SANY July 2019-December 2019 Board Minutes

Science Academies of New York (SANY) Charter Schools

Board of Trustees

Regular Meeting

Minutes

Date : 7/9/2019

Place : SAS High School

I. The regular meeting was called to order at 7.22 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 6/11/2019

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 Parking Lot Expansion Project for 160 School Ln

4. Approval of New Copiers Lease Agreement

5. Approval of Xerox Copier’s Service Agreement

6. Approval of Roof Upgrade Prepayment for Citizenship

7. Approval of Updating SAS ES Classroom and Office Computers

8. Approval of Smartboard Technology for Citizenship and UAS

9. Approval of renewal of board member term for Channel Turnquest.

10. Approval of assignment of Mrs. Miller as SAS ES school dean

Discussion

1. Financial status and budget

2. Internal audit report

3. SANY BoT capacity for expansions

4. Strategic goals for 2018-19 and their report:

5. Strategic goals for 2019-2020:

6. Terra is installing AC System to UAS HS&ES building ($100 K investment)

7. Terra will update gym windows in Citizenship Academy ($15 K)

8. Terra will provide $25,000 HR grant for recruitment efforts by SANY. Terra provided College scholarships to SANY Graduates up to $4,000 per student at graduation

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 was reviewed.

2. Internal audit report was provided by internal auditor. There were no concerns.

3. SANY BoT capacity for expansions: Board has discussed to increase its capacity for governing additional schools as it applied for more schools. The board discussed to increase its meeting efficiency by utilizing online meeting management system. Some of the questions asked during a meeting can be brought up before the meeting using online tool on agenda items and school admins may answer them before the meeting, which may cut discussions on purchase/financial issues, which gives enough time for academic discussions. In addition, schools data management software which is in development by Terra will be provide constant access to Bot members for academic data.

4. Strategic goals for 2018-19 and their report: a) increasing ELL numbers for schools. SASC did very well, but not SAS, therefore asking for ELL preference, b) dual leadership model is established much better in its third year, c) ES deans get together to create a system wide SANY ES model, which should be expanded to middle school and high school eventually,

5. Strategic goals for 2019-2020: a) SANY Booklet to create a one band one sound system wide procedures and forms, b) reducing suspension rates (a grant will be submitted to DoE), c) 90% of students reading at the end of 2^nd grade, c) Making SAS an ELL preference school by updating its enrollment policies

6. Terra Science and Education installed AC System to Utica Academy HS&ES building. The new system will bring AC to whole school building, which is almost $100,000 investment.

7. Terra will update gym windows in Syracuse Citizenship Academy for around $15,000.

8. Terra will provide $25,000 as a grant for HR and recruitment, etc. Terra provided to all its high school graduates who are eligible (SANY Graduate, accepted into 4 year college, and College Ready) for his college scholarships (upto $4,000) during its graduations.

9. Comptroller’s reports: Dr. Damkaci reads comptroller reports for other schools and sends a summary for school to develop its own policies accordingly. This is what he sent last week: “Homer Central School District was included in the latest round of municipal audits from the state comptroller’s office. The report looked at criminal history background checks and found that district officials did not consistently comply with education law regarding the finger printing of employees. The report found that district officials did not perform fingerprint-supported criminal history background checks on nine out of 157 employees tested. It’s recommendations moving forward include discontinuing the allowance of employees to work with students until they get a fingerprint clearance, as well as periodic checks of employee files to ensure they’ve gone through a proper screening.” Dr. Damkaci noted that school already adopted all these recommendations.

I. Superintendent’s Report

SANY Enrollment, Demographics, and Suspensions

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 8/8/2019

Roll Call: Adopted unanimously

III. Agenda for Finance committee

1. Bank accounts reconciliation

2. Review of payments

IV. Agenda

1. Approval of new hires for SAS, SASC, and UAS

2. Approval of SAS and SASC teachers and deans academic dashboard

3. Approval of UAS teachers and deans academic dashboard

4. Approval of SANY congressional award program

Discussion

1. Financial status and budget

2. State test results and academic data

3. Student enrollment update

4. Update on new charter applications

Motion to adopt the agenda as presented.

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: Board will look at budgets quarterly and financial summaries will presented as a table for each board as part of agenda ahead of time and discussion will be held quarterly.

2. State test results and academic data: ESSA data, annual report data (including per child expenditure), teacher retentions, annual states test results in comparison to NYS and district for 3-8 grades were shared and discussed.

3. Enrollment update: 1700 students are in waiting list at all SANY schools. All schools are up to capacity, and all schools have a waiting list. Subgroup enrollments have been discussed. SAS and UAS ELL preference has been discussed. Weighted enrollment for ELL students has been discussed and approved in principal. School will bring such policy for approval subject for approval by the state.

4. Update on new charter applications: Both applications were turned down, mostly due to low outreach activities. School will focus on applying for these schools again, and may be focus on one of them, such as Rochester rather than two of them at the same time. School will follow the application deadlines and will put an application with the state, and meanwhile continue on outreach activities.

I. Superintendent’s Report

2019-2020 school year updated enrollment and waiting list numbers.

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.

Few parents wanted to involve in school activities in SAS HS. They were referred to meet with HS high school dean and operations managers. They were also asked to organize other parents so they can contribute to school activities.

III. Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8.47 pm.

Roll Call: Adopted unanimously

Date : 10/8/2019

Place : UAS 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.

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 9/10/2019

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 2018-19 SAS and SASC teachers and deans academic dashboard payments

3. Approval of increase in summer hourly pay

4. Approval of SASES and Citizenship chromebook orders

5. Approval of new year gift to SANY staff

6. Approval of change of order for Citizenship Academy parking lot paving project

7. Approval of ELL enrollment preferences application for SAS, SASC and UAS

8. Approval of district office basement water proof treatment

9. Approval of UAS high school guidance office construction

Discussion

1. Financial status and budget

2. 2018-19 SANY audit report presentation

3. Academic data

4. UAS new bus purchasing

5. Comptroller report

Motion to adopt the agenda as presented.

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. 2018-19 SANY audit report presentation: 2018-19 audited financials were reviewed with the external auditor. There is no material weakness and nor any significant recommendations. School implemented all recommendations from previous report. Overall, school is doing well financially and its procedures are working well.

2. Academic data: Star test results were shared and discussed in comparison to NYS results. School is putting more efforts in identifying and supporting level 1-2 student to move them to level three.

3. UAS new bus purchasing: The need for UAS bus has been discussed

4. Comptroller report: Comptroller report on other local charter school was discussed in the light of how we are doing in terms of good house keeping of student data, especially student’s sending home district. School will make additional effort to comply with regulations full based on what is learned from the report.

I. Superintendent’s Report

Demographics:

SANY Activity Report:

SAS

1. Monday, July 8, 2019 - Congratulations to Sophomore, Justine Bell for making the 2019 Section III All-Central New York outdoor girls track and field team! Justine's state qualifying event was the 100 meter hurdles.

2. Wednesday, July 31, 2019—Ellen DeGeneres' game Heads Up is the game of the game of the summer and a favorite amongst Atoms. On the last day of school, 6th grade Project Based Learning students partook in the challenge and submitted their video to Ellen … and they won! Atoms make an appearance on EllenTube and are thrilled to be selected.

3. Thursday, August 15, 2019—One of our talented Atoms with an incredible vocal range was chosen to sing the National Anthem at the New York State Fair Reception, an event that was organized by the New York State Comptroller, Thomas P. DiNapoli.

4. Tuesday, September 10, 2019—Looking to take a "bite out of the big apple," and to make New York City your campus? Junior and Senior Atoms find out how they could do just that if applied to New York University. Assistant Director of Admissions, Aurora Kearney, shared NYU's rich history, campus life, degree and course study, and much more!

5. Thursday, September 12, 2019—A live band cranked up the jams at this year's Welcome Back BBQ. Atoms and their families enjoyed an evening filled with festivities, games, raffles and more. Needless to say this event was a huge hit and wouldn't have been possible without the help of many faculty and staff members.

6. Friday, September 20, 2019—Ripe for the picking, third grade Atoms visit one of the top apple orchards in the country, Beak and Skiff.

7. Friday, September 20, 2019—What type of change do you get when you combine water with a coffee filter? You probably don't notice too much of a change. But, let's say your coffee filter now has some colorful design created by a second grade Atom?

8. Friday, September 20, 2019—Mrs. Cusano's first grade class kicked-off the start of the book fair by having a special visit from the Dean of School, Mrs. Miller. Mrs. Miller led the students in story time, and read to them How Rocket Learned to Read, by Tad Hills. This book highlights the importance of reading, and its many benefits.

9. Tuesday, September 24, 2019—Many of our elementary school Atoms enjoy visiting the Betts Branch Library for a field trip.

10. Wednesday, September 25, 2019—Each month we celebrate our Atom's character traits, accomplishments and achievements during our Student of the Month ceremony. The character trait for the month of September is responsibility.

11. Thursday, September 26, 2019—Owl in a days work, 7th grade PBL Atoms gear up for a project that is egg-sighting. Students will be tasked with researching and designing their own bird nesting box.

12. Thursday, September 26, 2019—"❌" marks the spot for any sort of treasure or scavenger hunt! Elementary Atoms enjoy an evening with their family at our Back to School Welcome, and work together to complete a scavenger hunt with a prize of a lifetime ... a dress down pass. Following the scavenger hunt families were able to peruse the book fair.

SAS Citizenship

1. Thursday, September 12, 2019—Syracuse Academy of Science and Citizenship school invited families to attend their Back to School Night. As the doors opened, families met with their student's teacher, learned about the school's mission, its curriculum, charter education and ways we can work together to ensure our Atoms are on track for success.

2. Monday, September 16, 2019—In preparation for the first "official" week of fall, kindergarten and first grade Atoms visited apple country, on a field trip to Navarino Orchard. Atoms had the luxury of not only picking apples, but they learned fun facts about this third generation orchard and farm.

3. Friday, September 20, 2019—It's not every day that you have a royal visit from Miss Spirit of New York, Kimberly Geniece, who shared with the Atoms her talents of singing (including Opera) and acting during story time. Kimberly brings the story, The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak, to life through her creativity, vocal range and expressions.

4. Thursday, September 26, 2019—Stop. Drop. And Roll! Kindergarten Atoms welcome Dan Connors from the Syracuse Fire Department for story time and fire safety. Mr. Connors not only read the story, No Dragons for Tea, which discusses the importance of fire safety, but taught both the teachers and students how to properly "stop, drop and roll" in case of a fire. What visit is complete without a firefighters hat to wear?! Thank you Mr. Connors and Syracuse Fire Department for sharing your time with us and for all that you do!

5. Friday, September 27, 2019—The first month of school is already in the books and it's hard to believe we are celebrating our first Student of the Month Ceremony.

UAS

1. Tuesday, August 20, 2019—With the school year starting in just a little over a week, we welcomed our new Atoms to the Utica Academy of Science Middle School Family at the New Parent Orientation.

2. Wednesday, September 4, 2019—Can you believe that school started a couple weeks ago? It seems like yesterday that our Elementary school families were attending our orientation!

3. Wednesday, September 11, 2019—Reading is a novel idea and our Elementary Atoms shared their love for books, literature and even Legos with their family at our annual Literacy Night. Literacy-based activities were held in the classroom for families to enjoy. In addition, Utica Academy of Science Elementary School hosted a Scholastic Book Fair.

4. Tuesday, September 17, 2019—Pump, pump, pump it up! Pump that Atom spirit up. Elementary Atoms show off their school spirit as they celebrate Utica Academy of Science High School's first-ever Homecoming.

5. Saturday, September 21, 2019—Homecoming Weekend was in full swing as the middle school teachers, faculty and staff geared up for their Welcome Back BBQ. An afternoon filled with families meeting their students' teachers, and students having an opportunity to sign up for school clubs and activities.

6. Saturday, September 21, 2019—The elementary and high school team up together to host a Welcome Back BBQ, to not only conclude the Homecoming festivities, but to celebrate new beginnings such as the start of a successful school year. From bounce houses, to face painting, to silent auctions, to of course delicious food, it was fun for the whole family.

7. Wednesday, September 25, 2019—Kindergarten Atoms kick-off the first field trip of the school year by visiting Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo. A day filled with exotic and domestic animals, students were able to feed, pet and hold baby goats (a class favorite).

8. Thursday, September 26, 2019—When it's an early dismissal, there is only one thing you can do. You got to "take your horse to the old town road" .... of course! Elementary Atoms sing their favorite song, Old Town Road by Lil Nas X, featuring Billy Ray Cyrus.

9. Friday, September 27, 2019—Goats, snakes, horses, deer ... oh yah, and more goats! Atoms enjoy a hands-on experience at Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo as they interact with both domestic, native, and exotic animals. The student's favorite animal was the African Pygmy Goats in the petting zoo area, followed closely by the snakes. Some were even brave enough to wear the snake on their shoulders. Atoms hopped on a fall inspired tractor ride that took them around the zoo to view a wide variety of animals. Thank you, Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo for an amazing fun filled day!

10. Monday, October 7, 2019—October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness month. Middle School Atoms have teamed up to help Stomp Out Bullying and cyberbullying by participating in the national campaign #BlueUp. On Monday, October 7th, Atoms will be permitted to wear a blue shirt to kick-off the campaign. In exchange for dressing down, students must commit to a weekly bullying awareness challenge, please see below.

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 8.51 pm.

Roll Call: adopted unanimously

Science Academies of New York (SANY) Charter Schools

Board of Trustees

Regular Meeting

Minutes

Date : 11/12/2019

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.

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 10/8/2019

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 purchasing a school activity bus for UAS

3. Approval of purchasing electrical car for SAS and UAS

4. Approval of updating gym floor and installing bleacher and board for Citizenship Academy

5. Approval of SANY annual tax return (990 form)

6. Approval of SANY district emergency response plan

7. Approval of changing gas service provider from National Grid to Marathon

Discussion

1. Financial status and budget

2. Datapooler Software presentation

3. Academic data

4. Salary Increase Discussion

5. Incident report

Motion to adopt the agenda as presented.

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: no presentation was made. Financial presentation will be made at least quarterly since they do not change month to month.

2. Academic data: Academic data has been shared using Datapooler dashboard system. The schools are doing much better with suspensions this year compared to last year.

3. Datapooler software presentation: School data management software, which is developed by Terra Science is presented to school. School started using the program for looking at all data at student and school level.

4. Salary Increase Discussion: School is looking at starting base salaries in comparison to school districts and looks like there is gap between our base salary and theirs and the school will make a presentation to make proposal to increase salaries accordingly to make them competitive and let teachers know the increases as early as February to retain them.

5. Incident report: The school shared information about an incident happen at the school today regarding a teacher and a student. The school shared the steps taken regarding the incident and reporting to state. Student’s parent are informed and had a meeting with the school admins.

I. Superintendent’s Report

Demographics:

SANY Activity Report:

SAS

1. Tuesday, September 24, 2019—A crisp yet beautiful fall day, is perfect for a field trip to one of our beloved apple orchards in Central New York, Beak and Skiff. Second grade Atoms were eager to learn all about apples and get that 'insider scoop' from the apple experts themselves.

2. Saturday, September 28, 2019—We are excited to share one of Syracuse Academy of Science High School's newest student club and activity, Adventure Cooperative for Environmental Stewardship, or ACES. Atoms participated in various outdoor activities like hiking, GeoCaching, and exploring state parks, trails and more in the greater Syracuse and Central New York area.

3. Tuesday, October 1, 2019—Middle school Atoms welcome guest speaker, Ms. Aza Gradinic who came and shared her life story that was incredibly moving, and gripping. Ms. Gradinic shared with the students stories about her life growing up in Bosnia during the war, and connected them to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) - a document the Atoms have been learning about.

4. Thursday, October 3, 2019—Syracuse Academy of Science High School welcomed Admissions Counselor, Shaquan McDowell, from Brandeis University.

5. Friday, October 4, 2019—Students from the junior and senior class attended Hillrom's (formerly known as Welch Allyn) Manufacturer's Career Day.

6. Friday, October 4, 2019—Every Atom is an artist! During our merit point celebration, Atoms were able to unleash their creativity and paint not only outside the lines but also off the canvas.

7. Saturday, October 5, 2019—It's quite an honor to have five of our Syracuse Academy of Science High School Students become participants in The Congressional Award for Community Service.

8. Monday, October 7, 2019—No spectators or benchwarmers here! Elementary Atoms welcome guest speaker, John Wildhack, Director of Athletics at Syracuse University. Mr. Wildhack shared with the students a day in the life for Syracuse Athletics, various sports programs on campus, his life experiences, and even his previous job position at ESPN.

9. Monday, October 7, 2019—Sometimes a hospital can seem like a very scary place. First grade Atoms take a 'sick day' and visit Crouse Hospital's Hospital Land to learn all about being admitted to the hospital, as well as, what it's like to be a patient.

10. Monday, October 7, 2019—As we prepare our students on their next steps after Syracuse Academy of Science, we strive to have our students college-ready and civic minded. Throughout the year we provide opportunities for our Atoms to learn about colleges, universities and various trades.

11. Tuesday, October 8, 2019—The Middle School STEAM club met for the first time and lets just say things got a bit sticky and slimy! Atoms put their creative and scientific brains to work as they combine glue, Borax, shaving cream and food coloring to create everyone's favorite, slime.

12. Thursday, October 10, 2019—High school Atoms enjoy a field trip of a lifetime at SUNY ESF's Heiberg Memorial Forest - one of the field stations of SUNY ESF where students can participate in different activities in forest ecology.

13. Friday, October 11, 2019—A beautiful sunny fall day perfect for an outdoor scavenger hunt. Kindergarten English Language learners have been working on projects related to the five senses - sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell.

14. Wednesday, October 16, 2019—When science meets inquisitive Atoms, there is a reaction filled with learning, knowledge and excitement. Fifth grade Atoms visited the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST), where they took their turn at being scientists for the day.

15. Friday, October 18, 2019—Art has the ability to transform, uplift and inspire - a belief held by Yoko Ono. Mrs. Merrithew’s AP Art Class attended a tour of the Yoko Ono: Remembering the Future exhibit at the Everson Museum.

16. Saturday, October 19, 2019—Atoms competed in the MOST's CNY Steamboat Challenge, and did what our Atoms do best … they came to compete and WON! With over 60 teams participating from across Central New York, we are proud of our students for taking home not only 1st place, but the 2nd, 3rd and 4th place, as well for the high school competition. Middle School and the Elementary school were not far behind with taking home 3rd and 4th place.

17. Monday, October 21, 2019—Syracuse Academy of Science High School Robotics team hosted an outreach event on Monday, October 21st at The Palace Theater. During this event, Atoms shared their new initiative with the greater Syracuse community - FIRST Lego League (FLL) and FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC).

18. Tuesday, October 22, 2019—Elementary Atoms received a brief lesson in Civics as they learned about the important responsibilities of congressmen, specifically New York State's 24th Congressional District Congressman John Katko.

19. Wednesday, October 23, 2019 — Our Atoms took the Pledge to create a world without bullying.

20. Thursday, October 24, 2019—It’s not every day that you receive VIP guests from the New York State Charter School Community and the Office of New York State Assemblyman, Marcos Crespo. Guests received a tour of both the Syracuse Academy of Science Elementary and Middle School, and were amazed at all the hard work not only our students accomplished this year but our teachers, faculty and staff.

21. Friday, October 25, 2019—Middle school Project Based Learning (PBL) students gear up for one of their biggest projects to date - their first Spaghetti Dinner. In efforts to raise funds for an upcoming field trip, students work together as a team to create an evening of fine Italian cuisine.

22. Tuesday, October 29, 2019—It’s not every day that you get to witness a pumpkin flying. On a recent field trip to the Golub, “Our Farm,” Atoms had a front row seat to this physics experiment.

23. Thursday, October 31, 2019—Scary good times were had at the annual Syracuse Academy of Science Elementary School Fall Festival. Atoms dressed in their favorite costumes and participated in Halloween games and activities.

SAS Citizenship

1. Thursday, September 26, 2019—Atoms didn't start the fire, but they certainly learned all about fire safety with a special visit from fireman Dan Connors of the Syracuse City Fire Department. Fireman Dan joined the Kindergarten Atoms for story time and read to them, No Dragons for Tea, which discusses the importance of fire safety.

2. Wednesday, October 9, 2019—A beautiful fall day calls for a field trip dedicated to team bonding and enhancing character strengths learned inside the classrooms. Our 4th grade Atoms visited Shove Park for an outdoor field trip.

3. Wednesday, October 23, 2019—It's the perfect time of year for pumpkin picking with this beautiful fall weather and the leaves changing. Kindergarten and first grade Atoms visit, The Pumpkin Hollow, for a fall field trip.

4. Friday, October 25, 2019—Kindergarten Atoms discover the culinary possibilities at their first ever Discovery Kitchen. Thanks to Mrs. Pittsley and the Chartwells team, students gained helpful kitchen tips, tricks and nutritious recipes.

UAS

1. Friday, October 11, 2019—Middle school Atoms take a step back in time at one of Cooperstown's most popular destinations, The Farmers' Museum.

2. Friday, October 11, 2019—There are many natural wonders in the world. One of them just so happens to be in our backyard. Atoms head out on an adventure that would take them over 150 feet below ground to a place that was discovered in the early 1770s, Howe Cavern.

3. Wednesday, October 16, 2019—A little rain never kept the elementary school Atoms and their families from participating in the first Family Night event, Math Night.

4. Friday, October 18, 2019—With a few clouds looming overhead and the weather looking grim, this never stopped our first grade Atoms from enjoying a fun filled day on a field trip to North Star Orchards.

5. Friday, October 18, 2019—What does the field of manufacturing, transformers and former Syracuse University basketball legend have in common? Funny you should ask, because they were all present at this year's Mohawk Valley Community College's Manufacturing Day.

6. Saturday, October 19, 2019—Elementary, middle and high school Atoms competed in the MOST's CNY Steamboat Challenge. Participants work in groups of three to engineer a steamboat made out of recycled materials and powered by steam created by the heat of a tea candle.

7. Saturday, October 19, 2019—Atoms roll up their sleeves along with over 500 youth from the greater Utica area to volunteer and give back to the senior citizen community by providing general yard clean-up services.

8. Saturday, October 19, 2019—It is no surprise that our Atoms have talent, both in academics and athletics. This young Atom in particular had a trip of a lifetime as she showcased her basketball talent and athletic ability on the court against the daughter of NBA legend (and future hall of famer), Kobe Bryant.

9. Thursday, October 24, 2019—Utica Academy of Science Girls Varsity Soccer team take on one of their most competitive opponents yet, Notre Dame. Location, a brand new soccer pitch with Utica VIP community members in leaders sitting and cheering in the stands. The crowd would go wild with each and every goal, but the Atoms rallied together which led to a victory and history being made. In attendance were community members such as Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri, representatives from Congressman Anthony Brindisi and Senator Griffo office, Assemblywoman Marianne, Oneida County Executive Mr. Picente and many others.

10. Thursday, October 24, 2019 — Ms. Brown took her 2nd Graders to Cullen Pumpkin Farm for their monthly field-trip to celebrate fall & to witness the turning of the season first-hand. UAS ES Atoms explored a winding corn maze and experienced a hayride through cornfields and pumpkin patches.

11. Thursday, October 31, 2019—A spooktacular day filled with fab-boo-lous activities, creative costumes and of course sweet treats to kick-off the start of Halloween. Elementary Atoms enjoyed their annual Fall Festival, where students could dress up in their favorite literary costumes.

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 9.12 pm.

Roll Call: Adopted unanimously

Science Academies of New York (SANY) Charter Schools

Board of Trustees

Regular Meeting

Minutes

Date : 12/10/2019

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.

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 11/12/2019

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 extending SANY Lease Vehicle

3. Approval of Health Insurance Renewal

4. Approval of Dental Insurance Renewal

5. Approval of Vision Insurance Renewal

6. Approval of updated Datapooler Development Software and Confidentiality and Non-disclosure Agreements with Terra Science and Education

7. Approval of Architectural Service for New Building at 160 School Ln

Discussion

1. Utica Building Addition project

2. Internal Auditor Hiring

3. Computer Lab Furniture for SAS MS with State Contract Price

Motion to adopt the agenda as presented.

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

VIII. Discussion Items

1. Utica Building Addition project is discussed in detail. Two phase plan is presented. The school will bid the construction once the drawings are approved by the school and the city.

2. Internal Auditor Former CFO at Syracuse School District and Springfield, MA school district. He is currently consultant for Cato and Baldwinsville, NY school districts for financial matters. He will start working 12/13/19 and will report to Board on a monthly basis.

3. Computer Lab Furniture for SAS MS with State Contract Price to inform the board since it is less than $20K threshold for board approval.

4. Dr Hayali commented on increasing suspension rates at Utica Academy.

I. Superintendent’s Report

Demographics