Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021—3, 2,  1 …. Logging off of 2020 - 2021 school year! On a beautiful afternoon, Utica Academy of Science middle school hosted their outdoor 'Moving Up' Ceremony for their 8^th grade students.

This ceremony was bittersweet for many reasons, as this will be the last 'Moving Up' ceremony for the Atoms in their original middle school buildings. In the 2021 - 2022 school year, all Utica Academy of Science Atoms will be in one building!

During the Moving Up Ceremony, students were recognized for their success, hard work despite the many obstacles and challenges that this year presented. In true Atom form, with each obstacle or hurdle that presented itself, the students, teachers, faculty and staff all rose to the occasion and came up on top. Utica Academy of Science also welcomed its guest speaker, SANY Superintendent, Dr. Tolga Hayali who shared words of wisdom and the importance of education.

Congratulations to the future Class of 2025, we are very proud of you and all that you have accomplished! We invite you to click here to visit our Facebook page to view more pictures from Utica Academy of Science middle school's Moving Up Ceremony in our 2021 Middle School Moving Up Ceremony album.

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021—Hats off to the future class of 2033! Utica Academy of Science elementary school celebrated a very important milestone in any student's academic career, their FIRST graduation ceremony, and most certainly not their last.

Students and their families participated in a drive-thru Kindergarten Graduation Celebration, as teachers, faculty and staff watched these hard working students prepare for their next step in their academic career. Atoms received their Kindergarten diplomas and an end of year gift as elementary staff lining the walkway to cheer them on. No graduation is complete without photo ops with the family and of course their teachers. This year will most certainly go down in the history books, and we look forward to what tomorrow will bring. We invite you to click here to visit our Facebook page to view more pictures from this event. Congratulations, Atoms, a job most certainly well done!

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021—Earlier today, Utica Academy of Science held its own STEM Expo! Hosted by Mrs. Cowen and Ms. Latray, 6^th grade Atoms shared their impeccable scientific findings to a variety of questions including but are not limited to:

• Which citrus drink decays teeth faster?
• Does color and smell affect the taste of Skittles?
• Which popcorn pops the fastest?
• What dissolves faster: salt or sugar?
• What makes ice melt the fastest?

With their new found answers, students were tasked with not only implementing their science and research skills but their ELA skills as well, as they typed their findings and used their creativity to design poster boards with their science research project information. Students would then present their information to their classmates.

While this STEM Expo unfortunately had no prizes, Atoms did receive a grade for preparing and presenting their project in their class. Parents and guardians were also invited to join the STEM Expo online. Great work, Atoms!

Thursday, June 17th, 2021—Utica Academy of Science middle school 6^th grade Atoms shell-abrate the good times, as the Proton, Neutron and Electron houses have worked together for their ‘End of Year’ Challenge this past week to earn 100 house points, which results in a ‘Themed Thursday.’ 

To achieve these points, the Proton, Neutron and Electron Houses must work together each week to earn 100 total house points. Points can be earned by doing the following activities.

• Demonstrating above and beyond participation
• Kindness
• Daily Academic activities

For this Themed Thursday, students, teachers, faculty and staff grabbed their flip flops, hats, shades, towels and sunblock as they dressed for the theme, Beach Day. Keep up the great work, Atoms, we look forward to seeing more pictures for Themed Thursdays!

Sunday, June 20th, 2021— 'Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.' - Anne Geddes

Wednesday, June 16th, 2021—We all know the Utica Academy of Science Atoms' creativity is above average! But don't just take our word for it. Click here to visit our Facebook page to watch the Atoms put their creativity to the test when they were tasked with creating a TikTok video for their end of the year statistics project.

For their video project assignment, students had to showcase their understanding of statistical terms and theories through a 1 - 3 minute TikTok video. Atoms had an opportunity to watch their fellow classmate's videos and voted for their favorite video.

To sum it up, these TikTok videos are very clever, creative and ones you certainly don't want to miss out on watching!

Wednesday, June 9th, 2021—As Utica Academy of Science middle school prepares for its upcoming move to the new building in the fall of 2021, their team of teachers, faculty and staff were invited to not only tour the new building, but to visit their classrooms as well. During this event, middle and high school teachers and staff enjoyed an outdoor BBQ event where they were able to bond and get to know one another. Following the BBQ, teachers and staff were able to tour the building and learn about their classrooms and new location! Many Atoms, one family.

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021—On a beautiful sunny day in Chittenango, Utica Academy of Science high school teachers, faculty and staff explored the great outdoors by taking a walk on the wild side. Staff visited a favorite field trip spot amongst students, The Wild Animal Park. During their staff outing, teachers were able to connect with one another, and exotic animals. A favorite animal amongst not only the students, but teachers alike is Jase the Giraffe. A great time was had by all …. including the animals!

Thursday, May 27th, 2021—As Utica Academy of Science middle school Atoms geared up for their long Memorial Day weekend, the teachers, faculty, staff and students dressed to un-impress by committing fashion faux pas with mismatched prints and tacky style choices for their 'Themed Thursday,' Wacky Tacky Day!

With 5-weeks left of school, the 6th grade students introduced an 'End of Year' challenge to earn in-person dress up days or Themed Thursdays, by earning points. To achieve these points, the Proton, Neutron and Electron Houses must work together each week to earn 100 total house points. Points can be earned by doing the following activities.

• Demonstrating above and beyond participation
• Kindness
• Daily Academic activities

This past week, the Houses pulled together to earn them a 'Wacky Tacky Day!' Way to go, Atoms, we are so proud of you! Keep up the great work. We look forward to seeing more pictures for Themed Thursdays!

Tuesday, May 18th, 2021—On a beautiful sunny day, Utica Academy of Science middle school Atoms were recognized for all their hard work, perseverance, and dedication this past year during their Award Ceremony. To acknowledge their valiant efforts, the teachers, faculty and staff decided to do something extra special for the Atoms, an ice cream social! Following the Award Ceremony, students had an opportunity to enjoy a bowl of ice cream and socialize with their classmates. Please click here to visit our Facebook page to view more pictures from this event. Keep up the great work, Atoms!