Friday, March 25th, 2022—Race fans, are you ready for this bit of news from our ‘crew’ at Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school? It’s official, the Atoms in 3B have met their ‘RACECAR’ writing goal of 300 points!

Last month, students have been putting the pedal to the metal and working hard on their RACECAR writing assignments. Each day, Atoms earned a certain amount of points based on their performance and the quality of their work.

To celebrate their 'photo finish,' the Atoms received a 'Dress to Impress' day, where students could pick out their favorite outfits that make them feel the most confident. 

Congratulations to all of our hardworking Atoms. We are all very proud of you and all you have accomplished!

Friday, April 22nd, 2022—Live. Laugh. Love the Earth! Happy Earth Day, Atoms. Below are some fun ways you can pitch in at home and in the community to celebrate Earth Day and make a difference for this planet.

• Turn off the lights when you leave the room.
• Set your computer to the 'sleep setting' when you are not using it. This will help save energy.
• Save water by shutting off the faucet while you brush your teeth.
• Plant trees in your community - this helps clean the air.
• Use recycled paper to help save the trees.
• Write letters to leaders to let them know you care about the environment.
• Carpool or ride a bike to cut down on air pollution.

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022—Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school welcomed Community Engagement Officer, Jimmy Oliver, from the Syracuse Police Department (SPD) as a guest speaker and reader in March.

As a Community Engagement Officer, Jimmy is actively involved with the greater Syracuse Community through building strategic partnerships, athletics programs, and being a community representative. Jimmy is also involved with the Syracuse PAL program.

The Atoms were fascinated with Jimmy's career with the SPD and asked many questions about being a police officer. While Jimmy isn't involved with the law enforcement side of SPD, he did happen to share with the Atoms sticker police badges.

Jimmy also read to the students the story, 'The ABCs of Black History.' Thank you, Jimmy Oliver, for taking time out of your schedule to speak with the Atoms.

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022—Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school students rolled up their sleeves and avoided all sticky messes and situations with this hands-on, minds-on STEM activity.

For this science unit, the Atoms used their creativity to become engineers to design a ‘new’ glue for the school to use. First, the students investigated two 'mystery glues' to determine what properties they liked and didn't like. Next, the Atoms analyzed and recorded the properties of the glue. These properties included: texture, sound, and smell. As engineers and scientists, students smelled the glue from a distance using the 'wafting’ technique.

The final step in this scientific investigation included reporting what they found. Atoms shared in detail with their classmates their results, so they could begin to brainstorm ideas for their 'new' glue.

Sunday, April 17th, 2022—As a friendly reminder, Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school will be kicking off our 'Kindness Spirit Week' on Monday, April 18^th. Below are the spirit day themes and challenges for the upcoming week.

• Monday (4/18): Sports Day - wear your favorite sports or athletic gear and score some points by helping others. 

Challenge - Students try and say 'Good Morning' to someone new today.

• Tuesday (4/19): Mismatch Day - Mix it up with clashing colors and patterns and respect each other's differences.

Challenge - Students try and ask someone how they are today.

• Wednesday (4/20): Tie-Dye Day -Peace, love, and kindness. Wear something tie-dye and be kind to the earth.

Challenge - Students try and help clean up throughout the day.

• Thursday (4/21): Professional Dress Day - It's our job to be kind. Dress up today, and wear professional 'business' attire clothing.

Challenge - Students try and give a compliment today.

• Friday (4/22): Elderly Day - You're never too old to be kind. Dress like you are 100 years old!

Challenge - Students try and say 'Thank You' to someone today.

Let's throw kindness around like confetti this week, Atoms! We look forward to seeing your creativity throughout Spirit Week.

Thursday, March 24th, 2022—The Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school's 6^th-grade Atoms have been putting their sweet tooth to the test for their research project.

In March, students selected a brand of candy to research and present to the class. This project allowed the students to practice their research, presentation, and public speaking skills. While this project had many sweet qualities, it ultimately allowed for the students to receive feedback in the form of ‘grows and glows’ from peers on how they can improve their presentation and research skills.

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022—As the Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school Atoms prepare to celebrate Kindness week, we want to share with you a Kindness project completed by the 5^th-grade students.

For their project, the Atoms focused on The Positivity Project's character traits of Kindness and friendship. Students were tasked with considering, discussing, and writing what 'kindness' and 'friendship' mean to them. Following the project, a group discussion was held within each classroom to share ideas about how we can create a welcoming and inclusive environment, especially for new students.

After the group discussion, the Atoms put their creativity to the test and created a 'mock-student' with words and sentences that reflect their personal views on how they can outwardly demonstrate kindness and friendship to others. These 'new students' will be hanging in each classroom to serve as a visual reminder of the students' commitment to maintaining a positive, inclusive and welcoming environment built on kindness's foundation. We are building excellent, welcoming citizens, one friend at a time!

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022—In March, Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school kicked off its 'Music in the Schools' initiative by creating a new student club and activity choir program called, Robins Choir.

Each rehearsal starts with students beginning with short songs and fun vocal warm-ups, leading to songs and games. Choir director Ms. Meehan selects pieces for the students to sing that compliment the Positivity Project’s Character Traits of justice, hope, love, empowerment, and kindness. For example, one of the songs talks about creating a positive impact on the world. The lyrics include, "be the change you want to see in the world, and change will come to you."

Keep up the great work, Atoms!

Friday, March 25th, 2022—Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school welcomed Syracuse Police Department's police officer, Mr. Oliver, who spoke with the students about the Syracuse Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) program.

The Syracuse PAL program strives to build partnerships among youth, law enforcement, and the community through collaborative programs for those not familiar with this program. These programs are designed to encourage and develop good citizenship and improve the quality of life in Syracuse, New York.

Mr. Oliver also shared inspirational stories about his life with the students and how everyone can strive to be better citizens.

Thank you, Mr. Oliver, for taking time out of your day to come and speak with the Atoms!

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022—It may be true 'Atoms fashion' to help one another, but this young student has made a lasting impression on many younger students by volunteering her time as a classroom helper. Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school's sixth-grade student, Luli, has dedicated a portion of her day to spending time as a classroom helper and assisting the younger students with their reading. As a classroom helper, Luli reads to the students and asks them questions about the storybooks. Luli has been an excellent addition to the classroom and is an incredible role model for all the students. We love her presence in the classroom.