On Friday, February 26, 2016, the students of the SAS Middle School held their annual Science Fair. 4th grade students from the elementary school were also part of the event. Nearly 260 students were proudly standing near their science fair boards for judges to see the fruits of their amazing labors. Judges included non-science staff as well as 9 great students from our high school. Students gathered at the end to celebrate our judges and to cheer each other on for a group picture! Many students will be going on from this event to the CNY Science & Engineering Fair on March 20th! Go ATOMS!

From February 8-12th, 2016, the SAS Middle School conducted a water drive to benefit the people of Flint, Michigan. Students and their families were extremely generous in this worthy cause. At the end of the week, over 2,300 bottles of water will be on the way to Michigan thanks to our committed students, parents, and community.

On Friday, February 12th, 2016 the SAS Middle School celebrated with the 2nd Quarter Awards Ceremony. Students were recognized in a variety of ways from the best academic, best citizens, and Students of the Month in each section including specials. This event was even more special with the inclusion of events highlighting Black History Month. Staff and students shared powerful videos of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Student projects were presented that recognized  the amazing accomplishments of African-American icons such as Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Barack Obama, and more. These events continue to show how amazing our ATOMs are!

Let the music begin! On Thursday, February 11th, 2016, the SAS Middle School held its winter concert dress rehearsal. Under the guidance of Ms. Farruggio, students worked to perfect their assignments. Artists such as John Legend and Michael Jackson were performed and given some of that SAS style! Unfortunately, the main performance that night was postponed due to weather. Please join us on March 1st at 6pm to see the amazing job Ms. Farruggio and her students have done.

On Friday, February 5th, 2016, Miss Bittel's Student Leadership Club hosted a Sweetheart Dance for all SAS Middle School Students in the school's gym. The students spent the night eating pizza and dancing away as the DJ played all the kid's favorite hits. Fun was had by all!

On Tuesday, February 2nd, 2016, a group of staff, parents, and students from the SAS family went to Albany for the NYS Charter School Advocacy Day. The intention of this event was to showcase SAS and other charters in NYS and to help build new relationships with those that create the laws that govern our schools. In addition, the long-standing partnerships with the many lawmakers that have long supported the amazing work done at SAS and other charters. Two administrators, Mr. Yavuz and Mr. Bak, the Deans of the Middle and High Schools and Mr. Carter, 5th & 6th grade science teacher, led the group. They were joined by eight of the dedicated parent partners with 12 students ranging from grades 2 through 7. 

What was our goal? Well, outside of the demonstration of what makes SAS great, we sought to describe what equitable funding could mean to their schools and futures! Many do not realize that charter schools only receive a fraction per pupil of what traditional public schools receive. This combined with the un-subsidized building costs diminish our potential. Even with these circumstances, the accomplishments of SAS are amazing. Our graduation, college readiness, and college acceptance rates are things that any school should be proud of. 

The group met with the staff members from the offices of Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter, Assemblyman William Magnarelli, and Senator John Defrancisco as these representatives were in chamber. They were also able to speak directly to Senator Valesky and Samuel Roberts, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. These dedicated public servants listed to our staff, parents, and students talk about what it is to be at SAS and how our student-centered approach has yielded great results! As more and more lawmakers see what we have accomplished, we hope to make funding for SAS equitable with traditional public schools and present even more opportunities for our amazing students to shine bright! Go ATOMS!

On Friday, January 15th, 2016 Retired Syracuse Fire Chief, Mike Chura presented to all 5th and 6th grade students in Miss. Bittel's social studies class. Chief Chura spoke to students about how to become a firefighter, fire safety in the home (including smoke detectors and escape route plans). He also shared personal stories of rescues and showed the students fire safety gear and awards earned during his 35 years of service! Thank you Chief Chura!

On Friday, January 8, 2016, the SAS Middle School held the December Student of the Month Ceremony. This event is special to the staff as it gives us the ability to recognize students’ efforts in their academics, behavior, and citizenship. 5th & 6th grade recreational girls’ basketball team was awarded after a successful season. Ms. Robinson was also awarded as coach of the month. Parents were on hand to enjoy the celebration. Keep reaching for the stars ATOMS!

In the month of December, the students of the SAS Middle School conducted a Holiday Donation Drive. The drive was created by the Student Leadership Club advised my Ms. Bittel. Students donated hat and glove sets, coats, and toys to the Rescue Mission. Gina Rapasadi, the Direction of Special Events for the Syracuse Rescue Mission, was on hand to tell students about the mission of her organization and where the donations go to after leaving the school. The spirit of giving once again shines bright at SAS with several hundred items donated to a great cause!

Here is the list of items donated to Rescue Mission:

• 285 toys
• 30 coats
• 13 hats
• 12 gloves
• 2 scarfs
• 55 pair of socks
• 155 tooth brushes
• 144 dental floss
• Total of 696

We are grateful for the generosity all of our families throughout the year. Thank you for your support of our mission and the community.

On Friday, December 18th, 2015 SAS Middle School's Student Leadership Club hosted a "Winter Wonderland" themed dance. Students made decorations and a club member's parent volunteered his time to DJ. Proceeds were donated back to the school. Fun was had by all!