Crazy Hair Day, Funky Frames, and Silly Socks.

Below are the upcoming Spirit Day Themes as Syracuse Academy of Science elementary school continues its 'Fun Friday,' Countdown to Summer event.

• June 10th: Hat Day
• June 17th: Bright/Neon Accessory Day
• June 24th: Sunglasses for Summer

Please click here to view additional pictures from the Syracuse Academy of Science elementary school's Countdown to Summer event, and stay tuned for additional Fun Friday pictures.

Friday, May 27th, 2022—Teamwork makes the dream work at Syracuse Academy of Science elementary school! Throughout May, Atoms learned about the character trait of teamwork. Students learned that teamwork is the combined action of a group of people, especially when effective and efficient.

Syracuse Academy of Science elementary school celebrated the students who demonstrated the character trait of teamwork at its Students of the Month ceremony. We want to congratulate our Atoms on showing what it means to be a great teammate, demonstrating the character trait of teamwork, and being May's Students of the Month! Congratulations, Atoms; keep up the great work.

Click here to view additional pictures from Syracuse Academy of Science elementary school’s May’s Students of the Month ceremony. Tune in each month as we share and celebrate the students selected for our monthly Students of the Month celebration.

Wednesday, June 1st, 2022—Summer Vacation is right around the corner. Have you thought about how you'll be saving this summer? Will it be $1, $10, or more?

Remember, Syracuse Academy of Science middle school Atoms, that when you earn or receive money over the summer, make sure you save some of it. You can always stop by any Empower Federal Credit Union branch and put it in your Dollar Dog account (like you would do with the in-school banking program). When visiting any of the Empower Federal Credit Union branches, you'll have a chance to see what the credit union looks like, try out the coin counting machine, and receive a reward for saving!

If your child is interested in becoming a Dollar Dog saver, please contact Lauri Hoover at (315) 728-3474 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Membership eligibility required. The National Credit Union Administration federally insures Empower Federal Credit Union.