Friday, March 7th, 2025: Each March, Syracuse Academy of Science Elementary School joins the nationwide celebration of Read Across America Week, and this year was no exception! Our Atoms embraced the joy of reading with a week filled with exciting activities that encouraged literacy, creativity, and community engagement.

Students participated in fun dress-up days inspired by their favorite books, bringing stories to life through costumes and themed outfits. They also enjoyed special read-aloud sessions led by staff and parents, fostering a love for storytelling and shared reading experiences. Students brought in their favorite stuffed animals as reading companions to make the week more memorable and make story time more cozy and engaging.

Read Across America Week is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the importance of reading while creating lasting memories for our students. We inspire curiosity, imagination, and a lifelong love of learning through books. We can’t wait to celebrate again next year!

Friday, March 21st, 2025: A group of ambitious and determined high school girls from Syracuse Academy of Science had the incredible opportunity to attend the 20th Anniversary Sisters Empowering Sisters Conference. This transformative two-day event focused on empowering young women through workshops and discussions on self-advocacy, mental and physical wellness, and the power of sisterhood.

The conference served as a space where young women could unite, uplift one another, and gain the confidence to navigate their personal and academic journeys. Through engaging workshops and inspirational talks, the girls explored topics such as being your own best advocate, the importance of mental and physical health, and building strong support systems. One of the most powerful aspects of the event was the sense of community and encouragement that radiated throughout the weekend. The students were surrounded by mentors, professionals, and fellow young women, all working towards the common goal of empowerment and success.

A highlight of the conference was the keynote speaker, Kamora Freeland. Earning her license at just 17 years old, Kamora is one of the youngest pilots in America and the youngest African American woman in New York State history to earn a private pilot's license! Incredibly, she earned her pilot's license before even getting her driver's license.

Kamora shared her remarkable journey of becoming a pilot while balancing life as a college student. She spoke about finding time for family and friends despite her demanding schedule and challenges as a young Black woman breaking into the male-dominated aviation industry. Her story of perseverance and resilience left a lasting impact on the young women in attendance, reminding them that no dream is too big and no barrier is too high to overcome.

The SAS Atoms left the conference feeling inspired, motivated, and ready to take on new challenges. The lessons they learned will help them in their academic careers and empower them to advocate for themselves, support their peers, and strive for excellence in all aspects of life.

Syracuse Academy of Science is proud to see its students embracing these opportunities for growth and leadership. We look forward to seeing how they apply what they learned to their futures and continue to uplift those around them!

Friday, February 28th, 2025: Throughout February, teachers and staff at Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School (SASCS) recognized students who exemplified Ambition—demonstrating a strong desire to achieve their goals through dedication and hard work.

We proudly celebrate these determined SAS Atoms who have shown perseverance, resilience, and a commitment to success! Their efforts inspire those around them and set a shining example of what it means to stay motivated and work toward personal and academic growth.

Congratulations to all of our honorees! Keep striving for greatness—your hard work and ambition make us proud! 

Wednesday, February 26th, 2025: Our eighth through eleventh-grade Art Club students embarked on an exciting field trip to the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse.

During their visit, students toured the museum’s latest exhibition, "Off the Rack," which showcases a diverse collection of artworks. They had the unique opportunity to sketch directly from these pieces, gaining inspiration and practicing their artistic skills in a real-world setting.

Field trips like these allow our students to engage with professional artwork, deepen their appreciation for the arts, and apply what they learn in the classroom to hands-on experiences. We love seeing their creativity flourish beyond school walls!

Stay tuned for more exciting Field Trip Friday adventures!

Thursday, February 13th, 2025: Just before February Break, the halls of Syracuse Academy of Science Elementary were filled with dino-sized excitement as families joined us for a fun and interactive STEM night! Students explored hands-on learning through various prehistoric-themed activities, including dinosaur egg bath bombs, fossil digs, dino riddles, puppets, and playdough prints. The event provided a thrilling way for young learners to engage with science, creativity, and problem-solving while having a blast!

A special thank you to Betts Branch Library for participating in this fantastic event and helping students sign up for their library cards!

We love seeing our Atoms’ curiosity and enthusiasm for learning in action. Thank you to everyone who made this night unforgettable!

Monday, February 24th, 2025: Mrs. Swidowski’s social studies class students participated in an exciting and interactive scavenger hunt to learn about the 13 original colonies.

With scavenger hunt packets, Atoms searched the classroom for key facts and answers, reinforcing their knowledge of colonial America in a fun and engaging way. This hands-on activity encouraged critical thinking, teamwork, and a deeper historical connection. By transforming learning into an interactive experience, students brought history to life—one clue at a time.

Stay tuned for more creative classroom activities that make learning educational and exciting.

Thursday, February 13th, 2025: Syracuse Academy of Science Elementary School held its annual Science Fair. Our talented 4th-grade students proudly presented their projects to a panel of community guest judges.

The competition was tough, but in the end, winners were selected, including four honorable mentions, three third-place winners, two second-place winners, and one first-place winner. Students received ribbons and prizes ranging from science kits to a Kindle tablet. Judges praised the event, calling it one of the best science fairs they have seen!

We are incredibly proud of our 4th graders for their hard work and dedication. The ten winners will now have the exciting opportunity to showcase their projects alongside other students from Central New York at the Museum of Science & Technology on Sunday, March 30th.

Congratulations to all participants for their incredible efforts!

Tuesday, February 11th, 2025: In Ms. Chapman’s WIN class, Syracuse Academy of Science fifth graders tested their teamwork and problem-solving skills with an exciting STEM challenge—building the tallest free-standing paper tower! 

With limited materials and unlimited creativity, students had to think critically, plan strategically, and collaborate to construct the strongest and tallest tower possible. This hands-on activity encouraged engineering and design thinking and helped students develop communication, resilience, and adaptability skills.

Why Are STEM Challenges Important? 
STEM activities like this provide students with real-world problem-solving experiences, helping them develop a growth mindset and confidence in tackling challenges. Working together teaches students to share ideas, test solutions, and adapt when things are unplanned—just like real engineers and scientists!

Seeing our young SAS Atoms rise to the challenge was amazing, showcasing their creativity, perseverance, and teamwork. Who knew paper towers could be such a powerful learning tool?

Monday, February 10th, 2025: At Syracuse Academy of Science, middle school students were treated to a special breakfast celebration for their hard work and dedication during the second quarter. SAS believes in recognizing and celebrating student achievements! 

This event showed appreciation for our students' commitment to academic excellence, perseverance, and efforts inside and outside the classroom. Over a delicious breakfast, students reflected on their achievements and were encouraged to continue striving for success in the upcoming quarter.

A massive shoutout to our amazing students! Your dedication and determination inspire us every day. Keep up the fantastic work!

Stay tuned for more celebrations and success stories as we continue to support and recognize our scholars!

Friday, January 10th, 2025: On the final day of College & Career Week at Syracuse Academy of Science, fourth-grade students received a special visit from members of the Syracuse Police Department. The officers engaged with the students by reading the book The Police and Me and answering questions about their careers in law enforcement.

Students had the opportunity to learn about police officers' daily responsibilities, the training and education required to enter the field, and the importance of building strong relationships within the community. This interactive experience allowed students to better understand law enforcement and officers' role in keeping our neighborhoods safe.

A special thank you to Officer William Clayton for coordinating this visit with Ms. Cahalan and the eight other officers who took time out of their busy schedules to join us. It was a memorable experience, and we look forward to welcoming them back again!

Stay tuned for more exciting highlights from College & Career Week as we continue to inspire our students to explore a variety of career paths.