Saturday, October 19, 2019—Elementary, middle and high school Atoms competed in the MOST's CNY Steamboat Challenge. Participants work in groups of three to engineer a steamboat made out of recycled materials and powered by steam created by the heat of a tea candle. Boats will race on 3" of water in an inflatable raceway that measures 110" long and 6" wide. With over 60 teams participating from across Central New York participants were judged on the following criteria.

• Speed of boat
• Team's presentation of judges about how they built the boat and what they learned
• Team's creativity and innovation in designing the boat

Atoms were thrilled to have participated in this event and are already brainstorming ideas for next year's competition. Congratulations to all our Atoms who competed. We are so proud of you!

Friday, October 11, 2019—Middle school Atoms take a step back in time at one of Cooperstown's most popular destinations, The Farmers' Museum. Students were able to not only see first hand of what life was like in the 1800s but were able to experience it through various hands-on activities and workshops. Atoms had the opportunity to participate in workshops such as a trade of a blacksmith, a pharmacist's apprentice, and a teacher in a one room schoolhouse. At various workshops, students could make a memento to remember this vary occasion. Thank you, The Farmers' Museum for providing an opportunity to have a glimpse back in time for students to learn, participate and have a fun and dynamic day.

Friday, October 18, 2019—With a few clouds looming overhead and the weather looking grim, this never stopped our first grade Atoms from enjoying a fun filled day on a field trip to North Star Orchards. Students learned about the apple life cycle, cider making, enjoyed a tractor ride that brought them around the orchard … and they even had an opportunity to feed the orchard's cows! To view more pictures from this event, please visit our Facebook page. Thank you, North Star Orchard for such a fun (and tasty) field trip!

Wednesday, October 16, 2019—Utica Academy of Science Elementary School will be hosting its Math Night on Wednesday, October 16^th from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A fun evening for the whole family that will be filled with exciting math activities, games, and an opportunity to win a FREE yearbook. This event is a Family Night and guests will receive their 2019 - 2020 Family Night passports. Guests who attend all of our Family Nights and fill their passports will be eligible to win a free yearbook. We hope to see everyone there.

Friday, October 4, 2019—Another beautiful fall day in the Adirondacks with leaves on the cusp of turning into the iconic fall colors. The class of 2020, as well as, junior members of the MVCC Dual Credit ELA class embarked on a field trip to Bald Mountain. Atoms hiked to the peak of the mountain, completed their descriptive writing activity, took a handful of pictures and enjoyed the moment. Following this incredible hike, Atoms were in need of an energy boost and a sweet treat of ice cream from Stewarts Shops. Thank you to all the staff and faculty for making this trip possible. This was certainly a day and field trip that our seniors will never forget and will always cherish.

Thursday, October 3, 2019—Atoms braved the elements as they headed out on a hands-on Earth Science field trip to Tinker Falls, located in Labrador Hollow. Students discovered first hand the awe-inspiring effects of weathering and erosion, as well as, a lesson regarding sedimentary rocks. Atoms also explored the waterfall's basin in search for fossils older than dinosaurs while others hiked the trail behind the falls.

Friday, September 27, 2019—First grade Atoms embark on a field trip to one of their favorite locations, Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo. A day filled with hands-on experiences with animals from all over the world. Students not only were able to cuddle with the African Pygmy Goats (one of their favorites) but fed some deer, and even wore a snake around their shoulders! Thank you, Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo for such a memorable experience and a fun field trip. To view more pictures, please visit our Facebook page.

Monday, October 7, 2019—October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness month. Middle School Atoms have teamed up to help Stomp Out Bullying and cyberbullying by participating in the national campaign, #BlueUp. On Monday, October 7th, Atoms will be permitted to wear a blue shirt to kick-off the campaign. In exchange for dressing down, students must commit to a weekly bullying awareness challenge, please see below. Together we can Stomp Out Bullying

• Week 1: Make friends with someone you don't know
• Week 2: STAND UP for others week
• Week 3: Week of Inclusion, #NoOneEatsAlone
• Week 4: Make a Change in our School Culture

Wednesday, September 25, 2019—Kindergarten Atoms kick-off the first field trip of the school year by visiting Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo. A day filled with exotic and domestic animals, students were able to feed, pet and hold baby goats (a class favorite). To view the Discovery Zoo in its entirety, Atoms took a hayride to view animals such as buffaloes, emus, and ring-tailed lemurs. To view more pictures from this field trip, please visit our Facebook page.

Thursday, September 26, 2019—When it's an early dismissal day, many will take the afternoon to relax, run errands, spend time loved ones. These elementary school Atoms have a different idea in mind. They are going to "take their horse to the Old Town Road." Okay, so maybe not that … but they sure are going to sing about it! Atoms sing their favorite song, Old Town Road by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus. Great job Atoms.