Thursday, October 14th, 2021—Congratulations to Utica Academy of Science high school Seniors, Savannah and Nedim who were named the Athletes of the Month! Both Savannah and Nedim play soccer for the Atoms and were recognized by their coaches.

Tuesday, November 9th, 2021—Congratulations to Utica Academy of Science elementary school September and October ClassDojo Awardees! Atoms who earned the top Dojo points for their class enjoyed a special treat of fun, music and of course playing outside on the playground. Keep up the great work Atoms!

Wednesday, November 10th, 2021—Utica Academy of Science Junior Senior High School is excited to share its newest program, Character Strong - a program that is designed to improve and enhance character development and social-emotional learning through building relationships with peers and teachers. Character Strong meets each Wednesday in their Mentor Groups.

In the Character Strong program, Atoms will work on the following:

• Self-Awareness
• Self-Management
• Social Awareness
• Relationship Skills
• Responsible Decision-Making
• Patience
• Kindness
• Honesty
• Respect
• Selflessness
• Forgiveness
• Commitment
• Humility

Keep up the great work, Atoms, we know you can be Character Strong!

Wednesday, November 10th, 2021—In honor of Veterans Day, Utica Academy of Science junior senior high school hosted a Coffee with Veterans event for families, students, and staff to enjoy. 

During this event, attendees had an opportunity to hear stories from the veterans as they shared their wisdom and knowledge and experience serving in the United States Military. In addition, Atoms also had a chance to thank the veterans for their service.

Utica Academy of Science Charter School would like to thank all those who have served in all branches of the United States Military, and for those who continue to serve. We hope you had a very happy Veterans Day!

Saturday, November 6th, 2021—Can they build it? Yes they can! On Saturday, November 6^th Utica Academy of Science junior senior high school students competed in the annual CNY Bridges: Build ‘Em & Bust ‘Em competition held at the MOST.

This student STEM competition in balsawood bridge engineering allows for participants to compete individually or as a team. For the competition, students are tasked with designing and constructing a truss bridge built entirely of glue and balsawood. On the day of the competition, participants submit their bridge for a test of its efficiency rating, a measure of how many times its own weight the bridge can support before structural failure. Awards are given in three categories: Category I (grades 4-6), Category II (grades 7-8) and Category III (grades 9-12). 

We are pleased to announce that our 8^th grade participants received 3^rd and 4^th place in their Category II division. In the Category II division, there were 21 teams total. Congratulations to all of the Utica Academy of Science junior senior high school Atoms, your hard work certainly paid off, and we are so incredibly proud of you and all that you have accomplished!

Monday, October 25th, 2021—A little magic was in the air the week of Halloween, as the Utica Academy of Science elementary school students and teachers alike participated in a Spirit Week celebration. This time-honored tradition is a favorite amongst the Atoms and a fa-boo-lous time was had by all. During the week, students and teachers could dress in the following spirit day themes: pajama day, color day, sports day, mismatch day, and of course character day. 

Click here to visit our Facebook page to view more pictures from the Utica Academy of Science elementary school’s Spirit Week celebration. We hope all of our students had a happy and safe Halloween!

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!