Friday, December 18th, 2020—Utica Academy of Science high school gave a warm Atoms welcome to an Emeritus Engineer, Howard Hollander, who spoke with the students about his impressive engineering career and community involvement.

Without engineers, science is just philosophy, a quote in his presentation. Mr. Hollander spoke about what exactly it takes to become an engineer, the education required and various paths students would be able to explore with an engineering degree. When asked what was his proudest career moment, he responded with, "kids I've mentored. My legacy is hand selecting people for the Leadership Development program."

Mr. Hollander currently serves as a board member for The MOST. He is the President Emeritus of Technology Alliances of Central New York, and is a retired engineer from Lockheed Martin.

Thank you, Mr. Hollander for taking the time out of your busy schedule to come and speak with our Atoms and future engineers!

Tuesday, December 15th, 2020—Utica Academy of Science elementary school hosted its virtual December Coffee Talk earlier this month. Families Zoomed in and learned the importance of the STAR Assessment, its structure and how they can help best prepare their Atom to be successful for their upcoming test. If you were unable to attend, it's okay! Please stay tuned for our January Coffee Talk. This is a great opportunity for you to learn and discuss important topics, valuable resources, experiences and so much more to help deepen and grow the school community. We hope you can join us in January!

Friday, December 18th, 2020—Throughout the month of December, the Utica Academy of Science high school Atoms were busy strength training, working on their fitness and well possibly planking thanks to a friendly competition courtesy of Mr. Wagner. Students had an opportunity to participate in the Push Up Challenge, where the overall goal was to see how many push ups could you complete (or the duration of time planking) by the end of the month, and were you able to improve upon your personal record? We are happy to announce that the results are in! Click here to head to our Facebook page to view a quick video from Mr. Wagner, and to find out if he was able to improve upon his push up record of 20!

Tuesday, December 29th, 2020—More snow means more opportunities to build a snowman and enter it in the Utica Academy of Science high school’s Snowman Building Contest. If you haven’t submitted your entry just yet, you still have time! The contest ends on Thursday, December 31st. A winner will be selected on Tuesday, January 5th. Happy building, Atoms. Remember to stay safe, stay warm and have fun.

How to Participate

• Build a Snowman
• Take a picture of you with your Snowman
• Submit your entry to the Virtual Google Classroom by Thursday, December 31st for your chance to win a prize

Monday, December 14th, 2020—Only good vibes here for the Utica Academy of Science elementary school Spirit Week. The week before winter recess, Atoms had an opportunity to participate in a week-long festivity where they could dress in the theme for that day. It’s no surprise that the Atoms eagerly participated and were excited to share their ‘school spirit.’ Please head to our Facebook page to view our picture gallery of Spirit Week. Oh, and if you see any famous celebrity or characters, or even twins it’s okay! 

Spirit week Themes

• Monday: Mismatch Day
• Tuesday: Twin Day
• Wednesday: Wellness Day
• Thursday: Character Day
• Friday: Pajama Day

Monday, December 14th, 2020—It certainly has been a December to remember … but just remember, the elves did it. Thanks to the generosity, and creativity of the Utica Academy of Science middle school teachers, their students will enjoy a winter recess feeling merry and bright. This year, the teachers played the role of ‘elves’ and showed their appreciation for the Atoms hard work, class participation, positive attitude, cameras on and being overall great digital citizens by presenting them an option to select or donate one of the following ‘elf goodies.’ Thank you, teachers for going above and beyond and making this year special for all the students, and Atoms keep up the great work!

Elf Goodies

• Altec NanoBuds TWS Wireless Bluetooth with Charging Case Earbuds
• Jenga Classic Refresh game
• Pictionary board game
• Crayola Inspiration Art Set
• Contigo Jackson Water Bottle, Grayed Jade, 24
• Bienfang Blank Sketchpad, 8.5" blank 100 sheet with colored pencils
• Paper Mate Flair Felt Pens, medium point, assorted color ink, 12 pack
• Max Build More Max Bricks, 253 pieces
• Wave Dazzler Jump Rope
• Adult Coloring Book with colored pencils

Tuesday, December 15th, 2020—This year has been challenging for most, especially for the elderly in the community. With guest and visitor restrictions in place throughout the state, seeing a friendly smiling face whether a student, family member or friend has been hard to come by. In efforts to rectify this, the Utica Academy of Science High School Atoms were busy at work brainstorming ideas on how they can make this better. The best way to spread a little holiday cheer, is by writing cards to those near and dear. Led by Mrs. Swancott, the High School Atoms join together on Zoom to write and design holiday cards to send to the residents of the Masonic Care Community in hopes of bringing happiness, joy and some friendly holiday cheer. Great job, Atoms!

Friday, December 4th, 2020—The Utica Academy of Science National Honor Society students hosted an online game night that was simply put out of this world! Students played the hit strategy game, Among Us, where they determine who amongst them is the imposter looking to sabotage the mission. Each participant would act as a crew member aboard a spaceship with the goal of having their spacecraft return back to earth safely.

Monday, December 14th, 2020—The week before winter break means only one thing for the Utica Academy of Science middle school Atoms - Spirit Week! Students, both virtual and in person learning, have the opportunity to participate in a week-long event where each day is a different theme. Below are the Spirit Week themes.

Spirit Week Themes

• Monday (12/14): Crazy Hair or Hat Day - Wear a silly hat or hairstyle
• Tuesday (12/15): Twinning Tuesday - pair up with someone and dress alike
• Wednesday (12/16): Wacky Background Wednesday - Decorate your background or choose a digital background
• Thursday (12/17): Fan Day - support something you are a fan of, like a sports team ... go Atoms!
• Friday (12/18): Pajama Day: Stay Warm & Cozy in your PJ's today

Friday, December 4th, 2020—“From there to here from here to there, baby things are everywhere!" – Dr. Seuss.  Oh baby, what a surprise! Utica Academy of Science middle school hosted a socially distant baby shower to celebrate teacher, Ms. Adams who will be delivering a bundle of joy soon. Congratulations Ms. Adams, we wish you and your family well with your new family addition