Thursday, January 21st, 2021—Over winter recess, Utica Academy of Science elementary student, Leo, received a $25 gift card to Target. Instead of spending the gift card, Leo decided to donate it to those who needed it the most, the Rescue Mission of Utica. It’s with this simple random act of kindness that will be able to help touch the lives of many.

However, this gesture did not end there, but instead sparked a pay it forward movement with his family. Leo’s mother decided she would match the donation and purchased personal care items that will be shipped to the Rescue Mission of Utica, as well. To say that we are proud of Leo, is an understatement. Thank you, Leo for thinking of others, and giving back to your community. This act of kindness and generosity will go a long way to help those in need. We are so proud of you!

Friday, January 15th, 2021—Utica Academy of Science middle school invited SUNY Potsdam alumna, Arielle Woelter as a virtual guest speaker to speak with their science class. Arielle spoke with the students about her academic life at SUNY Potsdam, her career working in regenerative medicine and senescence research and therapies, hobbies and what she likes to do in her spare time.

Arielle holds a Bachelor's degree in biology with a concentration in molecular and cellular biology from SUNY Potsdam. Arielle will be starting her Master’s degree in Cell and Microbiology in 2021.

Wednesday, January 20th, 2021—Distance doesn’t slow down the Atoms in Miss Monahan and Mrs. Ferguson’s kindergarten classes. On this fun-filled Wednesday with friends over Zoom, the Atoms created their very own cloud dough using ingredients like cornstarch or flour and conditioner. Students enjoyed playing with their new creation while listening to stories. What a fun, creative and hands-on activity to do! Keep up the great work, Atoms.

Wednesday, January 13th, 2021—Utica Academy of Science Kindergarten Atoms conducted a colorful, yet sweet science experiment in which they may not have been able to ‘taste the rainbow,’ but instead see the rainbow. To perform their experiment, students were to line up their Skittles in a circle on a plate or dish. Next, they poured liquid to watch and observe the reaction that would take place. The results, the liquid melted the candy coating off the Skittles and created a swirly rainbow design. Please head to our Facebook page to see more pictures of this colorful science experiment. Great work, Atoms!

Monday, January 4th, 2021—When people think of dragons sometimes they relate it to fairy tales, fantasy and science fiction novels, movies, children stories and so much more. But, did you know that in the Chinese culture, dragons are viewed as a symbol of luck? Earlier this month, the Utica Academy of Science elementary students were studying how various cultures celebrate the new year. In honor of the Chinese culture, the students created some pretty awesome fire-breathing dragon artwork. Click here to view their masterpieces!

Friday, January 15th, 2021—Who else is pumped for this next challenge at Utica Academy of Science high school? In two-weeks, the students will be participating in a Target Heart Rate Challenge for their physical education class. Atoms will be tasked with creating a maximum heart rate goal they would like to achieve. Below is additional information regarding maximum heart rate, target heart rate and goal suggestions for the challenge.

What is maximum heart rate? When people are exercising or participating in any physical activity, the goal is to get your Heart Rate as close to your Maximum Heart Rate as possible, otherwise known as your Target Heart Rate. Below are some Maximum Heart Rate Goals to achieve when you are exercising. These are determined based on your exercising habits and physical activity.

Maximum Heart Rate Goals

• Just Starting Exercising: Your goal should be to try and get to 50-60% of your Maximum Heart Rate
• Daily Exercising: Your goal should be to try and get to 65-75% of your Maximum Heart Rate
• Great Shape: Your goal should be to try and get to 80-85% of your Maximum Heart Rate

For this challenge, students will set their Maximum Heart Rate goals. No matter the goal in mind, being physically active and exercising is important to your heart, mind and body.

Click here to watch a quick video from high school teacher, Mr. Wagner who will introduce the Target Heart Rate Challenge. Good luck, Atoms with your upcoming Target Heart Rate Challenge!

Friday, January 15th, 2021—Utica Academy of Science Elementary School students said ‘challenge accepted’ when tasked with completing Minute-To-Win-It activities using everyday household items. This past week, students participated in the ‘Underhand Toss Basket’ challenge, in which the goal was to make the basket at each of the five markers in one minute or less. Click here to watch the video of one of our two students who were able to successfully complete the challenge. Please stay tuned for more Weekly Challenge videos and updates.

Friday, January 15th, 2021—Utica Academy of Science Atoms in Miss Cavo’s class participated in a directive drawing exercise where they drew the character, ‘Creeper’ from the hit game Minecraft. Check out these awesome drawings! Looks like we may have a few artists and or gamers in the midst. Keep up the great work, Atoms!

Thursday, January 14th, 2021—Utica Academy of Science high school students were recently studying the Abolition Movement in United States History. As part of a class project the students participated in the New York Time’s 1619 Project. For the project, Atoms read articles and created quote galleries that depicted the theme, mood and message of their chosen article. Please head to our Facebook page to view more images of the Atoms work for their class project.

Thursday, December 31st, 2020—Prior to kicking off the Utica Academy of Science National Honor Society’s first-ever Snowman Building Contest, we asked the Atoms one important question, “Do you want to build a snowman?” As it turns out, from an overwhelming amount of entries over the Winter Recess, the answer was in fact, yes they do want to build a snowman! Thank you to all who participated in this competition. We had many amazing entries that were festive, creative and unique. These snowmen certainly helped spread joy throughout the greater Utica community. Please see the results below from the Snowman Building Contest. Visit our Facebook page to view the pictures of the winners of this year’s competition.

Snowman Building Contest Results

• 1^st Place: Amar Halimanovic
• 2^nd Place: Abrar Alharbi
• 3^rd Place: Dzana Borovic
• Honorable Mention: Muhamed Allyawah