Tuesday, April 27th, 2021—Utica Academy of Science middle school 6th grade teachers organized a 'Spread Joy, Not Germs!' event that runs now through Monday, May 17^th. As we all know, laughter is contagious and the Atoms are encouraged to share the warmth of a smile, the joy of kindness, positivity and of course laughter. Check out some ideas below on how Atoms can share joy and laughter with a fellow classmate.

Tuesday, April 27th, 2021—The SAT exam will be scheduled for Utica Academy of Science 11th grade students on Tuesday, April 27th at 9:00 AM. The SAT is roughly a 4 hour exam that tests a student on their reading, writing and math skills, and an essay portion which is optional. The highest score to receive on the SAT exam is a 1600.

Testing will take place in the high school cafeteria. We ask that students arrive at the high school building by 8:30 AM. Please use the back parking lot to enter the high school cafeteria. We wish all of our Atoms good luck on their upcoming SAT exam.

Thursday, April 22nd, 2021—Happy Earth Day, Atoms! Did you know today marks the 50th celebration of Earth Day and this year's theme is 'Restore our Earth.' Below are some fun facts about Earth Day.

• Around 1 billion people take part in Earth Day activities around the world every year.
• April 22 was chosen as the date for Earth Day because it fell between Spring Break and final exams, and organizers wanted to maximize student involvement.
• Gaylord Nelson, a senator from Wisconsin, founded Earth Day in 1970 to raise public consciousness about environmental concerns such as pollution, oil spills and vanishing wildlife.
• Twenty million Americans, or about 10 percent of the country’s population at the time, took part in events and demonstrations on the first Earth Day.

Thursday, April 22nd, 2021—The Preliminary SAT (or PSAT) will be scheduled for students in the 9th and 10th grade on Thursday, April 22^nd and Friday, April 23^rd, please see details below. Students are eligible to take the PSAT once per year. The PSAT is roughly a 2 hour and 45 minute exam that tests a student on their reading, writing and math skills. The highest score to receive on the PSAT is 1520. We wish all of our Atoms good luck on their upcoming PSAT exam.

PSAT Exam Information

• 9th Grade Students: PSAT Exam will be held on Thursday, April 22nd at 9:00 AM in the Utica Academy of Science high school cafeteria.*
• 10th Grade Students: PSAT Exam will be held on Friday, April 23rd at 9:00 AM in the Utica Academy of Science high school cafeteria.*

*Please make sure your child arrives at the high school building by 8:30 AM. Please use the back parking lot to enter the high school cafeteria.

Friday, April 2nd, 2021—Spring is in the air, and you know what that means ... Spring Recess! In order for the Atoms to get some rest and relaxation, there will be no school on Friday, April 2nd through Friday, April 9th. Classes will resume on Monday, April 12th. Enjoy your Spring Recess, Atoms!

Thursday, April 1st, 2021—A message from your superintendent:

Hello SANY Families,

Just last week we welcomed the first day of spring, and in true Central New York fashion, we know that there is still a chance of snow in the forecast. However, the thought of snow certainly won’t stop us from enjoying our much needed rest and relaxation during the upcoming Spring Recess. 

As we know, Spring Recess mentally reminds us all that we are in fact in the ‘home stretch’ of the school year with one marking period left. Many of our Senior Atoms are anxiously awaiting to receive their acceptance letters from colleges and universities both near and far, as we all prepare for their graduation ceremony in June.

It’s at this moment in time, where we watch the planted seeds of academic drive and thirst for knowledge bloom in the spring and blossom in the summer at graduation. While this year, many if not all of us have withered a tumultuous storm with a global pandemic, we all have found ways to overcome and adapt herculean obstacles that no one could have predicted.

Students, families, faculty and staff continue to amaze me each and every day at how we as a SANY community have come together to not only help one another but the greater Syracuse and Utica communities, as well. In addition, students continued to find ways to achieve academic success despite a global pandemic which speaks volumes to their dedication and commitment to their education.

Below are just a few of the many examples that I wanted to highlight, and share with you. If you have not yet viewed these incredible stories, I urge you to visit.

• Throughout the month of February, the students at Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship hosted a Band-Aid drive collecting over 4,500 children’s Band-Aids which were donated to Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwMdPopdgz4 
• https://www.localsyr.com/news/local-news/golisano-childrens-hospital-receives-bandage-donation-from-local-students/
• Utica Academy of Science High School’s National Honor Society hosted a Kindness Challenge in February. Students were tasked with demonstrating acts of kindness both big and small as this can make an impact on others and yourself. The Kindness Challenge has been recognized by Assemblywoman Buttenschon, who presented a proclamation for Utica Academy of Science High School. 
• https://www.uascs.org/index.php/about-us/events/555-assemblywoman-marianne-buttenschon-presented-a-proclamation-for-utica-academy-of-science-high-school-s-kindness-challenge 
• SAS High School students Yakina Sika-Amoah and Theodore Simon won many awards and prizes at the MOST’s CNY Science and Engineering Fair for their project which is a robot developed to clean up coastlines. Yakina and Theodre will also be advancing to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in 2021!
• https://www.sascs.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1236:atoms-win-big-at-the-regional-science-engineering-fair&catid=20:events&Itemid=250 

In closing, I want to wish everyone a happy, safe and restful Spring Recess. We look forward to seeing you on Monday, April 12, 2021 as we get ready to begin that ‘home stretch’ of the school year.

Regards,

Dr. Tolga Hayali

Superintendent

Tuesday, March 30th, 2021—SANY in collaboration with Chartwells has developed a [contactless drive through] meal service that will allow students greater access to food while at home. Please note, there will be NO meal pick ups during Spring Recess; however, there will be meal pick ups PRIOR to Spring Recess, dates are below.

Meal Pick up Dates

• 3/30 meal pick up will be available and participants will receive three days worth of meals
• 04/01 meal pick up will ONLY be available at UAS Middle School. Participants will receive SEVEN days of meals to cover the entire spring recess. Please sign up in advance by emailing your school pick up location and number of children you are picking up meals for to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Pick up Locations and Times

• UAS Middle School – 3/30 and 4/1 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021—“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a good book!” - Dr. Seuss. Today is National Read Across America Day, and Dr. Seuss’ birthday. In honor of this national event, below are some ideas of ways you too can celebrate.

• Read a book you've been meaning to read.
• Join your library.
• Read with your Atom.
• Read a book you've read before - you might discover that it has NEW meaning to you since you read it last.
• Have your Atom read a story aloud to you (or your pet). Reading aloud strengthens their vocabulary and language skills and it also creates an opportunity for discussion.

We hope you all have a wonderful National Read Across America Day (and Dr. Seuss Day)!

Monday, February 22nd, 2021—Utica Academy of Science high school art teacher, Ms. Vaccaro invites students and staff to participate in its Black History Month Art Activity. Participants are tasked with submitting an entry in the form of art or multimedia in one of the following categories:

• Create a short 1 minute video about what Black History means to you
• Create a poster with your favorite quote, message or illustration about Black History
• Create a drawing with a Civil Rights theme
• Create a drawing, poster or video paying tribute to Mary Wilson from The Supremes

All entries are due to Ms. Vaccaro by Monday, February 22^nd. Entries can be sent to Ms. Vaccaro at, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Tuesday, February 16th, 2021—Utica Academy of Science will have no school on Tuesday, February 16^th through Friday, February 19^th for Winter Recess. Classes will resume on Monday, February 22^nd. Enjoy this long weekend, Atoms and remember to stay healthy, safe and warm!