Tuesday, June 13th, 2023: Syracuse High School Seniors took a trip down memory lane for our annual senior walk. Seniors put on their caps and gowns and walked through Syracuse Elementary School to the beat of Pomp and Circumstance playing through the PA speakers. SAS Elementary School students lined the halls to cheer and hold up signs for the graduating Seniors. 

This tradition allows the Seniors to reflect on their achievements and show the Elementary Schoolers what they are working towards.

Friday, June 16th, 2023: Krysta Broeker, Mental Health Educator from Contact Community Services, spoke to Middle School students about Mental Health and Self-care. Students learned what Mental Health is, how to start a conversation about it, how to reach out for help, different types of self-care, and available resources in our community. Thank you to Krysta and Contact Community Services for educating students about such an important topic!

Thursday, May 25th, 2023: Dr. Patricia Ruggiano Schmidt was another excellent educator awarded by SANY Superintendent Dr. Hayali during our 20th Anniversary celebration. Dr. Schmidt is a Professor of Education at Le Moyne College. Her 20 years of teaching in elementary and secondary schools became the foundation for pursuing a literacy and language learning doctorate at Syracuse University. After retiring, Dr. Schmidt began consulting for culturally responsive and sustaining teaching at Syracuse Academy of Science (SAS). Joe Vargo of Business and Education Partnerships Inc. encouraged Patricia to visit SAS schools and meet Dr. Tolga Hayali, a superior urban education leader. As a result, she began teaching, learning, and studying with teachers and administrators at this charter school.

Dr. Schmidt also worked with Syracuse Academy of Science teachers to publish “Authentic Voices: Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning.” The book is written by K-4 teachers describing the benefits of using students’ customs, characteristics, experiences, and perspectives for a better classroom environment. 

Thank you, Dr. Schmidt, for your dedication to all students in the community!

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Thursday, May 25th, 2023: Joanie Mahoney is the next outstanding educator awarded by SANY Superintendent Dr. Hayali. Ms. Mahoney was appointed President at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in November 2020. Prior to ESF, Ms. Mahoney served as Onondaga County Executive for 11 years. During her tenure, Ms. Mahoney was introduced to Superintendent Dr. Tolga Hayali, and it was the beginning of a wonderful partnership. Ms. Mahoney visited classrooms in Syracuse and was always impressed with the students she met. She enjoyed their curiosity and was happy to be able to bring programs like Say Yes to Education to the Charter School. Ms. Mahoney often remarked about how well-prepared Syracuse Academy of Science students were.

Thank you for your dedication to all children in the community, Ms. Mahoney! 

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