Wednesday, December 15th, 2021—Earlier this month, Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship 6^th grade students had an opportunity to practice their leadership skills in the school club, Student Council. Student Council is a great way for students to get involved not only in their school community but the greater Syracuse community, as well.

Students who participate in Student Council will have a chance to practice their leadership skills, as well as, become involved in school improvement projects, community engagement activities, and civic awareness initiatives. We look forward to seeing how these students will help make a difference not only in our school community, but the greater Syracuse community and beyond!

Tuesday, November 30th, 2021—Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school Atoms embark on a geometric outing that is straight out of a classic children’s adventure story. No fear was had here, but the students not only had to search high and low for shapes hidden throughout the school. As luck would have it, some students had on their handy dandy superstar searching glasses to help them find various shapes. Once the students found the shapes they had to mark it on their clipboard. Keep up the great work, Atoms!

Thursday, December 16th, 2021—The week before Winter Recess, Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school decked the building with lights, holiday decorations, glitz and glam for their annual Winter Wonderland drive-thru event. During this event, guests would have an opportunity to waive hi to their teachers, as well as, donate non-perishable food items to their Canned Food Drive benefiting the Food Bank of Central New York.

Last year, the Atoms made a sizable donation of 560 lbs. of canned goods, and we are hopeful that this year we surpassed that amount. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped make this event possible, and all those who were able to attend.

Thursday, November 18th, 2021—Who doesn’t like to curl up with a good book, I know we do and so does the 2^nd grade Atoms at Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school. In mid-November, Atoms teamed up with a partner to practice their reading and teamwork skills as each student would take turns reading their story.

Partner reading is a great exercise that allows for students to practice not only their reading fluency skills, but their comprehension and teamwork skills, as well. Keep up the great work, Atoms!

Monday, November 8th, 2021—Atoms take it to the hoop during their student activity club, the Dribbling Clinic! Last month, with the help of Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship athletic department and Mr. McGriff, students in grades K-4 had an opportunity to learn how to properly dribble a basketball, and to learn the fundamentals of the sport. This clinic ran for three weeks, and let's just say these students may be ready for the NBA or WNBA! Keep up the great work, Atoms.

Thursday, December 16th, 2021—Our hearts are so full by the kindness and generosity of Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school’s food service company, Chartwells. Earlier this month, Chartwells donated hats and gloves for every student at Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship elementary school. This special gift will go a long way with the winter months just ahead. Thank you again, Chartwells for your kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness. Our students and their families cannot thank you enough for the hats and gloves especially as the snow starts to fly. Thank you, so much!

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!