Hello Utica Academy of Science Charter School Families,

It’s hard to believe that it’s already the holiday break - where has this time gone? As we get ready to celebrate the holiday season with family and loved ones that are near and dear to us, I wanted to take a brief moment to reflect on all that has happened this past year.

As the year started off with much promise as the COVID-19 vaccine would be made available to the vast majority, the year 2021 seemed like it would bring much hope and light in the times of darkness. At some point throughout this year, I think we all expected to be beyond COVID-19 and its far-reaching impact on the education system, however, much like the 2020 school year, our students, teachers, faculty and staff overcame many obstacles and challenges that presented themselves. If the 2020 school year taught us anything, there is nothing we (as Atoms) can’t accomplish.

Despite the many challenges this year faced, I am reminded of a quote by Mahatma Gandhi, ‘in the midst of darkness, light persists.’ I am drawn to this quote by the generosity, positivity and actions presented this year by the Utica Academy of Science Charter School Atoms. But don’t just take my word for it, take a look at all the many wonderful things the students have accomplished thus far.

? Utica Academy of Science Charter Schools moves to one building, and becomes a Title I school.

? Utica Academy of Science Charter Schools voices were heard all across Central New York including: WKTV, Talk of the Town, and Observer Dispatch, as they expressed their challenges with Durham School Services and its transportation services.

? Utica Academy of Science elementary school students received a special visit from Kiss FM who presented the students with goodies and a class pizza party as part of their 'It's Cool to be Kind' campaign.

? Utica Academy of Science boys soccer team is named the 2021 Division Champions.

? Utica Academy of Science junior senior high school students took first place in the 2021 CNY Steamboat Competition.

? Utica Academy of Science junior senior high school students took third and fourth place in the CNY Bridges: Build ‘Em & Bust ‘Em competition.

? Utica Academy of Science junior senior high school introduces a Character Strong school program that is designed to improve and enhance character development and social-emotional learning through building relationships with peers and teachers.

? Utica Academy of Science junior senior high school students in the Cybersecurity class all pass their Certified Secure Computer User (CSCU) test and receive their certificate by EC-Council Academia.

? Utica Academy of Science junior senior high school sends holiday cards to elderly citizens.

While we are halfway through the school year, Atoms continue to show that they are the light that is shining through the darkness.

Someday, when we look back at this period and reflect upon how we lived through these challenging times, I will always be reminded that it was because of each and every one of our Atoms, their families, teachers, faculty and staff. Many Atoms, one family. We wish you a very happy holiday! 
  

Sincerely,

Dr. Tolga Hayali
SANY Superintendent

Wednesday, December 15th, 2021—Utica Academy of Science junior senior high school celebrates the holiday season with its time honored tradition of writing letters to elderly citizens in the community. This activity not only puts a smile on the faces of those who receive the letter but those who are writing them, as well. Way to go Atoms, for making this a December to remember!

Wednesday, December 8th, 2021—It's official, the Utica Academy of Science boys basketball team is UNDEFEATED! 

Earlier this week, Utica Academy of Science boys basketball took it to the net and scored BIG against their rivals Cooperstown Hawkeyes! With a score of 92-13, the Atoms continue their record of 3-0. 

During the game on Wednesday, December 8^th, five of the players reached double-digits in scoring for the Atoms including Jazier Brown who led the team with 18 points. P.J. Kiuber led the Hawkeyes with 6 points.

Congratulations, Atoms and keep making those 'swishes' come true!

Tuesday, December 7th, 2021—‘Tis the season to sparkle! Atoms put their creativity into action when designing their very own homemade paper snow globes. These snow globes are true original masterpieces that were designed with love and of course some glitter. Way to spread a little holiday cheer this time of year, Atoms!

Wednesday, December 8th, 2021—We believe that learning should always be fun, and in Ms. Salem’s kindergarten ENL class, fun is certainly not in short supply! Each day, students are provided support, challenges, and opportunities to instill all the necessary skills. Atoms develop various language skills through a variety of hands-on, minds-on activities, games and exercises. These important skills will allow the students to become successful and thrive throughout their educational career.

We invite you to please click here to watch a quick video of Ms. Salem's ENL class participating in various language development activities, games and exercises.

Saturday, December 4th, 2021—Earlier this month, laced up their basketball shoes and headed down the road to pay a visit to sister school, Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School for a winner take all basketball game. The Atoms vs. Atoms boys basketball game is a time honored tradition for SANY, and the winning team will have the chance to take home the Superintendents Trophy and proudly display it for a full school year.

In true Utica fashion, the Atoms put the pressure on and dominated the court. Freshman guard, Doneilous King Jr. led his team with 31 points, and Wol Machteng had 11 points (and a thunderous drop step dunk on 3 of the Syracuse Academy of Science Atoms players).

Congratulations to the Utica Academy of Science Atoms for winning the 2021 Superintendents Trophy!

Friday, December 3rd, 2021—Any where the wind blows doesn’t really matter to us as long as the Utica Academy of Science Atoms are there! The students in Ms. Winter’s science class was busy going green and learning all about the various forms of energy.

For their science project students were tasked with creating a backup electrical system that would be able to function in the events of a blackout. The Atoms decided the best backup source of energy would be wind energy. Students would then be tasked with not only creating but testing out their very own wind turbines.

Everyone had a great time designing and testing out their wind turbines. Keep up the great work, Atoms!

Wednesday, December 8th, 2021—Practice like you’ve never won. Play like you’ve never lost. Utica Academy of Science Atoms will be taking on the Cooperstown Hawkeyes for their boys basketball season home opener on Wednesday, December 8^th.

Come cheer on the Atoms as the Junior Varsity team tips off at 5:30 PM, followed by the Varsity team at 7:00 PM. May all your swishes come true, let's go Atoms!

Friday, December 3rd, 2021—To tip-off winter sports, the Utica Academy of Science boys basketball team takes it to the net and makes CNYHomepage headlines as they topple Notre Dame with a score of 69-41. Click here to watch their featured story.

Congratulations Atoms, keep up the great work this season and may all your ‘swishes’ come true!

Friday, December 3rd, 2021—Bump. Set. Spike! Utica Academy of Science Lady Atoms will be taking on Sauquoit Valley for their volleyball season home opener, on Friday, December 3^rd. Come cheer on the Lady Atoms as the Junior Varsity team opens the night with a match at 5:00 PM, followed by the Varsity team at 7:00 PM. We hope to see you there. Let's go Atoms!