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!

On Wednesday, December 16th, 2015, the SAS Middle School was visited by Mr. Erin Smith who is one of our 5th grade parents. Mr. Smith has worked for multiple Fortune 500 companies in the areas of industrial engineering, controls service manager at PASCO Building Automation Systems in electronic engineering, mechanical engineering and engineering management. He has also been an adjunct professor at Indiana State University and Ivy Tech State College. Mr. Smith spoke to the students about careers in engineering, some of the hurdles that he encountered in his journey as well as the Saturday Academy program that is conducted by the 100 Black Men of Syracuse to help students further develop their skills in a variety of areas.

On Thursday, December 10th and Friday, December 11th, 2015, the 5th and 6th grade science students participated in the Hour of Code. Students participated as an extension of the newly implemented computer coding curriculum that has been implemented from K-6. Students coded games using Star Wars, Minecraft, Flappy Bird, and Frozen Themes. This is a national event that is enjoyed my millions of students. The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries. This event demonstrates the SAS commitment to giving our students 21st century skills.

On Friday, December 4th, 2015, the Middle School held the November 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. Parents were on hand to enjoy the celebration. Keep reaching for the stars ATOMS!

Through the first three weeks of November, the SAS Middle School conducted a can food drive. The proceeds were to benefit the local community. In My Father's Kitchen is an organization that has SAS ties as Mr. John Tomino is the father of one of our outstanding 9th grade students. His goal is to reach as many individuals in the area who are in need of a helping hand.  Nearly 1500 items were donated by our middle school families. On the 23rd of November, the student body presented these items to Mr. Tomino. He spoke to the students in an assembly about the roots of his organization and the importance of helping others. Key in the presentation was the 6-B class, they donated over 300 items! In the holiday season, we continue to see what our amazing ATOMS are all about!