Friday, March 12th, 2021—On this festive St. Patrick’s Day, the Utica Academy of Science elementary first grade Atoms in Ms. DeAngelis’ class celebrated with a fun arts and crafts project. Students had an opportunity to make their very own lucky leprechaun complete with a green top hat and a red beard. Unfortunately I don’t think the leprechaun revealed where its pot of gold was, but maybe next year! We wish all of our students a very happy St. Patrick’s Day. Atoms go Bragh (Atoms forever)

Thursday, March 4th, 2021—Mindfulness and meditation have become a popular practice over the past few years. Mindfulness meditation is the practice of focusing on one’s breath while sitting in silence. While this may seem simple in theory, it is in fact quite challenging. When sitting in silence, the brain will have a tendency to wander. With gentleness and kindness you try and refocus your attention on your breath - which is the art of mindfulness.

The Utica Academy of Science high school students welcomed virtual guest speaker, Ms. Cardwell, the Dean of Students at Utica Academy of Science Elementary School, who shared with the Atoms information on the practice and importance of mindfulness meditation and self care.

The students had an opportunity to participate in a guided self-care meditation where they were tasked with sitting in silence and to focus on the breath. During this time, it is very easy for the mind to wander. This practice and technique is very beneficial and has been known to help aid in stress reduction, patience, concentration, health and wellness, and so much more.

Following their guided meditation, the Atoms watched a couple of short videos of professional athletes who utilize the practice to enhance their focus and ability to be more present in daily activities. Thank you, Ms. Cardwell for taking the time to speak with the Atoms and for teaching them about art and the benefits of mindfulness meditation! 

Monday, March 8th, 2021—In honor of International Women’s Day Utica Academy of Science middle school ELA students learned about a group of brave women in the broadcast and journalism field who risk their lives to provide reliable news coverage to the citizens in rural Africa. These brave women go above and beyond the call of duty by sacrificing personal health and safety in efforts to deliver reliable news coverage to the citizens, as many of the African communities are without electricity. Therefore receiving news coverage of current events or news in general can be challenging. Many citizens listen to their battery powered radios for news coverage.

Thank you, to all those brave women for all your contributions you have made to the broadcast and journalism industry by providing reliable broadcast and journalism news coverage to the men and women in rural African communities.

Friday, February 26th, 2021—Last week, Utica Academy of Science high school shared its 5-part series titled, A Celebration of Black History Month. Throughout these past five days, you have watched videos of the talented high school Atoms showcase their music, art and poetry skills.

We invite you to watch our final episode which is Utica Academy of Science high school's virtual student assembly for Black History Month. A quick shout out and thank you to all of our Atoms, teachers, faculty and staff for their hard work and efforts for this event, as well as our fans and followers for joining us these past five days.

Friday, February 26th, 2021—Utica Academy of Science high school shares with you part four of its five part series, A Celebration of Black History Month. Today, talented Atom, Ti'yanna, recites the poem, 'The Hill We Climb,' by Amanda Gorman.

Amanda Gorman, a National Youth Poet Laureate and the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history wowed many across America during the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris with this breathtaking poem that was inspired by the events that took place at the United States Capitol on January 6^th, 2021.

Please visit our Facebook page and watch Ti'Yanna recite the poem, 'The Hill We Climb,' by Amanda Gorman. Also, please tune in tomorrow, as we share our last video celebrating Black History Month.

Friday, February 26th, 2021—This next presentation for Utica Academy of Science high school’s 5-part series, A Celebration of Black History Month is performed by the creative and talented Atoms: Madison Rodriguez (singer and quotes), Elias Romero (pianist and video editing), Siulee Olivera (Drummer and Slide Presentation).

The Atoms worked to create a presentation that features the 'The First Lady of Song,' Ella Fitzgerald and Bryan Stevenson, the Executive Director and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative.

Winning 13 Grammy's and selling over 40 million albums, it is safe to say that Ella Fitzgerald is by far one of the most popular jazz musicians in the world. Ella Fitzgerald has performed alongside many other notable jazz musicians such as: Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, and Benny Goodman just to name a few. Simply put, Ella Fitzgerald is the 'Queen of Jazz.'

Many might have heard about Bryan Stevenson from his number 1 best selling book, Just Mercy or a film adaptation with the same title. Based on a true story, Just Mercy is about justice and redemption. Bryan Stevenson is the Executive Director and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative.

Please click here to view this moving presentation from the Atoms and make sure to tune in on Monday, as we continue to share videos celebrating Black History Month.

Friday, February 26th, 2021—Today we feature part-2 of Utica Academy of Science high school’s 4-part video series, A Celebration of Black History. Our talented high school sophomore, Byron Cruz continues to impress us with his vocal talents by singing an a cappella version of a timeless tune, ‘Stand By Me.’

'Stand By Me,’, was first recorded by legendary soul and R&B singer, Ben E. King in 1961 - and became a number 1 hit song that year. Since then, 'Stand By Me,' has been recorded more than 500 times by a range of artists including but not limited to: John Lennon, Prince Royce, Imagine Dragons, and yes Muhammad Ali. 'Stand By Me,' also became a number 1 hit song in 1987.

Please click here to watch high school sophomore, Byron Cruz sing, Stand By Me. Join us tomorrow as we share with you part-3 of Utica Academy of Science high school’s 4-part series, A Celebration of Black History.

Friday, February 26th, 2021—Utica Academy of Science high school is excited to present its 5-part video series titled, A Celebration of Black History Month, which features high school Atoms sharing their works of art and music that celebrates the contributions African Americans have made in society. In addition, Utica Academy of Science high school teachers, faculty and staff share insightful messages celebrating Black History Month. We encourage you to visit our Facebook page and tune in over these next five days as we share videos celebrating Black History Month.

Friday, February 26th, 2021—Throughout the month of February, Utica Academy of Science high school’s National Honor society challenged its fellow students, and teachers to participate in their Kindness Challenge. The challenge in theory was quite simple, but left a huge impact on the Atoms and even gained attention and recognition from Assemblywoman Buttenschon.

In efforts to support Utica Academy of Science high school's National Honor Society, the teachers, faculty and staff put together a fun, quick message titled, Kindness is Contagious. It's with simple acts of kindness both big and small that make an impact on someone's life and society. Performing a kind gesture or act is so powerful that it has been known to increase your happiness, improve relationships with others and the best part is it’s free!

Please head to our Facebook page to view the Utica Academy of Science high school's Kindness is Contagious message. We hope this inspires you to throw kindness around like confetti and perform simple acts of kindness every day.

Thursday, January 28th, 2021—In case you missed it, Utica Academy of Science middle school hosted a virtual Coffee Talk on January 28^th, 2021. During the meeting, Utica Academy of Science middle school faculty and staff discussed what hybrid learning students could look forward to when returning to campus.