The Camden Fire Department came to the elementary school to talk about fire safety. Students and parents during the Morning Program learned all about the fire fighters gear and how to leave the house safely.
CHS CUPCAKES & KARAOKE CHS CUPCAKES & KARAOKE
Students enjoyed a festive Friday afternoon filled with cupcakes and karaoke, creating the perfect opportunity to connect with friends outside of the classroom. Laughter filled the room as students sang along to their favorite songs, shared treats, and enjoyed each other’s company, making it a memorable way to celebrate the end of the week
Connected Camden Project Manager Valarie joined students as they marched in the Homecoming Parade, proudly celebrating their school spirit and Camden Pride. The group’s energy and enthusiasm made the event a memorable community celebration.
students at McConnellsville Elementary The event began with two short videos that went over some fire safety tips. Following this the presenters played a quiz game with students and asked them questions about best practices when dealing with different fire emergencies. After the game students were welcomed outside to look
The Camden PBA Spooktacular is a fun event for everyone. Families dress up to walk through Forest Park and Trick or Treat. The Camden Connected and Resiliency Team dressed up as witches and had a table decorated. Families had so much fun talking to the staff and getting candy!
Walker joined Camden Elementary’s PTO Fall Fest, leading a “Leaf Rubbing” craft for students and families. Using a variety of leaves different shapes, sizes, and colors participants placed the leaves under paper and colored over them to reveal the veins. Students, parents, and older siblings all enjoyed creating their own unique leaf designs, making it a fun and creative fall activity for everyone.
Families came in to Open HUB to get extra food and tangible goods for the month. Families were able to talk to the Connected Staff to see if there were any other needs that could be addressed
HUB HUDDLES HUB HUDDLES
During October, students joined Site Coordinator Walker at recess for a variety of activities, including racing, leaf tracing, catch, four square, Uno, the Color game, building with wooden blocks, checkers, and Jenga. Through these games, students practiced teamwork, cooperation, and problem-solving while having fun and connecting with their peers.
Students spent their Noon Hour with Site Coordinator Walker enjoying a variety of games and activities, including racing, hopscotch, catch, four square, Uno, the Color game, checkers, and Jenga. These activities gave students a chance to have fun, build friendships, and engage in cooperative play.
The HUB at CMS has been filled with lots of creativity! During lunches students have enjoyed journaling, trivia, bingo, word searches, and Halloween art projects. The children have also enjoyed diamond art on Thursdays, 10th period. They are getting familiar and building strong relationships with Caitlyn; our newest Connected Staff and have great ideas that they would like to implement within the HUB at the Middle School.
The Camden High School HUB has been buzzing with activity! Students have enjoyed trivia, Pictionary, and games of UNO, while teaming up to tackle challenging puzzles. To celebrate Halloween, they even wrapped themselves up as mummies, making the HUB a lively space for fun, laughter, and friendship.
Caitlyn has worked in the education field for 20 years, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to supporting students and staff She joined Connected Community Schools because of her excitement to work with the staff, students, and the community shecallshome.
FunFact:
Caitlyn is married with four children and enjoys riding horses in herfreetime
AboutWalker: WalkerhasbeenpartoftheConnectedinitiativesinceAugust2022and previouslyspentthreeschoolyearsintheAdirondackSchoolDistrict He isexcitedtobeworkinginCamdenandlooksforwardtobuildingstrong relationshipswithstudentsandstaff.
FunFact: Inhisfreetime,Walkerenjoysgolfing.
AWarmWelcome:
"I’m excited to continue working with students and staff and to be part of this wonderful community!"
Family Opportunity Center Family Opportunity Center
Connected Connected
PARTNERS PARTNERS
The Connected Families FOC had a fantastic time hosting Book BINGO! Families enjoyed multiple rounds of BINGO, and each winning student chose two books, a fidget, and a snack. Students were thrilled to take home new books to read and share, making the evening both fun and full of excitement for reading. Families came to Halloween Story time with the Connected Families FOC. Project Manager Val had snacks and stories for the families. While reading “There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly”, students were able to feed the old lady that Ambur from CFLR made different characters from the book. Val also read “Room on the Broom”. Students and families were able to make their own brooms out of pipe cleaners and beads.
Neighborhood Center continues to support your students! Camden High School and Middle School students have been referred to in school counseling services.
Bruce Brodsky with the Utica Dollars for Scholars came to our October all-staff meeting in Rome to share with staff the scholarship opportunities available to many of the students we serve. The application for Utica Dollars for Scholars is open now through March of 2026 for students in Herkimer and Oneida Counties looking for funding for higher education Bruce identified that they want to get the word out to students and not only ensure they are aware of the opportunity, but also get support to follow through the full application process, as many start their application but don’t finish it. The presentation was very insightful for our staff who support high school students in the Herkimer and Oneica Counties, and hopefully we can get those students connected to the scholarship opportunities available.
Monthly Connected Partner Highlights are held virtually throughout the school year for staff to discover and build connections with various community partners. In the month of October, we had three different agencies present on some services they offer, including OnPoint for College, the Alzheimer’s Association, and Neighborhood Center’s COMHPS program
Earlier in the month, Anny Guerrero-Brown provided an overview of OnPoint for College, detailing its expansion beyond college access and success to include support for certificate programs, licenses, and trades, serving students in Herkimer, Madison, Onondaga, and Cayuga counties with broad eligibility criteria and individualized support across college access, college success, and career services. Jennifer Engram elaborated on career services, including advising, workshops, and internship opportunities. Anny concluded by emphasizing OnPoint for College's holistic, free, and continuous support, focusing on removing barriers to education and building strong relationships with students
Lisa McCarthy provided an overview of the Alzheimer's Association, discussing the financial and caregiving impact of dementia, the association's funding and research efforts, various types of dementia, warning signs, and strategies for brain health and prevention The Alzheimer’s Association is available to table at any events where we may want to share information on dementia and Alzheimer's support.
Paul Ukena introduced The Neighborhood Center's OMH grant-funded COMHPS (Community Mental Health Promotion and Support) program, outlining its focus on community mental health promotion and support, the Neighborhood Center's broader services, and the program's activities, including outreach, referrals, and emotional support, emphasizing its free and short-term nature. The COMHPS program offers Classroom Programming opportunities including interactive tabling and group content delivery using different activities to allow participants to express their creativity while promoting mental well-being The program is available in Oneida County, so if you are interested in bringing them into your classroom, contact your Site Coordinator!
INITIATIVE WIDE INITIATIVE WIDEHighlights H
Connected is in full Holiday Assistance mode, working to ensure students and families have the support they need this season. Last year, we assisted over 2,000 students, and we’re once again committed to spreading warmth and joy throughout our communities. If you or someone you know could benefit from holiday assistance, please reach out to your Site Coordinator or a member of the LINK Team—we’re here to help.
If you’d like to help, donations are always welcome! Check out the Holiday Assistance bin map included on this flyer for convenient drop-off locations, or bring your donation to our main office at 207 North James Street, Rome, NY. Monetary contributions can also be made online at https://connectedcommunityschools.org/holiday-assistance/, and every gift helps make the season brighter for local families.
Connected Community Schools is kicking off the Connected Food Drive to help ensure families in our community have access to nutritious food this season. With the support of generous donors and community members, we aim to make a meaningful impact for local families in need.
Donations of non-perishable food items can be dropped off at any Connected Community Schools site or at our main office at 207 North James Street, Rome, NY. Monetary contributions can also be made online at https://connectedcommunityschools.org/donate-2/ Every gift helps nourish children and families across our community.
Click here to access the Holiday Assistance Bin Map!
