Monday, December 16, 2019—Leading up to winter recess, the middle school Student Council hosted a Spirit Week to get students energized for the long break ahead. For $1.00 a day students would be eligible to participate in the following Spirit Week days. Proceeds from this event will go towards the end of year field trip.

Monday: Opposite Day

Tuesday: Tie-Dye Day

Wednesday: Wear Your Color Day :: 6th Grade - Red, 7th Grade - Blue, 8th Grade - Black

Thursday: Disney Day

Friday: Pajama Day

Friday, December 20, 2019—Middle school Atoms enjoyed a fun-filled day leading up to winter recess. From music and dancing, to a variety of station activities to even a friendly class competition of soccer it was certainly a day to remember. Oh, did we mention that it was also a pajama day, and teachers and staff sang their parody ‘Ten Days Before Break My Students Said to Me?!’

Students who earned over 50 merit points were eligible to participate in the student lock-in. Atoms enjoyed a pizza party, crafted their very own gingerbread houses (some construction materials might have been consumed), a ‘snowball fight,’ board games, and learned a Stepen hip-hop dance courtesy of Utica Dance.

Thank you, to the parents for the donations and for everyone who made this event possible, and memorable. We wish all of our Atoms, faculty and staff a safe and enjoyable winter recess, and we look forward to seeing you next week.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019—National Honor Society, a student based high school club at Utica Academy of Science, hosted its first-ever on campus student lock-in. This event allowed for Atoms to bond, strengthen friendships and build a community through a variety of activities.

Students had an opportunity to participate the following activities: basketball, volleyball, jewelry making, video gaming and watching movies.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019—Ninth grade Atoms had an opportunity to participate in a hands-on, minds-on STEM immersion program courtesy of Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Students gained exposure and learned how to read blueprints, use CAD software (to design blueprints), use a 3D printer and laser etcher, and a favorite amongst the Atoms flying a drone! This program met once a week for 8-weeks, and they celebrated the completion with a graduation ceremony. 

Students were able to extend their drone flying capabilities through the use of their own drones, which they kept at the end of the program. Thank you MVCC and NSF for this STEM immersion opportunity.

Wednesday, December 18, 2019—The week before Winter Recess, middle school Atoms (and their teachers) get competitive during a can-drive and see who can collect the most non-perishable food items to donate to the Veterans Outreach Center. We are excited to share, between the students and the teachers, the Atoms collected over 250 non-perishable food items. The winning team was Mr. Farnach’s class, who collected 46 non-perishable food items. Great work, Atoms!

Tuesday, November 26, 2019—Celebrating student success and achievement is always a highlight of the school year. The middle school hosted its Award Ceremony that rewarded the success of both the Atoms and teachers. Students were recognized for their academic excellence and achievement in discipline. Also, during the ceremony teachers of the month were rewarded for going above and beyond both inside and outside the classroom. Congratulations to all the students, and keep up the great work in the new year! For more pictures, please visit our Facebook page.

Friday, December 13, 2019—Elementary Atoms, or should we say little chefs visit UNO Pizzeria on a class field trip. Known for their deep dish pizza, these chefs discover the ins and outs of what it takes to make the most delicious pizza pie while getting a behind the scenes look of the restaurant. Is it the sauce, the spices, the toppings that give UNO’s pizza that signature taste packed with a flavor punch, we’ll have to find out from our new culinary team. Each student had an opportunity to make their very own personal pan pizza. The top pizza choice was cheese. Pizzas were loaded to the top with cheese, and underneath a little bit of sauce. Thank you, UNO Pizzeria for hosting the Atoms and providing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019—National Honor Society (NHS) is founded on the principle of service, character, leadership and scholarship. Giving back to the community is just one of the many ways our Atoms provide acts of service.

One of the first outings for the NHS members was visiting the Masonic Care Community of New York. The members not only visited with the residents of the community but also played various board games, listened to music, painted nails and held meaningful conversation. This day meant a great deal to the residents and the Atoms alike. But don’t just take our word for it, NHS member, Nathan W., shares his visit experience.

“The World War II Veteran that I connected with was highly thankful that he had someone who would just sit down and play a good game of checkers with him. He had not played the game in so long, he said. It made me feel like I had made a difference in this man’s life.” - Nathan W., Class of 2020

Tuesday, December 10, 2019—With winter recess right around the corner, the 10th grade Atoms enjoyed a team bonding field trip to the Clinton Arena for ice skating. For some students, this was their first ever experience ice skating, which can be challenging at times. With a little help from their classmates and friends, they were skating like pros in no time. Thank you, Clinton Arena for your generous hospitality.

Tuesday, December 17, 2019—With snow falling outside and looking like a winter wonderland, elementary Atoms cozied up for the day while creating some delicious masterpieces. Using graham crackers, frosting, candy canes, Twizzlers, and other sweet treats, Atoms went to work to create their very own gingerbread houses. Some of the construction material may have been eaten during the building process.

Parents were invited to partake in the festivities, as well. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible. We wish all of our Atoms a happy and safe winter recess. To view more pictures from this event, please visit our Facebook page.