Thursday, April 22nd, 2021—Utica Academy of Science 3^rd grade Atoms are some smart cookies as they rocked their first ELA state test last week. Thank you to all the teachers, faculty and staff who helped not only prepare the students for their first state test, but also helped make this a fun, exciting and rewarding experience. Way to go Atoms, we are so proud of you!

Thursday, April 22nd, 2021—Late last week, Utica Academy of Science high school students had an opportunity to take the Preliminary SAT or PSAT. This rigorous exam is roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes and tests a student on their reading, writing and math skills. The highest score to receive on the PSAT is 1520. Prior to the Atoms taking the PSAT, students had their temperatures screened and were instructed to sit 6 feet apart. Way to go Atoms, we are so proud of you!

Wednesday, April 21st, 2021—Utica Academy of Science middle school faculty and staff show their support for the Military families by wearing various shades of purple for 'Purple Up! Day." ‘Purple Up! Day’ or “Purple Up! For Military Kids,” is a day for Department of Defense Education Activity communities to wear purple to show support and thank military children for their strength and sacrifices. Below are some more fun facts about Purple Up! Day.

•  Purple Up! Day is typically held on April 15th each year.
• The color purple was selected as there is a tradition in the military when referencing the color purple. For instance, the phrase “purple suit” which can refer to a military activity or organization that includes civilians and/or multiple branches of the military.
• Purple also indicates that all branches of the military are supported.

Saturday, April 17th, 2021—As part of the Community Organization initiative, a group of Utica Academy of Science high school students teamed up this past weekend to help an elderly community member with light yard work. Atoms rolled up their sleeves, grabbed a few rakes and tarps and assisted with raking leaves and picking up yard debris. Words cannot express how proud we are of the students for volunteering their time to help a community member in need. Way to go, Atoms!

Friday, April 16th, 2021—The 3^rd grade Atoms in Ms. Muhic’s class showed how hard they have worked and prepared for their upcoming ELA test by dressing for success. In dressing for success, the Atoms all wear a smile, because as we may remember from the Tony Award Winning Broadway musical, Annie, “you’re never fully dressed without a smile.” Good luck, Atoms we know you’ll do great!

Thursday, April 1st, 2021—Utica Academy of Science High School had an opportunity to participate in Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon's Women's History Celebration. Students throughout New York wrote to Assemblywoman Buttenschon sharing with her either an inspirational quote, drawing or message about  the women who have been influential in their lives.

Click here to watch this short video, as Assemblywoman Buttenschon shares the student's submissions. Great work, Atoms!

Thursday, April 8th, 2021—As all the Atoms enjoyed a nice week-long Spring Recess, the Utica Academy of Science elementary school teachers and staff working during the break joined together for a BBQ cookout on a beautiful sunny day. Thank you, Mr. Oktay for organizing this event and Mr. Basic for being the ‘grill master’ and cooking all the delicious food for the event. We hope all the students enjoyed their Spring Recess!

Wednesday, March 31st, 2021—The week leading up to Spring Recess, Utica Academy of Science middle school students Hamza Zukanovic and Gideon Keawpinna competed against hundreds of students across Central New York in Utica College’s Virtual Regional Science Fair.

We are excited to share that Hamza and Gideon received 2^nd place in the Junior Division for Math, Computer and Engineering. Their project was called: Ac vs. Dc Current. Hamza and Gideon also received the Norman P. Bernstein award, as well! Congratulations to both of you and for Mr. Babacan who helped the Atoms with their Virtual Science Fair journey! We are very proud of you and all of our participant Atoms.

Thursday, March 25th, 2021—Utica Academy of Science ENL students put on their creativity hats when touring the elementary school for an educational class field trip. While on the tour, students were tasked with asking questions using the 5 ‘W’s’: Who, What, Where, When, Why and How. The Atoms visited and met with the school security guard, the school nurse, janitorial staff, lunchroom staff, and they also visited the school fish pond. While visiting the lunchroom, the students had an opportunity to climb up on the stage and learn about when the stage is typically in use throughout the school year. What a fun, creative and educational class field trip!

Monday, March 29th, 2021—To kick-off the week of Spring Recess the Utica Academy of Science middle school hosted their own virtual spirit week. Each day students, teachers, faculty and staff had an opportunity to dress in that day’s theme. The themes throughout the week included the following:

• Monday (03/29): Wear the color red
• Tuesday (03/30): Twin Day
• Wednesday (03/31): College Gear Day
• Thursday (04/01): April Fools Day!

What a fun idea and creative way to celebrate the start of Spring Recess. We hope all of our Atoms are enjoying their break!