JUNE 2026
CONNECTED CAMDEN NEWSLETTER TABLE OF CONTENTS Connected District Bulletin Connected Partners Collaborations & Contributions Training Highlights Initiative Wide Highlights Staff
Celebrating Outstanding Attendance
Students at Connected McConnellsville Elementary were rewarded for their outstanding attendance during the month of May with a fun-filled day of oversized games on the playground! The celebration recognized their commitment to being present at school while giving students the opportunity to enjoy teamwork, laughter, and outdoor fun with their classmates.
BIG MILESTONES, BRIGHT FUTURES The Connected Camden Team was proud to participate in McConnellsville Elementary's Fourth Grade Graduation Ceremony by providing each graduating student with a bottle of bubbles and an inspirational note. This small gesture celebrated their accomplishments, encouraged them as they prepare for middle school, and reminded them that their future is full of possibilities.
SWEET CELEBRATIONS FOR PRE-K MILESTONES Families and students celebrated an exciting milestone during McConnellsville Elementary's Pre-K Graduation, with support from Connected to help make the day even more special. Connected Site Coordinator Walker organized a refreshment table featuring Rice Krispies treats and ice cream generously donated by Hershey's. The sweet celebration gave students and their families an opportunity to recognize this important achievement as they looked ahead to the next chapter of their educational journey.
A SWEET TREAT FOR FUN DAY! During the Connected McConnellsville Elementary's Fun Day, the Connected Camden Team was joined by Lauren Newman from Resiliency, who helped scoop and serve ice cream to students as they celebrated the end of the school year. Thanks to the generous donation from Stewart's Shops, students enjoyed a refreshing treat that made the day even more memorable.
SNOW CONE CELEBRATION FOR A SUCCESSFUL YEAR! Connected joined middle schoolers in celebrating a successful school year with refreshing snow cones. The fun treat provided a festive way to recognize students’ hard work and bring the year to a joyful close.
COOLING OFF AFTER A SUCCESSFUL YEAR!
Students at Connected Camden Elementary enjoyed a sweet end-of-year celebration with ice cream generously donated by Stewart’s Shops. The Connected Camden Team was joined by Lori Bronk from the Oneida County Department of Family & Community Services and Lauren Newman from Resiliency, who helped serve the frozen treats and celebrate students as they wrapped up a successful school year.
BIG GAMES, BIGGER SMILES! During Connected Camden Elementary’s Fun Day, the Connected Camden team brought extra excitement to the celebration with a variety of oversized lawn games. Students enjoyed friendly competition while playing giant Tetris, Checkers, Connect Four, Jenga, and Cornhole. The interactive games encouraged teamwork, laughter, and active play, making Fun Day even more memorable for everyone involved.
CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2026
The Connected Camden Team helped celebrate the Class of 2026 by providing Chobani yogurt for the annual Senior Breakfast. Students enjoyed breakfast together before participating in the beloved Senior Walk, where they visited each school in the district wearing their caps and gowns. This meaningful tradition gave younger students the opportunity to cheer on the graduating seniors while recognizing their accomplishments and celebrating the exciting journey ahead.
CONNECTED CAMDEN
The Connected Camden team welcomed families to Open HUB, where they were able to access additional pantry items to help meet their household needs. Representatives from MVCAA were also in attendance, connecting with families about Head Start services and sharing information about employment opportunities available throughout the agency. Open HUB continues to provide a welcoming space where families can access valuable resources and strengthen connections within the community.
HUB HUDDLES HUB HUDDLES CONNECTED MCCONNELSVILLE & CAMDEN ELEMENTARY
Throughout the month of June, the Connected Camden team continued building meaningful relationships with students during HUB Huddles at both Connected McConnelsville and Connected Camden Elementary. Connected Site Coordinator Walker spent recess engaging students in kickball, No Square, the 10Second Game, basketball, races, and other fun activities that encouraged teamwork, physical activity, and positive connections. As the school year came to a close, students cherished these moments together, and the Connected Camden team looks forward to seeing many familiar faces at the exciting summer programs and activities offered throughout the community.
HUB HUDDLES CONNECTED CAMDEN MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOLS
CONNECTED CAMDEN MIDDLE SCHOOL The Middle School HUB has been buzzing with activities, emotions and celebration! The students have enjoyed all the daily games and activities that were offered-their favorites this year were milkshakes, snow cones, and trivia! We have all learned so much about self care, healthy routines, wellness activities, kindness and being grateful. These last 10 months have flown by, but the students are ready for summer!
CONNECTED CAMDEN HIGH SCHOOL As the school year came to a close, the Connected Camden High School HUB provided students with a fun and welcoming space to celebrate together. Students spent time signing yearbooks, playing games, and reflecting on the memories they made throughout the year. With summer vacation just around the corner, they left excited to enjoy a well-deserved break and embrace new adventures and routines in the months ahead
COLLABORATIONS COLLABORATIONS & &
Contributions
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Student
School Faculty/Staff
Connected Site Coordinator
Stewarts Shops Hershey's Ice Cream
Family
Services / Resources
Team Approach
Trends The Connected Camden team continues to respond to the evolving needs of students and families throughout the community. At the elementary level, there remains a significant need for ADHD evaluations. To help ensure families receive timely and appropriate support, the team works closely with school social workers and the Connected Resiliency Team to identify the best referral options and connect families with available services. The need for food assistance has also continued to grow, with more families requesting pantry staples and emergency food boxes as rising household and energy costs place additional strain on family budgets. Through monthly Open HUB events, families can access food and other essential resources in a welcoming environment. For those without reliable transportation, the Connected Camden team delivers food boxes directly to their homes, ensuring that barriers do not prevent families from receiving the support they need. In addition to food assistance, families are connected with community resources that can provide ongoing support and help strengthen long-term stability.
Connected PARTNERS
Family Family Opportunity Opportunity Center Center
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. CFLR and the Connected Families FOC are working together to boost attendance to the Triple P Summer Series. The Camden Family Opportunity Center continues to work closely with families to address essential needs, including assistance related to housing stability, heating costs, and other basic supports. When appropriate, families also receive additional direct assistance with essential items and transportation needs. In June, three families were successfully connected with services to help address their immediate needs. 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 held 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 throughout the district. Students are able to be seen in school for therapy which is helpful for parents who struggle with transportation. Your Connected Camden 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.
The Resiliency Project proposes that the key to success with children and their families is through a collaborative approach forming a caring and responsive Team that is dedicated to serving the Adirondack Central School District, Camden Central School District, Holland Patent Central School District and Rome City School District; creating and strengthening Connections in the Home, School and Community. There is a dedicated Resiliency Coordinator, Safe School Engagement Specialist and Oneida County Family and Community Service liaison, that collaborate on each case. Unless it is imminent risk, prior to calling CPS, place in a Resiliency referral so we can assist, "Support, Don't Report". This Team is intended to be an extension to your family, your child’s school and other supports that may already be in place to ensure that everyone can be successful, while bridging the gap between home, school and the community. The team can meet wherever you are most comfortable to provide support! Go to the Connected LINK Referral form. This will connect you with your dedicated Connected Site Coordinator who can assist you with basic needs and to create a connection with the Resiliency Team! The Resiliency Team is available on site at the Connected IMPACT Center, 207 North James St. Rome on Tuesdays & Fridays from 10am2pm, or by scheduled appointments. Need to make a LINK referral? Click here to get started. The Resiliency Program continues to be an invaluable resource for families at both Camden Elementary and McConnellsville Elementary. The Resiliency Team has developed strong relationships with your Connected Team, your building admin and the students/families in the Camden Community. With a larger team in place, collaborative efforts are made to ensure students'/families basic needs are met and people can continue to be successful with their actions.
UPCOMING Events
UPCOMING Events
UPCOMING Events
TRAININGHighlights Highlights Strengthening Nonprofits Through Expert-Led Training
Divisional Director Katie Rockwell is participating in an 8-month training series designed to provide expert-led instruction, practical tools, and hands-on guidance for leaders in the nonprofit field. Each month focuses on a different operational area essential to building and sustaining a successful nonprofit organization, with sessions led by subject matter experts offering real-world strategies and resources. In June, Lara Pimentel, Owner of OSA Philanthropy, presented on fundraising strategies, including donor cultivation and stewardship. Participants gained actionable tools and insights to strengthen fundraising efforts and support long-term organizational sustainability.
Supporting Students and Strengthening Skills All Summer Long Connected Staff continue their work throughout the summer months by supporting families, helping facilitate summer programming and community events, and participating in professional learning opportunities. Alongside direct service and event support, staff also take part in the annual Summer Academy, a dedicated time for training, collaboration, and skill-building. This ongoing professional development helps ensure staff are prepared to continue providing strong, consistent support to students and families year-round.
INITIATIVE INITIATIVE WIDE WIDEHighlights Celebrating a Great Year, Together Connected staff came together for a fun and festive End-of-Year Celebration to wrap up a successful year of supporting students and families across the region. The gathering was filled with laughter, conversation, and time to relax and connect outside of daily program work. Staff took the opportunity to celebrate accomplishments from the 2025–2026 school year, reflect on the impact of their efforts, and enjoy time together as a team. The celebration was a positive way to close out the year and recognize the dedication, teamwork, and heart that each staff member brings to Connected every day.
Click here to see the yearbook!
INITIATIVE INITIATIVE WIDE WIDEHighlights A Community United for Child Safety The Ride for Missing Children – Mohawk Valley brought together riders, volunteers, students, families, and community partners for an unforgettable day of advocacy, awareness, and support. Throughout the Ride route, students from local schools enthusiastically welcomed riders with signs, cheers, and noisemakers, creating an incredible atmosphere of encouragement and community spirit. Stops at Jefferson Elementary and Seneca Street Elementary provided opportunities for riders and volunteers to connect with students, reinforce important safety lessons, and celebrate the shared mission of keeping children safe. Community partners, including Connected Community Schools and the Connected Cocoa, joined supporters along the route to cheer on participants as they traveled from Utica to New Hartford.
The day concluded with a closing ceremony celebrating the dedication of everyone involved and recognizing more than $82,000 raised to support child safety initiatives. During the ceremony, The Ride's Community Educator shared the impact of the program's safety education efforts, highlighting outreach to more than 3,000 students, educators, and families across over 20 schools in just the past few months. Ride Day served as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when a community comes together to support child safety, honor missing children, and create a safer future for all.
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) - Mohawk Valley 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.
STUDENTS LEARN THE MISSION BEHIND THE RIDE As excitement built for The Ride for Missing Children, students at Watson Williams Elementary, Marcy Elementary, Seneca Street Elementary, Martin Luther King Elementary, and John F. Kennedy Middle School participated in engaging presentations focused on child safety and community awareness. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, students explored important topics including bike safety, online safety, and personal safety while learning about the mission and impact of The Ride for Missing Children. Each presentation helped students understand the important role their school community plays in supporting child safety, making safe choices, and encouraging the riders as they travel through the community on Ride Day.
BUILDING SAFE CHOICES THROUGH FUN AND LEARNING Students at Gansevoort Elementary School and Stokes Elementary School strengthened their safety knowledge through engaging, interactive activities designed to build confidence and encourage smart decision-making. At Gansevoort, students explored bike safety, including the Bike ABCs, helmet safety, and safe practices for walking and riding near roadways. They also learned the 4 Rules of Personal Safety and discussed internet safety, emphasizing the importance of protecting personal information, communicating with trusted adults, showing kindness online, and trusting their instincts when something feels wrong. Meanwhile, students at Stokes enjoyed a sunny lunchtime HUB Huddle featuring a lively game of Safety Jeopardy that reinforced personal and bike safety concepts through teamwork, discussion, and friendly competition. Together, these activities equipped students with valuable skills to help them stay safe both online and offline throughout the summer and beyond.
EMPOWERING STUDENTS T H R O U G H S A F E T Y E D U C AT I O N Seventh and eighth grade students at Vernon-VeronaSherrill Jr./Sr. High School participated in engaging safety presentations focused on bike safety, personal safety, and online safety. Students explored practical tools and strategies they can use to take an active role in their own safety while discussing topics such as trusted adults, personal boundaries, and situational awareness. Conversations about digital citizenship and digital footprints encouraged students to think critically about the lasting impact of their online actions and how to make safe, responsible choices in digital spaces.
R I D E R S I N S P I R E S A F E T Y AT C H E R R Y VA L L E Y - S P R I N G F I E L D Students at Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School welcomed Riders from The Ride for Missing Children as they arrived by bicycle before joining safety presentations focused on bike safety, personal safety, and online safety awareness. Throughout the presentations, students learned valuable skills for staying safe both in their communities and online while gaining a deeper understanding of the mission of The Ride. The visit concluded with a bicycle helmet raffle, providing students with additional resources to help them ride safely and confidently.
F U N D AY B R I N G S S A F E T Y LESSONS TO LIFE Connected Mount Markham Elementary School's Fun Day combined excitement with valuable safety education as students learned alongside Riders from The Ride for Missing Children. Through interactive activities, participants reviewed the 4 Rules of Personal Safety, identified trusted adults, and practiced speaking up when something doesn't feel right. Riders also demonstrated proper helmet fit, bicycle sizing, and pre-ride safety checks. Thanks to the generosity of the Optimist Club and community supporters, students wrapped up the event with raffles for bicycle helmets, toys, and other prizes, making the day both educational and memorable.
C E L E B R AT I N G C O M M U N I T Y A N D S A F E T Y AT T H E P U R P L E FLAMINGO GRAND OPENING The Ride for Missing Children – Mohawk Valley was proud to participate in the Purple Flamingo Thrift & Gift Grand Opening by providing safety resources and interactive activities for families and community members. Visitors stopped by to explore safety handouts, complete activity pages, test their knowledge with a spin-the-wheel safety trivia game, and take home fun giveaways including stickers, pencils, and popcorn. The event provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community, share important safety information, and support a local organization dedicated to making a positive impact.
N E T S M A R T Z P R E S E N TAT I O N Students at Holland Patent Middle School participated in a Netsmartz internet safety presentation focused on building safe and responsible online habits. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, students explored the concept of digital citizenship, learned about the lasting impact of their digital footprints, and identified warning signs that may arise when communicating with others online. Students also discussed the difference between being a bystander and an upstander, reinforcing the importance of speaking up, seeking help, and supporting others when they encounter unsafe or inappropriate situations online.
UPCOMINGEvents
July 15th - Fonda Youth Safety Day July 17th - Rome Connected Carnival July 23rd - Dolgeville Bike Rodeo July 30th - Herkimer Conected Carnival August 8th - Oneida County Community Health & Healing Day September 2nd - Willard Prior Back-to-School Open House
MEET AMANDA GALINDO As a Community Educator for The Ride For Missing Children - Mohawk Valley, Amanda dedicates her time to engaging with each of the Connected Districts as well as other districts.
Amanda can be reached at amandag@connectedcs.org.
RFMC COMMUNITY EDUCATOR
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COLLEEN MATTHEWS
KELLEY BENNETT
LAUREN NEWMAN
SABRINA ENGELBRECH
DIVISONAL DIRECTOR OF CONNECTED COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF COUNTY PROGRAMS
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST
ALEXIS TOWNE
CENTRAL HUB TEAM
VICE PRESIDENT OF CONNECTED INITIATIVES
DELIVERY TEAM
KALI FOUNTAIN
NORA BAJOHR
DUSTIN TROTZ
KAELYNN BARBER