C O N N E C T E D
C A M D E N N E W S L E T T E R
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
Connected District Bulletin
Connected Partners
Collaborations & Contributions
Training Highlights
Initiative Wide Highlights
Staff
Recycling Made Fun with Binny Recycling Made Fun with Binny
Binny and a representative from the Oneida–Herkimer Solid Waste Authority visited to speak with students and parents about the importance of recycling. Through engaging conversation and shared resources, attendees learned how proper recycling practices help protect the environment and support a healthier community.
The FOC Team met with families to focus on goal building and planning for success. As part of the activity, families created their own reusable calendars to support organization and consistency at home One family was also awarded a dry-erase refrigerator calendar as a prize, reinforcing the importance of goal setting and everyday planning.
ator Walker, assisted the MES PTO with their Family Game Night on January 27. Families enjoyed a fu and welcoming evening with a variety of games choose from, along with snacks provided throughout the event The night offered a great opportunity for families to connect, play, and spend quality time together.
Families visited Open HUB to receive extra groceries to help support them during the long break In addition to pantry items, families were also able to take home fresh lettuce grown by middle school students in their Agricultural class, highlighting a meaningful connection between student learning and community support.
HUB HUDDLES HUB HUDDLES
Throughout the month, the Site Coordinator engaged students of various grade levels during recess by leading activities such as the color game, hot potato, Uno, Jenga, and creating kindness chain links. These shared moments provided opportunities for fun and positive interaction, helping to build strong relationships and foster lasting friendships among students.
During Noon Hour this month, the Connected Site Coordinator led students of various grade levels in activities such as hot potato, catch, tag, basketball, and the color game. Students consistently looked forward to spending this time with Walker, and his presence continues to be a positive addition to the Camden School District.
Ca ith creativity Duringlunchperiodsthestudentshave enjoyedplayingpictionary,charades,creating snowflakesandwinterornamentswithpopsicle sticks,playinggiantuno,andstrengtheningtheir social-emotionalrelationshipswithoneanother.
COLLABORATIONS & COLLABORATIONS &
Camden High School students spent time preparing for the January Regents exams while also engaging in meaningful conversations about college plans and goals for the summer. Alongside their academic focus, students enjoyed creative activities such as building a block flower garden and completing 2026 goal bingo cards, providing a balance of preparation, creativity, and forward planning.
Connected
Connected
PARTNERS PARTNERS
Family Opportunity Center Family Opportunity Center
FOC and Connected continue to collaborate to support families with heating costs, home repairs, and other essential needs. Following the holidays, many families have also needed extra groceries. Families are encouraged to attend the Open HUB Nights or reach out directly to their Connected Site Coordinator. In addition, every family is provided with a list of resources to help address food insecurity and access further community support.
CFLR continues to engage with students at the High School HUB during lunch periods, providing support and connection. Amber, a dedicated CFLR staff member, also collaborates with Val from FOC to co-facilitate the Triple P Parenting Classes, strengthening family partnerships and community support.
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.
PARTNERS PARTNERSConnectd Connect d
TheResiliencyProjectproposesthatthekeytosuccesswithchildrenandtheirfamiliesisthroughacollaborative approachformingacaringandresponsiveTeamthatisdedicatedtoservingtheAdirondackCentralSchool District,CamdenCentralSchoolDistrict,HollandPatentCentralSchoolDistrictandRomeCitySchoolDistrict; creatingandstrengtheningConnectionsintheHome,SchoolandCommunity.ThereisadedicatedResiliency Coordinator,SafeSchoolEngagementSpecialistandOneidaCountyFamilyandCommunityServiceliaison,that collaborateoneachcase.Unlessitisimminentrisk,priortocallingCPS,placeinaResiliencyreferralsowecan assist,"Support,Don'tReport".
ThisTeamisintendedtobeanextensiontoyourfamily,yourchild’sschoolandothersupportsthatmayalready beinplacetoensurethateveryonecanbesuccessful,whilebridgingthegapbetweenhome,schoolandthe community Theteamcanmeetwhereveryouaremostcomfortabletoprovidesupport!
GototheConnectedCommunitySchoolsCommunity LINKReferralform.Thiswillconnectyouwithyour dedicatedCommunitySchoolsSiteCoordinatorwhocan assistyouwithbasicneedsandtocreateaconnection withtheResiliencyTeam!TheResiliencyTeamis availableonsiteattheConnectedIMPACTCenteron Tuesdays&Fridaysfrom10am-2pm,orbyscheduled appointments.NeedtomakeaLINKreferral?Clickhere togetstarted
Thismonth,ourmiddleandhighschoolresiliency studentsaresteppingintothenewyearwithpurpose andintention.Theyaresettingpersonalgoals, identifyingnewskillstomaster,andlookingaheadtoa yearfullofgrowth,learning,andfresh accomplishments.
TrendsTrends
DuringJanuary,manyfamilieshaveneededextragrocerysupport,andwecontinuetowelcomethemtotheHUB toaccessadditionalsupplies.Familiesarealsoprovidedwithinformationaboutcommunityresourcesforfood supportiffurtherassistanceisneeded.Inaddition,therehasbeenanincreaseinfamiliesneedinghelpwith heatingcostsandrepairstoexistingheatsources Weremaincommittedtoconnectingfamilieswithavailable resources,helpingthemmaximizesupportandstrengthenstabilityintheirhomes.
Winter Fest
February
26th
Get ready for some bubbly fun! ��✨ Connected will be there with our Bubble Station— bringing all the big, floating, giggle-worthy bubbles—and an exciting scavenger hunt for everyone to enjoy. We can’t wait to see you there!
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.
