This past weekend, June 3-5, 22 SAS 7th graders traveled to Philadelphia. As a year-end exploration of topics covered in 7th grade American History, the students visited many historical places. The group, chaperoned by Ms. Patton (social studies), Ms. Chapman (Spanish), and Coach Bahamonde (physical education and health), left for their adventure after school on Friday.

Saturday was the main event for the students, starting with the National Constitution Center. There, students explored constitutional issues of history such as The Civil Rights Movement, The Women’s Rights Movement, Slavery, and equality. Students were able to get involved through interactive exhibits that allowed them to assume the role of a Supreme Court Justice, take the Presidential Oath of Office, and Ask A Senator. In the seasonal Road to the White House exhibit, students were able to follow the campaign trail and hang sticky notes listing what they would do first if they were elected President of the United States. A major hit at the center was Signers Hall, which features life-size bronze statues of the signers of the US Constitution. The students got to see Founding Fathers such as Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton “up close and personal.”

After the National Constitution Center, students walked across the street to see the burial place of Benjamin Franklin. After lunch and some souvenir shopping at the Bourse Building (a historic commodities exchange building from the 1890’s that has been restored to include shops and food stands), students visited the Liberty Bell.

Independence Hall awaited the students next as they took a tour of one of the most important buildings in American History – where both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed. This tour included visits to the room in which the Constitutional Convention met as well as the building located next door which housed the first US Congress.

From there, the group headed to Reading Terminal Market for dinner, including the chance to get a *real* Philly cheesesteak. After Reading Terminal, the group traveled down Filbert St. to find the Philadelphia Love Statue which is currently located in Dillworth Park. While in the park the students got to see some street entertainers as well – including a soccer ball trick handling demonstration and a small drum corps. From there, it was a trip to the Philadelphia Art Museum to see the Rocky Balboa statue and run up the stairs as he does in the movie. Even after a long day of walking, many of the students made the long trek up the large staircase – laughing the whole time!

Sunday, Valley Forge National Park was on the agenda. The group took the driving tour of the park, stopping at several important sites including the National Arch, George Washington’s Headquarters, and the company cabins. At the cabins, the students met with Camp Follower Jen. Camp Followers were the women and sometimes children that followed the Continental Army and helped with a number of tasks like sewing, cooking, nursing, and other things that were necessary to help the soldiers. She showed the students some Revolutionary Era games and explained how most all game from the time had educational value because most people believed that if you could “trick” children into learning through fun, they would retain the lessons longer. She showed the students a dice game that taught math and a dice game using dice with letters that was similar to Boggle in that you have to make as many words with the letters you have as you can. The students also visited George Washington’s home and headquarters where he stayed during the winter spent at Valley Forge. They also got to see replica cannons and statues or monuments representing the various state militias that were represented in the Continental Army. After hopping on and off the bus for about 90 minutes for the tour and tour stops, it was time for lunch, and then to head home.

Although it was a very long and busy weekend, the students all had a great time, as did the chaperones. They were excited to share their experiences and fun with their family and friends. Many of the students purchased presents for siblings or parents and were excited to share the treasures that they found as well. After a very successful first 7th Grade Philadelphia Field Trip, plans are in the works to make this experience an annual tradition for the 7th graders at the middle school.

#SASAtoms #SASCS #Philadelphia #NationalConstitutionCenter #IndependenceHall #PhiladelphiaArtMuseum #RockyBalboa #ValleyForgeNationalPark #GeorgeWashington

This past weekend, June 3-5, 22 SAS 7th graders traveled to Philadelphia. As a year-end exploration of topics covered in 7th grade American History, the students visited many historical places. The group, chaperoned by Ms. Patton (social studies), Ms. Chapman (Spanish), and Coach Bahamonde (physical education and health), left for their adventure after school on Friday.

Saturday was the main event for the students, starting with the National Constitution Center. There, students explored constitutional issues of history such as The Civil Rights Movement, The Women’s Rights Movement, Slavery, and equality. Students were able to get involved through interactive exhibits that allowed them to assume the role of a Supreme Court Justice, take the Presidential Oath of Office, and Ask A Senator. In the seasonal Road to the White House exhibit, students were able to follow the campaign trail and hang sticky notes listing what they would do first if they were elected President of the United States. A major hit at the center was Signers Hall, which features life-size bronze statues of the signers of the US Constitution. The students got to see Founding Fathers such as Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton “up close and personal.”

After the National Constitution Center, students walked across the street to see the burial place of Benjamin Franklin. After lunch and some souvenir shopping at the Bourse Building (a historic commodities exchange building from the 1890’s that has been restored to include shops and food stands), students visited the Liberty Bell.

Independence Hall awaited the students next as they took a tour of one of the most important buildings in American History – where both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed. This tour included visits to the room in which the Constitutional Convention met as well as the building located next door which housed the first US Congress.

From there, the group headed to Reading Terminal Market for dinner, including the chance to get a *real* Philly cheesesteak. After Reading Terminal, the group traveled down Filbert St. to find the Philadelphia Love Statue which is currently located in Dillworth Park. While in the park the students got to see some street entertainers as well – including a soccer ball trick handling demonstration and a small drum corps. From there, it was a trip to the Philadelphia Art Museum to see the Rocky Balboa statue and run up the stairs as he does in the movie. Even after a long day of walking, many of the students made the long trek up the large staircase – laughing the whole time!

Sunday, Valley Forge National Park was on the agenda. The group took the driving tour of the park, stopping at several important sites including the National Arch, George Washington’s Headquarters, and the company cabins. At the cabins, the students met with Camp Follower Jen. Camp Followers were the women and sometimes children that followed the Continental Army and helped with a number of tasks like sewing, cooking, nursing, and other things that were necessary to help the soldiers. She showed the students some Revolutionary Era games and explained how most all game from the time had educational value because most people believed that if you could “trick” children into learning through fun, they would retain the lessons longer. She showed the students a dice game that taught math and a dice game using dice with letters that was similar to Boggle in that you have to make as many words with the letters you have as you can. The students also visited George Washington’s home and headquarters where he stayed during the winter spent at Valley Forge. They also got to see replica cannons and statues or monuments representing the various state militias that were represented in the Continental Army. After hopping on and off the bus for about 90 minutes for the tour and tour stops, it was time for lunch, and then to head home.

Although it was a very long and busy weekend, the students all had a great time, as did the chaperones. They were excited to share their experiences and fun with their family and friends. Many of the students purchased presents for siblings or parents and were excited to share the treasures that they found as well. After a very successful first 7th Grade Philadelphia Field Trip, plans are in the works to make this experience an annual tradition for the 7th graders at the middle school.

#SASAtoms #SASCS #Philadelphia #NationalConstitutionCenter #IndependenceHall #PhiladelphiaArtMuseum #RockyBalboa #ValleyForgeNationalPark #GeorgeWashington

On Wednesday, January 10th, 2017, the elementary school held a workshop for each grade level during Specials time in the gymnasium. The workshop was a multi-sensory lesson on African culture through dance, drum music and stories. Students especially enjoyed the hands-on learning of drumming techniques and dance and their importance in African culture.

#SASCS #SASAtoms

On Wednesday, November 15th 2017, we had a guest speaker, Kazmo, from the NED's Kindness Adventure to present to the 5th and 6th graders about making friends, caring for others, respecting differences, being kind, and including others. This years NED Show was a global adventure highlighting cultural aspects of many people in Kenya and their languages and traditional clothing. This was an amazing show for all that attended.

#SASAtoms #SASCS #NEDShow

On Friday, March 31st, 2017, the SAS Middle School held an award ceremony for the 3rd quarter marking period. This event recognizes the efforts of our amazing students over the last ten weeks. Students were recognized for awards that included Honor & High Honor Roll, Best Citizen, Best Academic, and Student of the Month. Attendees enjoyed a special performance from the Step Team led by Ms. Jones. The event concluded with the presentation of the awards for the Middle School Science Fair and special recognition of students who received awards at the CNY Science and Engineering Fair. We are very proud to recognize the amazing work of our young ATOMS!

#SASAtoms #SASCS #CNYScienceFair

On Wednesday, March 1st, 2017, Students of SAS Middle school participated in their monthly anti-bullying meeting. The topic of the day was "Cyber Bullying". Student talked about what cyber bullying is and ways that it is used. They discussed ways in which it can be helpful. They as a class came up with strategies to deal with cyber bullying by putting themselves in all of the roles that can be played such as the participant, recipient, and or the bystander. Last but not least they discussed the different practices that the school has in place in order to prevent cyber bullying. This is our attempt to take bullying out of the shadows to create a safe, secure environment for our students.

Click here to see pictures of MS March OLWEUS Meeting

#SASAtoms #SASCS #OLWEUS

Syracuse Academy of Science senior Lyrik Jackson insists that the #SASAtoms are a balanced team, with no superstars.

But the all-state guard looked an awful lot like one midway through the fourth quarter of tonight's girls Class C basketball sectional final at Syracuse University's Carrier Dome.

Little Falls had whittled what once was a 19-point #SASCS lead down to eight points at the end of the third quarter.

Midway through the final quarter, the Mounties were still hanging around - down only 10 and threatening to inch closer.

Jackson went to work. She canned back-to-back 3-pointers on consecutive possessions then, after a basket by fellow senior Diamonne Harris, Jackson scored a breakaway layup to put her team back in control with a 16-point lead and just over a minute left to play.

The fifth-seeded Atoms went on to a 63-42 victory over Little Falls to earn the first girls sectional championship in school history.

"I just said I don't want to go home," said Jackson, who scored a game-high 25 points. "Coach said to just keep playing, keep pushing."

SAS is now 18-4 and advances to state regional play. The Atoms will face the Section IV champion on March 10 at a site in the Syracuse area.

Little Falls, the No. 2 seed, finishes its season at 19-5.

It was a milestone win on a journey for SAS, and its coach, Reggie Pickard, that began in 2010-11 after the school put its first varsity girls team together.

Pickard and assistants Donniesha Terry and Rasheada Caldwell built a solid program that began winning more than it lost in the 2013-14 season.

Getting that championship proved a bit more elusive for the Atoms.

SAS earned berths in the sectional finals the past two years, but lost both times - to Cooperstown in 2015-16 and a three-overtime heart-breaker to Thousand Islands last March.

"We just told them we have to leave everything on the court," Caldwell said. "Just go out and do what we do. We're aggressive. We play hard. The girls really wanted this - especially losing last year."

This time, the Atoms prevailed.

But not before the Mounties from the Center State Conference II made SAS work a little.

Little Falls went on a 13-2 run in the third quarter to shave a 19-point SAS lead to just eight points, 40-32, after three quarters.

"My kids played with a lot of heart," Mounties coach Pam Munger said. "They put it out there in the second half. They could have walked away, they could have said they were done. They battled back. We got it to within eight. We just didn't have enough offense today."

Olivia Langdon scored 15 points to lead Little Falls, which was seeking its sixth sectional title.

SAS got 12 points from eighth-grader Alexius Pierce, Caldwell's daughter, and nine each from sophomores Freey Pleasants and Xyel Bradford.

"My teammates - it's all them," Jackson said. "They knew I was hot and they got me the ball - I've got to give them all the credit."

Despite Jackson's modesty, Caldwell said, she is a special player.

"We have a strong team this year, and all of our players can score," she said. "But Lyrik, she put the team on her back. She carried us. She's just one of those great players"

Pickard, who sent Caldwell out for the post-game interview while he stayed in the locker room for awhile, said it was hard to put his feelings into words.

"I'm overwhelmed," he said. "This is a big win, not just for SAS but for the whole community."

Article posted at highschoolsports.syracuse.com/news/article/-6252816500080...

On Tuesday, February 14th, 2017, the 2nd grade class visited the Ultimate Goal in Marcellus, NY. While there, the students played 4 way tug of war, telephone, soccer, Dodge ball, musical chairs, and much more! The classes had a lot of fun playing with their teachers, friends, and coaches!

#SASAtoms #SASCS #UltimateGoal

On Wednesday, February 8th, 2017 the Middle School held its 7th grade Merit Breakfast. Students who have exceeded positive 20 total score were invited to enjoy the meal as a thank you from administration and staff for their positive choices. Students enjoyed scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, hash browns, and bagels. Staff members were on hand to sit and enjoy the event with our students. Our goal at SAS is to help create wonderful, well-rounded young adults and events such as these are to celebrate the positive choices of the students who attended. Keep up the great work ATOMS!

#SASAtoms #SASCS

On Tuesday, January 24th 2017, the 7th grade students of the SAS Middle school worked together to create cultural dishes such as sweet potato pie and Baklava. Baklava from turkish culture and sweet potato pie from African american culture. Students enjoyed cultural around the world music as they were preparing their meals to create a culturally fulfilling environment. Students worked together as a team to put together the recipe and create the dishes. For the math component students scaled the recipes down and were able to calculate the recipes in half sizes. Students were very excited and motivated to put their cooking skills to work as well as their ability to calculate and work as a team. This experience was brought to the school by our Culturally Responsive Lesson Program. This program accentuates and celebrates the amazing cultural diversity in our schools.

#SASAtoms #SASCS

Eighth-grader Alexius Pierce made the go-ahead layup in the game's last minute, and junior Diamonne Harris hit four straight free throws in the final 10 seconds as the Syracuse Academy of Science held off Allegany-Limestone, 55-50, in a Class C girls basketball state semifinal at Hudson Valley Community College.

The Section III-champion Atoms (20-4) will play in the 8-year-old program's first state final at 4 p.m. Saturday against Section IX champion Millbrook.

"It feels unbelievable," said Harris, who led all scorers with 20 points. "We worked so hard - day after day - it was all worth it. It feels so good."

"We just willed our way (to the win), said senior leader Lyrik Jackson, who scored 14 points, grabbed eight rebounds and made five steals for the Atoms. "Coach said keep pushing. We didn't want to go home."

SAS, which trailed by six points at the half (32-26) sparked its second-half offense with a pressing defense that forced Allegany-Limestone into 22 turnovers and yielded a dozen steals.

The #SASAtoms also held Gators' star senior center Morgan Davis to 14 points, about five below her season's average. Morgan only had six in the second half.

"Amazing. Just amazing," said #SASCS head coach Reggie Pickard. "I'm still kind of dreaming - like are we here or not, you know? We're doing everything possible to win a championship. We've worked hard for eight years, and here we are."

The Atoms trailed by as many as eight points late in the second quarter but caught the Gators just two minutes into the third using a press that started paying off in turnovers.

"Our pressure has been the key for us all year," Pickard said. "We force turnovers, make the game kind of ugly.

I thought if we pressured a little more in the second half it would harder for them to get the ball to their bigs."

Allegany-Limestone, from Section VI near Olean, still led by two at the start of the fourth quarter, but SAS sophomore Xyel Bradford's 3-pointer put the Atoms ahead, 41-40, with just under 7 minutes left. Pierce hit another huge three with 2:30 left to play that gave SAS a 47-46 advantage.

But the Gators continued to make big baskets, too, and Allegany-Limestone had a 50-49 lead, and the ball, with just under a minute left to play.

On the in-bounds play, Harris dove for a steal and somehow got the ball to Pierce, who drove in for what would turn out to be the winning points, making it 51-50, Atoms.

The Gators began fouling, but Harris proved worthy against the pressure, hitting two sets for free throws in the final eight seconds.

"It was very nerve-wracking, but we do this all of the time in practice," she said. "I have to stay calm."

Allegany-Limestone coach Frank Martin said his team just couldn't quite hold it together in the final minutes against the SAS quickness.

"I'd love to have the last minute and a half back," he said. "We weren't as good as we needed to be to close this game out. We just weren't as good as we needed to be at the end."

The Atoms had a scare in the final seconds when Jackson took a shot to her head when she went down chasing a loose ball and an Allegany-Limestone player fell on top of her. She had to be helped off the court but was up and talking in the aftermath.

Harris said she hoped to go swimming in the hotel pool later in the day, but her coach wasn't hearing it.

No, no. We're not going to do any swimming," he said, laughing. "Too much muscle movement. They got mad at me last night because I took their phones from them. I'm doing that again tonight, too."

Article posted at highschoolsports.syracuse.com/news/article/-7252830500074...

This past weekend, June 3-5, 22 SAS 7th graders traveled to Philadelphia. As a year-end exploration of topics covered in 7th grade American History, the students visited many historical places. The group, chaperoned by Ms. Patton (social studies), Ms. Chapman (Spanish), and Coach Bahamonde (physical education and health), left for their adventure after school on Friday.

Saturday was the main event for the students, starting with the National Constitution Center. There, students explored constitutional issues of history such as The Civil Rights Movement, The Women’s Rights Movement, Slavery, and equality. Students were able to get involved through interactive exhibits that allowed them to assume the role of a Supreme Court Justice, take the Presidential Oath of Office, and Ask A Senator. In the seasonal Road to the White House exhibit, students were able to follow the campaign trail and hang sticky notes listing what they would do first if they were elected President of the United States. A major hit at the center was Signers Hall, which features life-size bronze statues of the signers of the US Constitution. The students got to see Founding Fathers such as Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton “up close and personal.”

After the National Constitution Center, students walked across the street to see the burial place of Benjamin Franklin. After lunch and some souvenir shopping at the Bourse Building (a historic commodities exchange building from the 1890’s that has been restored to include shops and food stands), students visited the Liberty Bell.

Independence Hall awaited the students next as they took a tour of one of the most important buildings in American History – where both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed. This tour included visits to the room in which the Constitutional Convention met as well as the building located next door which housed the first US Congress.

From there, the group headed to Reading Terminal Market for dinner, including the chance to get a *real* Philly cheesesteak. After Reading Terminal, the group traveled down Filbert St. to find the Philadelphia Love Statue which is currently located in Dillworth Park. While in the park the students got to see some street entertainers as well – including a soccer ball trick handling demonstration and a small drum corps. From there, it was a trip to the Philadelphia Art Museum to see the Rocky Balboa statue and run up the stairs as he does in the movie. Even after a long day of walking, many of the students made the long trek up the large staircase – laughing the whole time!

Sunday, Valley Forge National Park was on the agenda. The group took the driving tour of the park, stopping at several important sites including the National Arch, George Washington’s Headquarters, and the company cabins. At the cabins, the students met with Camp Follower Jen. Camp Followers were the women and sometimes children that followed the Continental Army and helped with a number of tasks like sewing, cooking, nursing, and other things that were necessary to help the soldiers. She showed the students some Revolutionary Era games and explained how most all game from the time had educational value because most people believed that if you could “trick” children into learning through fun, they would retain the lessons longer. She showed the students a dice game that taught math and a dice game using dice with letters that was similar to Boggle in that you have to make as many words with the letters you have as you can. The students also visited George Washington’s home and headquarters where he stayed during the winter spent at Valley Forge. They also got to see replica cannons and statues or monuments representing the various state militias that were represented in the Continental Army. After hopping on and off the bus for about 90 minutes for the tour and tour stops, it was time for lunch, and then to head home.

Although it was a very long and busy weekend, the students all had a great time, as did the chaperones. They were excited to share their experiences and fun with their family and friends. Many of the students purchased presents for siblings or parents and were excited to share the treasures that they found as well. After a very successful first 7th Grade Philadelphia Field Trip, plans are in the works to make this experience an annual tradition for the 7th graders at the middle school.

#SASAtoms #SASCS #Philadelphia #NationalConstitutionCenter #IndependenceHall #PhiladelphiaArtMuseum #RockyBalboa #ValleyForgeNationalPark #GeorgeWashington

January 4, 2017. The Everson Museum of Art has chosen nine local artists between the ages of 16 and 29 to participate in its Believe in Syracuse Creativity Crates art showcase, and we are proud to announce that SASCS Junior Stephanie Gill is among them. Each artist was selected through a nomination process to create a 2-dimensional piece of artwork that will be displayed at the Believe in Syracuse art exhibition at the Everson Museum of Art on February 17th, 2018. During the exhibition, each piece of art in the show will be included in a silent auction. Proceeds from the auction will be divided evenly among the artists and the Everson Museum of Art as a charitable donation.

#SASCS #SASAtoms

On Friday, February 16, 2018, fourth-grade students competed in their school science fair. Today the winners were announced at the Student-of-the-Month ceremony. Projects were judged by staff and technology professionals from SUNY ESF and The Tech Garden.

1st place: Amirah Mohammad, with project Is Bottle Water Safer to Drink than Fountain Water?

2nd place: Ibrahim Abdulkadir & Tavin Penix with projects Do Antibacterial Products Work? and Turning Milk into Plastic

3rd place: Hunter Payne, Zaleya Derby and Jonathan Morales with projects Which Type of Potato will Produce the Most Energy?, How to Grow the Best and Largest Crystal, and Do AA or D Batteries Make a Better Magnet?

Honorable Mention: Adelynn Carruthers with project Which Egg Will Bounce?

All participants received a blue ribbon for their hard work.

#SASAtoms #SASCS

Eighth-grader Alexius Pierce made the go-ahead layup in the game's last minute, and junior Diamonne Harris hit four straight free throws in the final 10 seconds as the Syracuse Academy of Science held off Allegany-Limestone, 55-50, in a Class C girls basketball state semifinal at Hudson Valley Community College.

The Section III-champion Atoms (20-4) will play in the 8-year-old program's first state final at 4 p.m. Saturday against Section IX champion Millbrook.

"It feels unbelievable," said Harris, who led all scorers with 20 points. "We worked so hard - day after day - it was all worth it. It feels so good."

"We just willed our way (to the win), said senior leader Lyrik Jackson, who scored 14 points, grabbed eight rebounds and made five steals for the Atoms. "Coach said keep pushing. We didn't want to go home."

SAS, which trailed by six points at the half (32-26) sparked its second-half offense with a pressing defense that forced Allegany-Limestone into 22 turnovers and yielded a dozen steals.

The #SASAtoms also held Gators' star senior center Morgan Davis to 14 points, about five below her season's average. Morgan only had six in the second half.

"Amazing. Just amazing," said #SASCS head coach Reggie Pickard. "I'm still kind of dreaming - like are we here or not, you know? We're doing everything possible to win a championship. We've worked hard for eight years, and here we are."

The Atoms trailed by as many as eight points late in the second quarter but caught the Gators just two minutes into the third using a press that started paying off in turnovers.

"Our pressure has been the key for us all year," Pickard said. "We force turnovers, make the game kind of ugly.

I thought if we pressured a little more in the second half it would harder for them to get the ball to their bigs."

Allegany-Limestone, from Section VI near Olean, still led by two at the start of the fourth quarter, but SAS sophomore Xyel Bradford's 3-pointer put the Atoms ahead, 41-40, with just under 7 minutes left. Pierce hit another huge three with 2:30 left to play that gave SAS a 47-46 advantage.

But the Gators continued to make big baskets, too, and Allegany-Limestone had a 50-49 lead, and the ball, with just under a minute left to play.

On the in-bounds play, Harris dove for a steal and somehow got the ball to Pierce, who drove in for what would turn out to be the winning points, making it 51-50, Atoms.

The Gators began fouling, but Harris proved worthy against the pressure, hitting two sets for free throws in the final eight seconds.

"It was very nerve-wracking, but we do this all of the time in practice," she said. "I have to stay calm."

Allegany-Limestone coach Frank Martin said his team just couldn't quite hold it together in the final minutes against the SAS quickness.

"I'd love to have the last minute and a half back," he said. "We weren't as good as we needed to be to close this game out. We just weren't as good as we needed to be at the end."

The Atoms had a scare in the final seconds when Jackson took a shot to her head when she went down chasing a loose ball and an Allegany-Limestone player fell on top of her. She had to be helped off the court but was up and talking in the aftermath.

Harris said she hoped to go swimming in the hotel pool later in the day, but her coach wasn't hearing it.

No, no. We're not going to do any swimming," he said, laughing. "Too much muscle movement. They got mad at me last night because I took their phones from them. I'm doing that again tonight, too."

Article posted at highschoolsports.syracuse.com/news/article/-7252830500074...

This past weekend, June 3-5, 22 SAS 7th graders traveled to Philadelphia. As a year-end exploration of topics covered in 7th grade American History, the students visited many historical places. The group, chaperoned by Ms. Patton (social studies), Ms. Chapman (Spanish), and Coach Bahamonde (physical education and health), left for their adventure after school on Friday.

Saturday was the main event for the students, starting with the National Constitution Center. There, students explored constitutional issues of history such as The Civil Rights Movement, The Women’s Rights Movement, Slavery, and equality. Students were able to get involved through interactive exhibits that allowed them to assume the role of a Supreme Court Justice, take the Presidential Oath of Office, and Ask A Senator. In the seasonal Road to the White House exhibit, students were able to follow the campaign trail and hang sticky notes listing what they would do first if they were elected President of the United States. A major hit at the center was Signers Hall, which features life-size bronze statues of the signers of the US Constitution. The students got to see Founding Fathers such as Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton “up close and personal.”

After the National Constitution Center, students walked across the street to see the burial place of Benjamin Franklin. After lunch and some souvenir shopping at the Bourse Building (a historic commodities exchange building from the 1890’s that has been restored to include shops and food stands), students visited the Liberty Bell.

Independence Hall awaited the students next as they took a tour of one of the most important buildings in American History – where both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed. This tour included visits to the room in which the Constitutional Convention met as well as the building located next door which housed the first US Congress.

From there, the group headed to Reading Terminal Market for dinner, including the chance to get a *real* Philly cheesesteak. After Reading Terminal, the group traveled down Filbert St. to find the Philadelphia Love Statue which is currently located in Dillworth Park. While in the park the students got to see some street entertainers as well – including a soccer ball trick handling demonstration and a small drum corps. From there, it was a trip to the Philadelphia Art Museum to see the Rocky Balboa statue and run up the stairs as he does in the movie. Even after a long day of walking, many of the students made the long trek up the large staircase – laughing the whole time!

Sunday, Valley Forge National Park was on the agenda. The group took the driving tour of the park, stopping at several important sites including the National Arch, George Washington’s Headquarters, and the company cabins. At the cabins, the students met with Camp Follower Jen. Camp Followers were the women and sometimes children that followed the Continental Army and helped with a number of tasks like sewing, cooking, nursing, and other things that were necessary to help the soldiers. She showed the students some Revolutionary Era games and explained how most all game from the time had educational value because most people believed that if you could “trick” children into learning through fun, they would retain the lessons longer. She showed the students a dice game that taught math and a dice game using dice with letters that was similar to Boggle in that you have to make as many words with the letters you have as you can. The students also visited George Washington’s home and headquarters where he stayed during the winter spent at Valley Forge. They also got to see replica cannons and statues or monuments representing the various state militias that were represented in the Continental Army. After hopping on and off the bus for about 90 minutes for the tour and tour stops, it was time for lunch, and then to head home.

Although it was a very long and busy weekend, the students all had a great time, as did the chaperones. They were excited to share their experiences and fun with their family and friends. Many of the students purchased presents for siblings or parents and were excited to share the treasures that they found as well. After a very successful first 7th Grade Philadelphia Field Trip, plans are in the works to make this experience an annual tradition for the 7th graders at the middle school.

#SASAtoms #SASCS #Philadelphia #NationalConstitutionCenter #IndependenceHall #PhiladelphiaArtMuseum #RockyBalboa #ValleyForgeNationalPark #GeorgeWashington

On Monday, November 13th, 2017, high school students celebrated moving up a level in their language studies. Students were invited to a breakfast at the District Office with Superintendent Dr. Hayali. Students had bagels, donuts, water and orange juice. Each student received a certificate of achievement.

#SASCS #SASAtoms

on Wednesday, December 14th, 2016, the top 26 spellers in teh SAS Elementary school competed in the oral round after school! After a grueling 8 rounds, the top four spellers were announced. Micah Baker, Ruveyda Baysal, Taylor Bennett-Dykes, and Arashel Hill will be moving on the local round at OCC on Saturday, January 14th, 2017 to see if they have what it takes to make it to nationals!

#SASAtoms #SASCS #ScrippsSpellingBee

On August 24th, 2017, bridging school and home life, Syracuse Academy of Science schools recently hosted grade-specific orientation for parents, guardians and families of new and returning students. During the informative sessions, discussions were held on the following subjects: the student handbook, parking regulations, student drop-off/pick-up procedures, attendance, uniforms and academic standards. The meet-and-greet format enabled parents to get to know school staff and address any concerns or questions as the new school year gets underway.

#SASCS #SASAtoms

On Thursday, December 7, 2016, the fourth graders went on an exciting and fun field trip to Ultimate Goal in Marcellus. The purpose of the field trip was to promote teamwork and positive interactions between students. The bonus was that it was just plain fun! Students played team sports like soccer and dodge ball. They also got to enjoy lunch all together with their teachers before heading back to school. Other patrons at Ultimate Goal were impressed with how well our students played together. They also loved our uniforms. The entire fourth grade enjoyed this field trip very much and came to school refreshed and ready to continue their hard work.

#SASCS #SASAtoms

From August 1st to the 5th, 2016 students from SAS enjoyed the SUNY ESF Science Camp. The "Science" stands for Summer Camps Investigating Ecology in Neighborhood and City Environments, Students enjoyed a variety of activities in our city's environment. They took water samples testing for various factors including insect levels and pollutants. Students explored the lake at the Clark Reservation State Park. Samples of the fish popluation were taken at Onondaga Lake Park. The amazing activities concluded at the SUNY ESF campus with solar powered cars to demonstrate the renewable resource that we all need to embrace! Thank you to the counselors for providing our students with a great experience! We will see you next year!

#SASAtoms #SASCS #SUNYESF #Science

On Friday, June 10th, 2016 the SAS Middle School celebrated its very first International Day. Twelve teams of students created presentations of various countries and cultures such as Cuba, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and many Native American tribes. Many of our wonderful parent supported the event by bringing in food such as wontons, plantains, rice and beans, and Irish potato pancakes. The event was capped by the wonderful performances of the Talent Club who used their amazing skills to bring French ballet, Spanish music, and African dancing to the event. One of the many aspects that make SAS an amazing school is the many different cultures that we have in our study body. Our differences are what make us strong! Go ATOMS!

#SASAtoms #SASCS #InternationalDay

Syracuse Academy of Science senior Lyrik Jackson insists that the #SASAtoms are a balanced team, with no superstars.

But the all-state guard looked an awful lot like one midway through the fourth quarter of tonight's girls Class C basketball sectional final at Syracuse University's Carrier Dome.

Little Falls had whittled what once was a 19-point #SASCS lead down to eight points at the end of the third quarter.

Midway through the final quarter, the Mounties were still hanging around - down only 10 and threatening to inch closer.

Jackson went to work. She canned back-to-back 3-pointers on consecutive possessions then, after a basket by fellow senior Diamonne Harris, Jackson scored a breakaway layup to put her team back in control with a 16-point lead and just over a minute left to play.

The fifth-seeded Atoms went on to a 63-42 victory over Little Falls to earn the first girls sectional championship in school history.

"I just said I don't want to go home," said Jackson, who scored a game-high 25 points. "Coach said to just keep playing, keep pushing."

SAS is now 18-4 and advances to state regional play. The Atoms will face the Section IV champion on March 10 at a site in the Syracuse area.

Little Falls, the No. 2 seed, finishes its season at 19-5.

It was a milestone win on a journey for SAS, and its coach, Reggie Pickard, that began in 2010-11 after the school put its first varsity girls team together.

Pickard and assistants Donniesha Terry and Rasheada Caldwell built a solid program that began winning more than it lost in the 2013-14 season.

Getting that championship proved a bit more elusive for the Atoms.

SAS earned berths in the sectional finals the past two years, but lost both times - to Cooperstown in 2015-16 and a three-overtime heart-breaker to Thousand Islands last March.

"We just told them we have to leave everything on the court," Caldwell said. "Just go out and do what we do. We're aggressive. We play hard. The girls really wanted this - especially losing last year."

This time, the Atoms prevailed.

But not before the Mounties from the Center State Conference II made SAS work a little.

Little Falls went on a 13-2 run in the third quarter to shave a 19-point SAS lead to just eight points, 40-32, after three quarters.

"My kids played with a lot of heart," Mounties coach Pam Munger said. "They put it out there in the second half. They could have walked away, they could have said they were done. They battled back. We got it to within eight. We just didn't have enough offense today."

Olivia Langdon scored 15 points to lead Little Falls, which was seeking its sixth sectional title.

SAS got 12 points from eighth-grader Alexius Pierce, Caldwell's daughter, and nine each from sophomores Freey Pleasants and Xyel Bradford.

"My teammates - it's all them," Jackson said. "They knew I was hot and they got me the ball - I've got to give them all the credit."

Despite Jackson's modesty, Caldwell said, she is a special player.

"We have a strong team this year, and all of our players can score," she said. "But Lyrik, she put the team on her back. She carried us. She's just one of those great players"

Pickard, who sent Caldwell out for the post-game interview while he stayed in the locker room for awhile, said it was hard to put his feelings into words.

"I'm overwhelmed," he said. "This is a big win, not just for SAS but for the whole community."

Article posted at highschoolsports.syracuse.com/news/article/-6252816500080...

Eighth-grader Alexius Pierce made the go-ahead layup in the game's last minute, and junior Diamonne Harris hit four straight free throws in the final 10 seconds as the Syracuse Academy of Science held off Allegany-Limestone, 55-50, in a Class C girls basketball state semifinal at Hudson Valley Community College.

The Section III-champion Atoms (20-4) will play in the 8-year-old program's first state final at 4 p.m. Saturday against Section IX champion Millbrook.

"It feels unbelievable," said Harris, who led all scorers with 20 points. "We worked so hard - day after day - it was all worth it. It feels so good."

"We just willed our way (to the win), said senior leader Lyrik Jackson, who scored 14 points, grabbed eight rebounds and made five steals for the Atoms. "Coach said keep pushing. We didn't want to go home."

SAS, which trailed by six points at the half (32-26) sparked its second-half offense with a pressing defense that forced Allegany-Limestone into 22 turnovers and yielded a dozen steals.

The #SASAtoms also held Gators' star senior center Morgan Davis to 14 points, about five below her season's average. Morgan only had six in the second half.

"Amazing. Just amazing," said #SASCS head coach Reggie Pickard. "I'm still kind of dreaming - like are we here or not, you know? We're doing everything possible to win a championship. We've worked hard for eight years, and here we are."

The Atoms trailed by as many as eight points late in the second quarter but caught the Gators just two minutes into the third using a press that started paying off in turnovers.

"Our pressure has been the key for us all year," Pickard said. "We force turnovers, make the game kind of ugly.

I thought if we pressured a little more in the second half it would harder for them to get the ball to their bigs."

Allegany-Limestone, from Section VI near Olean, still led by two at the start of the fourth quarter, but SAS sophomore Xyel Bradford's 3-pointer put the Atoms ahead, 41-40, with just under 7 minutes left. Pierce hit another huge three with 2:30 left to play that gave SAS a 47-46 advantage.

But the Gators continued to make big baskets, too, and Allegany-Limestone had a 50-49 lead, and the ball, with just under a minute left to play.

On the in-bounds play, Harris dove for a steal and somehow got the ball to Pierce, who drove in for what would turn out to be the winning points, making it 51-50, Atoms.

The Gators began fouling, but Harris proved worthy against the pressure, hitting two sets for free throws in the final eight seconds.

"It was very nerve-wracking, but we do this all of the time in practice," she said. "I have to stay calm."

Allegany-Limestone coach Frank Martin said his team just couldn't quite hold it together in the final minutes against the SAS quickness.

"I'd love to have the last minute and a half back," he said. "We weren't as good as we needed to be to close this game out. We just weren't as good as we needed to be at the end."

The Atoms had a scare in the final seconds when Jackson took a shot to her head when she went down chasing a loose ball and an Allegany-Limestone player fell on top of her. She had to be helped off the court but was up and talking in the aftermath.

Harris said she hoped to go swimming in the hotel pool later in the day, but her coach wasn't hearing it.

No, no. We're not going to do any swimming," he said, laughing. "Too much muscle movement. They got mad at me last night because I took their phones from them. I'm doing that again tonight, too."

Article posted at highschoolsports.syracuse.com/news/article/-7252830500074...

Eighth-grader Alexius Pierce made the go-ahead layup in the game's last minute, and junior Diamonne Harris hit four straight free throws in the final 10 seconds as the Syracuse Academy of Science held off Allegany-Limestone, 55-50, in a Class C girls basketball state semifinal at Hudson Valley Community College.

The Section III-champion Atoms (20-4) will play in the 8-year-old program's first state final at 4 p.m. Saturday against Section IX champion Millbrook.

"It feels unbelievable," said Harris, who led all scorers with 20 points. "We worked so hard - day after day - it was all worth it. It feels so good."

"We just willed our way (to the win), said senior leader Lyrik Jackson, who scored 14 points, grabbed eight rebounds and made five steals for the Atoms. "Coach said keep pushing. We didn't want to go home."

SAS, which trailed by six points at the half (32-26) sparked its second-half offense with a pressing defense that forced Allegany-Limestone into 22 turnovers and yielded a dozen steals.

The #SASAtoms also held Gators' star senior center Morgan Davis to 14 points, about five below her season's average. Morgan only had six in the second half.

"Amazing. Just amazing," said #SASCS head coach Reggie Pickard. "I'm still kind of dreaming - like are we here or not, you know? We're doing everything possible to win a championship. We've worked hard for eight years, and here we are."

The Atoms trailed by as many as eight points late in the second quarter but caught the Gators just two minutes into the third using a press that started paying off in turnovers.

"Our pressure has been the key for us all year," Pickard said. "We force turnovers, make the game kind of ugly.

I thought if we pressured a little more in the second half it would harder for them to get the ball to their bigs."

Allegany-Limestone, from Section VI near Olean, still led by two at the start of the fourth quarter, but SAS sophomore Xyel Bradford's 3-pointer put the Atoms ahead, 41-40, with just under 7 minutes left. Pierce hit another huge three with 2:30 left to play that gave SAS a 47-46 advantage.

But the Gators continued to make big baskets, too, and Allegany-Limestone had a 50-49 lead, and the ball, with just under a minute left to play.

On the in-bounds play, Harris dove for a steal and somehow got the ball to Pierce, who drove in for what would turn out to be the winning points, making it 51-50, Atoms.

The Gators began fouling, but Harris proved worthy against the pressure, hitting two sets for free throws in the final eight seconds.

"It was very nerve-wracking, but we do this all of the time in practice," she said. "I have to stay calm."

Allegany-Limestone coach Frank Martin said his team just couldn't quite hold it together in the final minutes against the SAS quickness.

"I'd love to have the last minute and a half back," he said. "We weren't as good as we needed to be to close this game out. We just weren't as good as we needed to be at the end."

The Atoms had a scare in the final seconds when Jackson took a shot to her head when she went down chasing a loose ball and an Allegany-Limestone player fell on top of her. She had to be helped off the court but was up and talking in the aftermath.

Harris said she hoped to go swimming in the hotel pool later in the day, but her coach wasn't hearing it.

No, no. We're not going to do any swimming," he said, laughing. "Too much muscle movement. They got mad at me last night because I took their phones from them. I'm doing that again tonight, too."

Article posted at highschoolsports.syracuse.com/news/article/-7252830500074...

Climbing high and sliding fast are easier than ever for students at SASCS Elementary School on South Salina Street, with the addition of a new playground. The colorful equipment echoes the school’s uniform colors and offers more space for free-time adventures than the previous playground, which is still available for students to use. Tall poles capped with palm fronds add a tropical feel to the site, which features plenty of wood chips for safe landings, daring rescues and darting about.

#SASCS #SASAtoms

On Friday, December 23rd, 2016 the SAS Middle School held its 3rd Annual Staff vs. Students Basketball Game. Students from the 6th and 7th grade pitted their youth and speed against the size and experience of the staff members. Although the staff members would prove victorious, the game was fun for all participants and spectators. Student Co-MVP's were named as Alexius Pierce and Zachary Allen. Staff Co-MVP's were named as Mr. Frisina and Mr. McGriff. This annual event is a crowd favorite and is a great way to kick off the holiday vacation! Have a safe holiday season Atoms! We will see you next year!

#SASAtoms #SASCS

Eighth-grader Alexius Pierce made the go-ahead layup in the game's last minute, and junior Diamonne Harris hit four straight free throws in the final 10 seconds as the Syracuse Academy of Science held off Allegany-Limestone, 55-50, in a Class C girls basketball state semifinal at Hudson Valley Community College.

The Section III-champion Atoms (20-4) will play in the 8-year-old program's first state final at 4 p.m. Saturday against Section IX champion Millbrook.

"It feels unbelievable," said Harris, who led all scorers with 20 points. "We worked so hard - day after day - it was all worth it. It feels so good."

"We just willed our way (to the win), said senior leader Lyrik Jackson, who scored 14 points, grabbed eight rebounds and made five steals for the Atoms. "Coach said keep pushing. We didn't want to go home."

SAS, which trailed by six points at the half (32-26) sparked its second-half offense with a pressing defense that forced Allegany-Limestone into 22 turnovers and yielded a dozen steals.

The #SASAtoms also held Gators' star senior center Morgan Davis to 14 points, about five below her season's average. Morgan only had six in the second half.

"Amazing. Just amazing," said #SASCS head coach Reggie Pickard. "I'm still kind of dreaming - like are we here or not, you know? We're doing everything possible to win a championship. We've worked hard for eight years, and here we are."

The Atoms trailed by as many as eight points late in the second quarter but caught the Gators just two minutes into the third using a press that started paying off in turnovers.

"Our pressure has been the key for us all year," Pickard said. "We force turnovers, make the game kind of ugly.

I thought if we pressured a little more in the second half it would harder for them to get the ball to their bigs."

Allegany-Limestone, from Section VI near Olean, still led by two at the start of the fourth quarter, but SAS sophomore Xyel Bradford's 3-pointer put the Atoms ahead, 41-40, with just under 7 minutes left. Pierce hit another huge three with 2:30 left to play that gave SAS a 47-46 advantage.

But the Gators continued to make big baskets, too, and Allegany-Limestone had a 50-49 lead, and the ball, with just under a minute left to play.

On the in-bounds play, Harris dove for a steal and somehow got the ball to Pierce, who drove in for what would turn out to be the winning points, making it 51-50, Atoms.

The Gators began fouling, but Harris proved worthy against the pressure, hitting two sets for free throws in the final eight seconds.

"It was very nerve-wracking, but we do this all of the time in practice," she said. "I have to stay calm."

Allegany-Limestone coach Frank Martin said his team just couldn't quite hold it together in the final minutes against the SAS quickness.

"I'd love to have the last minute and a half back," he said. "We weren't as good as we needed to be to close this game out. We just weren't as good as we needed to be at the end."

The Atoms had a scare in the final seconds when Jackson took a shot to her head when she went down chasing a loose ball and an Allegany-Limestone player fell on top of her. She had to be helped off the court but was up and talking in the aftermath.

Harris said she hoped to go swimming in the hotel pool later in the day, but her coach wasn't hearing it.

No, no. We're not going to do any swimming," he said, laughing. "Too much muscle movement. They got mad at me last night because I took their phones from them. I'm doing that again tonight, too."

Article posted at highschoolsports.syracuse.com/news/article/-7252830500074...

Eighth-grader Alexius Pierce made the go-ahead layup in the game's last minute, and junior Diamonne Harris hit four straight free throws in the final 10 seconds as the Syracuse Academy of Science held off Allegany-Limestone, 55-50, in a Class C girls basketball state semifinal at Hudson Valley Community College.

The Section III-champion Atoms (20-4) will play in the 8-year-old program's first state final at 4 p.m. Saturday against Section IX champion Millbrook.

"It feels unbelievable," said Harris, who led all scorers with 20 points. "We worked so hard - day after day - it was all worth it. It feels so good."

"We just willed our way (to the win), said senior leader Lyrik Jackson, who scored 14 points, grabbed eight rebounds and made five steals for the Atoms. "Coach said keep pushing. We didn't want to go home."

SAS, which trailed by six points at the half (32-26) sparked its second-half offense with a pressing defense that forced Allegany-Limestone into 22 turnovers and yielded a dozen steals.

The #SASAtoms also held Gators' star senior center Morgan Davis to 14 points, about five below her season's average. Morgan only had six in the second half.

"Amazing. Just amazing," said #SASCS head coach Reggie Pickard. "I'm still kind of dreaming - like are we here or not, you know? We're doing everything possible to win a championship. We've worked hard for eight years, and here we are."

The Atoms trailed by as many as eight points late in the second quarter but caught the Gators just two minutes into the third using a press that started paying off in turnovers.

"Our pressure has been the key for us all year," Pickard said. "We force turnovers, make the game kind of ugly.

I thought if we pressured a little more in the second half it would harder for them to get the ball to their bigs."

Allegany-Limestone, from Section VI near Olean, still led by two at the start of the fourth quarter, but SAS sophomore Xyel Bradford's 3-pointer put the Atoms ahead, 41-40, with just under 7 minutes left. Pierce hit another huge three with 2:30 left to play that gave SAS a 47-46 advantage.

But the Gators continued to make big baskets, too, and Allegany-Limestone had a 50-49 lead, and the ball, with just under a minute left to play.

On the in-bounds play, Harris dove for a steal and somehow got the ball to Pierce, who drove in for what would turn out to be the winning points, making it 51-50, Atoms.

The Gators began fouling, but Harris proved worthy against the pressure, hitting two sets for free throws in the final eight seconds.

"It was very nerve-wracking, but we do this all of the time in practice," she said. "I have to stay calm."

Allegany-Limestone coach Frank Martin said his team just couldn't quite hold it together in the final minutes against the SAS quickness.

"I'd love to have the last minute and a half back," he said. "We weren't as good as we needed to be to close this game out. We just weren't as good as we needed to be at the end."

The Atoms had a scare in the final seconds when Jackson took a shot to her head when she went down chasing a loose ball and an Allegany-Limestone player fell on top of her. She had to be helped off the court but was up and talking in the aftermath.

Harris said she hoped to go swimming in the hotel pool later in the day, but her coach wasn't hearing it.

No, no. We're not going to do any swimming," he said, laughing. "Too much muscle movement. They got mad at me last night because I took their phones from them. I'm doing that again tonight, too."

Article posted at highschoolsports.syracuse.com/news/article/-7252830500074...

On Wednesday, November 15th, 2017, a representative from Keuka College visited our high school students.Our Juniors and Seniors learned about academics, student life and admissions. Students asked questions about the college.

#SASCS #SASAtoms

On Thursday, September 28th, 2017, As part of our school-wide initiative to raise awareness of bullying, we recently held an Olweus Bullying Prevention Program—and it was a huge success! Students were engaged in a variety of activities, such as creating anti-bullying posters to hang up throughout the school and signing our Olweus school pledge, which is now hanging in the school hallway. A variety of team-building activities took place using our wonderful new playground, a bounce house and parachute. Students also worked on a T-shirt design and got their faces painted.

#SASCS #SASAtoms

There were many reasons the kindergarten classes benefited from going on a bowling field trip to Revolutions. When the classes arrived, the students had to wait as their teachers got them their bowling shoes and set them up at their lanes. There were 5-6 students at each lane, so they had to take turns and wait as each of their peers took their turn. While one student went, the other students could be heard cheering each other on and encouraging them that they could do it. In addition, the students were able to use a “dinosaur,” which helped them line up their ball to roll down the lane; they were required to share the two dinosaurs with the other students using the other lanes. By the end of the field trip, the students practiced taking turns, encouraging their peers, and sharing, all of which are characteristics that the kindergarten classes have been talking about in the classroom.

#SASAtoms #SASCS

Eighth-grader Alexius Pierce made the go-ahead layup in the game's last minute, and junior Diamonne Harris hit four straight free throws in the final 10 seconds as the Syracuse Academy of Science held off Allegany-Limestone, 55-50, in a Class C girls basketball state semifinal at Hudson Valley Community College.

The Section III-champion Atoms (20-4) will play in the 8-year-old program's first state final at 4 p.m. Saturday against Section IX champion Millbrook.

"It feels unbelievable," said Harris, who led all scorers with 20 points. "We worked so hard - day after day - it was all worth it. It feels so good."

"We just willed our way (to the win), said senior leader Lyrik Jackson, who scored 14 points, grabbed eight rebounds and made five steals for the Atoms. "Coach said keep pushing. We didn't want to go home."

SAS, which trailed by six points at the half (32-26) sparked its second-half offense with a pressing defense that forced Allegany-Limestone into 22 turnovers and yielded a dozen steals.

The #SASAtoms also held Gators' star senior center Morgan Davis to 14 points, about five below her season's average. Morgan only had six in the second half.

"Amazing. Just amazing," said #SASCS head coach Reggie Pickard. "I'm still kind of dreaming - like are we here or not, you know? We're doing everything possible to win a championship. We've worked hard for eight years, and here we are."

The Atoms trailed by as many as eight points late in the second quarter but caught the Gators just two minutes into the third using a press that started paying off in turnovers.

"Our pressure has been the key for us all year," Pickard said. "We force turnovers, make the game kind of ugly.

I thought if we pressured a little more in the second half it would harder for them to get the ball to their bigs."

Allegany-Limestone, from Section VI near Olean, still led by two at the start of the fourth quarter, but SAS sophomore Xyel Bradford's 3-pointer put the Atoms ahead, 41-40, with just under 7 minutes left. Pierce hit another huge three with 2:30 left to play that gave SAS a 47-46 advantage.

But the Gators continued to make big baskets, too, and Allegany-Limestone had a 50-49 lead, and the ball, with just under a minute left to play.

On the in-bounds play, Harris dove for a steal and somehow got the ball to Pierce, who drove in for what would turn out to be the winning points, making it 51-50, Atoms.

The Gators began fouling, but Harris proved worthy against the pressure, hitting two sets for free throws in the final eight seconds.

"It was very nerve-wracking, but we do this all of the time in practice," she said. "I have to stay calm."

Allegany-Limestone coach Frank Martin said his team just couldn't quite hold it together in the final minutes against the SAS quickness.

"I'd love to have the last minute and a half back," he said. "We weren't as good as we needed to be to close this game out. We just weren't as good as we needed to be at the end."

The Atoms had a scare in the final seconds when Jackson took a shot to her head when she went down chasing a loose ball and an Allegany-Limestone player fell on top of her. She had to be helped off the court but was up and talking in the aftermath.

Harris said she hoped to go swimming in the hotel pool later in the day, but her coach wasn't hearing it.

No, no. We're not going to do any swimming," he said, laughing. "Too much muscle movement. They got mad at me last night because I took their phones from them. I'm doing that again tonight, too."

Article posted at highschoolsports.syracuse.com/news/article/-7252830500074...

On Wednesday, April 12th, 2017, the SAS Elementary Celebtrated their Earth Day Celebration! Prior to April break in celebration of Earth Day, SASCS Elementary hosted a school-wide bottle and can drive. Students, families, teachers, and staff all helped the cause by donating bottles and cans. Each classroom competed for a pizza party to collect the most cans! The 4th grade students helped to collect all 13,000 bottles and cans into the box truck to bring them to the redemption center. As a community, we raised over $700 in bottle and can donations!

#SASAtoms #SASCS

On Wednesday, December 14th, 2016 the 6th grade students of the SAS Middle School went on a field trip to 5 Wits in Destiny USA. Students participated in three of the team building adventures the store had to offer. The Drago's Castle was navigated with some magical help from a fairy princess. The evil Cabal was defeated in the Espionage Adventure. The 6th graders confronted the evil Pharaoh in the Tomb Adventure. Students even explored the perils of Deep Space! The trip was capped with some lunch in the food court with friends and teachers!

#SASAtoms #SASCS #5Wits

Starting on Wednesday, November 8th, 2017, the 5th and 6th grade students of the Syracuse Academy of Science had the opportunity of traveling to the Everson Museum of Art, located in downtown Syracuse. The Everson is home to approximately 11,000 works of art such as paintings, sculptures, drawings, videos, graphics, and one of the largest holdings of international ceramics in the nation. The students were broken up into small groups and each group had a docent that took them on a tour of the museum, explaining the artwork and history of each piece Our SAS atoms made us very proud with their knowledge of art, their kindness, and ambition to learn.

#SASAtoms #SASCS

Eighth-grader Alexius Pierce made the go-ahead layup in the game's last minute, and junior Diamonne Harris hit four straight free throws in the final 10 seconds as the Syracuse Academy of Science held off Allegany-Limestone, 55-50, in a Class C girls basketball state semifinal at Hudson Valley Community College.

The Section III-champion Atoms (20-4) will play in the 8-year-old program's first state final at 4 p.m. Saturday against Section IX champion Millbrook.

"It feels unbelievable," said Harris, who led all scorers with 20 points. "We worked so hard - day after day - it was all worth it. It feels so good."

"We just willed our way (to the win), said senior leader Lyrik Jackson, who scored 14 points, grabbed eight rebounds and made five steals for the Atoms. "Coach said keep pushing. We didn't want to go home."

SAS, which trailed by six points at the half (32-26) sparked its second-half offense with a pressing defense that forced Allegany-Limestone into 22 turnovers and yielded a dozen steals.

The #SASAtoms also held Gators' star senior center Morgan Davis to 14 points, about five below her season's average. Morgan only had six in the second half.

"Amazing. Just amazing," said #SASCS head coach Reggie Pickard. "I'm still kind of dreaming - like are we here or not, you know? We're doing everything possible to win a championship. We've worked hard for eight years, and here we are."

The Atoms trailed by as many as eight points late in the second quarter but caught the Gators just two minutes into the third using a press that started paying off in turnovers.

"Our pressure has been the key for us all year," Pickard said. "We force turnovers, make the game kind of ugly.

I thought if we pressured a little more in the second half it would harder for them to get the ball to their bigs."

Allegany-Limestone, from Section VI near Olean, still led by two at the start of the fourth quarter, but SAS sophomore Xyel Bradford's 3-pointer put the Atoms ahead, 41-40, with just under 7 minutes left. Pierce hit another huge three with 2:30 left to play that gave SAS a 47-46 advantage.

But the Gators continued to make big baskets, too, and Allegany-Limestone had a 50-49 lead, and the ball, with just under a minute left to play.

On the in-bounds play, Harris dove for a steal and somehow got the ball to Pierce, who drove in for what would turn out to be the winning points, making it 51-50, Atoms.

The Gators began fouling, but Harris proved worthy against the pressure, hitting two sets for free throws in the final eight seconds.

"It was very nerve-wracking, but we do this all of the time in practice," she said. "I have to stay calm."

Allegany-Limestone coach Frank Martin said his team just couldn't quite hold it together in the final minutes against the SAS quickness.

"I'd love to have the last minute and a half back," he said. "We weren't as good as we needed to be to close this game out. We just weren't as good as we needed to be at the end."

The Atoms had a scare in the final seconds when Jackson took a shot to her head when she went down chasing a loose ball and an Allegany-Limestone player fell on top of her. She had to be helped off the court but was up and talking in the aftermath.

Harris said she hoped to go swimming in the hotel pool later in the day, but her coach wasn't hearing it.

No, no. We're not going to do any swimming," he said, laughing. "Too much muscle movement. They got mad at me last night because I took their phones from them. I'm doing that again tonight, too."

Article posted at highschoolsports.syracuse.com/news/article/-7252830500074...

This past weekend, June 3-5, 22 SAS 7th graders traveled to Philadelphia. As a year-end exploration of topics covered in 7th grade American History, the students visited many historical places. The group, chaperoned by Ms. Patton (social studies), Ms. Chapman (Spanish), and Coach Bahamonde (physical education and health), left for their adventure after school on Friday.

Saturday was the main event for the students, starting with the National Constitution Center. There, students explored constitutional issues of history such as The Civil Rights Movement, The Women’s Rights Movement, Slavery, and equality. Students were able to get involved through interactive exhibits that allowed them to assume the role of a Supreme Court Justice, take the Presidential Oath of Office, and Ask A Senator. In the seasonal Road to the White House exhibit, students were able to follow the campaign trail and hang sticky notes listing what they would do first if they were elected President of the United States. A major hit at the center was Signers Hall, which features life-size bronze statues of the signers of the US Constitution. The students got to see Founding Fathers such as Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton “up close and personal.”

After the National Constitution Center, students walked across the street to see the burial place of Benjamin Franklin. After lunch and some souvenir shopping at the Bourse Building (a historic commodities exchange building from the 1890’s that has been restored to include shops and food stands), students visited the Liberty Bell.

Independence Hall awaited the students next as they took a tour of one of the most important buildings in American History – where both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed. This tour included visits to the room in which the Constitutional Convention met as well as the building located next door which housed the first US Congress.

From there, the group headed to Reading Terminal Market for dinner, including the chance to get a *real* Philly cheesesteak. After Reading Terminal, the group traveled down Filbert St. to find the Philadelphia Love Statue which is currently located in Dillworth Park. While in the park the students got to see some street entertainers as well – including a soccer ball trick handling demonstration and a small drum corps. From there, it was a trip to the Philadelphia Art Museum to see the Rocky Balboa statue and run up the stairs as he does in the movie. Even after a long day of walking, many of the students made the long trek up the large staircase – laughing the whole time!

Sunday, Valley Forge National Park was on the agenda. The group took the driving tour of the park, stopping at several important sites including the National Arch, George Washington’s Headquarters, and the company cabins. At the cabins, the students met with Camp Follower Jen. Camp Followers were the women and sometimes children that followed the Continental Army and helped with a number of tasks like sewing, cooking, nursing, and other things that were necessary to help the soldiers. She showed the students some Revolutionary Era games and explained how most all game from the time had educational value because most people believed that if you could “trick” children into learning through fun, they would retain the lessons longer. She showed the students a dice game that taught math and a dice game using dice with letters that was similar to Boggle in that you have to make as many words with the letters you have as you can. The students also visited George Washington’s home and headquarters where he stayed during the winter spent at Valley Forge. They also got to see replica cannons and statues or monuments representing the various state militias that were represented in the Continental Army. After hopping on and off the bus for about 90 minutes for the tour and tour stops, it was time for lunch, and then to head home.

Although it was a very long and busy weekend, the students all had a great time, as did the chaperones. They were excited to share their experiences and fun with their family and friends. Many of the students purchased presents for siblings or parents and were excited to share the treasures that they found as well. After a very successful first 7th Grade Philadelphia Field Trip, plans are in the works to make this experience an annual tradition for the 7th graders at the middle school.

#SASAtoms #SASCS #Philadelphia #NationalConstitutionCenter #IndependenceHall #PhiladelphiaArtMuseum #RockyBalboa #ValleyForgeNationalPark #GeorgeWashington

On Thursday, June 16th, 2016 sixty students from the SAS Middle School took a year-ending field trip to the Seabreeze Waterpark in Rochester, New York. Students were able to cut loose enjoy the many attractions, food options, and their wonderful friends. A great day of weather allowed students to have a wonderful field trip to cap of their year. Thank you to all staff and parents that chaperoned the event!

#SASAtoms #SASCS #seabreezepark @seabreezepark

The character trait for the month of February was Ambition. Several students were recognized for the ambition that they show in school on a daily basis. In addition, the classes with the most DOJOs were able to face off in a competition get all 10 mini marshmallows into a cut using only pencils! These classes received a sports dress down day for their hard work! Congratulations to all students who were recognized-keep up the great work!

#SASCS #SASAtoms

On Monday, February 6th, 2017 the Middle School took a special field trip to the Ultimate Goal in Marcellus, NY. The special aspect of this field trip was that it was a reward for students who have eclipsed a total merit/demerit score of positive 70. There are many great adjectives that could describe the students who reach this goal. Adjectives such as respectful, generous, and hardworking. It is our goal at SAS to mold both great students and great citizens and events such as this reward the many positive choices of our students. Keep reaching for the stars ATOMS!

#SASAtoms #SASCS

On October 31st 2017, The elementary school held its fall festival parade.

#SASCS #SASAtoms

On Friday, January 27th 2017, the SAS Middle School held the 7th grade Culture Feast. This event was held as a part of our culturally responsive lesson program. Parents were invited to join the event and bring a favorite family dish. Over 20 parents came to the school to break bread with students and staff members and to share food that is often present at important moments at home. Student artwork was on display throughout the meal. Events such as this highlight the amazing diversity that we have at SAS. We look forward to making this event an annual event. Students, staff, and family members had an amazing time. See you next year!

#SASAtoms #SASCS

On Tuesday, June 21, 2016, Syracuse Academy of Science Middle School held our moving up ceremony for 7th grade students moving on to 8th grade. Mr. Yavuz spoke to the students, parents, and families, encouraging students to pursue their dreams and never give up. Following Mr. Yavuz's words, a video presentation featuring photos from throughout the school year was shown highlighting field trips as well as in class events that the students participated in during the year. As a 7th grade team, the teachers voted for superlative awards for each student, ranging from 'most likely to be found smiling' to 'most likely to one day fight aliens.' These awards were presented to each student along with their Certificate of Completion for finishing their 7th grade studies. Many laughs and cheers were heard as students were surprised with their awards. Each student waited in anticipation to see what their teachers had voted for them. Following the presentation of awards, the entire 7th grade sang 7 Years (originally by Lukas Graham) for their parents, family, and friends. Ms. Jones, ELA teacher for 7th grade, wrapped up the program with some loving words about learning from your past experiences and taking new knowledge forward to make yourself even more successful in the future. Refreshments provided by the HSO were served after as students received flowers, balloons, and gifts from proud family members. Congratulations to our new 8th grade students and best wishes for the future!

#SASAtoms #SASCS #Graduation #7thto8th

This past weekend, June 3-5, 22 SAS 7th graders traveled to Philadelphia. As a year-end exploration of topics covered in 7th grade American History, the students visited many historical places. The group, chaperoned by Ms. Patton (social studies), Ms. Chapman (Spanish), and Coach Bahamonde (physical education and health), left for their adventure after school on Friday.

Saturday was the main event for the students, starting with the National Constitution Center. There, students explored constitutional issues of history such as The Civil Rights Movement, The Women’s Rights Movement, Slavery, and equality. Students were able to get involved through interactive exhibits that allowed them to assume the role of a Supreme Court Justice, take the Presidential Oath of Office, and Ask A Senator. In the seasonal Road to the White House exhibit, students were able to follow the campaign trail and hang sticky notes listing what they would do first if they were elected President of the United States. A major hit at the center was Signers Hall, which features life-size bronze statues of the signers of the US Constitution. The students got to see Founding Fathers such as Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton “up close and personal.”

After the National Constitution Center, students walked across the street to see the burial place of Benjamin Franklin. After lunch and some souvenir shopping at the Bourse Building (a historic commodities exchange building from the 1890’s that has been restored to include shops and food stands), students visited the Liberty Bell.

Independence Hall awaited the students next as they took a tour of one of the most important buildings in American History – where both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed. This tour included visits to the room in which the Constitutional Convention met as well as the building located next door which housed the first US Congress.

From there, the group headed to Reading Terminal Market for dinner, including the chance to get a *real* Philly cheesesteak. After Reading Terminal, the group traveled down Filbert St. to find the Philadelphia Love Statue which is currently located in Dillworth Park. While in the park the students got to see some street entertainers as well – including a soccer ball trick handling demonstration and a small drum corps. From there, it was a trip to the Philadelphia Art Museum to see the Rocky Balboa statue and run up the stairs as he does in the movie. Even after a long day of walking, many of the students made the long trek up the large staircase – laughing the whole time!

Sunday, Valley Forge National Park was on the agenda. The group took the driving tour of the park, stopping at several important sites including the National Arch, George Washington’s Headquarters, and the company cabins. At the cabins, the students met with Camp Follower Jen. Camp Followers were the women and sometimes children that followed the Continental Army and helped with a number of tasks like sewing, cooking, nursing, and other things that were necessary to help the soldiers. She showed the students some Revolutionary Era games and explained how most all game from the time had educational value because most people believed that if you could “trick” children into learning through fun, they would retain the lessons longer. She showed the students a dice game that taught math and a dice game using dice with letters that was similar to Boggle in that you have to make as many words with the letters you have as you can. The students also visited George Washington’s home and headquarters where he stayed during the winter spent at Valley Forge. They also got to see replica cannons and statues or monuments representing the various state militias that were represented in the Continental Army. After hopping on and off the bus for about 90 minutes for the tour and tour stops, it was time for lunch, and then to head home.

Although it was a very long and busy weekend, the students all had a great time, as did the chaperones. They were excited to share their experiences and fun with their family and friends. Many of the students purchased presents for siblings or parents and were excited to share the treasures that they found as well. After a very successful first 7th Grade Philadelphia Field Trip, plans are in the works to make this experience an annual tradition for the 7th graders at the middle school.

#SASAtoms #SASCS #Philadelphia #NationalConstitutionCenter #IndependenceHall #PhiladelphiaArtMuseum #RockyBalboa #ValleyForgeNationalPark #GeorgeWashington

On Friday, October 26th, 2017 Jazz player Gerald Veasley had a masterclass with the high school music band class. Students in the band class had a once in a lifetime opportunity to play music with Mr. Veasley. All the students learned about the music industry and what it is like to be a performing artist. Students enjoyed a chance to play a blues riff with Mr.Vealey. Students were also able to ask Mr.Veasley questions and received advice form the jazz artist.

#SASCS #SASAtoms

On Friday, February 16th, 2018, SAS Middle School held activity stations in honor of Black History Month! Students wrote out "I have a dream" clouds, listened to informational videos, did a gallery walk, filled out scavenger hunts, took pictures at the photo booth, did matching games and collages and played "Spike Ball." Students were able to gain factual information on some of the most influential African Americans who fought for the rights, freedoms and respect of African American people. Students really seemed to enjoy all of the activities provided!

#SASCS #SASAtoms #BlackHistoryMonth

On Friday, October 21st, 2016, the SAS Middle School hosted a Girl's Empowerment Night. Fifth, sixth, and seventh grade girls came out to learn how to be strong, confident young women, to empower themselves, and each other, and to enjoy a night of fun activities. Among the activities included, dinner, pillow case decorating, nail painting, make-up, games, dancing, singing, and a movie with popcorn. Additionally, two guest speakers came to inspire our female students, Ms. Diamond from the Boys and Girls Club, and Ms. Pearl from McMahon/ Ryan Child Advocacy Center. Thank you to all that volunteered to make this amazing event happen!

#SASAtoms #SASCS

On Friday, February 17th, 2017, the SAS Middle School unveiled a special surprise courtesy of our amazing art teacher, Ms. Brett. Under her guidance, students utilized two-hundred and twenty four pieces of card stock to construct a portrait of the iconic civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This activity was to commemorate Black History Month in our school. During the construction of the portrait, Ms. Brett recorded a time-lapse video to detail the contributions of each of our students. This activity underscores that the true strength of our country comes from the contributions of many people with highly diverse backgrounds as is with the amazing students that we at SAS are lucky enough to teach. Thank you Ms. Brett and our wonderful students, you make us proud!

#SASAtoms #SASCS #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM #MLK

On Thursday, June 9th, several 5th graders visited the Everson Museum of Art. The Everson Museum of Art features the works of artists from the 18th century to the present, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography, and video.

The students were split into small groups and guided throughout several exhibitions. They thoroughly enjoyed the performance art where videos were shown of artists stomping on pottery full of paint, artists trying to climb while wearing roller-skates, and artists throwing globs of messy clay. Another installation that caught their attention exhibited sculptures created using found objects that were crocheted, stitched, stuffed, carved, constructed with yarn, mattress stuffing, fabric, twine, styrofoam, wood, and clay.

The docents that conducted the tours were wonderful and very pleased with the knowledge our 5th graders brought to the conversations and critiques. The students spoke with elegance and confidence when critiquing the works of art which made for a beautiful atmosphere.

I was extremely proud of the students for how engaged they were with the artwork, the conversations, and how they represented the Syracuse Academy of Science wonderfully. We eagerly look forward to visiting the Everson Museum of Art again in the future.

#SASAtoms #SASCS #EversonMuseum