Thursday, October 31, 2019—A spooktacular day filled with fab-boo-lous activities, creative costumes and of course sweet treats to kick-off the start of Halloween. Elementary Atoms enjoyed their annual Fall Festival, where students could dress up in their favorite literary costumes. Their creativity certainly shined with costumes such as a sumo wrestler, a Harry Potter character in the Gryffindor House, Power Rangers, and ninjas, just to name a few. Thank you to all the Family School Alliance (FSA) members for helping decorate for the Fall Festival and for providing sweet candy for the event, as well.

Thursday, October 24, 2019 — Ms. Brown took her 2nd Graders to Cullen Pumpkin Farm for their monthly field-trip to celebrate fall & to witness the turning of the season first-hand. UAS ES Atoms explored a winding corn maze and experienced a hayride through cornfields and pumpkin patches. Atoms also went aboard the pumpkin express and left with our very own pumpkins. Our scholars had a blast and can't wait for our next monthly field trip.

Saturday, October 19, 2019—It is no surprise that our Atoms have talent, both in academics and athletics. This young Atom in particular had a trip of a lifetime as she showcased her basketball talent and athletic ability on the court against the daughter of NBA legend (and future hall of famer), Kobe Bryant. While her team did unfortunately lose, our middle school Atom’s basketball skills spoke for themselves and were noticed by Kobe. Following the game, Kobe called her by name and mentioned that he “loved her game, and basketball is going to take her places!” 

Don’t just take our word for it or Kobe’s, she has been recruited and peaked interest in many colleges and universities for her basketball ability. For instance, Temple University, Hampton University, University of California, and LSU, just to name a few. We are excited to see her rise in the basketball ranks as she continues to practice, grow and hone in on her talent.

Friday, October 18, 2019—What does the field of manufacturing, transformers and former Syracuse University basketball legend have in common? Funny you should ask, because they were all present at this year's Mohawk Valley Community College's Manufacturing Day. Middle and high school Atoms had the opportunity to learn about various careers in the manufacturing field, educational programs that would prepare them for careers in the manufacturing industry, as well as, meeting and talking with exhibitors. Students also met, and asked for his autograph, former Syracuse University legend, John Wallace.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019—A little rain never kept the elementary school Atoms and their families from participating in the first Family Night event, Math Night. Students and their families enjoyed an evening of a variety of hands on math activities. From building designs using geometric shapes, to reviewing numbers, to practicing counting, there were activities and games for everyone. This event also marked the beginning of the passport raffle to enter to win a free yearbook at the end of the school year. Thank you to all the students, parents and teachers for joining us on Math Night. We look forward to seeing everyone at our next Family Night.

Thursday, October 24, 2019—Utica Academy of Science Girls Varsity Soccer team take on one of their most competitive opponents yet, Notre Dame. Location, a brand new soccer pitch with Utica VIP community members in leaders sitting and cheering in the stands. The crowd would go wild with each and every goal, but the Atoms rallied together which led to a victory and history being made. In attendance were community members such as Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri, representatives from Congressman Anthony Brindisi and Senator Griffo office, Assemblywoman Marianne, Oneida County Executive Mr. Picente and many others. It was a great day to be an Atom to be a part of this special event. A special shout out and thank you to Utica Academy of Science Athletic Director Mr. Wagner and Mr. Lee for organizing this event. To view more pictures from the game please visit our Facebook page.

Saturday, October 19, 2019—Atoms roll up their sleeves along with over 500 youth from the greater Utica area to volunteer and give back to the senior citizen community by providing general yard clean-up services. As part of the 11th Annual Oneida County Intergenerational Fall Clean-Up, volunteers met at Proctor Park and were dispersed to homes all across the county. Great work, Atoms we are so proud of you! Click here to read the article.

Friday, October 11, 2019—There are many natural wonders in the world. One of them just so happens to be in our backyard. Atoms head out on an adventure that would take them over 150 feel below ground to a place that was discovered in the early 1770s, Howe Cavern. Students were in complete awe by the beauty that the cavern held. From the ever growing stalactites and stalagmites to even receiving some cavern luck. As the story goes, those who receive drops from the ceiling or 'cavern kisses' are said to be very lucky! Thank you, Howe Cavern for such an incredible, and educational field trip of a lifetime.

Saturday, October 19, 2019—Elementary, middle and high school Atoms competed in the MOST's CNY Steamboat Challenge. Participants work in groups of three to engineer a steamboat made out of recycled materials and powered by steam created by the heat of a tea candle. Boats will race on 3" of water in an inflatable raceway that measures 110" long and 6" wide. With over 60 teams participating from across Central New York participants were judged on the following criteria.

• Speed of boat
• Team's presentation of judges about how they built the boat and what they learned
• Team's creativity and innovation in designing the boat

Atoms were thrilled to have participated in this event and are already brainstorming ideas for next year's competition. Congratulations to all our Atoms who competed. We are so proud of you!

Friday, October 11, 2019—Middle school Atoms take a step back in time at one of Cooperstown's most popular destinations, The Farmers' Museum. Students were able to not only see first hand of what life was like in the 1800s but were able to experience it through various hands-on activities and workshops. Atoms had the opportunity to participate in workshops such as a trade of a blacksmith, a pharmacist's apprentice, and a teacher in a one room schoolhouse. At various workshops, students could make a memento to remember this vary occasion. Thank you, The Farmers' Museum for providing an opportunity to have a glimpse back in time for students to learn, participate and have a fun and dynamic day.