Issuu

APRIL 2026

C O N N E C T E D

A D I R O N D A C K

N E W S L E T T E R

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Connected District Bulletin

Connected Partners

Collaborations & Contributions

Training Highlights

Initiative Wide Highlights Staff

Connected Boonville Elementary kindergarten students recently took part in an engaging Bike Safety Presentation led by Boonville Police Department’s Officer Al Montegari. Students learned important foundational skills, including the different parts of a bicycle, essential rules of the road, proper hand signals, and other helpful safety tips to keep them safe while riding. The presentation provided students with practical, age-appropriate information to build confidence and awareness as they begin to explore biking. Following the lesson, each student received a helmet generously donated by the Elks, reinforcing the importance of safety and ensuring every child is equipped for a safe riding experience.

OPENGYM ADIRONDACK

Our Spring Break Open Gym was an absolute blast, and the energy on the court was electric! It was inspiring to see so many athletes show up during their time off to put in the work and sharpen their skills. The community spirit was at an all-time high, and we loved seeing everyone pushing each other to get better. Thank you to everyone who came out to make this event such a success.

Kevin from the YWCA - Mohawk Valley came this week to begin “The Council” lessons which are for HS boys only. In this series he teaches the HS students to be men of honor, safe and healthy development, etc.

Another representative will be coming to our Open HUB to table and connect families with this useful resource!

The Neighborhood Center joined us to facilitate meaningful conversations focused on mental health and the importance of creating safe, healthy boundaries. These discussions provided students with valuable tools to better understand their emotions, build healthy relationships, and recognize the importance of self-care and personal well-being. Creating opportunities for open dialogue helps foster a supportive environment where students feel heard, respected, and empowered to make positive choices.

Christina from Center for Life and Recovery (CFLR), made families aware of the dangers currently going around amongst the youth population and how we can combat it! CFLR will be back for Open HUB next month to table and connect families to valuable resources!

We had Eileen from the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority come to the HUB to talk with our middle school and high school students about recycling and our local transfer site in relation to Earth Day that was coming up.

This month we saw a surge in the number of families seeking support. While this increase highlights the growing economic pressures on our neighbors, it also reinforced why the HUB is so vital to our community. Our team worked hard to ensure everyoneespecially families joining us for the first time-received the resources that they needed. We are proud to serve as a reliable anchor for those navigating life’s challenges. We were happy to have the Willow Network and Boonville Life Center with us again, providing critical community resources to those who visited.

HUB HUDDLES HUB HUDDLES

Creativityandquickthinkingwereonfull displayduringConnectedBoonville Elementary’sAprilHUBHuddles,which werefilledwithspringtimefunand teamwork.Studentsworkedtogetherto createavibrantspring-themedbulletin board,bringingcolorandcreativitytotheir space.

TheyalsoenjoyedauniqueroundofSpringBingo,whereclueschallenged themtothinkcriticallyanddeterminethecorrectspacesontheircards

Totopitoff,studentscollaboratedtosolveaspring-themedescaperoom, strengtheningtheirproblem-solvingandcommunicationskillswhilehavinga greattime Theseactivitieshighlighttheimportanceofcollaboration,critical thinking,andcreativityinbuildingskillsthatsupportstudentsuccessbothin andoutoftheclassroom

This month, our HUB was packed with fun activities, even with spring break in the mix! We kicked off the month with an Easter prize scavenger hunt before heading into break. When we returned, students had a blast playing a variety of large games together. To wrap up the month, we welcomed the OneidaHerkimer Solid Waste Authority, who provided an engaging presentation on recycling in honor of Earth Day. The Neighborhood Center also continued their monthly visits, checking in on students’ mental health and, as always, bringing along fun fidgets as incentives for participation.

Connected Connected Connected

PARTNERS PARTNERS PARTNERS

While usage of the Rubenzahl, Knudsen & Associates Psychological Services, PC (RKA) mental health clinic has recently decreased, keeping this resource available ensures our community always has a vital safety net for professional support. Its presence remains essential for providing proactive care and immediate assistance whenever it is needed most.

We are thrilled about the launch of the new School-Based Health Center in partnership with Rome Health! By bringing primary healthcare directly to our campus, we are working together to ensure every student stays healthy, focused, and ready to succeed!

TheResiliencyProjectproposesthatthekeytosuccesswithchildrenandtheirfamiliesisthroughacollaborative approachformingacaringandresponsiveTeamthatisdedicatedtoservingtheAdirondackCentralSchoolDistrict, CamdenCentralSchoolDistrict,HollandPatentCentralSchoolDistrictandRomeCitySchoolDistrict;creatingand strengtheningConnectionsintheHome,SchoolandCommunity.ThereisadedicatedResiliencyCoordinator,Safe SchoolEngagementSpecialistandOneidaCountyFamilyandCommunityServiceliaison,thatcollaborateoneachcase Unlessitisimminentrisk,priortocallingCPS,placeinaResiliencyreferralsowecanassist,"Support,Don'tReport".

ThisTeamisintendedtobeanextensiontoyourfamily,yourchild’sschoolandothersupportsthatmayalreadybein placetoensurethateveryonecanbesuccessful,whilebridgingthegapbetweenhome,schoolandthecommunity.The teamcanmeetwhereveryouaremostcomfortabletoprovidesupport!

GototheConnected LINKReferralform.ThiswillconnectyouwithyourdedicatedConnectedSiteCoordinatorwho canassistyouwithbasicneedsandtocreateaconnectionwiththeResiliencyTeam!TheResiliencyTeamisavailable onsiteattheConnectedIMPACTCenter,207NorthJamesSt RomeonTuesdays&Fridaysfrom10am-2pm,orby scheduledappointments.NeedtomakeaLINKreferral?Clickheretogetstarted.

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Food insecurity towards the end of the month continues to be a struggle in the district and community. In order to combat this, We have held Open HUB each month in order for families to get the much needed items. In addition, we have provided food boxes when needed. Along with tangible items, additional resources for food are given to families as well.

COLLABORATIONS & COLLABORATIONS & COLLABORATIONS &

Neighborhood Center

YWCA - Mohawk Valley “The Council”

Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority

Center For Life Recovery Connected

tothankeveryone thathelps!Wecannot doitwithoutyou!

Emily DePasquale- Clothing

Colleen Grow- Brown Bags

Gail Waite- Reusable Bags

Lodging Kit (Eric Martin and team)Check Donation

Season’s ADK Cafe (Erin Gydesen and family)- Check Donation UPCOMING

M A Y 2 9 T H

TRAINING TRAINING TRAINING

Building Financial Wellness with First Source Federal Credit Union

Deb and Rachel from First Source Federal Credit Union led an engaging Partner Highlight training focused on Community Financial Education and Wellness. They shared valuable information about the programs they offer to support financial literacy and life-ready skills, including two interactive online platforms—Banzai! and Enrich—which provide students with hands-on learning experiences around budgeting, saving, and realworld financial decisionmaking.

They also highlighted the Reality Fair, an immersive event that allows participants to step into real-life scenarios and practice managing expenses and financial responsibilities. The session provided meaningful insight into the tools available to support student learning and empowerment around financial wellness.

Building Stronger Communities Through Purpose and Passion

Nonprofit organizations are not meant to serve as temporary solutions, but as long-term, sustainable supports that strengthen communities for years to come. Through care, consistency, trust-building, and meaningful connections, nonprofit leaders continue to address real challenges while creating vibrant and supportive environments for all. Attending the NYS Council of Nonprofits Summit was another inspiring opportunity to learn, collaborate, and be energized alongside passionate nonprofit leaders who share the same commitment to making a lasting difference in their communities.

Honoring Advocacy During National Child Abuse Prevention Month

During National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, members of our Administrative Team had the honor of attending the Child Abuse Prevention Breakfast hosted by the Oneida County Department of Children and Family Services. The event highlighted the importance of community collaboration, advocacy, and continued efforts to support the safety and well-being of children and families. It was an inspiring opportunity to stand alongside community leaders and organizations dedicated to creating brighter, safer futures for children throughout our region.

Mobile Resources Roll In: Fidelis Community Office RV at the Connected Impact Center

On April 24th, the Fidelis Community Office RV parked in front of the Connected Impact Center, providing an accessible and welcoming space for students and families to learn more about available health insurance options and community resources. Staff on-site offered guidance, answered questions, and supported individuals in navigating important coverage information. The visit helped strengthen community connections and ensured that attendees had access to valuable tools and information to support their health and well-being.

Connected Purple Flamingo Thrift & Gift Grand Opening and Vendor Fair

Connected Purple Flamingo Thrift & Gift will celebrate its Grand Opening by welcoming students, staff, and community members into a unique space focused on creativity, connection, and opportunity. The shop features a variety of thrifted treasures, gifts, and student-supported initiatives while promoting community engagement and hands-on experiences. Community members are also invited to attend the upcoming Vendor Fair, where local vendors and organizations will come together to showcase products, services, and resources. It promises to be a fun-filled event supporting local businesses and community partnerships.

W H O A R E W E A N D W H AT D O W E D O ?

The Ride for Missing Children (RFMC) is a community-driven organization dedicated to the prevention of child abduction and exploitation. While our mission is famously represented by our annual bicycle ride, our impact continues year-round through our dedicated Community Education program. In partnership with Connected Community Schools, we provide students and families with practical personal safety strategies, empowering the next generation with the tools they need to stay safe both online and in their everyday lives.

I N G C H I L D S A F E

Community Educator, Amanda, participated in radio interviews with WIBX “This Week in the Mohawk Valley” and WUTQ “Talk of the Town” to highlight the mission of The Ride for Missing Children and to promote child safety education throughout the Mohawk Valley. These outreach efforts help raise awareness, engage the community in meaningful conversation, and reinforce the importance of keeping children safe. P R O M O T

Interactive safety presentations were conducted in three Connected Bellamy 4th-grade classrooms (Ms. Martin/Ms. Bonanza, Mr. Mahardy, and Ms. Sabia), where students learned important bike safety protocols, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) “4 Rules of Personal Safety” (Check First, Take a Friend, Tell People No, and Tell a Trusted Adult), and key digital citizenship skills. A follow-up visit to Bellamy Elementary provided a second round of classroom presentations, continuing the “4 Rules of Personal Safety” curriculum to reinforce and ensure consistent safety messaging across 4th–6th grade levels.

HUB Huddles were held across John Joy, Ridge Mills, and Stokes Elementary, bringing important safety education directly to students during lunchtime. At John Joy, students participated in a cafeteria HUB Huddle focused on the Ride for Missing Children and general safety awareness, engaging in meaningful conversations about prevention while eating lunch. At Ridge Mills, discussions centered on bike and neighborhood safety, empowering students to take responsibility for their own safety both in their community and while riding. At Stokes, students completed interactive activity sheets that supported lessons on personal safety and interpersonal boundaries, including identifying trusted adults, practicing how to say “no,” and learning strategies to stay in control of their personal safety.

HUB Huddles were held across three elementary schools—John Joy, Ridge Mills, and Stokes—bringing important safety conversations directly to students during lunchtime. At John Joy, students participated in a cafeteria HUB Huddle where discussions focused on the Ride for Missing Children and general safety awareness, helping to engage students in preventative education in a relaxed, welcoming setting. At Ridge Mills, students chatted about bike and neighborhood safety, with a focus on empowering them to take charge of their own safety both on their bikes and within their community. At Stokes, students took part in an interactive HUB Huddle using activity sheets to explore personal safety and interpersonal boundaries, practicing how to identify trusted adults, say “no” when needed, and stay in control of their personal safety.

The Community Educator for the Ride for Missing Children was excited to participate in the local “Touch-A-Truck” event, where safety resources were shared with attending families and community members. Staff engaged with participants to raise awareness of missing children initiatives and highlight local safety programming, providing an opportunity for meaningful community connection and education in a family-friendly setting.