Wednesday, May 4th, 2022—The first week in May, is National Teacher Appreciation Week. Today, SANY would like to take the opportunity to highlight the incredible team of teachers we have at Utica Academy of Science Charter Schools. 

Each day, Utica Academy of Science Charter School teachers dedicate their time to the success of every student. They provide hope, stability, knowledge, and life lessons and profoundly influence the lives of every Atom they work with daily. Our teachers provide opportunities for students to not only learn through innovative lessons and experiences but continue to grow and succeed. 

Please join SANY in honoring our teachers and by sharing your appreciation with them this week and in the weeks and years to come.

Thank you, teachers, for all you do and continue to do for our Atoms and their families. We are Many Atoms, One Family!

Friday, April 29th, 2022—Utica Academy of Science elementary school students welcome and salute their guest speakers, Reginald Sanders, Josh Sweet, and Al Castilla from the City of Utica, NY Police Department!

During their visit, the Atoms learned many new facts about the police department, the roles and responsibilities of being a police officer, and police vehicles. They also met a beloved member of their K-9 unit, Officer Varick! The City of Utica Police Department comprises over 160 sworn members and has a paramilitary ranking system, including its patrol division, criminal investigation division, and administrative division. In addition to helping serve the community from a law enforcement side, officers are involved in community-related events to build harmony and community goodwill. Some events include Shop with A Cop, community readers, Pathways to Justice Junior Academy, volunteering at Hope House, and the Rescue Mission.

To conclude their presentation, the officers introduced the Atoms to another member of their unit, Officer Varick, a beloved team member of the K-9 unit! Officer Varick specializes in and is certified in NYS Narcotic Scent Detection. Students had an opportunity to come up and pet Officer Varick and have their pictures taken with him.

Thank you, Reginald Sanders, Josh Sweet, Al Castilla, and Officer Varick, for taking time out of your schedule to come and speak with the Utica Academy of Science elementary school Atoms. We appreciate and thank you for your commitment to helping to serve the community, for being a first responder, and for keeping everyone safe.

Sunday, May 1st, 2022—In honor of National School Principal's Day, we want to thank our Utica Academy of Science Charter Schools Principals for their hard work and commitment to the students, teachers, faculty, and staff. You are not only the driving force behind Utica Academy of Science Charter Schools but the heart and soul of all of our Atoms. We are Many Atoms, One Family. Happy School Principal's Day!

Friday, April 22nd, 2022—Mulch like the Atoms, plants always keep growing especially when they are cared for and nurtured. To celebrate Earth Day Utica Academy of Science elementary school planted seeds to highlight the importance of plants in our life.

We hope everyone had a happy Earth Day! Click here to visit our Facebook page to view more pictures from the Atoms Earth Day celebration.

Friday, April 22nd, 2022—Live. Laugh. Love the Earth! Happy Earth Day, Atoms. Below are some fun ways you can pitch in at home and in the community to celebrate Earth Day and make a difference for this planet.

• Turn off the lights when you leave the room.
• Set your computer to the 'sleep setting' when you are not using it. This will help save energy.
• Save water by shutting off the faucet while you brush your teeth.
• Plant trees in your community - this helps clean the air.
• Use recycled paper to help save the trees.
• Write letters to leaders to let them know you care about the environment.
• Carpool or ride a bike to cut down on air pollution.

Monday, March 28th, 2022—Utica Academy of Science elementary school's Miss Tayler and Ms. Renee's first-grade class welcomed Oneida County Sheriff Officer Rob Maciol and Sgt. Morgan as guest speakers and readers. 

During their visit, Mr. Maciol and Sgt. Morgan shared with the Atoms stories about their families and their impressive 20+ years in law enforcement. Mr. Maciol and Sgt. Morgan shared that as a County Sheriff, it is their responsibility to protect and serve the community and help those who call 9-1-1 in Oneida County. In addition to supporting the community, County Sheriffs also enjoy visiting the school and being guest speakers and readers.

Following sharing about their career, Mr. Maciol read to the student the story, 'The Bad Seed.'

Thank you, Mr. Maciol and Sgt. Morgan, for taking time out of your schedule to come and speak with the Atoms. Thank you for being a first-responder and for keeping our community safe.

Wednesday, April 6th, 2022—We won’t spare any of the details on this strikingly fun-filled field trip with the Utica Academy of Science junior-senior high school 11^th-grade students. Leading up to Spring Recess, the Atoms headed to the alley, the bowling alley that is for an afternoon of laughter, excitement and of course bowling. This field trip was a great way to kick-start Spring Recess, and everyone (teachers included) had a striking great time.

A special shout out and thank you to Mr. Bullis for arranging this bowling field trip.

Friday, March 4th, 2022—On this ‘Throwback Thursday,’ we are sharing an art project from Utica Academy of Science junior-senior high school. This project focuses on self-love and perception. Many people, including teenagers and young adults, face varying insecurities about themselves. 

The goal of the 'What Makes you Different, Makes you Beautiful' art project allowed the students to explore through art the different 'faces' and insecurities they have within themselves and create a collage. Their artwork shows them with their masks off, and they shared why (or why they don't) wear their mask.

This art project was very moving and allowed the students to realize that they are more alike than they are different. Everyone can have a tendency to feel insecure about themselves, and it's important to empower others and be kind to one another.

Monday, April 4th, 2022—Court may not be in session, but Utica Academy of Science elementary school welcomed guest speaker (and guest reader), Supreme Court Judge David Murad who spoke with the first-grade Atoms. During his visit, Judge Murad shared with the students his legal background and career as a Supreme Court Judge. He also shared some legal advice (pro-bono, of course), read one of his favorite story books, and left the Atoms with excellent advice - to always act fairly.

We want to thank Supreme Court Judge David Murad for taking time out of his schedule to come and speak with the Atoms!

Friday, March 11th, 2022—The Utica Academy of Science elementary school students in Ms. DeAngelis & Ms. Flihan's class embarked on a trip 'under the sea' where no snorkeling gear would be necessary. For this trip, students put their creativity to the test when making animal defense models. For this hands-on, minds-on class project, students could select one of the following animals: sea turtle, crab, pufferfish, or lionfish. Upon selecting their animals, Atoms created their defense models based on the animal's structure. This fun and the creative project allowed the students to think outside the box and apply what they learned.