LITERACY AGRICULTURE LITERACY WEEK WITH WEEK WITH HANDS-ON LEARNING HANDS-ON LEARNING
March features Agriculture Literacy Week! What better time could you think of for our friends from Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Madison County to come read a story to PSES and SSES friends! Ms. S, Ms. Tess, and CCE volunteers read students the story “Seasons on the Farm” and followed it up by making a pinwheel that helps the students keep track of what the farm looks like as weather changes! Thank you for visiting.
Connected SSES students enjoyed a hands-on learning experience with Ms. S from CCE Agriculture in the Classroom of Madison County! This month's activity, "Farming in a Glove," taught students about the life cycles of different plants by planting various seeds inside a plastic glove. The lesson concluded with a tasty snack of cottage cheese!
Connected Site Coordinator Denise and Canastota School Social Worker Dana Podkowka recently coordinated an emotional regulation lesson for third-grade students at South Side Elementary School. Led by Marina Bridgham from Cornell Cooperative Extension, the presentation taught students to manage their feelings using coping strategies and deep breathing. Each student also created a glitter calming jar to take home.
Ms. Marina from CCE presented on Coping Skills and different Calm Down Strategies at RSMS in Canastota. Students discussed different emotions, and what we like to do to calm ourselves down. Having different coping skills can help us to slow down, name how we are feeling and then lead us in making better choices when dealing with our emotions. With the help of Ms. Marina and Ms. Rogan, students designed their own calm down jars and then participated in a breathing/calm down activity watching the glitter swirl in their jars.
RSMS families enjoyed a fabulous night of BINGO! The evening was filled with smiles, laughter, prizes and lasting memories. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the event so special.
M E N T O R I N G M E N T O R I N G P R O G R A M P R O G R A M
Pizza with Parents was a success! Community members were able to stop in, grab a slice, and share their ideas for events or programs for the district. We look forward to continuing to work together to continue to expand Canastota's offerings for families.
This month’s CHS Connect 4 highlight was spreading positivity and awareness for Child Abuse Awareness Month. Students made personalized windmills to show the joy of being a child, and placed positive messages on them to be displayed in the hallway!
Mr. Jennings visited RSMS Connect 4 students as we wrap up Peer Mentor training! Students were able to enjoy specialty snacks like Doritos courtesy of Mr. Jennings as he talked with them about leadership traits they identified with, and how a positive attitude is essential to being a successful Peer Mentor.
This month's Pantry Restock was hosted at South Side Elementary School! Community members were able to pick from a variety of selections such as fresh potatoes, mac and cheese, hamburger
HUB HUDDLES HUB HUDDLES
Connected PSES HUB Huddles continued this month during lunches, featuring the game Connect More! This game requires students to answer a question about themselves before playing their piece on the board. There was some great competition, but even better conversations as students got to know each other a little better.
Connected SSES students are building friendships and sharing smiles at their daily lunch time HUB Huddles! This month's highlight has been the game of Connect Four, where students have been having a blast getting to know each other better while enjoying their lunch.
The RSMS HUB has been buzzing with excitement, carrying over the fun of BINGO from our family night! Students are having a blast, enjoying snacks, winning prizes, and, most importantly, sharing smiles and laughter. It was truly wonderful to see such a great turnout and so much positive energy in the HUB!
The HS HUB continues to be a center for conversation. Students come in and have unique discussions, and this month was no different. Students had an intense debate over the HUB March Madness bracket, which was solely picked on which mascot was the coolest. The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors and TCU Horned Frogs made Cinderella runs to the final, but the Horned Frogs reigned supreme in our students’ eyes.
Connected Connected Connected
Madison County Mental Health continues to be a strong support for 5-12 grade students, and provides counseling in the district during school hours to alleviate any scheduling concerns for families!
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.
