Friday, June 11th, 2021—Syracuse Academy of Science middle school 7^th grade Project Based Learning (PBL) students square off in a fun, friendly socially distanced debate. For their debate, students were tasked with taking a side (agree/disagree) on two topics: should teens have an after school job, and will we colonize a planet in our lifetime?

With each of the topics, students carefully prepared their stance, listed out their talking points and each Atom had a chance to debate their side for each topic. While the debate was taking place, students who were not debating, practiced their active listening skills, and respected their opposition by agreeing to disagree. Once the debates concluded, a student from each side (agree/disagree) who the Atoms felt best argued their stance was selected the ‘winner.’ Those two Atoms would then have an opportunity to face off against each other to see who would be crowned the ultimate debate champion. What a fun and exciting experience, Atoms!

Sunday, June 20th, 2021— 'Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.' - Anne Geddes

Friday, June 18th, 2021-In honor of the upcoming Juneteenth holiday, Syracuse Academy of Science high school students Ale’la Gillard and Xzayvionna Williams step into the role and broadcast journalists to cover the history of Juneteenth and its significance in American history. In their coverage, Atoms highlight how cities around the world celebrate Juneteenth including parades, parties, beauty contests, the history and meaning of the colors Green, Red and Black on the Juneteeth flag, and so much more.

In addition, Syracuse Academy of Science high school students Precious Dixie, Arden Goodyear, Ranelle Duncan Letts, Jai’lin Everson-Brown, Hi’zharria Harper, Madeleine Olaniyan, and Ale’la Gillaard virtually perform the Black National Anthem, ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,’ written by James Weldon Johnson and composed by John Rosamond Johnson.

We invite you to please click here to watch this short video, Juneteenth: A Celebration, from the Syracuse Academy of Science high school Atoms.

Wednesday, June 9th, 2021—Syracuse Academy of Science high school senior Willie Jennings was selected by Section III coaches and Syracuse.com staff for the 2021 All-CNY small school football team. Students from all across Central New York, compete and work hard throughout their season for a chance to be selected for this team.

Syracuse.com virtually interviewed each of the student athletes who made the 2021 All-CNY small school football team. Check out the virtual interview with Willie Jennings below.

Virtual Interview with Willie Jennings

• School: Bishop Ludden/SAS
• Class: Senior
• Position: Defensive back
• Height, weight: 5-11, 179
• Season stats: 165 receiving yards, 5TDs, 19 tackles, 3 INTs
• What’s next: Prep school.
• Who (or what) inspires you? My little brother, Radames. He tells me every day how great I can be.
• Most treasured possession: Necklace from my grandma.
• Food I refuse to eat: Sushi.
• Favorite teacher and class: Mr. Dwyer and gym
• What will you most remember for this pandemic season? I will remember the cold three-hour practices we had to work through and the coach wouldn’t let us go home early.

Click here to meet the other student athletes on the 2021 All-CNY small school football team. Congratulations, Willie, we are very proud of you and all that you have accomplished both in the classroom and on the football field.

Friday, June 18th, 2021—Syracuse Academy of Science virtually interviews high school Special Education teacher, Mrs. Hicks for its bi-weekly Teacher Spotlight. During our interview, Mrs. Hicks shared with us fun facts about herself,  like she used to play the snare drum in marching band, her greatest accomplishment, advice for the Atoms and so much more. Scroll down to read our virtual interview with Mrs. Hicks as we get ready to shine that spotlight on her for Syracuse Academy of Science high school’s Teacher Spotlight.

Interview with Mrs. Hicks

• What three traits define you? Dedicated, Authentic, Flexible
• What is your greatest accomplishment? my family - husband of 35 years and 4 grown children - 3 grandchildren
• Best book you have ever read? The Bible 
• What is one thing you cannot resist?(food/dessert/candy/etc.) You mean I have to pick one? Pizza, cake, and chocolate.
• If you could have dinner with one person living or dead who would they be and why? Anne Sullivan - taught a deaf and blind girl to communicate before there was ASL. Used fingerspelling to teach her and Helen Keller, and went on to be a successful speaker, author and inspiration. As a teacher, I can't think of a more difficult situation than someone who has no language skills and yet she learned; and learned well. 
• What advice would you give to kids who are struggling at school? Plan to grow, work at it, and take advantage of all of the support who are here for you.
• Tell us, what is something that might surprise us about you? I was good at sports when I was in school - especially basketball. I played the snare drum in marching band. - pick one 

Wednesday, June 16th, 2021—Hats off to the upcoming Syracuse Academy of Science high school graduates in the Class of 2021! This past year is certainly one that all students, parents, teachers, faculty and staff will remember, and one that will go down in history.

To celebrate all that these students have accomplished not only this year, but over their academic career, syracuse.com has published the list of graduates from over 60 schools in the Central New York area. In addition, they have highlighted the valedictorian and salutatorian, as well as, included commencement information. We invite you to click here to help us celebrate the Atoms from the soon to be graduating Class of 2021!

Wednesday, June 9th, 2021—Syracuse Academy of Science 10th grade high school student, Ranelle Duncan-Letts submitted one of her many masterpieces into the nationwide 2021 Congressional Art Competition. This competition is sponsored by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and gives young artists the opportunity to showcase their talent. Winning pieces from each Congressional District are displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

Recently, Ranelle was recognized by U.S. Congressman John Katko for her submission to the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. Her art piece is called, "Anunnaki Goddess," which is 20" x 26" and was created using the mediums of both charcoal and graphite.

Congratulations, Ranelle, this is a beautiful masterpiece and an incredible honor! We are very proud of you.

Saturday, June 12th, 2021—This past weekend, hundreds of  thousands of high school students across the United States and 83 countries around the world competed in this year’s virtual international STEAM competition, Genius Olympiad. With over 2,400 projects submitted and only 1,245 projects selected, we are excited to share that Syracuse Academy of Science high school student, Ermine Reddock was one such student who was selected to participate in this year’s competition.

At Genius Olympiad, students are required to submit their STEAM project for consideration in the following categories: Science, Writing, Business, Art, Music, and Short Film. High school Atom, Ermine submitted a mixed media diptych project for consideration in the Art category.

We are excited to share that Ermine's project, "Beauty through the Decay," received the bronze award at Genius Olympiad. In addition, Ermine received a $15,000 scholarship to Rochester Institute of Technology! Congratulations, Ermine, we are very proud of you!

Tuesday, June 8th, 2021—Throughout the months of May and June, the Syracuse Academy of Science elementary school 4^th grade students prepare for their last day of elementary school by working in groups to create their Legacy Project. In their art class, students collaborated to design an image based on a positive message. For this assignment, Atoms were able to utilize their communication, technology and design skills to create beautiful yard signs that are proudly displayed along the building.

This Legacy Project would not have been possible without the help and generosity of Salt City Signs who donated their time and printed the yard signs for Syracuse Academy of Science elementary school to proudly display. Thank you so much for your kindness, generosity, and for helping the 4^th grade Atoms with their Legacy Project. Click here to view more images from the Legacy Project.

Monday, June 14th, 2021—Earlier this year, Syracuse Academy of Science middle school 6^th grade Project Based Learning (PBL) students practiced one of their civic duties by writing to various members of the United States government. In the letters, students expressed their issues about items they are passionate about. One such government member was Syracuse native, and 46^th President of the United States, Joe Biden. Atoms were excited when they did in fact receive a letter from President Biden himself.

The letter states:

THE WHITE HOUSE

WASHINGTON

June 1, 2021

Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School Syracuse, New York

Dear Students,

Thank you for writing to me! I really enjoyed hearing from you and reading your thoughts about the issues most important to you.

Our country faces many challenges, and the work we have ahead of us is going to be really tough. I am certain that if we set aside our differences and come together as a Nation, we will create positive change. It will not be easy, and I am going to need your help.

Even at your young ages, you have the power to impact the future for generations to come. Throughout your lives, remain curious, creative, and fearless. These traits will serve you well and allow you to experience the best life has to offer.

I wish you the best in the years ahead and look forward to seeing where your futures take you. Study hard. Keep challenging yourselves. And be kind.

Sincerely,

Joe Biden