Friday, December 13, 2019—Get up everybody and … dance, because "We are Family" at Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship Elementary School. Each year, elementary Atoms participate in the making of a music dance video, thanks to our friends at 325 Productions. This year, their song of choice was "We are Family" by Sister Sledge. This song best represents the culture, community involvement and environment at the elementary school. With a focus on citizenship, students are given the opportunity to learn, grow and get involved. Students participate in hands-on, minds-on activities which help them become better real-life problem solvers which result in better performances in their academic work. Balancing working hard and playing hard is just one of many ways we continue to build success, one Atom at a time.

Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship Elementary School is currently accepting student applications for the 2020 - 2021 school year. Apply today at http://apply.sany.org.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019—Atoms ‘seas the day’ on a class field trip to the Sciencenter. Having learned in the classroom about the ocean, students dive right in for this hands-on, minds-on experience. Atoms were able to interact and touch ocean animals such as starfish and hermit crabs in the large touch-tank, while learning about how animals survive in certain environments and how outside factors can affect those living conditions. Thank you, Sciencenter for this incredible interactive hands-on experience.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019—The goal of any field trip is for students to have a fun experience, learn something new and or build upon what they are already learning. Kindergarten students enjoy a day at The Ultimate Goal where they were able to continue to build on their Positivity Project Strengths such as teamwork, bravery, and integrity. Atoms had an opportunity to partake in activities such as soccer, dodgeball, musical chairs, tag and various relay races. Thank you, The Ultimate Goal for such a fun filled day spent with friends and class bonding.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019—If you were to walk past this classroom, singing, dancing, high-fiving are just some of the items you may witness. But for this teacher and the students, this high engagement level is one of the many ways used to motivate the students which produce incredible classroom results, and leave the parents singing his praises - “my kids love to learn to read because of Mr. Thayer.”

It was an honor to name Ryan Thayer, a kindergarten teacher, as the 2019 Teacher of the Year at the recent Terra Conference. Ryan has been with Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship school for two years and continues to exceed expectations. His first year teaching with the school, his students started the year with a 26% proficiency in literacy, and ended the school year at 82% proficiency. With over 90 SGP, Ryan’s students continue to make huge gains as 85% of students met their sight word proficiency.

This year, Ryan has taken on an additional role within the school. Not only is he continuing to teach kindergarten, but he is also doubling as a Literacy Coach for kindergarten and 1st grade. We are excited to see him share his wealth of knowledge working with the CKLA as he seeks to support and develop our staff, who are also seeking the same high level of student achievement.

Congratulations, Ryan, we are excited to have you on our team and look forward to seeing you continue to build success, one Atom at a time.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019—Scientifically speaking, second grade Atoms had a hands-on, minds-on day when visiting the Sciencenter on a class field trip. Students were able to look, touch, listen and discover as they bounced their way through many exhibit galleries filled with full-body science fun. Some exhibits that were there favorite included the live animals, weather and engineering. Thank you Sciencenter for such a fun filled educational experience!

Monday, November 4, 2019—What better way to wake up and greet the day then a brisk nature walk at Onondaga County Parks’ Onondaga Lake Park. Atoms take in all the sights, sounds and smells when walking along the beautiful lake shore. Little did they know, that this nature walk would ultimately allow them to get a sneak peek at this year’s Lights on the Lake display. After their nature walk, students enjoyed a delicious lunch followed by expelling tons of energy at Wegmans Park. Atoms enjoyed spending time with their friends and running around on the playground.

Monday, October 28, 2019—Honorable Judge Brenda Sannes joins the first grade Atoms as a guest speaker for story time. Judge Sannes read the book, We’re All Wonders by R.J. Palacio. We’re All Wonders shares the story of Auggie Pullman - which was the inspiration for the movie, Wonder starring Julia Roberts, and Owen Wilson. The story aims to inspire its readers to change the way they see, because sometimes people can’t change the way they look. Thank you, Judge Sannes for taking time out of your schedule to visit and join our Atoms for story time.

Thursday, October 31, 2019—A costume parade, positive dance party and a Fall Festival?! Atoms showcased their fab-boo-lous creativity decorating their classrooms for this spooktacular day. Families and staff were invited to partake in the wickedly exciting event. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this event possible, and for creating a meaningful experience that will last a lifetime. For more pictures, please visit our Facebook page.

Thursday, October 24, 2019—With Halloween right around the corner, second and third grade Atoms had just one thing on their mind - "where can we find the most ‘perfect’ or ‘gourdous’ pumpkin?" Lucky for them, a field trip to The Pumpkin Hollow was coming up and that would be where these pumpkins would be found. Students enjoyed a day at the pumpkin patch where they took a tractor ride to the many pumpkin fields to find the pumpkin their heart desired. Atoms also visited the farm animals where they made friends with some ponies, goats and cows. Aside from picking out pumpkins one of their other favorite activities was jumping on and off giant hay bales! Thank you, The Pumpkin Hollow for such a festive field trip and making it one to remember. To view more pictures, please visit our Facebook page.

Friday, October 25, 2019—Kindergarten Atoms discover the culinary possibilities at their first ever Discovery Kitchen. Thanks to Mrs. Pittsley and the Chartwells team, students gained helpful kitchen tips, tricks and nutritious recipes. For this first installment, Atoms learned all about a tangy fruit (that at times can be sweet), and is typically found on the Thanksgiving table, the cranberry! To kick-off the demonstration, Mrs. Pittsley shared with the students information about how cranberries are grown and then showed them how they could make the cranberry the star of a dish. The dish she taught the Atoms how to make was cranberry apple relish. Students were able to sample the dish following the demonstration, and they even had the opportunity to include this as one of their sides for lunch later that day. Thank you Mrs. Pittsley and the Chartwells team for teaching our Atoms about healthy eating, sharing delicious recipes, and nutrition.