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!

On Friday, November 20, 2015, seventh grade students at the Syracuse Academy of Science Middle School took a trip to LeMoyne College. Although, the main focus of the trip was to see the LeMoyne Science Center, the students were treated to the entire college campus. Highlights included the Madden School of Business, the Dolphin Den, the Noreen Reale Falcone Library, and more. Our inquisitive students spent the time asking questions to our great tour guides and continued the practice back at our school. As a school that stresses college acceptance and preparation, it is very important to how our amazing students what secondary education is all about!

On Thursday, November 19, 2015, sixth grade students at the Syracuse Academy of Science Middle School took a trip to LeMoyne College. Although, the main focus of the trip was to see the LeMoyne Science Center, the students were treated to the entire college campus. Highlights included the Madden School of Business, the Dolphin Den, the Noreen Reale Falcone Library, and more. Our inquisitive students spent the time asking questions to our great tour guides and continued the practice back at our school. As a school that stresses college acceptance and preparation, it is very important to how our amazing students what secondary education is all about!

On Wednesday, November 18, 2015, fifth grade students at the Syracuse Academy of Science Middle School took a trip to LeMoyne College. Although, the main focus of the trip was to see the LeMoyne Science Center, the students were treated to the entire college campus. Highlights included the Madden School of Business, the Dolphin Den, the Noreen Reale Falcone Library, and more. Our inquisitive students spent the time asking questions to our great tour guides and continued the practice back at our school. As a school that stresses college acceptance and preparation, it is very important to how our amazing students what secondary education is all about!

On Saturday, November 14th, 2015, 3 teams from the SAS Middle School attended the MOST Build Em & Bust Em bridge building competition. 5 students from 5th grade and 1 student from the 6th grade competed in Section II. Each of them greatly enjoyed the experience as they both competed in their competition and got to take in the amazing MOST displays and activities.