During the month of January, the Camden Project Manager Val visited 2nd–4th grade classrooms to present an engaging lesson on internet safety. Students learned age-appropriate strategies for staying safe online, including protecting personal information, recognizing unsafe situations, and knowing when to ask a trusted adult for help. These conversations are essential as students increasingly use technology for learning and entertainment. By building awareness early, this presentation helped empower students to make responsible choices online and develop healthy digital habits that will support their safety and well-being now and in the future.
This month, our middle school students welcomed guests Allison and Vita from the Neighbor Center, who led an engaging presentation focused on mental health and emotions. Students learned about what mental health is, common emotions they may experience, and strategies they can use to help manage their feelings. To encourage participation, Allison and Vita brought fidget toys that students could use and keep. Students were also offered a voluntary interactive worksheet, which allowed them to reflect on their emotions and actively engage with the material. The presentation helped both students and presenters identify topics that may be helpful to revisit or expand on in future sessions based on student needs.
Families were invited to visit the HUB to access essential supports, including food, hygiene items, and clothing. Although Open HUB Hours were canceled due to inclement weather, the Connected Site Coordinator ensured that all families still received the resources they needed as soon as conditions allowed. This flexibility helped ensure continued support for families despite unexpected challenges.
HUB HUDDLES HUB HUDDLES
January was a month full of energy, creativity, and connection for Connected Boonville students! Throughout the month, students participated in a variety of engaging activities including scavenger hunts, word games, dancing, charades, bingo, and hands-on crafting. These experiences supported teamwork, communication, and problem-solving while encouraging students to build friendships and try new things. By blending movement, creativity, and collaboration, Connected Boonville continues to support the whole child, strengthen relationships, and promote student engagement during the winter months.
Gayle came from an education background and worked in the classroom for over 20 years. She is excited to work with Connected to support students and families by helping meet their needs, so they can focus on what matters most learning,growing,andthriving withoutaddedworry.
FunFact:
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, camping, and CrossFit. I am also a proud mom of 2 college students and a pet momoftwodogs,fourcats,andsomegeckos
Connected Connected
PARTNERS PARTNERS
Connected Site Coordinator Belle increased referrals to RKA this month, connecting more students with this valuable in-school counseling resource. RKA provides essential support to students by offering accessible, on-site counseling services that promote emotional well-being and help address individual needs in a supportive school-based setting.
The Wellness Center is going to be doing a grand opening in the month of February and will be accepting students soon. This is going to be a very valuable resource soon to be available!
ThisTeamisintendedtobeanextensiontoyourfamily,yourchild’sschoolandothersupportsthatmayalreadybein placetoensurethateveryonecanbesuccessful,whilebridgingthegapbetweenhome,schoolandthecommunity The teamcanmeetwhereveryouaremostcomfortabletoprovidesupport!
Food insecurity continues to be a challenge for many families within the district and the broader community. To help address this need, monthly Open HUB Hours are held to provide families with access to essential food and household items, and additional food boxes are distributed as needed
Mental health also remains a significant concern among students. In response, Connected Site Coordinator Belle continues to connect students and families with counseling services that best meet their individual needs, ensuring timely and appropriate support to promote student well-being.
COLLABORATIONS & COLLABORATIONS &
Contributions C
Allison and Vita, Neighborhood Center
Adirondack Staff: Kim Pitcher, Schafer Family, Brittany Lewis/Karen Philbrick, Anonymous, Alicia Ross
The Pratt Northam Foundation
YWCA
The Council: Kevin will be launching a boys-only Council during lunch periods throughout the month of February.
National FFA Week
February 23rd - 26th
Check out the fun and exciting things happening at the Adirondack Middle and High School!
February 23 - Cornell Cooperative Extension Maple Syrup Presentation rd February 24 - Yogurt Bar th February 25 - FFA Coloring Contest th
INITIATIVE WIDE INITIATIVE WIDE
The Connected Community Schools Advisory Board brings together a diverse group of leaders, educators, families, youth, businesses, and community partners to guide and sustain the initiative’s work across our region. The Board meets quarterly at the Connected Court at the James Impact Center and represents over 400 established partners On February 5, members gathered alongside guest speakers from Fidelis and the Oneida County Department of Family & Community Services to continue strengthening collaboration and impact.
Oneida County Department of Family & Community Services
Oneida County Department of Family & Community Services Director, Kari Barber, shared updates with the Advisory Board on regional Warming Centers in response to the cold temperatures, announcing cold blue. Under state regulation, a Code Blue is automatically in effect whenever temperature and wing chill equal less than 32 degrees The discussion emphasized the importance of spreading the word and connecting individuals and families especially those experiencing housing instability—to safe, warm spaces and critical support. Community members are encouraged to share this information and help ensure neighbors in need know where to find assistance during the winter months.
Nicole Patrei of Fidelis Insurance provided a comprehensive overview of Fidelis Care's offerings, including vital health plans like Child Health Plus, Managed Medicaid, and various Senior Care options, alongside ancillary benefits such as vision and dental coverage. She also detailed the organization's commitment to community engagement and accessibility through multiple outreach channels, specifically mentioning the Fidelis Mobile Vehicle, the physical community center in Utica, and providing her direct contact email, npatrei@fideliscare.org, for further inquiries. NIcole shared that her and her team strive to be a valuable resource to our community and encouraged those looking for assistance in finding medical coverage and providers to follow up with them whenever the need arises
Fidelis
TRAINING TRAINING Highlights Highlights
Cornell Cooperative Extension's Energy HUB
Monthly virtual Partner Highlights give staff the opportunity to learn about and connect with community partners. In January, We were joined by Brittany Amore, Daniel Sharfarz, Josephine Roman and Juliet Jalonack, and Lucas Russell from Cornell Cooperative Extension's Energy HUB in order to learn about their programming opportunities and services. CCE's Mohawk Valley Regional Clean Energy HUB's goal is to provide education and support to help Upstate New York residents save money, aiming for a healthy and affordable home or business. The Hub covers Herkimer, Fulton, Montgomery,Oneida, Otsego and Schoharie Counties.
