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.

Friday, April 1st, 2022—As the spring sports season begins, Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school highlights its newest addition to spring sports, lacrosse.

This week, Atoms have been busy practicing and perfecting lacrosse fundamentals. Students worked on stick handling, cradling the ball, and having fun. Following the fundamental drills, the Atoms enjoyed playing the game 'Hungry-Hungry Hippos', which builds upon and incorporates basic lacrosse skills.

Keep up the great work, Atoms - LAX to the Max!

Tuesday, April 5th, 2022—Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school celebrated student success and achievement in preparation for upcoming New York State testing. 

Mr. McGriff and Ms. Ward awarded the Atoms with gift cards from Terra Science and Education for students who had outstanding accomplishments and success in the New York State tests completed in the 2020 - 2021 school year.

Congratulations, Atoms! Keep up the great work.

Saturday, March 27th, 2022—Last week, Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school 5th and 6th-grade students participated in the Museum of Science and Technology (MOST)’s 42nd Annual CNY Science and Engineering Fair (CNYSEF). The Atoms participated in the Junior Division alongside students throughout Central New York for a chance to win merit awards, prizes, and scholarships.

Please join me in congratulating the following students on their achievements and accolades at the CNYSEF!

Krim & Jonathon

• Honor Award

Abdul & Aguto

• Honor Award

Addy & Erick

• Honor Award

Lisa & Beckham

• High Honors Award

Congratulations, Atoms, on all your hard work and accomplishments! Please click here to visit our Facebook page to view more pictures from the CNYSEF.

Friday, March 4th, 2022—Throughout February, Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school welcomed many influential community leaders, advocates, business leaders, and professionals to share their life experiences, journeys, and career experiences with the Atoms in our '28 Speakers in 28 Days' series. This is a time-honored tradition at Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school as we celebrate Black History Month.

To commemorate the success of this year's '28 Speakers in 28 Days' series, Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school welcomed back many of our guest speakers and Syracuse community members and officials to join in our celebration, including Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh.

During the '28 Speakers in 28 Days' ceremony, guests had an opportunity to hear from SANY superintendent Dr. Tolga Hayali, Dean of Elementary Dominic Frisina, and Behavior Specialist Troy McGriff, who spoke about the importance of the speaker series and how it allows for students to build meaningful relationships within the Syracuse community, with the hopes that someday students can follow in the footsteps and make a difference in the world.

In addition to the guest speakers, Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship 3^rd-grade students performed the song, 'Lead with Love,' written by Melanie DeMore. The passion, enthusiasm, and energy of this performance filled the school, and everyone was participating by the end of the song.

We want to thank everyone who helped make the '28 Speakers in 28 Days' series possible. Your hard work, support, coordination, and volunteering made this event successful. Thank you for your continued support and for being a leader and role model in our community and our students' lives. Please click here to visit our Facebook page to view additional pictures from the ‘28 Speakers in 28 Days’ series. We are many Atoms, One Family.

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022—This month, Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school students have been learning about the Positivity Project’s character trait of enthusiasm and how they can be enthusiastic for others and their accomplishments. To practice, Atoms took turns going around the room and sharing something they accomplished like riding a bike, cooking a meal, or adding three numbers. Students listened to their classmates sharing their accomplishments and cheered them on!

To celebrate, students created their very own accomplishment trophies! Keep up the great work, Atoms.