On Friday, May 6th, 2016 Miss Bittel's Student Leadership Club hosted a Teen Center Night at SAS Middle School. Students played basketball in the gym, sang karaoke, danced to "Just Dance" on the Wii, watched a movie, spent time coloring and of course, enjoyed pizza, cookies and refreshments! Fun was had by all!

In terms of art, form refers to objects that are 3-Dimensional, or have length, width, and height. The world we live in is made up almost entirely of forms. As artists, we must have a strong understanding of form and how to create the illusion of form in drawings and paintings.

For this assignment the students took the knowledge they learned on the Element of Form and applied that skill in creating a Still Life Drawing using artificial fruit. Each table was given seven pieces of fruit and a platter. The students were in charge of constructing a composition that was visually aesthetic. Each student then had to take the basic shape of the fruits and transform them into three-dimensional illusions using highlights, mid-tones, core shadows, cast shadows, and reflected light. The students were also asked to pay attention to the texture of the fruit separating the gritty texture of the lemons and oranges, to the fuzziness of the peach, or the smoothness of an apple or cluster of grapes.

This lesson not only teaches the students of the fundamental techniques used to create a three dimensional illusion on a two dimensional surface but it also pushes their vocabulary and refreshes the students on their knowledge of complimentary colors, use of blending, cross hatching, color layering, and use of value.

Syracuse Academy of Science is very proud to announce that one of our very own atoms has won first place in the Anti-Litter Poster Contest.

Meachem Area Parks Association sponsored an anti-litter campaign for the valley to launch in the spring. The goal was to create a poster that would restore pride in our neighborhood by encouraging people to keep our streets and green spaces clean and free of litter. 

Huda Ali, a 7th grader competed against several other school districts in the Syracuse area with a wonderful poster that promoted a strong message on helping your community stay clean.

Huda Ali won the first place prize and her poster will be reproduced and published throughout Syracuse. Syracuse Academy of Science is very proud of Huda in participating in a great contest that educates the importance of taking care of our planet, and SAS is even more proud that Huda won first place. Congratulations Huda Ali!

On Friday, April 22nd, 2016, the SAS Middle School held their 3rd Quarter Award Ceremony. Students were recognized for their amazing efforts with awards that range from Most Improved through High Honor Roll. A special award was presented to Huda Ali for her accomplishments in Anti-Litter Poster Contest! Special to this event was the performances of the Talent Club led by Ms. Jones. This event continues to celebrate the amazing accomplishments of our students! Go ATOMS!

On Thursday, April 21st, 2016, the Syracuse Academy of Science Middle School visited the Skyzone Trampoline Park. Students received demonstrations about a variety of physics related concepts. The wonderful staff there gave amazing presentations on concepts such as how potential and kinetic energy work and Newton’s three laws of Motion. We thank the staff for a wonderful visit!

On Tuesday, April 5th, 2016 the SAS Middle School was visited by Mr. Robert Drummond. Mr. Drummond is a Syracuse Alumnus who had an amazing football career in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles as well as success with the Canadian Football League as a 4 time Grey Cup winner. He spoke to the student body about hard work, dedication, and giving back to the community. Mr. Drummond is an excellent role model for our students and we appreciate his commitment to help model the values that we hope to instill in our students here at Syracuse Academy of Science.

On Friday, April 1st, 2016, several students from the Syracuse Academy of Science middle school entered into an Anti-Litter Poster Contest.

Meachem Area Parks Association is currently sponsoring an anti-litter campaign for the valley to launch in the spring. The goal is to restore pride in our neighborhood by encouraging people to keep our streets and green spaces clean and free of litter.

The poster had to be created on their own time without the help of adults. SAS is very pleased that students found the time to put forth effort and artistic skill on a poster design that stressed the importance of cleaning up our environment.

The winners will be selected on or before April 11, 2016. Two winning posters will be chosen, with one in each of the following grade levels: K through grade 4, and grade 5 through grade 8. Prizes will be awarded and both winning posters will be reproduced, printed and distributed for display in valley business, schools, churches and other public venues.

The Syracuse Academy of Science is very proud of their artistic atoms and are keeping their fingers crossed and wishing the best of luck to each student who participated in the Anti-Litter Poster Contest.

On Thursday, March 24, 2016, The NED Show visited the Syracuse Academy of Science Middle School. This organization brings a positive message to all students. NED stands for Never give up, Encourage others, and Do your best!! The NED Show brought us a world class performer who brought a fun, engaging, and entertaining show to our students and left them with a positive message that they will continue to remember for years to come!! Our students highly enjoyed this event and was a great way to kick off the extended Easter weekend!

On Sunday, March 20, 2016, 21 students of the SAS Middle School attended the CNY Science & Engineering Fair. The event is attended by schools throughout the Central New York area that includes 11 counties. Students are judged by STEM professionals from local businesses and institutions such as Lockeed Martin and Syracuse University. This was a rich, rewarding experience for all of the students that participated. The following students were recognized individually for their exceptional work. 

• 5th Grade: Taha Hayali (Highest Honor)
• 6th Grade: Tahirah Abdul-Qadir- (Honor), Ayse Baysal (High Honor)
• 7th Grade: Xavier Wilson, (Honor), Karl Russo (Honor)
• Special Award Recipient: Ayse Baysal: IEEE Award in Electrical and Computer Engineering.

We are proud of all of the twenty one students that worked extremely hard to reach this event.

On Friday the 18, 2016, the students of the SAS Middle School held the 2nd Annual Staff vs. Students basketball game. 6th and 7th grade students challenged teachers and administrators to beat them at one of their favorite sports. Although the staff prevailed, each and every participant was a winner in what was an amazing experience for the audience and players alike. The MVPs of each team were awarded special trophies. Congratulations to J’viona Baker and Mr. McGriff for their wonderful performance!