Friday, June 10th, 2022—We may have some future spelunkers here, as Utica Academy of Science elementary school's 4^th-grade Atoms said yes to keeping adventure and exploration alive when visiting the Howe Caverns.

Their adventure began when they stepped into an elevator that took them 156 feet below the Earth's surface to a prehistoric destination 6 million years in the making. In this prehistoric cavern, stalagmites and stalactites filled the area. While many might think that being that far below the Earth's surface would be chilly, at Howe Caverns, it was constant 52 degrees Fahrenheit and 75% humidity year-round.

This geological adventure reminded the students just how deep below the Earth's surface they were when hearing every sound echo off the walls and ceilings. Atoms learned about the magnificent limestone and flowstone and conservation efforts to preserve this prehistoric location for future generations to enjoy.

The Howe Caverns is New York State's 2^nd most visited Natural Attraction and a favorite field trip location amongst the Atoms. Please click here to view additional pictures from Utica Academy of Science elementary school's 4^th-grade field trip to Howe Caverns.

Saturday, June 11th, 2022—Dancing, Art, Music, International Cuisine, and more as Utica Academy of Science junior-senior high school embraced cultures worldwide at its time-honored event, International Day.

Organized by Utica Academy of Science teacher Sophia Putrello, International Day allows students, their families, and the community to learn about the diversity within Utica.

Throughout the event, guests could learn about over 20 different countries, watch six traditional and modern dance groups perform, taste authentic cuisine native to the represented country, view priceless works of art from the Atoms, and listen to musical performances from students. Utica Academy of Science student Muamer Hysenaj played a chiftele guitar to showcase his love for his Albanian culture, family, and ancestors.'

We want to thank WKTV for attending and covering the International Day event. As well as the Utica Academy of Science junior-senior high school staff who helped make this event possible. A special thank you to our 400+ guests who attended the International Day event; your support and patronage put joy and pride into the students' eyes as they shared their culture and heritage. Please click here to view additional pictures from Utica Academy of Science junior-senior high school's International Day event.

Saturday, June 4th, 2022—The Utica Academy of Science junior-senior high school’s Rocket Team, composed of Almin Yahiyaa, Admir, Mohamed, Messadi, and Mohamed Alharbi never ‘cracked’ under pressure when participating in the MOST’s annual Rocket Team Challenge held at Syracuse University's Skytop Field.

This STEM competition has the Junior Division (grades 4-8) and Senior Division (grades 9-12). To compete, the teams must design and assemble a model rocket kit provided by the MOST. Upon submittal of their rocket, each team is judged on the following criteria:

• Quality of their construction
• Knowledge of the subject
• How well they estimated their trajectory
• Survival of their 'eggstronaut'

Awards are given to the top 4 highest scoring teams in each division, and the team who had the rocket fly the highest, land the farthest and closest to the launch site, had the best team name, etc.

Friday, May 20th, 2022—It's never too early to start thinking about college and your career! In May, Utica Academy of Science elementary school welcomed many businesses, organizations, colleges, and universities for students to learn about various career paths through hands-on, minds-on activities and presentations. Each student received a career day passport and received stamps in their passport for actively being engaged throughout the presentation, asking questions, and exploring various career paths.

Thank you to the following businesses and organizations for taking time out of their busy schedules to participate in Utica Academy of Science elementary school's Career Day. Please click here to visit our Facebook page to view additional pictures from Career Day.

Athletics

• Accelerate Sports

Automotive/Transportation

• NYS Department of Transportation
• Carbone Dodge Chrysler Jeep

Community Involvement

• Project Hope, Neighborhood Center

Dog Training

• Paws Please Dog Training

Education

• Le Moyne College
• MVCC
• SUNY Morrisville

First Responders/Healthcare

• Aida Durmisevic, FNP
• Dr. Eileen Woodcock, Physical Therapist
• Rachel Head, Physician Assistant
• Utica Police Department
• New York State Police
• Oneida County Sheriff's Office

New York Power Authority 

• NYPA - New York Energy Zone

Real-Estate/Home Improvement

• Home Builders & Remodelers of the Mohawk Valley
• Virginia Franco, Real Estate Agent

Thursday, June 2nd, 2022—Utica Academy of Science junior-senior high school's Varsity Track and Field student-athletes participated in the Section 3 State Qualifier held at the North Syracuse Central School District, C-NS High School.

Please give a round of applause and congratulations to Jay Bowman for receiving First Place in the Triple Jump! Jay will be representing the Atoms in the NYSPHSAA State Championship meet next week at C-NS High School.

Congratulations to Jay, Coach Brown, and our other student-athletes. This year there have been many firsts for the Track and Field Program, with individual Section 3 Champions in the Long Jump, Triple Jump, 4 x 100 Relay, and a qualifier at the state meet. Way to go, Atoms! We are very proud of you.

Tuesday, May 24th, 2022—Utica Academy of Science junior-senior high school's Varsity Track and Field team competed in the Section 3 C-1 Championship meet. With great honor and excitement, we share the Atoms brought home many medals and will be competing tomorrow (06/02) at the Section 3 State Qualifier held at the C-NS High School in Syracuse, New York.

Congratulations to Coach Brown, Coach Paul, and the Varsity Track and Field team members on their performance. Below were the top performers at the Section 3 C-1 Championship Meet. We wish all of our student-athletes the best of luck tomorrow at the Section 3 State Qualifier.

Savannah Noel

• 100 Meter Dash 2^nd Place

Jay Bowman

• Long Jump 1^st place Section Champion
• Triple Jump 1^st place Section Champion

Jay Bowman, Jazeir Brown, Ittikorn Keawpinna, and Jermaine Gaither

• 4 X 100 Meters Relay 1^st Place Section Champion

Wednesday, May 18th, 2022—Utica Academy of Science junior-senior high school hosted its annual career fair to help the Atoms become Career Ready and College Bound.

Atoms had an opportunity to learn about the many exciting careers in industries including Athletics, First-Responders, Healthcare, Military, Medical, Technology, and more. In addition to the career fields, Utica Academy of Science junior-senior high school welcomed college representatives (some were former Atoms) from SUNY Poly, SUNY Oswego, LeMoyne College, HCCC, Mohawk Valley Community College, and Hartwick College.

Thank you to the Utica Police Department, Utica Fire Department, Air Force Rome Lab, MVCC Drone Program, US Marines, and SUNY Poly Basketball Head Coach for participating in the Utica Academy of Science junior-senior high school career fair. We also want to thank everyone who helped make this event possible.

Please click here to visit our Facebook page to view additional pictures from this event.

Tuesday, May 17th, 2022—Utica Academy of Science Atoms competed in the Center State Conference Division 3 and 4 Championship for Track and Field held at Sauquoit Valley High School. Congratulations to the following Atoms who placed at this year's event and qualified for States!

Savannah Noel

• 1st Place 100-yard Dash
• 3rd Place 200-yard Dash

Jay Bowman

• 1st Place Triple Jump 41 Feet 5 inches *
• 2nd Place Long Jump
• 3rd Place 100-yard Dash

Donald Grant

• 1st Place High Jump

Jay Bowman

• 1st Place 400-yard Relay

Jazir Brown

• 1st Place 400-yard Relay

Ittikorn Kaewapinna

• 1st Place 400-yard Relay

Kaeden Hakim Monterio

• 1st Place 400-yard Relay
• 2nd Place 110-yard Hurdles

*Qualified for States

Congratulations, Atoms; we are very proud of you and all you have accomplished!

Saturday, May 15th, 2022—SANY Superintendent Dr. Tolga Hayali was honored and celebrated as one of United Way's 100 Heroes. Individuals who aligned with the mission of the United Way and were in healthcare, education, financial stability, volunteerism, advocacy, and leadership were selected.

Over the past six weeks, the United Way released its heroes and shared how each person has impacted the Mohawk Valley community. Dr. Hayali was one of the fifteen education and childcare heroes.

United Way presented each hero with a certificate of acknowledgment and appreciation for their part in the project and a small gift to celebrate each hero. The heroes and their guests met other honored individuals who have made a difference in the Mohawk Valley community.

Congratulations, Dr. Hayali; thank you for all you have done and continue to do to help serve and educate children in Syracuse and Utica. Your hard work, leadership, and tremendous efforts have not gone unnoticed. Thank you for helping make all the difference in the world. We are Many Atoms, One Family!

We invite you to please click here to read the full article about the United Way's 100 Heroes.

Wednesday, May 11th, 2022—To all of our school nurses, Utica Academy of Science Charter Schools would like to thank you for all the fantastic work you are doing to bring health and happiness to the Atoms and their families. Thank you for all you do and continue to do for the students, teachers, faculty, and staff. We wish you a very happy (and healthy) National School Nurse Day!