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.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019—It's the perfect time of year for pumpkin picking with this beautiful fall weather and the leaves changing. Kindergarten and first grade Atoms visit, The Pumpkin Hollow, for a fall field trip. Atoms were eager to explore all that the pumpkin patch had to offer. From jumping on/off giant hay bales, to petting animals at their petting zoo to even walking through the corn maze, it was a day filled with fall fun. Oh, who could forget picking out the biggest pumpkin? Atoms were able to each pick out a pumpkin and bring it back to school to decorate for Halloween. Thank you, The Pumpkin Hollow for such a fun, fall field trip, perfect to get us ready for the upcoming holiday.

Wednesday, October 9, 2019—A beautiful fall day calls for a field trip dedicated to team bonding and enhancing character strengths learned inside the classrooms. Our 4th grade Atoms visited Shove Park for an outdoor field trip. Students worked together to complete a scavenger hunt, where items on the list were local to New York. Following this activity, students had an opportunity to play a game of kickball or play on the playground. Both activities allowed Atoms to encourage one another, build friendships, and to show good sportsmanship behavior.

Thursday, September 26, 2019—Atoms didn't start the fire, but they certainly learned all about fire safety with a special visit from fireman Dan Connors of the Syracuse City Fire Department. Fireman Dan joined the Kindergarten Atoms for story time and read to them, No Dragons for Tea, which discusses the importance of fire safety. To demonstrate what the students learned about fire safety, fireman Dan showed not only the Atoms but the teachers, as well, how to properly "Stop, Drop and Roll" in case of a fire emergency. To make this day even more memorable, Atoms received an "official" fireman helmet that they could wear for the remainder of the day. Thank you fireman Dan, and the Syracuse City Fire Department for sharing your time with our students, teaching them about fire safety, and for all that you do.

Friday, September 27, 2019—The first month of school is already in the books and it's hard to believe we are celebrating our first Student of the Month Ceremony. For the month of September, Atoms were recognized for demonstrating remarkable optimism and outstanding open-mindedness. Congratulations to all of our Atoms! To view more pictures from the ceremony, please visit our Facebook page.

Friday, September 20, 2019—It's not every day that you have a royal visit from Miss Spirit of New York, Kimberly Geniece, who shared with the Atoms her talents of singing (including Opera) and acting during story time. Kimberly brings the story, The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak, to life through her creativity, vocal range and expressions. The Atoms in turn felt like royalty. No story time is ever complete without a special singing performance or should we say mini opera performance. Kimberly shared with the students one of her favorite Italian opera songs. To listen to her performance please watch our Story on Facebook.

Thursday, September 12, 2019—Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship school invited families to attend their Back to School Night. As the doors opened, families met with their student's teacher, learned about the school's mission, its curriculum, charter education and ways we can work together to ensure our Atoms are on track for success.

Monday, September 16, 2019—In preparation for the first "official" week of fall, kindergarten and first grade Atoms visited apple country, on a field trip to Navarino Orchard. Atoms had the luxury of not only picking apples, but they learned fun facts about this third generation orchard and farm. In addition to picking a handful of nice and juicy apples, they also devoured delicious cider donuts and apple bread that were baked to perfection. A perfect way to start off the school year. To view more pictures from this field trip, please visit our Facebook page.