STEM BUILDING STEM BUILDING
shapes, reinforcing their understanding of geometry in a fun and interactive way.
YARN MAKING YARN MAKING DEMONSTRATION
DEMONSTRATION
The Camden High School Crochet Club welcomed guest presenter Linda Faber, who demonstrated the art of yarn making. Linda shared how she creates her own yarn from sheep’s wool, guiding students through the process of washing, spinning, and preparing it into usable spools. She also brought in the tools she uses, providing students with a hands-on look at each step of the process and a deeper appreciation for the craft.
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Team assisted by hosting a photo booth station. Families who participated were provided with props and were offered to have their pictures taken by Connected Site Coordinator Walker.
Connected Site Coordinator Walker and Project Manager Val assisted in Camden’s Reading Extravaganza event They were joined by Camden Fire Chief Norm Wallace and Camden Police Officer Dustin Hite, who took time to read aloud to students.
During the event, students also decorated construction paper bookmarks, adding a creative element to an afternoon focused on literacy and community connection.
Connected Site Coordinator Walker provided students with cardboard, craft supplies, and stuffed animals, challenging them to design and build a home for their new companions Students embraced the opportunity to express their creativity, constructing imaginative creations such as rocket ships, houses, and cars for their stuffie friends.
SILENTDISCO SILENTDISCO
Connected Site Coordinator Caitlyn brought a festive touch to the school day by preparing Shamrock Shakes for students to enjoy during lunch periods. The treat added a fun and engaging element to the day, giving students an opportunity to connect and celebrate together.
Connected Camden High School students enjoyed playing ping pong during their lunch periods, engaging in friendly competition with one another. The addition of the table in the HUB was a fun surprise, creating an exciting and interactive space for students to connect and unwind.
Connected Site Coordinator Caitlyn participated in an incentive day coordinated by school faculty. The students and staff loved the silent disco activity!
Connected Camden High School students enjoyed a festive activity in the HUB, where they participated in finding and hiding leprechauns. Students who successfully located the hidden items earned prizes, adding an element of excitement to the event Participants demonstrated great creativity in choosing clever hiding spots, making the experience both engaging and fun for their peers.
Connected Camden families were welcomed to an Open HUB event, where they had the opportunity to pick up additional pantry items to support their households. Representatives from MVCAA were also in attendance, connecting with families to share information about Head Start and discuss employment opportunities available across the agency.
HUB HUDDLES HUB HUDDLES
Camden Middle School HUB has been buzzing with spring energy! We kicked off Spring with Shamrock shakes, mindful coloring, cooperative games, would you rather games. The students have also been busy making spring crafts.
Connected Site Coordinator Walker brought extra energy to recess in March, playing four square, catch, hot potato, red light/green light, and even racing with students. The kids continue to love spending time with Walker and enjoying these fun, active moments together.
Students had a blast during Candy March Madness, listing their favorite candies and voting daily to crown the ultimate treat—Sour Patch Kids took the top spot! They also enjoyed a festive Saint Patrick’s Day leprechaun hunt, searching the HUB for hidden little leprechauns and winning prizes along the way.
COLLABORATIONS & COLLABORATIONS & COLLABORATIONS &
WehaveseenanincreaseinfoodinsecuritywithCamdenFamilies.TheConnectedTeamhasworkedwithfamilies togetthemfoodboxesandcontinuetoofferandhostOpenHUB.Familiesarealsogiveninformationfor alternativepantriesthattheycouldalsovisitifneeded.WalkerhasbeenworkingtoconnectfamilieswithRCILto
Norm Wallace the Camden Fire Chief
Dustin Hite from the Police Department
Sonia Vega Torres from MVCAA
Daisy Rosa from MVCAA
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Connected Connected Connected
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.
Connected Camden families enjoyed planting seeds and decorating their flower pots. Families also talked to Ambur from CFLR about turning negative behavior into positive behavior. 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 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 March , three families were successfully connected with services to help address their immediate needs.
Center for Family Life and Recovery continues to come to the High School HUB to work with students during their lunch periods. Ambur, the CFLR staff member, participates in the Crochet Club at the high school on Wednesdays. Ambur, continues to also partner with Val from FOC to help co-facilitate the Triple P Parenting Classes.
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.
Trinity came to the high school HUB to do a meet and greet with students. She played games and talked with students. The goal was for the high schoolers to meet her and know she is available for therapy in the school.
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.
For the month of March, students shared three wishes for themselves or for their families They used a mood rainbow to share how they have been feeling. We discussed several topics, including their grades, stress management, and organization. Students were able to share their high points and low points from the month.
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We recently explored an exciting new programming opportunity available to all Connected districts—and our team got a firsthand look. At a recent all-staff event, we welcomed Freedom Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc. to the Impact Center for an engaging training experience.
Through their unique “Hometown Training™” model, they provide guide dogs at no cost to individuals in the Eastern U.S. who are legally blind and may also have additional physical challenges. This approach allows clients to receive support and companionship from a guide dog while continuing their daily routines at home and, in many cases, in the workplace.
This opportunity not only offers meaningful educational programming for students—highlighting the importance and impact of guide dogs—but also serves as a valuable resource for community members who may benefit from these life-changing services.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training –Free & Open to All!
Did you know that Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Training is available at no cost?
This valuable program is designed to help faculty, staff, and community members recognize the signs of mental health challenges in young people, provide support, and connect them with appropriate resources.
By participating, you’ll gain practical skills to respond confidently to students in crisis, foster a supportive environment, and make a real difference in the lives of youth in our community.
Who can attend: All faculty, staff, and community members
Cost: FREE
Registration: Registration link
Empower yourself with the knowledge to support youth mental health—because every student deserves to be seen, heard, and supported.
Celebrating Excel
We are proud to share that our Co-Leader, Melissa Roys, was recognized by Assemblywoman Maryann Buttenschon as a Woman of Distinction this March. Melissa’s tireless dedication to connecting our community and ensuring every individual feels seen continues to make a lasting impact. Congratulations, Melissa!
Co-Leader Danielle Martin was thrilled to lead the Education, Mentorship & Community Impact Hub alongside of Dr. Patricia Washing, Director from On Point and Sarah Gomex, Principal at MO BOCES. They all shared their career journeys, highlighing the importance of learning from the obstacles in life, importance of networking, advocating and never giving up! More than 200 students, educators, and regional leaders were in attendance.
Strengthening Child Safety Through Partnership
Connected is excited to announce a collaboration with the Ride for Missing Children and our new Ride for Missing Children Educator, Amanda Galindo. Connected plays a vital role in advancing the mission of The Ride for Missing Children-Mohawk Valley to promote child safety and support the prevention of child abduction and exploitation
We deliver engaging, age-appropriate safety education programs foster awareness of the Ride for Missing Children initiative create meaningful connections between students, educators, and the broader community.
