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OPEN GYM OPEN GYM

The McConnelsville PTO, with support from Camden Connected Community Schools, hosted a Spring Break Open Gym that provided a welcoming space for families to come together during the break. Sports equipment and snacks were provided, and attendees enjoyed a variety of active games, including Around the World, tag, bowling, and PIG. Events like this are important because they create safe, positive opportunities for family engagement, encourage physical activity, and strengthen community connections during school breaks when structured activities may be limited.

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ATTHEMCCONNELLSVILLE ATTHEMCCONNELLSVILLE PTOMEETING PTOMEETING

During the PTO meeting, students participated in engaging activities led by Connected Site Coordinator Walker. They created thoughtful teacher appreciation cards and explored creativity and problem-solving by making paper airplanes. Opportunities like these are important because they give students a meaningful role during school events, help them express gratitude, and strengthen positive connections between students, staff, and families within the school community.

Rain or shine, families enjoyed coming together for a fun painting activity that encouraged creativity, conversation, and quality time together. Events like these help strengthen connections between families and the school community while creating a welcoming environment for engagement and support.

Sonia from the Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency (MVCAA) was also in attendance and spoke with families about Head Start and the many programs and resources available to support children and families in the community.

Connected Camden families were welcomed to an Open HUB event where they were able to access additional pantry items and connect with the Camden Connected team in a supportive environment. During the event, families shared some of their current needs and challenges, allowing staff to provide individualized support and connect them with valuable community resources Families were introduced to the Resiliency Program and provided with additional services and supports to help address their identified needs. Opportunities like these are important in strengthening family well-being, reducing barriers, and ensuring families feel supported and connected within their community.

HUB HUDDLES HUB HUDDLES

During the month of April, Site Coordinator Walker actively engaged students across multiple grade levels during both recess and noon hour through a variety of games and activities, including kickball, basketball, tag, foursquare, catch, races, and the “10 second game.” Students consistently look forward to these interactions and enjoy the opportunity to connect, play, and build positive relationships. These informal, consistent moments are important because they help strengthen school engagement, encourage positive social interaction, and provide students with another trusted adult in their building they can rely on for connection and support.

The CMS HUB has been popping with creativity! The students have enjoyed playing cooperative games, trivia, and making gift bags for each other and teachers. Some lunch groups have taken nature walks outside, and others have enjoyed making sensory bags. We are looking forward to creating our garden of kindness in May.

COLLABORATIONS & COLLABORATIONS & COLLABORATIONS &

Students enjoy coming in during lunch to engage in collaborative and interactive games that encourage critical thinking and teamwork. Many students work together to solve New York Times puzzles, including making strategic Wordle guesses and using a wide range of knowledge to complete the Connections puzzles. In addition, students have been building relationships and practicing social skills through games such as UNO and Hues and Cues. These lunchtime activities provide a positive and engaging space for students to connect with peers, strengthen problemsolving skills, and enjoy meaningful social interaction during the school day.

hCamdenFamilies.TheConnectedTeamhasworked ndhostOpenHUBs.Familiesarealsogiveninformation foralternativepantriesthattheycouldalsovisitifneeded.Walkerhasbeenworkingtoconnectfamilieswith ResourceCenterforIndependentLivingRCILtohelpwithapplyingforSNAPBenefits.Therehavealsobeenmore LINKSfordentalneeds FamilieswithoutinsurancehavebeenconnectedtotheNeighborhoodCentertoworkwith Gerda,whoistheinsurancenavigator.Onceconnectedwithinsurance,yourConnectedTeamisidentifyingnew dentalpracticesthatacceptthefamily’sinsurance.

Student School Faculty/Staff Connected Site Coordinator Family Services/ Resources Team Approach

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PARTNERS PARTNERS PARTNERS

Family Opportunity Centers (FOCs) connect families with programs and resources that help build protective factors and support children in thriving both at home and at school. Through strong partnerships with parents, FOCs promote family engagement and empower caregivers to make informed choices that strengthen their families. The FOC team works to connect families with direct resources or community referrals, support caregivers in their roles, and foster informal networks that build stronger family connections.

The Camden Family Opportunity Center continues to work closely with families to address essential needs, including housing stability, heating assistance, and other basic supports. When appropriate, families are also connected with additional resources such as essential items and transportation assistance. In April, two families were successfully connected to services to help meet their immediate needs, ensuring timely support during critical moments.

Additionally, Connected Project Manager Valarie from the Connected Camden Central School District spoke at the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Pinwheel Planting Ceremony in Albany in recognition of Child Abuse Awareness Month. April serves as an important reminder of the collective responsibility to raise awareness and support safe, healthy environments where all children can thrive.

Center for Family Life and Recovery and the Connected Families FOC are working together to plan a parent education series over the summer. The program will be on Thursdays from 5:30-6:30. Parents will be learning about positive parenting through the Triple P Program.

The Neighborhood Center is now taking students for therapy at all four schools. Students are able to be seen in school for therapy which is helpful for parents who struggle with transportation. Your Connected Team continues to work with families to help streamline the process in ensuring paperwork is completed appropriately so that services can begin in a timely fashion.

Connected Connected Connected

PARTNERS PARTNERS PARTNERS

TheResiliencyProjectproposesthatthekeytosuccesswithchildrenandtheirfamiliesisthroughacollaborative approachformingacaringandresponsiveTeamthatisdedicatedtoservingtheAdirondackCentralSchoolDistrict, CamdenCentralSchoolDistrict,HollandPatentCentralSchoolDistrictandRomeCitySchoolDistrict;creatingand strengtheningConnectionsintheHome,SchoolandCommunity.ThereisadedicatedResiliencyCoordinator,Safe SchoolEngagementSpecialistandOneidaCountyFamilyandCommunityServiceliaison,thatcollaborateoneach case Unlessitisimminentrisk,priortocallingCPS,placeinaResiliencyreferralsowecanassist,"Support,Don't Report".

ThisTeamisintendedtobeanextensiontoyourfamily,yourchild’sschoolandothersupportsthatmayalreadybe inplacetoensurethateveryonecanbesuccessful,whilebridgingthegapbetweenhome,schoolandthe community.Theteamcanmeetwhereveryouaremostcomfortabletoprovidesupport!

GototheConnectedLINKReferralform.ThiswillconnectyouwithyourdedicatedConnectedSiteCoordinatorwho canassistyouwithbasicneedsandtocreateaconnectionwiththeResiliencyTeam!TheResiliencyTeamis availableonsiteattheConnectedIMPACTCenter,207NorthJamesSt.RomeonTuesdays&Fridaysfrom10am2pm,orbyscheduledappointments.NeedtomakeaLINKreferral?Clickheretogetstarted.

Resiliency students participated in a “What Is Self-Care?” worksheet as part of their ongoing goal-setting activities, helping them explore the importance of caring for both their physical and emotional well-being. Students identified key self-care practices such as getting enough sleep to support physical health and spending time with friends to strengthen emotional support and connection. This activity highlights their continued progress in building healthy habits, strengthening social-emotional awareness, and developing skills that support overall well-being and resilience.

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.