Tuesday, December 14th, 2021—With the holidays right around the corner, Mrs. Morehouse from Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school would like to share some helpful tips and tricks on how to take deep 'belly breaths' to relax.

This time of year can be very stressful for many people, including our Atoms! One coping mechanism we use at school is belly breathing - a technique where we take deep breaths in and make our belly expand like a balloon, and then we blow out our mouth like we are blowing out a candle.

Taking deep belly breaths involves more muscles than taking a shallow breath into our chest. Due to belly breathing, our bodies can't respond to the "fight or flight" response that stress and anxiety may produce. Check out one of our Atoms modeling how belly breathing works!  Notice the little pink spot moving up as she breathes into her belly and down as she breathes out.

Some ways we do this at school is by using Little Spot Breathing Tricks! When students feel like they are getting upset, or when an adult notices them upset, they begin making circles in the palm of their hand and counting to 10, once they get to ten they take a deep belly breath. They do this until they feel they are regulated enough to talk or go back to class. Our goal is to get them to take three deep belly breaths. Check out our other hand-breathing tricks, and try them at home!

We hope all of our Atoms have a very happy, healthy, and safe Winter Recess!

Hello Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship Charter School Families,

It’s hard to believe that it’s already the holiday break - where has this time gone? As we get ready to celebrate the holiday season with family and loved ones that are near and dear to us, I wanted to take a brief moment to reflect on all that has happened this past year.

As the year started off with much promise as the COVID-19 vaccine would be made available to the vast majority, the year 2021 seemed like it would bring much hope and light in the times of darkness. At some point throughout this year, I think we all expected to be beyond COVID-19 and its far-reaching impact on the education system, however, much like the 2020 school year, our students, teachers, faculty and staff overcame many obstacles and challenges that presented themselves. If the 2020 school year taught us anything, there is nothing we (as Atoms) can’t accomplish.

Despite the many challenges this year faced, I am reminded of a quote by Mahatma Gandhi, ‘in the midst of darkness, light persists.’ I am drawn to this quote by the generosity, positivity and actions presented this year by the Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship Charter School Atoms. But don’t just take my word for it, take a look at all the many wonderful things the students have accomplished thus far.

? Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school introduces and incorporates mindfulness practices and lessons into physical education classes.

? Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school receives special visits from Board of Regents, Elizabeth Hakanson, Assemblyman William B. Magnarelli, and Honorable Chol Majok.

? Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school hosted its annual canned food drive to benefit the CNY Food Bank.

? Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship Charter School students received hats and gloves through the generous donation of Chartwells’ Food Service Director, Ms. Pittsley.

While we are halfway through the school year, Atoms continue to show that they are the light that is shining through the darkness.

Someday, when we look back at this period and reflect upon how we lived through these challenging times, I will always be reminded that it was because of each and every one of our Atoms, their families, teachers, faculty and staff. Many Atoms, one family. We wish you a very happy holiday! 

Sincerely,

Dr. Tolga Hayali
SANY Superintendent

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021—We're about ready to drop a beat on all the fun and exciting musical activities and adventures the Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school students had during the month of November.

As we all know the Atoms certainly have rhythm, but they are also incredibly creative. Check it out! In November, the Atoms were working on learning various rhythms and instruments and of course musical games.

The Kindergarten students were busy learning how to play the egg shaker percussion instrument, and to figure out comparatives in music like is this the same/different, is this slow/fast or is this loud/soft.

In grades 1^st - 6^th, the Atoms put their heads together to determine the rhythmic notation for songs they learned in their music class. For this exercise, students were guided through a familiar song, and looked at the rhythm notation (Ta, Ti-Ti, or Sh) to practice their music reading and writing skills.

Keep those rhythms going and creative juices flowing. Nice work Atoms!

Tuesday, December 7th, 2021—Do you want to hear something sweet? Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school students practice writing letters of the alphabet using candy canes! This holiday inspired activity is the perfect combination of sweet and practical as the students are given a flashcard with a letter of the alphabet on it, and they are tasked to write using their candy cane, in a bin of oatmeal, their letter. Now this gives creative writing a whole new meaning!

Tuesday, December 7th, 2021—Did you know when it comes to two-digit addition there are many ways to solve the problem?! In fact, the ‘sum’ of the 2^nd grade Atoms at Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school share how they like to solve their two-digit math equations!

There are four ways to solve a two-digit math equation, are you ready?

• Vertical Method
• Creating a Value Chart
• Adding tens and ones
• Drawing a picture

No matter the problem, everything always adds up with the Atoms!

Thursday, November 18th, 2021—In preparation for the Thanksgiving holiday, Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school Atoms learned about the character strength, gratitude, and found fun and creative ways to incorporate this into daily lessons and activities.

One activity included writing a letter to someone in their life whom they are thankful for. Many students wrote to their parents, grandparents, friends, teachers, and cousins. Atoms learned that gratitude works best when you share it with someone else.

The students in 1A created their own gratitude jar by writing down things they are grateful for! Atoms also wrote on a chalkboard what they were thankful for (including potato chips!).

The 4^th grade Atoms learned about the famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - a parade that has delighted many for 97 years! Students read the story, 'Balloons over Broadway,' by Melissa Sweet. The book tells the true story about puppeteer extraordinaire Tony Sarg and how his zest for play and marionette puppets transformed to become the floats we now see today. Atoms then created their own mini Thanksgiving Day parade by decorating balloons and marched down the halls spreading holiday joy and cheer to each classroom they passed.

There is so much to be thankful for this holiday season. We are thankful for all of our Atoms, their families, teachers, faculty, and staff! We invite you to please click here to visit our Facebook page to view more pictures of these gratitude events and activities.

Tuesday, November 30th, 2021—You’re a wizard, Atoms! While the 2^nd grade Atoms at Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school may (or may not have) received their ‘official’ letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, we can solemnly say that the Atoms are certainly up to some good.

Each day the students that demonstrate the Positivity Project’s weekly character strengths and follow their 'house rules,' will be awarded the honor of being named the Wizard of the Day!

Congratulations, Atoms and keep up the great work! And just remember what the wise Sorting Hat mentioned, "In wise old Ravenclaw, if you've a ready mind… those of wit and learning will always find their kind."

Monday, November 29th, 2021—Our hearts are so full by all the kindness shared by the Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school Atoms this past week!

Last week, Atoms learned about the character strength of Kindness. As defined by The Positivity Project, showing kindness towards yourself and one another means that you are generous to others and never too busy to help out. Showing kindness also means that you enjoy doing good deeds for other people.

Throughout the week, Atoms have participated in various hands-on, minds-on activities that incorporate the character strength of kindness, and have reflected on how they have shown kindness and have been kind to others in the past. In the 2^nd grade, students shared what kindness meant to them, and how they can spread kindness. They wrote their thoughts and ideas on a post-it note and added it to their 'Kindness Wall.' The Kindness Wall will be in full display all year to remind students to show kindness towards one another.

In addition to the 2^nd grade Atoms, Atoms have been practicing random acts of kindness in their classrooms by picking up their toys, trash, and giving encouraging words to their fellow classmates. Students celebrated the week-long discussion of the character strength of Kindness by drawing a picture of ways they could light up the world with kindness.

Thursday, December 4th, 2021—Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship 4th grade student, A'Don represented the Atoms this past weekend at the American Youth Football 'Road to Nationals' tournament (aka the Super Bowl) in Orlando, Florida!

We are very proud of our young student athlete, A'Don who has competed with his team, the Salt City Renegades, all over New York state and the East Coast. We wish A'Don and the Salt City Renegades the best of luck in their Nationals tournament!

Please click here to watch a short video of the Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school wishing A'Don the best of luck and a very special shout out this past week.

Tuesday, October 12th, 2021—Camouflage, armor, spikes and spines. What could the Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school Atoms be up to? Why studying and bringing animal and plant defenses to life as part of their Amplify Education Science unit, of course!

For this unit, Atoms were tasked with creating models of these animal and plant defenses. Students would color sheets of paper to represent animals who would use camouflage as their natural defense, and would create a model of dowel rods and modeling clay to represent spines or spikes of animals and plants who use this as their natural defense. Keep up the great work, Atoms!