Wednesday, May 14th, 2025: April was a month of excellence for Ms. Moe’s elementary scholars at Citizenship & Science Academy of Syracuse! The Atoms showed outstanding dedication by achieving perfect attendance, a testament to their commitment to learning, responsibility, and academic growth.

Consistent attendance is critical to academic success, especially in a STEM-based environment where hands-on, mind-on learning is key. In Ms. Moe’s classroom, students don’t just sit at desks and absorb information—they actively engage in building, testing, questioning, and exploring.

Every school day offers a new opportunity for growth, collaboration, and discovery. When students are present consistently, they can fully participate in lessons, engage in group activities, and build on knowledge without missing critical steps. Frequent absences can interrupt learning progress, create gaps in understanding, and make it harder for students to catch up.

In a STEM-focused classroom, lessons often build upon one another and involve active, project-based learning; missing even a single day can mean missing a key part of a lab, experiment, or collaborative experience. Perfect attendance reflects a student’s commitment and the support of families and educators working together to prioritize learning.

We’re incredibly proud of our scholars for showing up, staying engaged, and making the most of every opportunity. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Tuesday, May 13th, 2025: Miss Carr took her fifth-grade science class lesson to the next level with a thrilling, hands-on experiment that brought the laws of physics to life!

As part of their unit on forces and motion, students explored concepts like gravity, friction, acceleration, and momentum by designing and constructing paper roller coasters. The challenge? Use only paper plates, plastic cups, and masking tape to create a track long enough for a marble to travel from top to bottom, without falling off, and land in a cup at the end.

This creative and collaborative activity allowed students to test hypotheses, engineer solutions, troubleshoot designs, and witness the laws of physics in action.

In a STEM-based learning environment, activities like this are more than just engaging; they are essential! Hands-on learning empowers students to connect abstract scientific concepts to real-world applications. By building models and conducting experiments, learners strengthen their critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.

These experiences also encourage curiosity, resilience, and innovation, core qualities for success in any STEM field. When students are allowed to explore and experiment, they develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for science and how it shapes the world around them.

Miss Carr’s roller coaster challenge perfectly exemplifies how CSAS fosters hands-on, minds-on learning daily. Way to go, Atoms!

Saturday, April 26th, 2025: A talented team of Citizenship & Science Academy Syracuse Middle School scholars earned third Place in the Balloon BattleBot Bash—Midsize Division. 

Students demonstrated incredible engineering skills, strategic thinking, and teamwork throughout the tournament. Their robot battled fiercely in the arena, popping opponent balloons while protecting itself with precision driving and innovative tactics.

Faced with tough competition and intense matches, the CSAS Atoms showed resilience, creativity, and true sportsmanship. This event was an incredible opportunity to test their STEM knowledge and problem-solving abilities—and they rose to the challenge!

Thank you to the CNY Robotics & Science Foundation for organizing such a well-run and exciting event. We are also deeply grateful to our mentors, supporters, and families who cheered us on every step of the way. 

Congratulations to all participants, and we can't wait to see what our team accomplishes next!

Friday, April 4th, 2025: The 6th-grade young men at Citizenship & Science Academy of Syracuse had the honor of hearing from Pastor Galloway—a pastor, entrepreneur, and insurance agent—who visited as a special guest speaker.

Pastor Galloway shared his powerful personal story and spoke about the importance of making good choices, especially starting in middle school. His message emphasized that the decisions students make now can impact their future personal and professional success.

The session was filled with inspiration and motivation, encouraging our scholars to think critically about their actions and set goals for themselves. His story served as a reminder that determination, discipline, and integrity are key ingredients to building a meaningful life.

We thank Pastor Galloway for pouring wisdom into our students and being a positive role model in our community.

Friday, April 11th, 2025: We believe in recognizing and rewarding student achievement at Citizenship & Science Academy of Syracuse Charter School. This year, grades 6 through 9 students who scored a Level 3 or 4 on the previous year’s ELA and/or Math State Tests were honored with gift cards valued at $25, $50, or $75, generously provided by Terra Science and Education.

This initiative celebrates the dedication and hard work of our scholars and serves as powerful motivation for all students as they prepare for this year’s state exams. Recognition like this reinforces the importance of perseverance, academic excellence, and goal setting.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to Terra Science for their continued support and generosity. With their partnership, our students are inspired to reach new heights—because, at CSAS, hard work pays off.

Monday, March 24th, 2025: Exciting news from Citizenship & Science Academy of Syracuse Elementary School — the Girls on the Run program has officially kicked off for the season!

Girls on the Run is more than just a running club. It’s a nationwide program designed to empower young girls, helping them build self-confidence, develop emotional resilience, and foster meaningful friendships — all while staying active and healthy.

At CSAS, we’re proud to offer opportunities to support our students' growth inside and outside the classroom. Through team-based lessons and physical activity, Girls on the Run encourages students to celebrate their strengths and embrace who they are.

We’re excited to watch our girls learn, grow, and shine this season. From forming new friendships to setting goals and crossing the finish line together, it will be a journey filled with inspiration and joy.

Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from the program!

Friday, March 28th, 2025: 8th and 9th-grade male students at Citizenship & Science Academy of Syracuse had the incredible opportunity to hear from Officer Dejuan Tigner of the Syracuse Police Department.

During his visit, Officer Tigner shared his journey—from his early life experiences to achieving his goal of becoming a police officer. He spoke openly about his challenges and how perseverance, determination, and self-belief helped him overcome obstacles and reach his dreams.

More than just a career talk, Officer Tigner’s message was a powerful reminder that our scholars can succeed in any field they choose. His encouragement and authenticity inspired our students to stay focused, chase their ambitions, and embrace their full potential.

We are grateful to Officer Tigner for speaking with our students and being a positive role model in our community. His visit left a lasting impact and empowered our Atoms to dream big and confidently lead.

Thursday, March 27th, 2025: Mrs. Conroy’s Citizenship & Science Academy of Syracuse Elementary class teamed up with Mrs. Youker for an exciting, hands-on science unit about force and motion!

Together, students explored key scientific concepts like gravity, friction, and momentum through engaging experiments and interactive lessons. The learning didn’t stop there—students also had the opportunity to teach first graders about the International Space Station, reinforcing their understanding while inspiring younger learners.

This collaborative approach made science fun and fostered teamwork, curiosity, and leadership skills in our young Atoms. Way to go, future scientists!

Thursday, April 3rd, 2025: Did you know Citizenship & Science Academy of Syracuse Middle School has a Chess Club? Every Friday during lunch, scholars gather to master the game of chess while developing critical thinking and decision-making skills.

Led by Mr. Elliott, the club goes beyond the board—teaching students how strategic thinking in chess applies to real-life choices. Scholars enhance their problem-solving abilities, patience, and sportsmanship through weekly matches and lessons.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, Chess Club is the perfect place to challenge yourself and grow!

Tuesday, March 25, 2025: Citizenship & Science Academy of Syracuse had the privilege of welcoming Denika Lundy, a breast cancer survivor, author, entrepreneur, nonprofit organizer, and daycare provider. Ms. Lundy’s visit was an inspiring experience for our 8th and 9th-grade female scholars as she shared her powerful journey of resilience and success.

During her talk, Ms. Lundy discussed the challenges she faced battling breast cancer and how she turned adversity into strength. As the author of Stand Up, she uses her platform to uplift and empower others. She also emphasized the importance of regular health check-ups from a young age and encouraged students to prioritize their well-being.

Beyond health, Ms. Lundy motivated our scholars to pursue their dreams fearlessly, reminding them that success is more than academics—it’s about growth, perseverance, and self-belief. Her words left a lasting impact, inspiring our students to strive for excellence in all aspects of life.

We are incredibly grateful for Ms. Lundy’s visit, and for the wisdom and encouragement, she shared. Thank you for empowering the next generation of leaders!