diversity
STUDENT TEACHER
PARENT
global adventure
community
success character
ATHLETICS
ENVIRONMENT
COLLEGE PREP
LANGUAGE enrichment
LIFE SKILLS
ARTS
STEM
A TUITION-FREE K-12 COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL Building success one Atom at a time.
Syracuse Academy to
Welcome 1
Our Mission Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School will provide support, challenges and opportunities for its students, and it will instill the necessary skills and knowledge in math, science, and technology to empower students, through high intellectual standards, preparing them for college, career, and citizenship. The school seeks to graduate students who can think critically and creatively, who are committed to a lifetime of learning and civic involvement, and who are conscious of local, global, and environmental issues.
Individual Attention with a Glocal Focus
College-Going Setting Students are introduced to the concept of attending college in kindergarten and provided with multiple opportunities to learn about and prepare for the college experience. Syracuse Academy offers numerous college visit trips and college admissions officers frequent the campus. Students also have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses to earn college credit while still high school students; and to take courses through local colleges and universities for college credit.
Syracuse Academy
In addition, students are encouraged to think globally and act locally by exploring education, culture and custom through field trips and other similar opportunities at the regional, national and international levels.
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Kindergarten through twelfth grade, our emphasis is on meeting students’ individual needs; allowing them to develop to their fullest potential. Students are motivated to generate new thoughts, think analytically, draw logical conclusions and express their thoughts in written and spoken form.
Welcome
What Sets Syracuse Academy Apart?
Performance-Based Student progress and teacher effectiveness is measured quarterly through data collected and tracked by multiple assessment instruments. Student and teacher performance is documented, reviewed and evaluated on an individual basis allowing for the creation of action plans. These plans are used to ensure every student and teacher succeeds in meeting all requirements.
Middle States Seal of Approval In addition to being accredited and chartered by the New York State Department of Education, Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School is additionally accredited by The Middle States Association,* a nationally acclaimed K-16 accreditation organization. We are the only charter school in New York State to receive this distinction. *
Accredited grades at Syracuse Academy of Science include K, 1, and 7-12
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Syracuse Academy Welcome
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“Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School has been able to create an environment that has grown into a school-wide culture of excellence, acceptance and creativity. They have achieved an integration of cultures and faiths as well as academics and athletics that builds not only college ready young men and women, but also worldly community citizens.�
- Jerry and Lillian Ackerman Parents Our 2012 cohort graduation rate was 98%. In 2010, Syracuse Academy graduates had an 82% retention rate from their freshman year in college to their sophomore year - well above the national average of 77%
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Academic Excellence
Environmental Stewardship Community Involvement
Syracuse Academy
Athletics
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Student Life
Welcome
Admission
We’re a family... You care about your child, so do we! When your child attends Syracuse Academy he/she is guaranteed more than an education - they become part of a family. Teachers, administration and staff truly care about every student. 4
Admission
Application Process Syracuse Academy is a tuition-free, college preparatory, charter school. All children K-12 with an interest in academic and individual success; personal drive to expand their global knowledge; and a desire to become, not just part of a school community, but a family are welcome. Applications You may apply online by visiting www.sascs.org, or in person at the school. Applications must be postmarked by the April 1st deadline in order to be considered for the lottery. All applications postmarked after the deadline will be placed on the waiting list. Applications are only valid for one year, you must reapply each year.
Lottery If the number of eligible applications for admission exceeds the spaces available for students, a publicly audited lottery will be held. All affected applicants will be notified of the date, time and location of the lottery. Lotteries are open to the public and parents are encouraged to attend. Names are randomly selected and applicants are accepted based on the order in which they are selected. Applicants who are not selected will be placed on the waiting list in the order their names were selected. Admission to Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School shall not be limited on the basis of intellectual ability, measures of achievement or aptitude, athletic ability, disability, race, creed, national origin, religion or any other ground that would be unlawful. All children who would be eligible to enroll in public schools in New York State are eligible to enroll.
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Admission 6
Academic Excellence
Making a Difference Safe, Small and Friendly School Environment Syracuse Academy provides an inviting, safe and purposeful environment for learning. The small-school atmosphere provides the foundation for involvement and participation of parents with students, teachers and administrators making Syracuse Academy feel like an extended family. By establishing a “one band - one sound” mentality, the school creates boundaries and rules that make it a safe environment for students and staff. Effective policies include: clear behavioral expectations and school uniforms.
Enrichment Programs Students’ opportunities for success are bolstered through: Extended school hours Jr./Sr. High: 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Elementary: 8:15 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Small-group or enrichment programs are held until 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Our master schedule includes daily remedial instruction or academic enrichment for students during regular school hours as well as a monthly advisory program.
Character Education Our Character Education program begins in elementary school and instills in our students values such as accountability, compassion, integrity, tolerance and leadership. The program also reaffirms our strength as a drug-free, gang-free, peer pressure-free, bully-free, truancy-free and violence-free campus.
Parental Involvement Combining comprehensive school programs with parental involvement results in higher student performance. Our online database enables parents to see their child’s assignments, teacher comments, test scores and attendance instantly. Home visits create a triad of parent-studentteacher relationships. 7
Dalton Ackerman Class of 2013
Matriculating to Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University
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hroughout high school Dalton set goals for himself and worked hard to achieve them, he grew in character and has discovered his passions. Dalton’s advice to current and future Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School students: “Use the school. It works with you.”
Dalton’s final thoughts on Syracuse Academy of Science are simple and strong: “At Syracuse Academy, students are immersed in a culture that is geared toward integration with college life; and they benefit from faculty and staff that are unafraid to make decisions in the best interest of the student. In short, the school makes college tangible.”
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Academic Excellence
Key Elements to Success STEM Focus Syracuse Academy has a distinctive and intensive academic curriculum focusing on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). This provides the necessary foundation for college entrance and careers in technical fields. Students regularly compete in regional, national and international STEM focused academic competitions including: Science Olympiad, multiple science fairs and math competitions. There is also the opportunity to collaborate with industry professionals through lecture and hands on experience in fields such as research, through local colleges and universities. Syracuse Academy utilizes the most current technologies in the classroom including SMART Board interactive white boards, Apple iPads, ELMO technologies, Google Chromebooks and more.
Devoted Support for All The ultimate goal of our Guidance Department is to advocate for students and their families to ensure the continuing development of their academic, career exploration, and social/personal skills. Because every child has different interests, skills and abilities, our extensive tutoring helps every student, including English learners and students with disabilities, to become a high achieving student. Small group tutoring is available for academic support in any subject. This is very important to our staff, and we make sure that time is available after school hours for extensive tutoring.
Environmental Education Environmental education is a learning process that increases people’s knowledge and awareness of the environment and associated challenges; develops the necessary skills and expertise to address the challenges; and fosters attitudes, motivation, and the commitment to make informed decisions and take responsible action (UNESCO, Tbilisi Declaration). The school’s environmental education curriculum promotes awareness of the environmental challenges and quality, and will include environment related programs such as the GENIUS Olympiad, an international environmental science competition, for practicing acquired knowledge. 9
Academic Excellence 10
Academic Excellence
Glocal Education Thinking globally, acting locally. Syracuse Academy provides students with numerous opportunities to think globally and act locally through local, national and international field trips, as well as special events featuring renowned leaders and speakers. Opportunities to be active within the local community range from participating in academic competitions at local colleges and universities to volunteering at nonprofit organizations and live performances at local festivals. Students K-12 are introduced to local/regional professionals and beyond on a monthly basis. These speaking engagements expose students to new ideas and to inspire their vision for their future and that of the world around them.
International Travel Many students have the opportunity to travel overseas, competing in international academic competitions. These trips help students become more aware of their surroundings on a global level and contribute positively to strengthening cultural awareness and understanding of global issues. Recent student itineraries include:
Domestic
Arizona Massachusetts New Jersey Ohio Pennsylvania Texas Washington, D.C.
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International Canada Holland Hong Kong Japan Kenya Turkey
Academic Excellence
Student,Yahkeef Davis visits Nairobi, Kenya
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ith the exception of a few trips to Canada, Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School junior, Yahkeef Davis, had never travelled internationally. From the moment he set foot in Nairobi, Kenya, Yahkeef knew this trip would be a meaningful personal and educational journey that most adults, let alone students in Syracuse have never experienced. Yahkeef is one of many students given the opportunity to explore the nation and the globe. Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School is a place where student, parent, teacher and the world come together to share ideas, promote learning locally and to share knowledge and ideas on a global level. These are not only opportunities for academics, but amazing occasions to expose students to various cultures, customs and societies in an effort to develop them into well-rounded, globally aware citizens.
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Academic Excellence
The Arts Involvement in the arts is associated with gains in math, reading, cognitive ability, critical thinking, and verbal skill. Arts learning can also improve motivation, concentration, confidence, and teamwork. Arts Education Students are encouraged to explore the fundamentals of art and more through our arts offerings. Goals include acquiring technical skills, understanding the physical and expressive possibilities of diverse materials, and learning safe, appropriate use of tools and materials. There are opportunities to participate in art related contests including submissions to international competitions. Students in art classes are also called upon to assist with decor and projects for special events held at the Academy.
Music Education Syracuse Academy offers unique opportunities for students to study music. Courses are designed to go beyond fundamentals and expose students to composition, piano technique, performing and exploring the history of genres such as jazz. Student musicians have the opportunity to perform at school events and when applicable in the community. Syracuse Academy is also home to the Atom Band. Elementary students perform a vocal concert and band concert in the fall and spring.
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Labels are not barriers in our thinking of services and instruction for our special education and ELL students. Instead, Syracuse Academy sees them as part of the school’s cognitive diversity. Students with disabilities and ELL students deserve access to deep learning experiences by engaging with others. Special Education Our special education services are administered by highly qualified and appropriately certified special education teachers. The department provides programs and services as indicated on each student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and leverages the parent-student-teacher triad to provide high quality education.
Environmental A cademic Excellence Stewardship
Special Education & ELL
English Language Learners Certified ELL teachers work in conjunction with classroom teachers to provide information on the linguistic, cultural, academic and social adjustment of ELL students at all ages and grade levels so the student will achieve proficiency. The ELL teachers assess and train classroom teachers to meet the needs of ELL students. They also train and assign tutors to help the students reinforce their English language skills.
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Academic Excellence
At Syracuse Academy, We don’t ask our students if they are going to college.
We ask them where they are going to college. 15
The importance of college readiness is the foundation of all that we do at Syracuse Academy. We offer programs during and after-school as well as throughout the summer in an effort to ensure that all students have the opportunity to attend college. The college-going culture at Syracuse Academy includes much more than our extensive and target oriented curriculum, and prepares students for their college of choice. Syracuse Academy organizes college fairs, college visits, residential college programs during the summer, after-school and Saturday SAT programs and much more. Unlike most schools, we offer many of these programs as early as first grade!
Academic Excellence
College-going culture
College Fairs and College Visits Throughout the school year representatives from excellent local and national institutions are welcomed to campus to speak to students about their institution. Beginning in kindergarten, students are provided with ample opportunities to visit colleges. Recent visits have included: Binghamton University, Le Moyne College, Rochester Institute of Technology, Syracuse University, SUNY Oswego and University of Pennsylvania.
It’s never too early... “One of the first things we invite students, parents and other visitors to see are our elementary classrooms. Each room is identified by a college/university name.This is where our students’ education and adventure begins - and it’s where preparation for college all starts.” - Syracuse Academy Elementary
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Academic Excellence 17
College Planning & Acceptance Dedicated College Planning Our guidance office boasts a full-time college counselor who assists students with college planning, college admissions and college selection. Students receive the individual attention and coaching they need to successfully navigate the college admissions process through matriculation.
A Sampling of College and University Acceptances Alfred University Arcadia University Benedict College Binghamton University Boston University Buffalo State College of SUNY Case Western Reserve University Cazenovia College Clarkson University Daemen College Drexel University Elmira College Fisk University Franklin Pierce University Gannon University Hamilton College Hartwick College Howard University Iona College Ithaca College
Keuka College La Salle University Le Moyne College Liberty University Loyola University Long Island University Lyndon State College Monroe Community College Morehouse College Morrisville State College Nazareth College Neumont University New Jersey City University Niagara University Northeastern University Norwich University Pace University Peace College Quinnipiac University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rochester Institute of Technology
Russell Sage College Sage College of Albany Saint John's University Saint Joseph's College Spelman College St. John Fisher College St. John's University SUNY Potsdam SUNY Cortland SUNY Oswego Syracuse University University at Albany University of Massachusetts University of New Haven Utica College Virginia Wesleyan University Wagner College Washington College Wells College Winston Salem State University Xavier University
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Student Life
Students are encouraged to explore their interests, try new things and to meet new people through our ever-growing club offerings and academic competitions. Junior and Senior High Extracurricular Activities
Elementary Extracurricular Activities
Anime Club Anti-Bullying Club Art Club Atom Band Cooking Club Diversity Club Dominoes Club Drama Club Drill Team Game Club Go / Chess Club International Culture Club Weightlifting Club Yearbook
Green Club MathCounts Robotics Science Fairs Science Olympiad
Student Life
Student Activities
Academic Competitions Science Fairs Science Olympiads Social Studies Events SUNY Oswego Summer Science Immersion Program
*Club offerings are subject to change based on student interest
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Athletics
Sports FALL SEASON Boys Cross Country Modified / Varsity
Athletics
Girls Cross Country Modified / Varsity
The Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School athletic program provides a variety of experiences to enhance the development of favorable habits that will prepare students for adult life in a democratic society: to work with others, to be successful, to develop sportsmanship, to improve, to enjoy athletics, and to develop desirable personal health habits.
Boys Soccer Varsity
Syracuse Academy’s main focus is academics, therefore student-athletes are required to maintain a minimum grade point average to participate in the athletics program.
WINTER SEASON
The Atoms and Lady Atoms compete in Section III of the Onondaga High School League of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. The boys varsity basketball team was runner up for the 2010-2011 season New York State Championship.
Boys Basketball Modified / Junior Varsity / Varsity Girls Basketball Junior Varsity / Varsity Cheerleading Junior Varsity / Varsity Wrestling Pee Wee/Modified/Junior Varsity
SPRING SEASON Girls Track & Field Modified / Varsity Boys Track & Field Modified / Varsity
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ATOMS & Lady ATOMS
Athletic Director 2010-2011 New York State Coach of the Year and two-time Section III Coach of the Year, Athletic Director, and Boys Varsity Basketball Coach, Onur Gokce, holds a Master’s degree in Sports Management from SUNY Cortland and a permanent coaching certificate. Mr. Gokce’s athletic resume includes a professional basketball career. He is an avid sports fan and athlete committed to using athletics as a means to improve academic performance and character building.
Mascot Syracuse Academy is home of the ATOMS.
Athletics
GO ATOMS!
Facilities Syracuse Academy ATOMS home court is “The Lab” located at the high school. The high school’s fitness center includes free weights, cardiovascular equipment and other equipment necessary to keep our competitive teams healthy year round. In addition to our own facilities, the athletics department also enjoys a partnership with Strength in Motion in East Syracuse. During the winter season our studentathletes learn how to eat, how to treat their bodies to stay in excellent physical shape, and the skills to ensure that they maintain their strength and conditioning.
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Athletics
Focus on Building Skills & Sportsmanship In addition to physical education class, Elementary School Students have the opportunity to participate in after school athletic activities as well.
Athletics
Little Atoms
Athletic Opportunities Include Akido Club Gymnastics Mileage Club Pee Wee Wrestling Weight lifting Club 5th and 6th Grades: Basketball - All 5th and 6th graders are encouraged to play on the basketball team during the winter months. During the 2012-13 school year, Syracuse Academy was a participant in the CNY Basketball League enabling them to compete against 5th and 6th grade teams around the area. This is a great opportunity to introduce students to being student-athletes. The physical education/athletic year culminates with a field day during the final week of school. We encourage our parents to stop by during physical education class and our after school sports.
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Environmental Stewardship
Focus on Environmental Education Our environmental education promotes awareness of environmental challenges and quality. Our green initiatives not only support the environment but are also a means of putting our classroom learning into practice.
Green Club & Green Team Students are introduced to environmental stewardship in various ways beginning in elementary school. The Green Club at Syracuse Academy Elementary was started to help students better understand their own environment and to instill in them a desire to improve their surroundings for the future. The Club maintains not only the campus greenhouse and plantings, but is also extremely active in recycling inside the building. At the High School, the Green Team focuses on reducing the use of paper throughout the building and seeking out opportunities for recycling and to reduce energy consumption.
Elementary students support the environment and reduced dumpster costs by incorporating recycling and limiting food waste during lunchtime in 2012-13.
Environmental Stewardship
Proudly going green!
When a student is done with their lunch they put what’s left in one of three bins: 1. Food Scraps - fruit peels, bread crusts and other food waste which then is put into our composting bins to provide nutrient-rich soil for the greenhouse 2. Recycle - milk cartons, juice boxes and other recyclables 3. Trash - plastic utensils and other items that cannot be recycled 26
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Environmental Stewardship
Elementary Campus Greenhouse Inspired by guest speakers during Earth Week 2012 and driven by the desire to reduce costs, waste, and to teach even the youngest students to be excellent stewards of the environment, Syracuse Academy constructed a sustainable greenhouse at the Elementary campus. The project was entirely funded through in-kind donations and by monies collected from the recycling of fixtures and other materials removed during renovations at the school. The greenhouse boasts raised beds, rain barrels, composting bins and solar panels that run the water pump. The results include a sustainable environment that is incorporated into the curriculum, a reduction in extra costs and the school’s environmental impact on the community is minimized. Students have planted seeds for flowers, many vegetables, and have been able to watch them grow. This firsthand experience is invaluable to students as they learn about the environment. The resulting plants will be used for things such as campus landscaping.
Environmental Stewardship
Sustainability
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Community Involvement
Community Involvement
Giving Back Promoting a life of service Syracuse Academy fosters an atmosphere that promotes the importance of civic involvement. Students K-12 are provided with opportunities to volunteer and give back to the community. These opportunities range in scale from food and gift drives at the holidays to hands-on assistance during crises.
Community Outreach
Students are active in the community year-round. Organizations and projects our students have given their time and resources to include:
Clare Bridge of Manlius Helping Hounds Hurricane Sandy Outreach Meals on Wheels Ronald McDonald House, Syracuse Rosamond Gifford Zoo Salvation Army Sandy Hook Elementary School Veterans Administration Hospital And many more.
NYS Commissioner of Education and President of the University of the State of New York, Dr. John B. King, Jr., was the keynote speaker at our 7th Annual Commencement. Dr. King’s key message to graduates was to use their talents to give back to others.
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Community Involvement
Civic Leaders and guest speakers inspire Guest Speakers Community leaders in government, service, business and academia are invited to be a part of the school community as speakers, performers and judges of student projects. Through this, we are able to leverage our contacts to offer opportunities for job shadowing and workplace visits.
Guests Include: Academia James B. Steinberg, Dean, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University Dr. Timothy Eatman, Assistant Professor, Syracuse University School of Education Business and Media Christie Casciano, Anchor, NewsChannel 9 and Author Caroline Gable, Co-Host, Bridge Street, NewsChannel 9 Melanie Littlejohn, Regional Executive of Central New York, National Grid Ted Long and Amy Robbins, Radio Personalities, 93Q Wayne Mahar, Chief Meteorologist, CNY Central Matt Stevens, Meteorologist, CNY Central
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Government Anthony S. Bottar, Vice Chancellor, New York State Board of Regents Ann Marie Buerkle, Former Representative John DeFrancisco, New York State Senator William Fitzpatrick, Onondaga County District Attorney Dr. John B. King, Jr., Commissioner of Education and President of the University of the State of New York Dan Maffei, Representative Joanie Mahoney, County Executive Stephanie Miner, Mayor, City of Syracuse Bill Phillips, President, Northeast Charter Schools Network David J.Valesky, New York State Senator
Community Involvement
students to achieve great things.
Service Frank Fowler, Chief of Police, Syracuse Police Department Ret. Major General Robert A. Knauff Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCRRA) Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department Syracuse Fire Department
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Building success one Atom at a time.
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Junior/Senior High 1001 Park Street Syracuse, NY 13204 P: 315-428-8997 F: 315-428-9109 SASCS.org
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Accredited by Middle States Association of Elementary and Secondary Schools
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Building success one Atom at a time.
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Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School
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