As we all get ready to start mid-winter break, I have been reflecting on the ways each and every one of our Atoms have been able to make an impact at school through your academic work, your interactions with your fellow classmates and teachers, but more importantly how you are helping make a difference for those who need it the most in your community. To say I am impressed with all of your efforts is an understatement.

Here are just a few of the ways Atoms are giving back to their communities:

• Earlier this month, Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship announced they will be hosting a Band-Aid Drive which will benefit the patients at Golisano Children’s hospital.
• Syracuse Academy of Science High School is hosting a Donation Drive to benefit the Dunbar Center - a local organization that strives to enhance the quality of life, break the cycle of generational poverty and develop racial equality in the greater Syracuse community.
• Finally, the National Honor Society students at Utica Academy of Science High School challenged its fellow classmates and teachers in a Kindness Challenge. Their efforts not only with the Kindness Challenge but with various acts of goodwill, charity and kindness have been recognized by Assemblywoman Buttenschon who acknowledged the Atom’s perseverance and willingness to spread kindness in the middle of a global pandemic. It is with all of these little events, that help make a difference in the lives of others and remind me that we are many Atoms, one Family.

While we all get ready for break, I challenge you to take a moment, pause and reflect on all that you have accomplished thus far not only in this school year, but academically, and in the world around you.

On behalf of everyone at SANY, I want to wish all of our students a happy, healthy, restful, and safe mid-winter break!

Dr. Tolga Hayali
SANY Superintendent

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021—February can be synonymous with Valentine's day but did you know that it is actually American Heart and Go Red for Women month? Throughout the month of February, we are encouraging the Utica Academy of Science students to practice healthy habits, such as exercise. It takes 21 days to change a habit. What are you doing today to help your heart? Click here to watch a quick video and learn ways in which you can live a heart healthy lifestyle.

Monday, February 1st, 2021—It’s not too late to share a little kindness with the world! Utica Academy of Science invites its students to participate in the Kindness Challenge which takes place now through Friday, February 12^th. Below are the details on how to participate.

Kindness Challenge

• Take a picture of themselves showing an act of kindness.
• Write a few sentences describing their act of kindness
• Submit your picture and description of the act of kindness on the UAS Google Classroom to enter

A drawing will take place on Friday, February 12th. The winner will receive a pizza delivery!

Monday, February 1st, 2021—Utica Academy of Science is excited to announce it has received an Athletic Grant from The Edwin J. Wadas Foundation, Inc.! With this Athletic Grant, Utica Academy of Science high school will be purchasing a basketball shooting machine. Thank you, Edwin J. Wadas Foundation, Inc. for your generosity and kindness.

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2021—Words cannot describe how thankful we are for our school counselors. These esteemed professionals have touched the lives of many and helped the Atoms achieve academic excellence and success both inside and outside the classroom. To say that we are forever grateful is an understatement. Thank you, school counselors for all your hard work, dedication and listening to all of our students, this means so much to all of us at SANY. 

Utica Academy of Science proudly celebrates National School Counseling week, “School Counselors; All in for ALL students!”

UASCS will be closed due to inclement weather on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2021. There will not be remote learning. Stay safe and warm UAS Atoms. Enjoy the snow day.

Monday, February 1st, 2021—Utica Academy of Science high school will be hosting a High School Spring Semester and High School Sports Forum on Monday, February 1st at 12:00 PM. We encourage all parents and guardians to join as we will be discussing the following topics.

• COVID Vaccination Updates
• Spring Semester Academic Plans
• High School Sports Season

We ask that you please submit your questions in the Google Forum before the meeting on Monday. Please click here for the Zoom meeting link. We hope to virtually see you there.

Thursday, January 28th, 2021—Is your Utica Academy of Science middle school Atom attending Hybrid Learning next week? If so, we invite you to join us for a virtual Coffee Talk on Thursday, January 28^th at 2:30 PM. During this session we will be discussing what students can expect and look forward to when arriving safely to campus next week for Hybrid Learning. A link to the virtual Coffee Talk will be shared with parents via email. We hope you can attend, and look forward to seeing you virtually!

Friday, January 22nd, 2021—Utica Academy of Science High School will be hosting a Job Corp Presentation from Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) staff on Friday, January 22^nd during marking period 2. During the presentation, students will learn how to earn an MVCC certificate in tech and trades programs, for free, in one year! Atoms can choose to take courses in one of the following: mechatronics, welding, and carpentry/masonry. Please click here for more information about the program. If students are interested, please have them contact Ms. Savage and Mr. Bullis.

Monday, January 18th, 2021—On Monday, January 18^th, Utica Academy of Science schools will be celebrating the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He believed in the equality, freedom and dignity for all people.

In observance of this holiday, there will be no school on Monday, January 18th. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 19^th. Enjoy this long weekend, Atoms!