Science Academies of New York (SANY) Charter Schools
Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting
Minutes
Date : 1/8/2019
Place : SAS High School
I. The regular meeting was called to order at 7.10 pm. The board reserves the right to act on any and all agenda items.
Open Public Meeting Act Statement
This meeting has been publicized in accordance with the requirements of the
New York State Open Meetings Law (OML) and notification given to all appropriate parties. The notice of this meeting was posted on the school website.
Others present at the meeting:
II. Approval of Meeting Minutes
Motion to accept the following minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting (Minutes forwarded to Trustees via e-mail.)
Regular Board Meeting of 12/11/2018
Roll Call: Adopted unanimously
III. Agenda for Finance committee
1. Bank accounts reconciliation
2. Review of payments
3. Utica new school building construction
IV. Agenda
1. Approval of new hires for SAS, SASC, and UAS
2. Approval of sexual harassment policy (#6040)
3. Approval of updated SAS budget
4. Approval of updated SASC budget
5. Approval of board member
Discussion
1. Financial status and budget
2. Internal audit report
3. Academic data
Roll Call: Adopted unanimously
V. Executive Session
Motion to adjourn to Executive Session in accordance with the New York State Open Meeting Law §105, to discuss topics such as personnel matters, attorney-client privilege matters, pending litigation, negotiations and other such related matters.
Roll Call: Adopted unanimously
Please Note: The matters discussed will be made public if and when the circumstances requiring confidentiality no longer exist; however, it is not presently known when such circumstances will exist.
VI. Reconvene Public Session
Roll Call: Adopted unanimously
VII. Discussion Items
1. Financial status and budget: The updated budgets were reviewed, actual vs budget vs updated budget. In addition, financial summaries and dashboard for all school were reviewed. Schools are in good financial health.
2. Internal audit report: Internal audit report was reviewed and discussed. Disbursements without service received approval issues were discussed further to minimize these issues. In addition, school is working on IT recovery plan which should be ready for discussion in next meeting.
3. Academic data: Not presented due to holidays.
I. Superintendent’s Report
SANY Enrollment, Demographics, and Suspensions
Activity Report
1. On Wednesday, December 5, 2018, first grade #SASAtoms created winter masterpieces at Painting with a Twist.
2. On Thursday, December 6, 2018, a representative from the Rosamond Gifford Zoo visited #SASCS to discuss their paid guide internship program.
3. On Thursday, December 6, 2018, our kindergartners in Ms. Figueroa's class had a visit from two Syracuse City Police Officers.
4. On Friday, December 7, 2018, Heidi Soine from Syracuse's Food Pantry came and spoke to one of our sixth grade classes.
5. On Friday, December 7, 2018, #SASCS kindergartners went on a field trip to see Dasher's Magical Gift.
6. On Friday, December 7, 2018, the #SASCS High School Art Club visited the Everson Museum of Art for a docent-led tour.
7. On Monday, December 10, 2018, fourth graders from #SASCS skated the morning away at the Meachem Ice Rink.
8. On Tuesday, December 11, 2018, our fourth-graders received a welcome visit from Pam Brunet, director of Leadership Greater Syracuse.
9. On Tuesday, December 11, 2018, Arel Moodie, shared his message with our #SASAtoms. Arel is a bestselling author and has been a featured speaker at the White House and has been acknowledged by President Obama.
10. On Wednesday, December 12, 2018, about ten #SASAtoms from the SHEHOOP Club at the high school helped out at the Food Pantry located in the back of the building.
11. On Wednesday, December 12, 2018, Syracuse Academy of Science Middle School students welcomed the holiday season by performing a musical concert.
12. On Wednesday, December 12, 2018, students at #SASCS Middle School put on a wonderful art exhibition full of lively colors and artistic talent.
13. On Friday, December 14, 2018, our second graders visited Five Star Martial Arts in North Syracuse.
14. Students and their families reaped many books and learning materials at the recent Scholastic Book Fair at SASMS December 7th through December 14th. The school received an added bonus--half of the $1349.00 raised from the event.
15. On Friday, December 14, 2018, kindergartners in Ms. Henson and Mr. Scheemaker's Class (KA) had the privilege of participating in a safety lesson taught by experts: two Syracuse City Police Officers.
16. On Wednesday, December 19, 2018, Molly Matott from CNY Central visited #SASCS to speak to our fourth-graders.
17. On Wednesday, December 19, 2018, #SASCS celebrated our students who demonstrate ongoing compassion for their peers and their teachers.
18. On Thursday, December 20, 2018, Chartwells gifted a hat to every #SASAtom at the elementary school.
19. At #SASCS we understand and respect the value of the arts as a key component to a well-rounded education. Ms. Carlson, our high school music educator, has focused on integrating music experiences into students everyday lives. This winter #SASAtoms in her course experienced the Nutcracker performed by the Syracuse City Ballet. Students in the guitar class strummed their instruments alongside renowned Syracuse University Professor Dr. Ken Meyer and his students. The #SASCS Choir collaborated with the Christian Brothers Academy Choir for a winter concert at the Everson Museum.
SAS Citizenship
1. On Tuesday, November 20, 2018, Citizenship Academy's first-grade classes took a trip to Highland Forest for a community service project.
2. On Wednesday, December 12, 2018, #SASCCS third graders took a field trip to the Cazenovia Public Library to learn about a mummy named Hen housed in the library’s museum.
3. On Friday, December 14, 2018, the SASCCS Staff participated in Ugly Sweater Day.
4. On Friday, December 14, 2018, #SASCCS first-graders took a field trip to Glow Golf at Destiny USA, where they learned how to play miniature golf, with a twist.
5. On Friday, December 14, 2018, Kindergarten students from Mr. Thayer and Ms. Kline's class enjoyed a cooking lesson from Chartwells, the food-service provider of our daily school breakfast and lunch.
6. On Wednesday, December 19, 2018, each student received a warm, cozy hat from Chartwells.
7. On Thursday, December 20, 2018, #SASCCS second-graders spent the day at Wonderworks and expanded their knowledge of the sciences.
8. This December students and staff at #SASCC collected non-perishable food and new toys to be donated to families in the community in need. We received 64 food items and 37 toy donations.
1. On Tuesday, December 11, 2018, select sixth and seventh scholars had the opportunity to tour the Air Force Research Laboratories at the Griffiss Institute in Rome, NY.
2. On Thursday, December 13th, 2018 several scholars from middle school volunteered their time at the Masonic Care Community.
II. Public Comment on Any Agenda Item
Board President or designee opens the public comment session on any agenda item.
Each person is limited to speak for a period of one (1) minute and will be asked to give their full name, spell their last name and provide their address.
Board President or designee closes the public comment session on any topic.
III. Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8.37 pm.
Roll Call: Adopted unanimously
Science Academies of New York (SANY) Charter Schools
Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting
Minutes
Date : 3/12/2019
Place : SAS High School
I. The regular meeting was called to order at 7.05 pm. The board reserves the right to act on any and all agenda items.
Open Public Meeting Act Statement
This meeting has been publicized in accordance with the requirements of the
New York State Open Meetings Law (OML) and notification given to all appropriate parties. The notice of this meeting was posted on the school website.
Others present at the meeting:
II. Approval of Meeting Minutes
Motion to accept the following minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting (Minutes forwarded to Trustees via e-mail.)
Regular Board Meeting of 1/8/2019
Roll Call: Adopted unanimously
III. Agenda for Finance committee
1. Bank accounts reconciliation
2. Review of payments
3. Utica new school building construction
IV. Agenda
1. Approval of new hires for SAS, SASC, and UAS
2. Approval of E-rate Service Provider
3. Approval of Fingerprint Policy and Procedure
4. Approval of Title IX officer assignments
5. Approval of purchasing 10-passenger vehicle for SAS
6. Approved of revised 2018-2019 budget for UAS
7. Approval of construction of 6 additional classroom at UAS
8. Approval of new charter applications in Rochester and Buffalo
Discussion
1. Financial status and budget
2. Internal audit report
3. Academic data
4. Updating the terms of the lease agreement for Frankfort building in Utica after the construction of additional 6 classrooms
Roll Call: Adopted unanimously
V. Executive Session
Motion to adjourn to Executive Session in accordance with the New York State Open Meeting Law §105, to discuss topics such as personnel matters, attorney-client privilege matters, pending litigation, negotiations and other such related matters.
Roll Call: Adopted unanimously
Please Note: The matters discussed will be made public if and when the circumstances requiring confidentiality no longer exist; however, it is not presently known when such circumstances will exist.
VI. Reconvene Public Session
Motion to exit the executive session.
Roll Call: Adopted unanimously
VII. Discussion Items
1. Financial status and budget: Budget and financial summaries were reviewed.
2. Internal audit report: Internal audit report was discussed. Nothing major is reported.
3. Academic data: Star reading and math test results are shared with board for all schools. ELA is a area of concern in certain grades, especially in grades 5 and 6. More support will be provided in those grades. Overall school is doing similar to last year and very good but there is need to be improvement in ELA area based on these data.
4. Updating the terms of the lease agreement for Frankfort building in Utica after the construction of additional 6 classrooms: Superintendent explained the need for additional classrooms to serve for the expansion of elementary school at Frankford location. Since the school could not identify a new school location in the space, the fastest solution is to build 6-classroom addition at the existing elementary school site. The school will seeks feedback and approval from NYSED Charter Office and NYSED Building Office before moving forward with the constructions.
I. Superintendent’s Report
SANY Enrollment, Demographics, and Suspensions
Activity Report
1. On Friday, December 21, 2018, the staff and students at #SASCS wrapped up spirit week.
2. On Sunday, January 6, 2018, the SAS Robotics Team earned the Second Place Alliance Award at the First Tech Challenge robotics competition in Corning, NY. As a result of this accomplishment, the team has advanced to the NY Excelsior regional championship to be held Sunday, January 20, at SUNY Polytech.
3. On Monday, January 7, 2019, fourth-graders from the Syracuse Academy of Science Elementary School attended a field trip to the 5 Star Martial Arts Karate Dojo in Liverpool.
4. On Friday, January 11, 2019, hands-on learning was favored and encouraged when SAS Kindergarteners visited Syracuse’s Museum of Science and Technology (MOST).
5. On Thursday, January 17, 2019, Syracuse University students from the College of Engineering & Computer Science inspired sixth graders at the Syracuse Academy of Science Middle School.
6. On Thursday, January 17, 2019, 47 members of the seventh-grade class and four faculty chaperones from #SASCS attended a field trip to Get Air Trampoline Park.
7. On Thursday, January 24, 2019, voices rang out to a packed gymnasium during the annual #SASCS winter concert. As a school, #SASCS regularly celebrates cultural diversity.
8. On Friday, January 24, 2019, #SASCS Middle School held our quarterly award ceremony honoring the honor roll and high honor roll students.
9. On Friday, January 25, 2019, kindergarten classes took to the lanes of Cazenovia Sports Bowl.
10. On Friday, January 25, 2019, SAS MS held their quarterly award ceremony honoring our honor roll and high honor roll students in combination w/ our student of the month ceremony focusing on the character strength - empathy.
11. On Wednesday, January 30, 2019, SAS K-1 students held their student-of-the month ceremony for the second quarter of the school year, this time highlighting students who show fairness inside and outside the classroom.
12. On Wednesday, January 30, 2019, Judge Thomas, from the Syracuse City Court, came to SAS Middle School. He talked about how hard work, dedication and goal setting can drive success. He shared personal stories and talked to students about the importance of education.
13. On Thursday, February 7th, fourth grade went to Ultimate Goal.
On Saturday, February 9, 2019, the Syracuse Academy of Science High School Cheer Team competed in the Co-Ed Division at the New York State Section III Championships held at Chittenango High School. The team made history by placing third -- making them the first #SASCS cheer squad to bring home a Section III title.
14. On Friday, February 8, 2019, the Syracuse Academy of Science High School held it's annual Senior Night.
15. Paying special tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr., the SHEHOOP club invited all high school students to take time out of their History or Social Studies classes for an opportunity to sign their names on posters displaying favorite quotes by the inspirational American leader.
16. On Tuesday, February 26, 2019, after a restful break, Grades 2-4 celebrated positive character strengths along with academic success at the Science Fair during our Student of the Month Award ceremony.
On Thursday, February 28, 2019, the students of Mrs. Wolff’s classroom were the first #SASCS class to test the Minecraft for Education program for our school.
17. On Thursday, February 28, 2019, #SASCS High School held a career fair.
SAS Citizenship
1. On Tuesday, January 8, 2019, first graders from the Citizenship Academy tumbled, raced, and balanced their way across obstacles at the CNY Gym Centre.
2. On Friday, January 11, 2019, the students at the Citizenship Academy are spending time developing mind-body awareness, improving self-regulation, and cultivating physical fitness.
3. On Wednesday, January 15, 2019, third-graders from the Citizenship Academy visited WonderWorks at Destiny USA.
4. On Thursday, January 17, 2019, Andy Vadnais, a software engineer from Syracuse, talked to Citizenship Academy first graders about what software engineers do and how coding is used to create games, apps and other things they use every day.
5. On Thursday, January 24, 2019, the kindergartners from the Citizenship Academy went to the MOST.
6. On Monday, February 4, 2019, Maya Brentley from Fairbanks Morse came in to speak with our Kindergarten students about Mae Jemison who was the first African American woman to travel in space.
7. On Tuesday, February 5, 2019, Tamar Smithers from Community Folk Art Center came in to speak with our 1st graders about Marian Anderson who became the first African American to perform with the New York Metropolitan Opera in 1955.
8. On Wednesday, February 6, 2019, NY State Assemblywoman of the 128th District Pamela Hunter came in to speak with our Kindergarten and 3rd grade classes about the importance of reading and writing.
9. On Thursday, February 7, 2019, Maurice Brown from Working Families Party of New York spoke with our 3rd graders about Thurgood Marshall and the Brown vs. Board case.
10. On Friday, February 8, 2019, SFC Ruby Linzy and Dr. Emad Rahim came for our assembly in the gym! Ruby Linzy spoke about her mother Joanne Louise Frazer who was the first African American woman to play the piano in the army.
11. On Friday February 8, 2019, SFC Ruby Linzy and Dr. Emad Rahim brought music and inspiration to SASCCS at a recent assembly in the school gym. Ruby Linzy spoke about her mother, Joanne Louise Frazer, the first African American woman to play the piano in the U.S. Army. Dr. Emad “DJ Plain Truth” Rahim spoke with great enthusiasm about his love for music.
12. On Friday, February 15, 2019, Second and Third grade students learned about the power of meaningful relationships, and the importance of ending violence and finding understanding.
13. On Friday, February 15, 2019, Dr. Timothy Eatman, Dean of the Honors Living-Learning Community at Rutgers University, provided a wellspring of inspiration at a recent Positivity Project community meeting held at Citizenship academy.
14. On Wednesday, February 27, 2019, third graders from the Citizenship Academy were welcomed with open arms by the firefighters of Fire House Station 8. Firefighters and students discussed fire safety and prevention, and our Atoms walked away enthusiastic about fire safety.
15. On Thursday, February 28, 2019, the Citizenship Academy celebrated the end of the#28SpeakersIn28Days CommUNITY Engagement Speaking Tour for #BlackHistoryMonth supported by the Citizenship Academy & Masking & Kompany. The enthusiasm in the culminating ceremony was palpable as City of Syracuse - Office of the Mayor, Mayor Walsh, and Deputy Mayor Owens honored the Citizenship Academy with a mayoral proclamation recognizing the month of February 2019 as the Speaking Truth Tour Month in the City of Syracuse. Although she could not be present at the ceremony, Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter - 128th District also recognized the Citizenship Academy with a citation for the exemplary service given to the community of Central New York.
1. On Saturday, January 5, 2018, #UASCS participated in a basketball contest at Utica College Clark Athletic Center. In an exciting match up, Atoms won by four points in a 60-56 win over Holland Patent.
2. On Monday, January 21, 2019, #UASCS staff and students attended at 35th Annual Mohawk Valley Frontiers Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Luncheon held at the Delta by Marriott hotel in Utica. #UASCS High school student Aaron Woodman received a Scholastic Achievement Award.
3. On Friday, January 25, 2019, the first-grade team braved the cold and snowy weather to bowl at Vista Lanes.
4. On Monday, January 28, 2019 ONA Immigrant Community Navigator from Mohawk Vally Resource Center for Refugees visited our High school and talk to our students about why the Census 2020 is important in our community.
5. On Monday, February 4, 2019, the Junior Class went on a field trip to the Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence and the Henry Hudson Planetarium in Albany, NY.
6. On Friday, February 8, 2019, UAS Middle School participated in the American Heart Challenge.
7. On Monday, February 11, 2019 #UASCS Junior and Senior scholars had an opportunity to learn what it takes to become a Respiratory Therapist.
8. On Tuesday, February 19, 2019, The Utica Academy of Science Men's Basketball Team won their sixteenth straight game.
9. On Friday, February 15, 2019, Honorable Judge Bernadette Clark paid a visit to #UASCS elementary students.
10. On Friday, February 15, 2019, UASCS recently held an Awards Ceremony to acknowledge scholars and thank them for their dedication, hard work, and citizenship.
11. On Saturday, February 16, 2019, with a score of 33-18, our sixth-grade girls basketball team claimed victory over New Hartford and won this season’s league title in the Dick Miler/Mychal Harris Basketball League.
12. The UASCS Drone Team is hard at work on a project that’s part of Mohawk Valley Community College’s weekly drone program. The program is designed to expose students to emerging technologies and provide them knowledge about STEAM-related subjects. During a recent session, students worked on design and 3D printing, as applied to drone technology.
13. On Friday, February 15, 2019, snowballs were flying and laughter filled the air as UASCS sophomores trekked through the woods of Boonville in snow shoes.
14. On Friday, February 15, 2019, UASCS high school students danced the night away at the Winter Ball held at Delta Hotel in Utica, NY.
15. On Friday, February 15, 2019, first graders went behind the scenes at our local WKTV News Studio.
16. On Thursday, February 28, 2019. #UASCS hosted the 6th Annual Science Fair. 38 projects were presented by our aspiring scientists and covered topics from "Effect on Clorox on Bacteria," "Money Equals Power," and "Static Electricity."
17. On February 28, 2019, #UASCS celebrated 2nd Annual Black History month.
18. On Friday, March 1st, UAS held their first ever pep rally to honor the boys' basketball team.
19. March 1 is Bosnian Independence Day, and the Utica Academy of Science held their first annual "Bosnian Culture and Independence Day Celebration."
a. Guest Speakers:
i. Robert Palmieri- Mayor, City of Utica
ii. Ibrahim Rosic- Director of the Learning Commons at MVCC
iii. Dina Radeljas- Assistant Professor at MVCC
iv. Emina Popricanin- Partner with Hodgson Russ, a law firm with offices across New York State.
v. Amra Borovic- Senior System/Software Engineer
vi. Merima Smajic - Assistant corporation counsel for the City of Utica
II. Public Comment on Any Agenda Item
Board President or designee opens the public comment session on any agenda item.
Each person is limited to speak for a period of one (1) minute and will be asked to give their full name, spell their last name and provide their address.
Board President or designee closes the public comment session on any topic.
III. Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8.28 pm.
Roll Call: Adopted unanimously
Science Academies of New York (SANY) Charter Schools
Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting
Minutes
Date : 4/9/2019
Place : UAS High School
I. The regular meeting was called to order at 7.11 pm. The board reserves the right to act on any and all agenda items.
Open Public Meeting Act Statement
This meeting has been publicized in accordance with the requirements of the
New York State Open Meetings Law (OML) and notification given to all appropriate parties. The notice of this meeting was posted on the school website.
Others present at the meeting:
II. Approval of Meeting Minutes
Motion to accept the following minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting (Minutes forwarded to Trustees via e-mail.)
Regular Board Meeting of 3/12/2019
Roll Call: approved anonymously
III. Agenda for Finance committee
1. Bank accounts reconciliation
2. Review of payments
3. SAS and Citizenship Academy budget review
4. Internal audit review
IV. Agenda
1. Approval of new hires for SAS, SASC, and UAS
2. Approval of budget Revision for SAS and SASC
3. Approval of SAS HS College Classroom Projects
4. Approval of SAS HS Gym and Cafeteria HVAC Project
5. Approval of SASC Parking Lot Project
6. Approval of updated SASC and UAS Teacher Salary Scale
7. Approval of RFP Process for Audit, Security Service and other professional services
8. Approval of Terra Science and SANY Memorandum of Agreement for SASC Roof Project
Discussion
1. Financial status and budget
2. Internal audit report
3. Utica classroom construction update
4. UAS ES Dean presentation
5. Paper based state ELA tests
6. Lottery
7. New charter applications
Roll Call: approved anonymously.
V. Executive Session
Motion to adjourn to Executive Session in accordance with the New York State Open Meeting Law §105, to discuss topics such as personnel matters, attorney-client privilege matters, pending litigation, negotiations and other such related matters.
Roll Call: Approved anonymously
Please Note: The matters discussed will be made public if and when the circumstances requiring confidentiality no longer exist; however, it is not presently known when such circumstances will exist.
VI. Reconvene Public Session
Motion to exit the executive session.
Roll Call: approved anonymously
VII. Discussion Items
1. Financial status and budget
2. Internal audit report
3. Updating the terms of the lease agreement for Frankfort building in Utica after the construction of additional 6 classrooms: State approved the construction for the addition. NYSED Charter office’s approval was also seeked.
4. UAS ES Dean presentation: enrollment, staff, academic data, and improvements in proficiency levels, school culture, professional development, school activities, and overall goals.
5. Paper based state ELA tests: Only one opt-out in SAS, which very good.
6. Lottery: Syracuse lottery was done last week. UAS lottery will take place this weekend. UAS will take four kindergarten and three first grade classrooms.
7. New charter applications; LoI will be announced tomorrow. Full applications are due May 3rd.
8. The sudden increase in suspension rates in Utica Academy High school was questioned by a board member compared to last months given data. It appears several students bring e-cigarettes to school premises and encouraged other students to use it.
I. Superintendent’s Report
SANY Enrollment, Demographics, and Suspensions
Activity Report
1. On Friday, March 1, 2019, the SASCS Middle School held its 2nd Annual Science and Academic Fair.
2. On Tuesday, March 5, 2019, second graders from SAS Elementary visited Van Duyn Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the second time this school year.
3. On Friday, March 8, 2019, students in the SAS high school band and choir performed as part of the Music in Our Schools Month festival in Albany, NY.
4. On Tuesday, March 12, 2019, our 4th-grade Atoms were all smiles at WonderWorks Destiny USA.
5. On Wednesday, March 13, 2019, Kimberly Griffiths the Curator of Education at the Everson Museum sat down with first-graders at SASCS.
6. On Thursday, March 14, 2019, SASCS Middle School held it's third Teen Center night.
7. On Thursday, March 14, 2019, kindergarten students took a trip to Painting with a Twist, where the budding artists put on aprons and were eager to show everyone their painting skills.
8. On Friday, March 15, 2019, high school students celebrated Winter Olympics in a unique way--indoors.
9. On Friday, March 15, 2019, #SASCS held it's January and February Student of the Month Ceremony. Determination, Friendship, Maintaining Relationships.
10. On Thursday, March 21, 2019, Atoms and their families spent the night exploring a math-filled fairy tale land.
11. On Friday, March 22, 2019, several Syracuse University football players, rowers, and dancers came to the Middle School to share their athletic training and experience with some of our 5th-grade students.
12. On Friday, March 22, 2019, thirty-two young ladies from SAS attended a two-day conference that celebrates young women by empowering them through panel discussions and presentations on health, well-being, careers, and higher education. Twenty-six of the students attended both days of the conference, placing SAS at #1 for the 3rd year in a row for the highest number of conference participants to return the second day!
13. On Tuesday, March 26, 2019, to promote a positive learning environment in which all students feel welcome and safe, Syracuse Academy of Science continuously takes a proactive approach against bullying.
14. On Thursday, March 28, 2019, our students traveled on a Cultural Cruise.
15. On Saturday, March 30, 2019, the SASCS Middle School STEM club participated in the 2019 CNY Innovation Challenge at Onondaga Community College.
16. On Sunday, March 31, 2019, Atoms from both the HS and MS attended the 40th Annual CNY Science and Engineering Fair at the Museum of Science & Technology - MOST. This annual event allows students to show off their science skills against others throughout the Central New York Region. Our students took home $45,000 in scholarship offers, and several prestigious awards.
17. On Thursday, April 4, 2019, 4th graders from the Syracuse Academy of Science visited the National Women's Rights Museum in Seneca Falls, NY.
SAS Citizenship
1. On Monday, March 4, 2019, Nick Padula, a solar engineer from Panasonic visited the first-grade students.
2. On Wednesday, March 13, 2019, third-graders at the Citizenship Academy returned to the Herbert F. Johnson Museum at Cornell University to immerse themselves in Chinese history.
3. On Friday, March 15, 2019, the Citizenship Academy recognized excellence amongst our Atoms.
4. On Friday, March 22, 2019, local spoken word artist, Tribe, visited our 1B class to work on literacy, and the art of storytelling through music.
5. On Friday, March 29, 2019, students in Ms. Montague's class celebrated the arrival of spring by working with their hands.
1. On February 28, 2019, #UASCS celebrated 2nd Annual Black History month. Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month.
2. On Friday, March 1, 2019, five Utica Academy of Science scholars took an online test for MATH-CON, a national math competition of more than 50,000 participants, of which only 900 are invited to advance to the final round.
3. On Wednesday, March 6, 2019, our Atoms focused on fingerpainting their way to developing motor skills, decision making, language development, and visual learning skills.
4. On Friday, March 8, 2019, NYS Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon visited Utica Academy of Science and spoke to our 10th grade female UASAtoms while we were celebrating International Women's Day.
5. On Monday, March 11, 2019, Canadian soccer forward, Frederico "Freddy" Moojen, of the Utica City FC stopped by the #UASCS Elementary and read to our first-grade Atoms.
6. On Wednesday, March 13, 2019, to celebrate Black History Month and Women's History Month, the UASCS Pre-Calculus class presented projects worked on in pairs.
7. On Saturday, March 16, 2019, this year’s first Junior LEGO League event blasted off with a “Moon Mission” theme at SUNY Polytechnic in Utica.
8. On Saturday, March 16, 2019, asea of green decorations swept over the streets of Utica at the city’s recent St. Patrick’s Day parade.
9. On Saturday, March 23, 2019, ten projects researched and developed by Utica Academy of Science students recently qualified to compete in the 41st Regional Science Fair at Utica College.
10. On Wednesday, March 13, 2019, Utica Academy of Science Elementary School held its inaugural S.T.E.M. Fair.
II. Public Comment on Any Agenda Item
Board President or designee opens the public comment session on any agenda item.
Each person is limited to speak for a period of one (1) minute and will be asked to give their full name, spell their last name and provide their address.
Board President or designee closes the public comment session on any topic.
III. Motion to adjourn the meeting at 9.14 pm.
Roll Call: Approved anonymously.
Science Academies of New York (SANY) Charter Schools
Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting
Minutes
Date : 5/14/2019
Place : SAS High School
I. The regular meeting was called to order at 7.00 pm. The board reserves the right to act on any and all agenda items.
Open Public Meeting Act Statement
This meeting has been publicized in accordance with the requirements of the
New York State Open Meetings Law (OML) and notification given to all appropriate parties. The notice of this meeting was posted on the school website.
Others present at the meeting:
II. Approval of Meeting Minutes
Motion to accept the following minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting (Minutes forwarded to Trustees via e-mail.)
Regular Board Meeting of 4/9/2019
Roll Call: Adopted unanimously
III. Agenda for Finance committee
1. Bank accounts reconciliation
2. Review of payments
3. Internal audit review
IV. Agenda
1. Approval of new hires for SAS, SASC, and UAS
2. Approval of updated SANY staff salary with proposed increases.
3. Approval of purchasing furniture for UAS and Citizenship elementary schools
4. Approval of fence for Citizenship school’s new parking lot.
5. Approval of gate for Citizenship school’s new parking lot.
6. Approval of the following IT policies: Acceptable Use, Technology Device Use, Internet Use and Social Media
Discussion
1. Financial status and budget
2. Internal audit report
3. Paper based state Math tests
4. New charter applications
5. 2019-20 budgets for SAS, UAS and Citizenship
Roll Call: Adopted unanimously
V. Executive Session
Motion to adjourn to Executive Session in accordance with the New York State Open Meeting Law §105, to discuss topics such as personnel matters, attorney-client privilege matters, pending litigation, negotiations and other such related matters.
Roll Call: Adopted unanimously
Please Note: The matters discussed will be made public if and when the circumstances requiring confidentiality no longer exist; however, it is not presently known when such circumstances will exist.
VI. Reconvene Public Session
Motion to exit the executive session.
Roll Call: Adopted unanimously
VII. Discussion Items
1. Financial status and budget: Financial summaries for each school for existing year was discussed. SAS is great in terms of month-to-month cash, other two schools are improving as their ES are expanding (which requires new furniture purchase every year). Budget proposals for each school have been reviewed for each school. They will be approved in next meeting.
2. Internal audit report: Internal auditor reviewed his report and findings. There is no employee exceptions, and one or two cash disbursement exceptions which were corrected before finalized.
3. Paper based state Math tests: SAS three students opted out, UAS two students opted out.
4. New charter applications: Two full final applications were made. Superintendent met several key stakeholders in Rochester who supported our applications.
5. 2019-20 budgets for SAS, UAS and Citizenship were reviewed in comparison with actual vs budgeted 2018-19 budgets.
I. Superintendent’s Report
SANY Enrollment, Demographics, and Suspensions
Activity Report
On Monday, April 1, 2019, Students who earned 100 Dojos in the month of March were invited to attend a Dress to Impress dance for each grade.
On Friday, April 5, 2019, Ms. Merrithew's AP Studio Art students toured the Light Work Lab on the Syracuse University campus.
On Friday, April 5, 2019, SASCS high school hosted its first Turkish Language Competition. Students from Turkish I classes from SASCS and UASCS competed to demonstrate their Turkish Language knowledge.
On Sunday, April 7, 2019, students in third-grade took time to learn about artist Georgia O'Keeffe and her representation of flowers.
On Monday, April 8, 2019, second graders from Syracuse Academy of Science Elementary visited The Ultimate Goal Family Sports Center.
On Monday, April 8, 2019, two #SASAtoms, Amina ANdelija and Lalita Dahal, received recognition letters from Senator Antonacci for their accolades and awards they earned during the 2019 Central New York Science and Engineering Fair.
On Wednesday, April 10, 2019, First Graders at our elementary school spent the day checking out the awesome STEM exhibits at The MOST downtown.
Wednesday, April 10, 2019 — Mark SpadaFore, Upstate New York Political Director, 1199SEIU, visited seniors to discuss labor unions, a subject the students have learned about in their Government and Economics class.
Thursday, April 11, 2019 — Kindergartners received an exciting visit from some Syracuse City Firefighters.
On Wednesday, April 19, 2019, to convert waste into a renewable product, SAS students have been busy packing up 380 markers for recycling through the Crayola Color Cycle program.
Wednesday, April 24, 2019 — Without visiting the ocean, second graders from Syracuse Academy of Science Elementary School painted their very own baby sharks--doo doo doo doo doo doo.
Thursday, April 25, 2019 — During a field trip to Syracuse Yoga, students learned the importance of the mind/body connection and experienced the positive effects of some yoga poses and breathing techniques.
Thursday, April 25, 2019 — Seven 9th-grade girls attended a STEM workshop at SRC, Inc., a nonprofit research and development company involved in the defense, environment and intelligence industries.
Friday, April 26, 2019 — Scholars at the Syracuse Academy of Science High School who achieved high honor roll all three quarters were honored at the 2019 Dean's List Dinner.
Thursday, May 2, 2019 — We are proud to announce the induction of our 2019 National Honor Society class at #SASCS.
Wednesday, May 1, 2019 — The "Music of the Movies" filled the air as students in guitar, band, and chorus performed for the 2019 #SASCS Spring Concert and Art Show.
Wednesday, May 1, 2019 — #SASCS High school students made a trip to the Rochester area to visit the following schools: St. John Fisher, University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Monroe Community College.
Thursday, May 2, 2019 — The Honorable Brenda K. Sannes, a United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York and former Assistant United States Attorney, and Christina Cagnina, Counsellor at Law, visited Junior and Senior #SASCS classrooms in honor of #LawWeek.
Tuesday, May 7, 2019 — Voters registration workshop conducted by League of Women Voters and NAACP where voters’ registration is looked as non-partisan engagement, 26 students were registered who are eligible to vote in 2019 elections.
SAS Citizenship
Tuesday, March 19, 2019 — On a recent visit to Glazed & Confused donut shop, kindergartners were treated to a freshly made doughnut with sprinkles--and a success story.
Monday, March 25, 2019 — Have you ever wondered how ice is made in an ice skating rink? During a recent visit to Meachem Ice Rink, third graders learned how ice is formed and maintained in a rink, including how it is kept smooth enough for people to skate on.
Friday, March 26, 2019 & Tuesday, April 9, 2019 — Atoms dove into the world of Marine Biology while visiting the Ithaca Science Center.
Thursday, April 25, 2019 — Noelle White, Miss Rodeo New York, came to our classroom to tell us all about the rodeo and the Western way of life. She explained the different events of a rodeo and the history behind the rodeo.
Thursday, April 25, 2019 — Citizenship third-graders traveled to Helping Hounds Dog Rescue to learn about animal safety and how a rescue shelter works.
Friday, April 26, 2019 — With rain in the forecast our Atoms zipped up their jackets and squeezed into their boots for a field trip to Pratt's Falls.
Thursday, May 11, 2019 — At WonderWorks, an educational and entertainment attraction that challenges the mind and sparks the imagination, Citizenship students entered an Imagination Lab to explore different lights, colors, sounds, and textures.
On Monday, March 18, 2019, students in 9th grade had the opportunity to attend Herkimer County's Career Day held at Herkimer College.
On Tuesday, March 26, 2019, Kindergartners took a trip to Vista Lanes Bowling Center.
On Monday, March 25, 2019, #UASCS students enthusiastically greeted two guest speakers who brought along man’s best friend, a dog named Magoo.
On Monday, March 25, 2019, students cheered for their peers and friends who won the highest Dojo points in their classes, as well as for students who won student-of-the-month awards for displaying acts of caring.
On Saturday, April 6, 2019, several female students participated in the STEM Expo for girls at MVCC Alumni College Center.
On Tuesday, April 9, 2019, UASCS students visited the State Capitol Building in Albany, NY, to meet two local civic leaders/representatives: Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon and Senator Joseph Griffo.
Saturday, April 27, 2019 — At Utica’s 2019 Mayor’s Gala, The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, was recognized and honored for its efforts enabling persons with disabilities and their families to achieve their potential through self-determined goals in partnership.
II. Public Comment on Any Agenda Item
Board President or designee opens the public comment session on any agenda item.
Each person is limited to speak for a period of one (1) minute and will be asked to give their full name, spell their last name and provide their address.
Board President or designee closes the public comment session on any topic.
III. Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8.37 pm.
Roll Call: Adopted unanimously
Science Academies of New York (SANY) Charter Schools
Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting
Minutes
Date : 6/11/2019
Place : SAS High School
I. The regular meeting was called to order at 7.20 pm. The board reserves the right to act on any and all agenda items.
Open Public Meeting Act Statement
This meeting has been publicized in accordance with the requirements of the
New York State Open Meetings Law (OML) and notification given to all appropriate parties. The notice of this meeting was posted on the school website.
Others present at the meeting:
II. Approval of Meeting Minutes
Motion to accept the following minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting (Minutes forwarded to Trustees via e-mail.)
Regular Board Meeting of 5/14/2019
Roll Call: Adopted unanimously
III. Agenda for Finance committee
1. Bank accounts reconciliation
2. Review of payments
3. Internal audit review
IV. Agenda
1. Approval of new hires for SAS, SASC, and UAS
2. Approval of contract renewals for SAS, SASC, and UAS
3. Approval of 2019-20 budgets for SAS, SASC and UAS
4. Approval of 2019-20 General Liability and Workers’ Comp. Policy
5. Approval of External Independent Auditor
6. Approval of 2018-19 budget revisions
7. Approval of 2019-20 school year board meeting dates
8. Approval of High School Dean
Discussion
1. Financial status and budget
2. Internal audit report
3. Stimulus grant for UAS additional classroom project
4. SAS middle school project based learning presentation
5. SAS high school and elementary school dean positions
6. SANY schools academic data
7. SAS and UAS high school graduations
8. SANY board capacity for the proposed charter applications
Roll Call: Adopted unanimously
V. Executive Session
Motion to adjourn to Executive Session in accordance with the New York State Open Meeting Law §105, to discuss topics such as personnel matters, attorney-client privilege matters, pending litigation, negotiations and other such related matters.
Roll Call: Adopted unanimously
Please Note: The matters discussed will be made public if and when the circumstances requiring confidentiality no longer exist; however, it is not presently known when such circumstances will exist.
VI. Reconvene Public Session
Roll Call: Adopted unanimously.
VII. Discussion Items
1. Financial status and budget: Existing budgets and their revisions for the existing year, and budgets for the following year has been discussed and approved. Financial summaries were reviewed. All schools do have good financial stability and will do better next year according to projections.
2. Internal audit report: Internal audit report was reviewed. There were less items reported which has been an improvement. There were no exceptions for payroll issues and fingerprints.
3. Stimulus grant for UAS additional classroom project: $200K for Utica’s ES addition. The school received $200K for its construction of addition at Utica property.
4. SAS middle school project based learning presentation: Middle school teachers and students gave a project based learning presentation. It highlighted how students who typically disengaged in regular classroom setting got engaged and become successful with this approach. The school admins stated that they would roll the pilot in other schools for similar students.
5. SAS high school and elementary school dean positions: The school admins created a search for its high school dean position and asked internal candidates to apply for. Since current ES dean is recommended for HS dean, there will be a similar search at SAS ES to fill the ES dean position due to promotion. An ES teacher will be included in the committee in addition to admins and consultants to make the decision. 6 teachers were applied for the ES dean position. Board also discussed to how to promote people of color into leadership positions. Dr. Hayali gave information regarding potential candidates for future openings, but they are very new in our schools and need to gain more experience to move upward. However, he mentioned they are given small leadership opportunities as they become available.
6. SANY schools academic data: All K-8 grade star test results were reported and discussed in comparison to last years state tests. Certain grade levels in ELA subject showed deficiencies, which need to be addressed. The school set they already created an ELA plan for next year with ES deans which should increase reading capacity of all kids at an earlier grade level.
7. SAS and UAS high school graduations: Graduation dates and times were reported to BoT members.
8. SANY board capacity for the proposed charter applications: Board President posed to question about BoT and school capacity for opening two new schools if approved. Board and school admins will work on a plan for a successful expansion if both schools are approved. This item will be discussed further in next meeting.
I. Superintendent’s Report
SANY Enrollment, Demographics, and Suspensions
Activity Report
On Monday, April 1, 2019, Students who earned 100 Dojos in the month of March were invited to attend a Dress to Impress dance for each grade.
On Friday, April 5, 2019, Ms. Merrithew's AP Studio Art students toured the Light Work Lab on the Syracuse University campus.
On Friday, April 5, 2019, SASCS high school hosted its first Turkish Language Competition. Students from Turkish I classes from SASCS and UASCS competed to demonstrate their Turkish Language knowledge.
On Sunday, April 7, 2019, students in third-grade took time to learn about artist Georgia O'Keeffe and her representation of flowers.
On Monday, April 8, 2019, second graders from Syracuse Academy of Science Elementary visited The Ultimate Goal Family Sports Center.
On Monday, April 8, 2019, two #SASAtoms, Amina ANdelija and Lalita Dahal, received recognition letters from Senator Antonacci for their accolades and awards they earned during the 2019 Central New York Science and Engineering Fair.
On Wednesday, April 10, 2019, First Graders at our elementary school spent the day checking out the awesome STEM exhibits at The MOST downtown.
Wednesday, April 10, 2019 — Mark SpadaFore, Upstate New York Political Director, 1199SEIU, visited seniors to discuss labor unions, a subject the students have learned about in their Government and Economics class.
Thursday, April 11, 2019 — Kindergartners received an exciting visit from some Syracuse City Firefighters.
On Wednesday, April 19, 2019, to convert waste into a renewable product, SAS students have been busy packing up 380 markers for recycling through the Crayola Color Cycle program.
Wednesday, April 24, 2019 — Without visiting the ocean, second graders from Syracuse Academy of Science Elementary School painted their very own baby sharks--doo doo doo doo doo doo.
Thursday, April 25, 2019 — During a field trip to Syracuse Yoga, students learned the importance of the mind/body connection and experienced the positive effects of some yoga poses and breathing techniques.
Thursday, April 25, 2019 — Seven 9th-grade girls attended a STEM workshop at SRC, Inc., a nonprofit research and development company involved in the defense, environment and intelligence industries.
Friday, April 26, 2019 — Scholars at the Syracuse Academy of Science High School who achieved high honor roll all three quarters were honored at the 2019 Dean's List Dinner.
Thursday, May 2, 2019 — We are proud to announce the induction of our 2019 National Honor Society class at #SASCS.
Wednesday, May 1, 2019 — The "Music of the Movies" filled the air as students in guitar, band, and chorus performed for the 2019 #SASCS Spring Concert and Art Show.
Wednesday, May 1, 2019 — #SASCS High school students made a trip to the Rochester area to visit the following schools: St. John Fisher, University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Monroe Community College.
Thursday, May 2, 2019 — The Honorable Brenda K. Sannes, a United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York and former Assistant United States Attorney, and Christina Cagnina, Counsellor at Law, visited Junior and Senior #SASCS classrooms in honor of #LawWeek.
SAS Citizenship
Tuesday, March 19, 2019 — On a recent visit to Glazed & Confused donut shop, kindergartners were treated to a freshly made doughnut with sprinkles--and a success story.
Monday, March 25, 2019 — Have you ever wondered how ice is made in an ice skating rink? During a recent visit to Meachem Ice Rink, third graders learned how ice is formed and maintained in a rink, including how it is kept smooth enough for people to skate on.
Friday, March 26, 2019 & Tuesday, April 9, 2019 — Atoms dove into the world of Marine Biology while visiting the Ithaca Science Center.
Thursday, April 25, 2019 — Noelle White, Miss Rodeo New York, came to our classroom to tell us all about the rodeo and the Western way of life. She explained the different events of a rodeo and the history behind the rodeo.
Thursday, April 25, 2019 — Citizenship third-graders traveled to Helping Hounds Dog Rescue to learn about animal safety and how a rescue shelter works.
Friday, April 26, 2019 — With rain in the forecast our Atoms zipped up their jackets and squeezed into their boots for a field trip to Pratt's Falls.
Tuesday, May 7, 2019 — Voters registration workshop conducted by League of Women Voters and NAACP where voters’ registration is looked as non-partisan engagement.
Thursday, May 11, 2019 — At WonderWorks, an educational and entertainment attraction that challenges the mind and sparks the imagination, Citizenship students entered an Imagination Lab to explore different lights, colors, sounds, and textures.
On Monday, March 18, 2019, students in 9th grade had the opportunity to attend Herkimer County's Career Day held at Herkimer College.
On Tuesday, March 26, 2019, Kindergartners took a trip to Vista Lanes Bowling Center.
On Monday, March 25, 2019, #UASCS students enthusiastically greeted two guest speakers who brought along man’s best friend, a dog named Magoo.
On Monday, March 25, 2019, students cheered for their peers and friends who won the highest Dojo points in their classes, as well as for students who won student-of-the-month awards for displaying acts of caring.
On Saturday, April 6, 2019, several female students participated in the STEM Expo for girls at MVCC Alumni College Center.
On Tuesday, April 9, 2019, UASCS students visited the State Capitol Building in Albany, NY, to meet two local civic leaders/representatives: Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon and Senator Joseph Griffo.
Saturday, April 27, 2019 — At Utica’s 2019 Mayor’s Gala, The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, was recognized and honored for its efforts enabling persons with disabilities and their families to achieve their potential through self-determined goals in partnership.
II. Public Comment on Any Agenda Item
Board President or designee opens the public comment session on any agenda item.
Each person is limited to speak for a period of one (1) minute and will be asked to give their full name, spell their last name and provide their address.
Board President or designee closes the public comment session on any topic.
III. Motion to adjourn the meeting at 9.46 pm.
Roll Call: Adopted unanimously