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.

Tuesday, December 10, 2019—We are excited to announce a new initiative brought to you by the high school Guidance Department. Throughout the remainder of the school year, they will be inviting a variety of colleges and career professionals to come in and speak to the students during the lunch hour at the Colleges and Career Spotlight Table. 

The goal behind this program is to provide students with an opportunity to learn from an industry leader various aspects of his/her career, as well as, university and colleges to share information about their school and admission requirements. It’s our philosophy that exploring careers builds pathways for students to understand connections between education and careers.

Our first Colleges and Career Spotlight was the Athletic Training industry, with guest speaker Kyle Roepnack. Kyle is an Athletic Trainer for Herkimer College.

Thursday, November 21, 2019—Middle school Atoms head out on a college visit field trip, courtesy of Terra Science and Education, and visited both Hartwick College and SUNY Oneonta. Students had an opportunity to learn more about both schools rich history, their various admission requirements, campus life, student life, and of course a campus tour. Atoms also loved the beautiful dining hall and all the food you can ever imagine. Thank you to both Hartwick College and SUNY Oneonta for hosting the Atoms and sharing with them a wealth of knowledge of both schools.

Thursday, December 12, 2019—The 2019-2020 National Honor Society (NHS) inductees represent the first-ever class for Utica Academy of Science high school. It was quite the privilege to have 25 high school Atoms inducted on December 12th.

Our first-ever NHS ceremony kicked-off with a processional of the inductees and a music performance by classmate Byron, followed by opening remarks from Michelle Grider - NHS chapter adviser.

The candle lighting ceremony was led by NHS members: Nathan - who lit a candle to represent character, Adnan - who lit a candle to represent service, Joshua - who lit a candle to represent leadership, and Emily - who lit a candle to represent service.

Membership cards and pins were given out by NHS Co-Adviser, April. The NHS pledge for inductees and presentation of certificates by Hanka Grabovica. Classmate Byron, also sang the song Stand By Me.

Congratulatory remarks were give by the Dean of School, Mr. Ersoy. The NHS induction ceremony concluded with NHS president, Aleria reading the poem "If" by Rudyard Kipling. For more pictures, please visit our Facebook page.

Inductees include

10th Grade

• Dzana Borovic
• Erna Bulaja
• Daniel Hickey
• Savannah Noel
• Clifton Rogers
• Elias Romero
• Adela Sokolar
• Ajla Vukovic
• Ajdin Vukovic
• Amina Zagorica

11th Grade

• Amar Halimanovic
• Ko Sei Ma
• Aiden Rodriquez
• Amir Salkanovic
• Narrith Sou

12th Grade

• Emily Cajic - NHS Secretary
• Joshua Castillo
• Aleria Garcia - NHS President
• Adelina Kiuchun
• Iryna Konoplianko
• Adnan Salkonovic
• Klur Soe
• Russell Sortino
• Adis Turalic-Odobasic - NHS Vice President
• Nathan Williams - NHS Treasurer

Friday, November 22, 2019—Each month, Utica Academy of Science middle school hosted their Coffee & Conversation event which allows parents/guardians to meet and speak with the school’s dean, counselor, teachers and behavior specialist. This is an incredible opportunity to get involved in your Atom’s education. 

If you are interested in joining us for December’s Coffee & Conversation, please mark your calendar for Friday, December 20th at 10:00 AM. We hope you will join us.

Tuesday, December 10, 2019—High school staff, Mrs. Paul, Mr. Kovar and Mrs. Grabovica give back to the greater Utica area and community through Fidelis Care’s Stuff the Bus Camp Out. Teachers donated toys to help those less fortunate this holiday season. With their generosity, the team had the privilege of being guests on the Talk of the Town radio program where they mentioned how Utica Academy of Science is actively involved in their community, the diversity of the school and oh so much more! Great work, UAS teachers.