Saturday, January 11th, 2025: The Utica Academy of Science Charter School proudly participated in the First Robotics Challenge (FTC) event at Mohawk Valley Community College. This exciting competition brought together approximately 24 regional teams to celebrate innovation, teamwork, and engineering excellence.

The event offered students a platform to showcase their knowledge and passion for STEM and robotics. Our dedicated team embraced the challenges with creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills, embodying the true spirit of collaboration and innovation.

Throughout the day, students could test their robotics designs in real-world scenarios, engage in strategic thinking, and refine their coding and engineering skills. These invaluable experiences are part of Utica Academy’s commitment to hands-on learning and preparing students to excel in future careers in STEM fields.

The energy, determination, and enthusiasm displayed by our students were inspiring. Months of preparation, problem-solving, and teamwork culminated in a performance that made our school community proud. Their ability to adapt to challenges and think critically highlights the strong foundation UAS provides in STEM education.

Wednesday, January 8th, 2025: Utica Academy of Science Junior-Senior High was honored to welcome Ross Berntson, President of Indium Corporation, to our school. 

Mr. Berntson inspired our students with an engaging talk on the importance of hard work, leadership, and setting meaningful goals. His insights left us motivated to aim high and persevere. He also shared the incredible innovations at Indium Corporation, giving us a glimpse into the fascinating world of one of the scholars' new favorite elements.

Thank you, Mr. Berntson, for your valuable time and wisdom. The future leaders of UAS are grateful for your encouragement and inspiration!

Friday, December 20th, 2024: Spirit Week at Utica Academy of Science Junior-Senior High ended with an electrifying Pep Rally that brought students and staff together for a day full of excitement, energy, and school pride! The celebration was the perfect finale for a week dedicated to showing off school spirit and fostering community.

The gym was alive with cheers and laughter as UAS Atoms competed in exciting events designed to challenge their skills and teamwork. Activities included table surfing, fast-paced volleyball games, and precision-driven basketball shooting challenges. Students raced across the floor in the exhilarating races, while the balloon cup race tested coordination and focus.

Supporting the school community is what UAS is all about, and pep rallies like these never disappoint!

Monday, November 4th, 2024: Fourth-grade Utica Academy of Science students went on a memorable Field Trip to the historic Rome Capitol Theatre for a production of "When Science Goes Viral: Mister C Live Vol. 3." This adventure was an escape from the classroom and an opportunity to immerse themselves in an exciting blend of science and culture.

The show brought science to life through dynamic demonstrations and interactive segments, sparking curiosity and inspiring creativity. Students were thrilled to witness how everyday science concepts can turn into jaw-dropping experiments and exciting discoveries. Beyond the science, the Atoms soaked in the vibrant cultural atmosphere of the Rome Capitol Theatre, a place rich in history. The experience provided an engaging way to connect classroom learning with real-world applications, leaving students buzzing with excitement and newfound interest in science.

This field trip was made possible by the dedication of our amazing teachers and staff, who worked tirelessly to organize an unforgettable day of learning and fun. Their commitment to providing meaningful educational experiences makes UAS a special place for scholars.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this trip a success!

Friday, December 20th, 2024: Utica Academy of Science Elementary had a fun-filled Spirit Week right before winter break! From cozy pajamas to crazy mismatched outfits, our UAS Atoms showed off their creativity and school spirit in every way. 

Thanks to our families, teachers, and staff for making this Spirit Week unforgettable! Your energy and participation made every day a celebration.

Thursday, December 19th, 2024: Before heading into winter break, Utica Academy of Science Junior-Senior High School hosted a day full of creativity and fun as students and teachers swapped roles!

The school transformed into a lively fashion show, with students dressing as their favorite teachers and teachers channeling their inner students. The hallways buzzed with laughter, and the energy was contagious as everyone embraced the playful spirit of the day.

This unique event showcased the strong sense of community and school spirit at UAS and created unforgettable memories to wrap up the semester.

Monday, December 16th, 2024: The Utica Academy of Science Junior-Senior High Girls Varsity Basketball Team played with passion and purpose against Little Falls!

The Atoms showcased their remarkable skills, teamwork, and determination, making every moment of the game an exciting display of athleticism and spirit. Their hard work and dedication were evident in every play, leaving us incredibly proud of their effort and sportsmanship.

Way to go, Atoms! Your performance inspires us all, and we can't wait to see you bring the energy to your next game. 

Tuesday, November 26th, 2024: Utica Academy of Science Junior-Senior High celebrated its students' remarkable achievements at the Quarter 1 Awards Ceremony! The event recognized hard work, growth, and outstanding character among our scholars, highlighting the values that make our school community thrive.

Students were honored for their academic accomplishments, receiving certificates for Dean’s List, High Honor Roll, Honor Roll, Merit Roll, and the coveted “On a Roll” Award, which acknowledges exceptional effort and improvement throughout the quarter.

In addition to academic recognition, special awards celebrated personal growth and leadership. The Most Improved Citizen Award highlighted students’ behavioral growth, while the Citizen of the Quarter Award acknowledged those who exemplify outstanding character. The Student of the Quarter Award was given to individuals who demonstrated academic excellence and set an example for their peers.

The Q1 Awards Ceremony was a powerful reminder of our student body's dedication and potential. We are incredibly proud of our Atoms and can’t wait to see what they achieve next!

Congratulations to all our award recipients! Keep striving for greatness!

Saturday, November 23, 2024: Utica Academy of Science Charter School welcomed alumni back to campus for its inaugural Alumni Dinner. The event was a heartwarming evening of laughter, nostalgia, and inspiration as former students from all graduating years gathered to celebrate their shared memories and successes.

This event was a testament to the strength and unity of the UAS community. We thank everyone who joined us and helped make this night so special. The bonds we share as part of the UASCS family continue to grow stronger, and we look forward to many more alumni events in the future.

Stay tuned for updates on future alumni gatherings—once an Atom, always an Atom! 

Saturday, November 9th, 2024: Utica Academy of Science Junior-Senior High School recently celebrated its students' outstanding achievements at the annual Bridges Challenge. Held at the Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) in Syracuse on Saturday, November 11th, this year’s event featured 75 teams competing to test their engineering skills in a challenging environment. UAS students demonstrated exceptional innovation, teamwork, and engineering talent, ultimately winning four awards.

The competition encouraged teams to design and build bridges that balanced strength with weight efficiency. Each bridge was evaluated based on the load it could carry relative to its mass.

Award-Winning Teams:

• 9th-Grade Senior Section

• 2nd Place: Abdullah Marat, Uzair Zaid, Aysen San

• 4th Place: Ajout Ajang

• 8th-Grade Junior Section

• 3rd Place: Ku Ku Hser, Ker Hai

• 6th-Grade Junior Section

• 4th Place: Ulwan Zaid, Dariel Tapia Duarte, Jacy Moo

These results highlight the hard work, perseverance, and dedication of UAS Atoms, who continue to set high standards in STEM competitions. The students’ achievements were made possible by the dedication and support of UAS educators. Special congratulations go to Mr. Babacan and Mr. Uzumcu for their skillful preparation of the students, and Mr. Ikram and Mr. Salum for their valuable contributions to the team.

Fostering a love for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, UAS remains committed to nurturing students’ potential in these fields. Their performance at the Bridges Challenge demonstrates the powerful combination of talent and determination among the UAS community. Let the success continue as these students aim high and build bridges to the future!