Monday, March 24th, 2025: Exciting news from Citizenship & Science Academy of Syracuse Elementary School — the Girls on the Run program has officially kicked off for the season!

Girls on the Run is more than just a running club. It’s a nationwide program designed to empower young girls, helping them build self-confidence, develop emotional resilience, and foster meaningful friendships — all while staying active and healthy.

At CSAS, we’re proud to offer opportunities to support our students' growth inside and outside the classroom. Through team-based lessons and physical activity, Girls on the Run encourages students to celebrate their strengths and embrace who they are.

We’re excited to watch our girls learn, grow, and shine this season. From forming new friendships to setting goals and crossing the finish line together, it will be a journey filled with inspiration and joy.

Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from the program!

Friday, March 28th, 2025: 8th and 9th-grade male students at Citizenship & Science Academy of Syracuse had the incredible opportunity to hear from Officer Dejuan Tigner of the Syracuse Police Department.

During his visit, Officer Tigner shared his journey—from his early life experiences to achieving his goal of becoming a police officer. He spoke openly about his challenges and how perseverance, determination, and self-belief helped him overcome obstacles and reach his dreams.

More than just a career talk, Officer Tigner’s message was a powerful reminder that our scholars can succeed in any field they choose. His encouragement and authenticity inspired our students to stay focused, chase their ambitions, and embrace their full potential.

We are grateful to Officer Tigner for speaking with our students and being a positive role model in our community. His visit left a lasting impact and empowered our Atoms to dream big and confidently lead.

Thursday, March 27th, 2025: Mrs. Conroy’s Citizenship & Science Academy of Syracuse Elementary class teamed up with Mrs. Youker for an exciting, hands-on science unit about force and motion!

Together, students explored key scientific concepts like gravity, friction, and momentum through engaging experiments and interactive lessons. The learning didn’t stop there—students also had the opportunity to teach first graders about the International Space Station, reinforcing their understanding while inspiring younger learners.

This collaborative approach made science fun and fostered teamwork, curiosity, and leadership skills in our young Atoms. Way to go, future scientists!

Thursday, April 3rd, 2025: Did you know Citizenship & Science Academy of Syracuse Middle School has a Chess Club? Every Friday during lunch, scholars gather to master the game of chess while developing critical thinking and decision-making skills.

Led by Mr. Elliott, the club goes beyond the board—teaching students how strategic thinking in chess applies to real-life choices. Scholars enhance their problem-solving abilities, patience, and sportsmanship through weekly matches and lessons.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, Chess Club is the perfect place to challenge yourself and grow!

Tuesday, March 25, 2025: Citizenship & Science Academy of Syracuse had the privilege of welcoming Denika Lundy, a breast cancer survivor, author, entrepreneur, nonprofit organizer, and daycare provider. Ms. Lundy’s visit was an inspiring experience for our 8th and 9th-grade female scholars as she shared her powerful journey of resilience and success.

During her talk, Ms. Lundy discussed the challenges she faced battling breast cancer and how she turned adversity into strength. As the author of Stand Up, she uses her platform to uplift and empower others. She also emphasized the importance of regular health check-ups from a young age and encouraged students to prioritize their well-being.

Beyond health, Ms. Lundy motivated our scholars to pursue their dreams fearlessly, reminding them that success is more than academics—it’s about growth, perseverance, and self-belief. Her words left a lasting impact, inspiring our students to strive for excellence in all aspects of life.

We are incredibly grateful for Ms. Lundy’s visit, and for the wisdom and encouragement, she shared. Thank you for empowering the next generation of leaders!

Friday, March 14th, 2025: Also known as Pi Day, it is the most delicious day of the year! At Citizenship & Science Academy of Syracuse Elementary School, the young scholars celebrated this mathematical holiday by exploring the wonders of π (pi) and its essential role in the world.

The mathematical constant representing the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter is more than just a number—it’s a key ingredient in engineering, physics, and countless real-world applications. To bring learning to life, students participated in engaging classroom activities highlighting the importance of π. 

At CSAS Elementary, learning should be exciting and interactive, and Pi Day was the perfect opportunity to make math both meaningful and memorable. By exploring π in a fun and engaging way, our scholars are developing critical thinking skills and a deeper appreciation for the power of mathematics.

Stay tuned for more exciting learning adventures at CSAS Elementary!

Friday, March 21st, 2025: Citizenship & Science Academy of Syracuse Middle School hosted its annual science fair, celebrating our young scientists' hard work, creativity, and curiosity. The event showcased various innovative projects, with students exploring various scientific concepts and conducting hands-on experiments.

Every student who participated in the science fair was awarded a certificate of achievement to recognize their dedication to research and discovery. Additionally, the Top 5 projects from the Junior Category (6th-7th grade) and Senior Category (8th-9th grade) were honored for their outstanding work.

The excitement doesn’t stop there—approximately 20 CSAS students have been invited to compete in the CNY Science & Engineering Fair held at the MOST Museum on March 30th! This prestigious event will allow our students to present their projects on a larger stage and compete against other young scientists across the region. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and can’t wait to see them shine at the next level!

A special thank you to our panel of judges, whose time and expertise played a vital role in making this event successful. Their thoughtful evaluations and encouragement helped make the Science Fair an inspiring and rewarding experience for all students. At CSAS, we are committed to fostering a love of STEM and providing our students opportunities to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Congratulations again to all participants—we look forward to seeing what our young scientists achieve next!

Thursday, February 27th, 2025: The Citizenship & Science Academy of Syracuse Middle School community recently joined for a powerful and inspiring Black History Month Celebration! Families, students, and staff enjoyed an evening filled with poetry, music, delicious food, and exciting giveaways, all in honor of Black leaders' rich cultural heritage and contributions throughout history.

One of the night's standout moments was the production of The Claudette Colvin Story, which allowed students to learn about key historical figures and their impact on the fight for civil rights. Through this performance, students gained valuable insight into the bravery and resilience of those who helped shape history.

A particularly special highlight featured one of our talented students sharing an original poem titled 'Black History Poem.' This moving piece honored the legacy of Black leaders and emphasized the importance of remembering and celebrating their contributions.

Thank you to everyone who participated and made this event so meaningful. Your support and engagement help keep the spirit of Black History Month alive all year long!

Monday, February 3rd, 2025: Citizenship & Science Academy of Syracuse Elementary School has welcomed guest speakers to share their experiences and inspire students throughout February. One of our visitors was Alesia Hudson, the Day Habilitation Program Manager for People with Physical and Mental Disabilities at the Arc of Onondaga. Even more remarkable, she spent her birthday volunteering and engaging with our 4th-grade students!

During her visit, Ms. Hudson shared valuable insights about her career, explaining how she helps individuals with disabilities lead fulfilling lives within the community. She encouraged students to work hard in school and emphasized the importance of compassion, dedication, and service. Students had the opportunity to ask questions, gaining a deeper understanding of how they can make a difference.

Ms. Hudson’s visit was informative and inspiring, leaving a lasting impact on our students. We are grateful for her time and dedication and appreciate her choosing to celebrate her birthday by giving back.

Thank you, Ms. Hudson, for your inspiration and for being a role model to our young learners!

Stay tuned for more guest speaker highlights from our February series.

Monday, February 24th, 2025: At Citizenship & Science Academy of Syracuse Middle School, hard work and dedication pay off! Atoms were recognized for outstanding academic achievements and personal growth, demonstrating their commitment to excellence. Students were honored for their academic success, earning spots on the Merit, Honor Roll, High Honor Roll, and the prestigious Dean’s List. These awards reflect our scholars' dedication and perseverance throughout the academic term. We are also incredibly proud of the five students who achieved the highest honor by earning a place on the Dean’s List!

In addition to academic excellence, CSAS Middle School celebrated students' growth and character. Awards were given for Most Improved, Perfect Attendance, and the Monthly Character Awards. These recognitions highlight the resilience, determination, and strong moral values our scholars exhibit daily.

At CSAS, we believe in fostering a culture of academic success and personal growth. Recognizing our students’ hard work celebrates their achievements and encourages them to strive for greatness. We commend our scholars for their dedication and perseverance, and we look forward to seeing their continued success throughout the school year!