Monday, January 27th, 2025: Excitement filled the air as 3rd and 4th graders at Citizenship & Science Academy of Rochester Charter School gathered for their first after-school Chess Club meeting!

Students were introduced to the fundamentals of chess, learning about its rich history and essential strategies. Whether they were brand-new to the game or had prior experience, each participant had the opportunity to explore the chessboard, make their moves, and challenge their peers.

Beyond learning the rules, the Chess Club encourages students to strengthen their critical thinking and strategic planning skills. They learn valuable problem-solving abilities beyond the chessboard by predicting their opponents’ next moves and developing their game strategies.

This is just the beginning of an exciting journey for our CSAR Atoms as they dive deeper into chess. Who knows? We might have a future Grandmaster in our midst! Stay tuned for more updates on their progress and achievements.

Wednesday, January 15th, 2025: At Citizenship & Science Academy of Rochester, we’re committed to sparking curiosity and wonder in our youngest learners. Our kindergarten students embarked on a cosmic journey at the RMSC Rochester Museum & Science Center with "Stars with Carl," an engaging educational experience featuring the historic 1968 Carl Zeiss Mark VI star projector.

Guided by a live presenter, the Atoms explored the original planetarium sky, learning about the fascinating shapes of stars, identifying constellations, and uncovering how the sun creates the day and night cycle. This interactive experience provided an exciting introduction to astronomy, making complex concepts accessible and inspiring a sense of wonder about the universe.

Hands-on learning experiences like this are a cornerstone of our approach at CSAR, where we strive to ignite every student's passion for discovery and lifelong learning. Stay tuned for more updates on how our students explore, learn, and grow!

Friday, December 6th, 2024: The Citizenship & Science Academy of Rochester is thrilled to announce the launch of its Student Council for third and fourth-grade students! This initiative marks an exciting opportunity for our Atoms to develop leadership skills, practice collaboration, and actively participate in shaping their school community.

Students engaged in creative and meaningful campaign activities to kick off the election process. With guidance from our School Counselor and Dean of School, these future leaders designed campaign posters and recorded inspiring “Vote for Me” videos. These activities allowed students to showcase their unique ideas and personalities, fostering a spirit of friendly competition and civic engagement.

CSARC is committed to cultivating leadership and empowering students to make their voices heard. This platform allows elected representatives to contribute ideas, plan events, and take on responsibilities that enhance the school experience.

We’re excited to see these young leaders step up, share their perspectives, and positively impact their peers and community. Stay tuned as we follow their journey and highlight the initiatives they’ll undertake throughout the year!

Thursday, November 28th, 2024: This fall, Citizenship & Science Academy of Rochester was alive with energy and creativity during our Fall Spirit Week! The week was packed with fun, laughter, and plenty of school spirit, from wacky socks to Trunk or Treat and festive Halloween costumes.

Events like Fall Spirit Week are more than just fun—they're an essential part of what makes our school community so valuable. They bring students, families, and staff together, fostering connections, creating memories, and reinforcing a sense of belonging. At CSAR, a strong community helps our scholars thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated and made the week unforgettable. Your enthusiasm and involvement are what make CSAR such a special place.

Stay tuned for more exciting events—we can't wait to see what the next one has in store!

Friday, December 6th, 2024: At Citizenship & Science Academy of Rochester, we believe in recognizing students who exemplify outstanding character. Students were honored with Positivity Project Awards for embodying November’s character traits: Bravery, Gratitude, and the Other People Mindset.

These traits remind us of the importance of facing challenges with courage, appreciating the good in our lives, and focusing on helping and supporting those around us. Each award highlights a student’s ability to lead by example, showing:

• Bravery: Courage in overcoming obstacles and trying new things.

• Gratitude: Recognizing and appreciating the good in their lives and in others.

• Other People Mindset: Considering and valuing others' feelings, needs, and perspectives.

We are so proud of these young leaders who inspire us daily with positivity and character. Congratulations to all of the Positivity Project Award recipients!

Keep shining bright and making a difference, Atoms!

Friday, November 22nd, 2024: The Citizenship & Science Academy of Rochester held its inaugural Scholastic Book Fair from November 18th to 22nd. The event was an exciting opportunity for students to explore hundreds of books, share their favorites with classmates, and discover new stories to enjoy.

The book fair created a buzz of excitement throughout the school, encouraging a love of reading and sparking curiosity among our CSAR Atoms. Students eagerly browsed the selection, finding books that matched their interests and imaginations.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this event a resounding success, from our dedicated staff and volunteers to the families who supported their young readers.

Happy reading!

Wednesday, October 30th, 2024: Citizenship & Science Academy of Rochester families came together with teachers and staff for our first annual Trunk or Treat! Everyone decorated their trunks with Halloween and fall themes, and Atoms voted for their favorites. The Grinch even made a special appearance! We had a fun competition for the best trunks in both the Teacher and Family categories! 

October 2nd & 3rd, 2024: Citizenship & Science Academy of Rochester families joined us for Curriculum Night!

Atoms proudly showed off their classrooms and introduced their families to teachers. Parents could ask questions about the curriculum, sign up for Class Dojo, and listen to a classroom presentation.

Teachers reviewed the curriculum, answered questions, and updated families on their student's progress while scholars showcased their work. Thanks to all the families who attended and made it a memorable night!

Tuesday, September 24th, 2024: Kindergarten-second grade Citizenship & Science Academy of Rochester families joined us for ‘Dessert with the Dean!’ 

Families had the chance to meet our Dean, Erin O’Toole, and learn about this year’s curriculum. It was a great opportunity to start building strong relationships within our community, and we’re excited about what’s ahead!

Monday, August 19th, 2024: This week, Deans, curriculum coordinators, and coaches are participating in an intensive training on the Marzano "New Art and Science of Teaching" framework held at Syracuse Academy of Science High School. Dr. Melanie Magee, a coach, consultant, and presenter from Marzano Resources, led the training. The sessions' primary focus is effectively using the Marzano framework to coach teachers and improve instructional practices. Key areas covered include direct instruction and strategies for increasing student engagement, which have been reviewed in depth to enhance teaching quality across SANY schools.