Thursday, November 11th, 2021—“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ― John F. Kennedy

In observance of Veterans Day there will be no school on Thursday, November 11^th. Veterans Day celebrates the service of all United States Military Veterans. School will resume on Friday, November 12^th.

Thank you, to all those who have served in all branches of the military, and for those who continue to serve, Happy Veterans Day!

Thursday, October 28th, 2021—Dear SANY Families,

It’s hard to believe that we are already starting month two of the school year, where has this time gone? As students, teachers, faculty, and staff begin to settle into the school year, I am excited to announce and introduce SANY Digital Curriculum - an online educational resource to help ensure our students receive the optimal learning experience that meets their educational needs.

SANY Digital Curriculum was developed by SANY District Personnel, Deans, and teachers who collaborated to develop a structure that would meet the needs of our students, and families. With over 1,700 videos, students in grades Kindergarten through 8th, will be able to find educational resources in the following categories.

• Skills
• Listening and Learning
• ELA
• Math

These incredible resources will help your students not only build their confidence, but also become prepared, and successful in their academic careers and beyond.

We invite you and your student(s) to visit our SANY Digital Curriculum website at the following address, http://digitalcurriculum.sany.org/ to explore these invaluable academic assets. 

Regards,

Dr. Tolga Hayali
SANY Superintendent

Wednesday, October 27th, 2021—Double, double toil and trouble, something exciting this way comes for the Utica Academy of Science elementary school students. As part of their spirit week, students will have an opportunity to participate in a costume contest party on Friday, October 29^th, where they can dress in costume as their favorite character from a book, movie or a game. We ask that all costumes follow the following guidelines and rules.

• No costume masks that cover the face.
• No costumes that make it hard to wear a mask for health and safety reasons.
• Students must wear their face masks.
• No weapons.

We look forward to seeing the pictures from the Costume Contest Party. Have a ‘Fa-BOO-lous’ time, Atoms!

Sunday, October 24th, 2021—Attention Utica Academy of Science school families: School Picture Days are just around the corner. Please make sure to check out the dates below for the elementary, and junior senior high school. 

• Elementary School: Friday, November 5^th
• Junior Senior High School:  Friday, October 29^th

Sunday, October 24th, 2021—The week leading up to Halloween, Utica Academy of Science elementary school students will have an opportunity to participate in Spirit Week. This time-honored tradition is a favorite not only amongst the students but the teachers and faculty alike. Please see below the following dress up days and spirit themes.

Monday: Pajama Day - Students can wear their favorite pajamas to school. But remember sleeping in class is still not allowed. 

Tuesday: Color Day - Each class will wear a specific color that is selected by the teacher or by a class vote.

Wednesday: Sports Day - Students can wear their favorite sports team shirt or jersey.

Thursday: Mismatch Day - Students can wear their clothes inside out, clothes that don’t match or simply put fashion faux pas.

Friday: Character Day - Students can dress in costume as their favorite character from a book, movie or game. Please note the following costume guidelines and rules.

• No costume masks that cover the face
• No costumes that make it hard to wear a mask for health and safety reasons.
• Students must wear their face masks.
• No weapons.

Monday, October 11th, 2021—There will be no school on Monday, October 11^th in observance of the Indigenous Peoples’ Day holiday. Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the cultures and histories of the Native American people. Classes will resume on Tuesday, October 12^th. Enjoy this long weekend, Atoms we look forward to seeing you on Tuesday!

Wednesday, September 8th, 2021—On September 8th, the 'Vax to School' campaign was announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, encouraging students between the ages of 12 - 17 years old to get vaccinated over the next couple of months.

Below are two links with additional information and resources on the COVID-19 vaccine, how you can get your child vaccinated, FAQs, what to expect, and how to protect those who are under the age of 12 and are ineligible to get vaccinated.

• https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/educational-assets
• https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/covid-19-vaccines-school-aged-new-yorkers

Friday, October 8th, 2021—Attention Utica Academy of Science Charter School Families:

The New York State Education Department is asking parents or guardians to complete a Digital Equity Survey for each student in grades Kindergarten through 12^th grade to better help educators serve their students and families.

The Digital Equity Survey will provide information on students' access to devices and internet access in their places of residence. To assist us in this process, we ask that you please click here to complete the survey by Friday, October 22^nd.

Thank you for your time and cooperation.

Sunday, October 3rd, 2021—On Sunday morning, local Utica newspaper, Observer-Dispatch, featured SANY Superintendent, Dr. Tolga Hayali’s letter to the editor regarding a recent article written by Amy Neff Roth. The article discussed the ongoing transportation complications with Durham School Services, and highlighted Utica Academy of Science Charter School’s press conference held on Tuesday, September 21st. 

We invite you to click here to read the article, and Dr. Hayali’s response to the Observer-Dispatch. Also, please continue to join us throughout the week as we share videos in our ‘Let Your Voices Be Heard’ series.

Tuesday, September 28th, 2021—Earlier this morning, SANY Superintendent Dr. Tolga Hayali shared the ongoing concerns and transportation issues with Durham School Services in an interview with Talk of the Town morning show.

We invite you to click here to listen to Dr. Hayali’s interview with Talk of the Town as he urges for more communication and fairness on bussing and transportation for all students. 

As a friendly reminder, tonight, Utica City School District will be holding a Board Meeting at 7:00 PM, at Kernan Elementary School (929 York St., Utica, New York 13502). We encourage families to attend and share their issues and concerns with Durham School Services.