Saturday, October 23rd, 2021—Utica Academy of Science Junior Senior High School school made waves at the annual CNY Steamboat Challenge presented by the MOST.

On Saturday, October 23^rd Atoms took to the sea in the STEM competition in 'pop-pop' or 'putt-putt' boat engineering. For this competition students could work in teams of 2-3 or individually, and were tasked with designing and constructing a miniature working steamboat powered by a single tealight candle. Teams would then present their design to the judges and are scored in 5 categories, as well as, their boat's best race time in 2 attempts.

Scoring for the CNY Steamboat Competition was based on the following criteria:

• Boat Specification
• Race Time
• Student Presentation

Congratulations to all of our 7^th & 8^th grade Atoms who took home the gold in this year's STEM competition. We are very proud of you, your hard work and all that you have accomplished! A special shout out and thank you to coaches Mr. Babacan, Mr. Oncu and Mr. Duman who helped the students accomplish their goals and encouraged them along the way. Way to go Atoms!

Wednesday, October 27th, 2021—As the Utica Academy of Science Boys Varsity Soccer team began their 2021 season, they were ranked 14^th in the State Class C Division. This season, the Atoms faced many tough competitors, grueling matches and defied the odds while playing like a champion. It’s with that mentality, the Atoms took home the title of the 2021 Division Champions!

We would like to take this moment to thank Coach Merriam, the student athletes, parents, teachers, family, and fans for everyone's hard work, encouragement, and support this 2021 season. Everyone's efforts certainly have not gone unnoticed. Many Atoms, one Family.

Friday, October 22nd, 2021—Double, double toil and trouble, some magic is about to happen inside Ms. Cavo’s second grade classroom. To get into the Halloween spirit, students had an opportunity to participate in a hands-on, minds-on STEM science experiment where they were able to create their very own Witches Potion.

For this potion, students would first start by combining vinegar and food coloring together in a cup. Next they would add this mixture into their cauldron (or cup) that was filled with baking soda. The chemical reaction that would occur makes CO₂ and bubbles over the top. We may or may not have heard or seen wand waving and incantations said while the reaction was taking place. We hope all of our Atoms have a happy and safe Halloween.

Friday, October 22nd, 2021—We all know it is 'Cool to be Kind,' ... but did you know that the kindness and generosity performed by Ms. Tayler's 1^st grade class at Utica Academy of Science elementary school was recognized by Central New York’s #1 hit music station Kiss FM and WKTV?

On Friday, October 22^nd, the Atoms 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. To enter, students had to demonstrate or perform the following acts of kindness:

• Give a classmate a compliment
• Tell someone they did a good job
• Pick up trash in your classroom without being asked
• Discuss why kindness is important as a group
• Let someone go ahead of you in line
• Ask someone new to sit with you at lunch
• Hold the door open for someone behind you
• As a class discuss what harm bullying can do

Once these acts of kindness have been completed, a class photo with the completed pizza pie is taken and submitted for a chance to win a pizza party! Each winning class received a pizza party hosted by the personalities from WKTV and Kiss FM, sweet treats from Ramon's Bakery, school supplies for each student, goodies from Fly Creek Cider Mill, and the teacher will receive a brand new InstantPot.

We are excited to share that Ms. Tayler's 1st grade class is one of the four classes that are currently in the running for the grand prize of $250 from GPO Federal Credit Union! Click here to view the coverage of the Atoms from WKTV. Congratulations Atoms, we are very proud of you for demonstrating acts of kindness and for the recognition of all your hard work!

Friday, October 22nd, 2021—Come cheer on the Utica Academy of Science high school Boys Varsity Soccer team as they take on Mount Markham in the Sectional Quarterfinals tomorrow (10/23) at 6:30 PM.

The game will be played at Proctor Park. Admission is $2.00 for Adults, and $1.00 for Students. Make sure to wear your Navy Blue to support the Atoms!

Friday, October 15th, 2021—Utica Academy of Science 4^th grade Atoms learn about clean energy through a hands-on, minds-on STEM project where students created their own solar powered electrical systems. Much like the electrical systems, the Atoms understood the value and importance of working together to find a creative solution to their engineering problem.

For this STEM project, students were tasked with developing a solution to make their fan spin using different techniques with wires and solar panels. As a result of the solar panels it's safe to say, the Atoms let the sun do the work for them by producing enough energy to power their fans to allow them to spin.

Much like the sun, the Atoms certainly have a bright future ahead of them! Keep up the great work.

Tuesday, October 12th, 2021—The students in Ms. Cavo’s second grade class conducted their first science experiment of the school year. For this experiment, Atoms were tasked with planting seeds in a plastic container, and will be observing and documenting their growth over the next few weeks. To achieve optimal growth, the students placed their containers with the seeds on the window sill in the sunlight.

This hands-on, minds-on will help teach the students first hand the importance of photosynthesis. We are all ‘rooting’ for the growth of these plants and look forward to seeing progress pictures in the near future.

Sunday, October 17th, 2021—It’s homecoming weekend at Utica Academy of Science Charter School! Junior Senior High School Students are invited to attend the Homecoming Dance on Sunday, October 17^th from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM. The Homecoming Dance will be held in the school cafeteria. Tickets will be on sale for $10. Utica Academy of Science Charter School is strongly recommending that masks be worn. We hope to see you there, go Atoms!

Tuesday, September 21st, 2021- Thank you for tuning in this past week at Utica Academy of Science Charter School shared eight videos in its series: ‘Let Your Voices Be Heard.’ Throughout this week, fans and followers had an opportunity to listen to messages shared by fellow Utica Academy of Science Charter School parents and students regarding the transportation complications and experiences thus far with Durham School Services. Today, we share with you our final video in this 8-part series.

Erna Bulaja, a senior at Utica Academy of Science Charter School shares the challenges students are facing due to the transportation complications with Durham School Services. From the school day being extended to accommodate the bus schedule, to students waiting for their bus for over an hour, to the bus dropping off students in early evening hours that impacts their time to study, jobs and life outside of school.

Thank you again for joining us this past week, and for all the parents, and students who ‘Let their voices be heard,’ and shared their experiences publicly about Durham School Services. We are confident that together we can accomplish anything!

Tuesday, September 21st, 2021-Utica Academy of Science high school senior, Ajla Vukovic lets her voice be heard about the transportation concerns with Durham School Services. During Utica Academy of Science Charter School’s press conference on September 21st, Ajla shared how it's sad that students are missing out on their education due to the bus delays, and complications from Utica City School District. “It’s 10:20 AM, and students are now arriving at school, 20 minutes late. That’s 20 minutes of class has been wasted!”

Tune in tomorrow as we share the final video of the ‘Let Your Voices Be Heard’ series.