Wednesday, May 12th, 2021—In honor of National School Nurse Day, Syracuse Academy of Science would like to take this moment to thank all of our school nurses for playing such a vital role not only this past school year but each and every day. These healthcare heroes make sure that our schools remain a safe, and healthy place where all students feel included and encouraged to learn especially during this unprecedented time in our nation's history. School nurses make a difference! Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and selfless commitment to the Atoms, teachers, faculty and staff. Happy School Nurse Day!

Thursday, May 6th, 2021—To kick-off spring, Syracuse Academy of Science elementary school 3^rd and 4^th grade students had an opportunity to join a socially distant extracurricular activity, the kickball league. In this league, Atoms will learn how to be a good sport, engage with their peers and of course exercise. Last week was their first practice, and a blast was had by all! Keep up the great work, Atoms.

Friday, April 30th, 2021—The 7th grade artists from Syracuse Academy of Science middle school impress us again with their creativity, detailed drawings and of course their talent! The Atoms have been learning about Israeli sculptor Yaacov Agam who is best known for his contribution to Optical Art and Kinetic Art. For their latest assignment, students experimented making their own optical art by creating agamographs, which are a series of images that change at different angles. Atoms were tasked with focusing on merging two separate drawings that could be deciphered only when viewed from each side of the agamograph! Click here to view the entire art collection. Super creative Atoms, way to go!

Sunday, May 9th, 2021—“The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation.” —James E. Faust

Friday, April 30th, 2021—Color us excited as we share that the Syracuse Academy of Science fifth grade Atoms express their creativity and draw inspiration from Yayoi Kusama - a Contemporary Japanese Artist. For those not familiar with Yayoi Kusama, she  is best known for creating sculptures, installations and painting with vibrant and exploding colors and dots.

For this art assignment, students were tasked with applying what they learned about Yayoi Kusama’s art technique and creating their own amoeba dot art. This task also allowed the Atoms to apply what they learned about primary, secondary and tertiary colors. Click here to view the entire art collection. Super creative Atoms, way to go!

Friday, May 7th, 2021—This Syracuse Academy of Science high school English Teacher, former Teacher of the Year is certainly a team player as he takes a pie to the face in the name of good fun and cheer for the Atoms. This is just a quick glimpse as to how he can let fun, and positive nature influence and bring laughter and joy to those around him. Please let us welcome, high school English Teacher, Mr. Carver for our next Teacher Spotlight interview. 

Interview with Mr. Carver

• What three traits define you? I try to think outside the box, listen to all sides, and the type to promote positivity.
• What is your greatest accomplishment? This is a loaded question. The academic answer would be winning the Teacher of the Year award back in 2018... but honestly, as amazing as that moment was, seeing graduated students thrive after graduating is equally as satisfying.
• Best book you have ever read? I could read The Hitchhikers Guide to Galaxy over and over.
• What is one thing you cannot resist?(food/dessert/candy/etc.) I am a recovering and relapsed Chocoholic. Anything that has chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is up my alley.
• If you could have dinner with one person living or dead who would they be and why? I know the traditional answer involves a celebrity or public figure, but the answer is easily my parents. Family is a big thing to me, but during the social distancing world, I've only gotten the opportunity to visit them once in the past 18 months.
• What advice would you give to kids who are struggling at school? Tough times don't last, but tough people do. This year might be difficult for many, but life will always require that we adapt and improve. Take the year as a learning experience. Come out of it hungry and eager to continue to improve.
• Tell us, what is something that might surprise us about you? Are you ready to cringe? I'm the type who puts on one sock and shoe at a time... and only tie my shoes bunny style. Go ahead, judge away.

Saturday, May 1st, 2021—It’s official! This past weekend, the OHSL Fall II girls volleyball All-Star teams were announced. Congratulations to Illagah Brown and Jamirah Tookes-Mohammad for being selected to play in the Central Division All-Star team. We are so proud of you both!

The All-Star teams are chosen by Section III league coaches. There are two teams per division, with five divisions total. Click here to read more about the OHSL Volleyball All-Star teams.

It’s with a heavy heart that we share the passing of a beloved staff member at Syracuse Academy of Science middle school. Jillian L. Dunn (Knapp) a 7th grade science teacher passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 20th after a long hard battle of cancer.

As we take this moment to remember Jillian, we want to extend our deepest sympathy to Jillian Dunn’s family and friends. Jillian made a long lasting impact wherever she went. From inside the classroom teaching the Atoms to outside the classroom saving and rescuing animals (even squirrels). Her love of life, compassion for others will certainly be missed but never forgotten.

Because of our close school community, the death of anyone especially a teacher can leave an impact on children. Please watch your children and be alert to any changes such as:

• Physical - any changes in sleep patterns or eating habits
• Emotional - any changes such as unusual fears, anger, worry, clinging behavior towards parents
• Social - loss of interest in usual activities

Open communication between parents and children is important. Give reassurance and try to understand your child’s feelings. If you think your child is having a particularly difficult time dealing with this situation please contact your school and we will provide additional assistance as needed.

Visitation and memorial services for Jillian Dunn have not yet been announced. Please visit tindallfuneralhome.com for online guestbook and information. Contributions can be made to Recycle-A-Bull Bully Breed Rescue inc.

Saturday, May 1st, 2021—The Syracuse Academy of Science high school Lady Atoms are featured in The Stand - an online South Side community newspaper inspires community conversations by inviting residents to share their stories. In the article titled, Darkness Before Light written by Kambui Bomani, the student athletes and coaches alike share how the global pandemic made an impact on their 2020 - 2021 basketball season. From practices, to strength and conditioning training during the off-season, to even the uncertainty of the season existing was weighing on everyone’s mind. Click here to read the article, The Darkness Before Light featuring the Lady Atoms.

Tuesday, May 4th, 2021—Words simply cannot express how thankful, grateful and our appreciation for the Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School teachers. This past year, you have all gone above and beyond the call of duty, have risen to the occasion and demonstrated perseverance and resilience so that you can meet the needs of the Atoms! This year has been challenging on many, and some how, and in some way you have overcome many obstacles and hurdles that were in your path, and have done so with positivity and kindness. We thank you for your continued flexibility, creativity and dedication. Many Atoms, one family. We hope you all have a wonderful Teacher Appreciation Day, and great remainder of the school year.