Thursday, February 13th, 2025: Utica Academy of Science Atoms never go out of style! To celebrate the 100th Day of School, students and staff dressed up as 100-year-olds, bringing laughter and joy to the hallways. 

From gray wigs to walking canes, our scholars had a blast marking this milestone with creativity and school spirit. Here’s to 100 days of learning, growing, and making unforgettable memories—and we can't wait to see what the rest of the year holds!

Saturday, February 1st, 2025: The Utica Academy of Science Junior-Senior High Robotics Team recently participated in the FTC Clarkson Competition, showcasing their skills, teamwork, and dedication in a challenging and competitive environment. Competing against some of the best teams in the region, our students put their problem-solving abilities to the test and demonstrated their incredible progress this season.

While the team did not advance to the NYS Championship this year, they walked away with valuable experience, new insights, and an even stronger determination to improve for future competitions. Every event allowed growth, and this competition was no exception. The team remains committed to learning, innovating, and pushing their limits as they prepare for the next challenge.

We sincerely thank our mentors, supporters, and the school community for their unwavering encouragement. Your support has been instrumental in our journey, and we couldn’t have come this far without you! As we reflect on this season, we are more motivated than ever to refine our strategies, strengthen our skills, and return stronger next year. The future is bright for UAS Robotics!

Saturday, February 1st, 2025: The Utica Academy of Science Junior-Senior High Robotics Team spent their day on an exciting trip to Clarkson University, where they explored cutting-edge technology and witnessed student-driven engineering projects in action. 

During their visit, students engaged with robotics demonstrations, sustainability initiatives, and real-world problem-solving applications in STEM. This hands-on experience gave our scholars a glimpse into the innovative work of Clarkson students and faculty, inspiring them to think big about their future in science and engineering.

Thank you to Clarkson University for hosting us and sharing this incredible learning opportunity!

Friday, January 31st, 2025: Utica Academy of Science Junior-Senior High School was honored to host Regent Patrick A. Mannion from the New York State Board of Regents and District Superintendent D.J. Shepardson of Herkimer BOCES. Their visit provided an extraordinary opportunity for our UAS Atoms to interact with influential education leaders, gaining valuable insights and inspiration for their academic journeys.

During their time at UAS, Regent Mannion and Superintendent Shepardson toured the school, witnessing firsthand our students and staff's innovative learning environment and dedication. A special highlight of the visit was a classroom session hosted by two outstanding educators: alumni teacher Ms. Patrello and veteran teacher Ms. Syvertson. These dedicated instructors played a pivotal role in showcasing the excellence and commitment that define UAS.

Leading the school tour alongside our honored guests was SANY Superintendent Dr. Tolga Hayali, who provided an in-depth look at the programs and initiatives that make UAS a beacon of academic excellence. The visit underscored our unwavering commitment to fostering a dynamic and supportive learning environment that empowers students to achieve their highest potential.

We are beyond proud to have had the opportunity to share our school’s mission and accomplishments with Regent Mannion and Superintendent Shepardson. Their visit serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, faculty, and staff. We look forward to many more inspiring moments and continued engagement with educational leaders who share our passion for student success!

Saturday, January 25th, 2025: Congratulations to the talented 9th-grade robotics team from Utica Academy of Science for earning second place in the Senior Division of the Micron Robotics Challenge held at the MOST Museum! 

This exciting competition celebrated the power of STEM innovation, challenging students to design and build creative farm-assisting devices using minicomputer kits. Our team rose to the occasion with ingenuity and teamwork, earning well-deserved recognition for their outstanding efforts.

Fantastic job, UAS Atoms—you’ve made us proud! Keep reaching for the stars in STEM! 

Sunday, January 19th, 2025: The Utica Academy of Science Atoms accomplished an incredible feat by securing third place at the FTC Buffalo Regional Competition! 

The team also earned the prestigious Connect Award, celebrating their outstanding efforts to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders and forge meaningful connections with the engineering community. The scholar's technical skills, innovation, and exceptional teamwork truly stood out, demonstrating the power of dedication and collaboration.

Thank you to Mr. Babacan, Mr. Uzumcu, and our brilliant scholars for making this remarkable achievement possible. We are so proud of your hard work and success!

Wednesday, January 15th, 2025: It was a game to remember! Our Utica Academy Atoms faced Proctor High School on a roller coaster of emotions. After a tough first quarter, we were down by 14 points, but giving up wasn’t an option! Quarter by quarter, the team rallied, staying united and trusting the process. The result? A thrilling comeback victory powered by an incredible team effort! 

Game Highlights include:
Amari Berkley led the charge with an unstoppable 32 points.
Akol dominated with 17 points, 15 rebounds, and five blocks.

Devonte: 11 crucial points.

Yahzir: 7 pivotal points.

Damarcus: 6 clutch points.

And let’s talk defense! Our Atoms locked it down in the fourth quarter, holding Proctor to 4 points. A massive shoutout to our players, coaches, and fans for an unforgettable game. Let’s keep this momentum going, Atoms! 

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!