TABLE OF CONTENTS
Connected District Bulletin
Connected Partners Collaborations & Contributions
Community
ConnectedCentralValleycollaboratedwithFamilySchoolNavigation,tobringin communitygueststoreadtovariousclassroomsatFisherElementary Theevent broughtinanincrediblegroupofcommunityguestreaders,whosharedtheirtime andstorieswithourPre-Kthroughfirst-gradeclasses.Ourguestreadersincluded ourCentralValleyfacultyMrs Canestrari,ConnectedCommunitySchoolSite CoordinatorMadelynEngel,DebGroganfromFirstSourceFederalCreditUnion, TheVillageofIlionMayorJohnStephens,MohawkLibrarianJeffStrife,Family SchoolNavigationrepresentativesRobinRobisonandKarenHinderling,MaxCoe fromICAN,JohnBrewerfromtheIlionPoliceDepartment,MohawkPDofficerPat andRichGurdo,HerkimerFDRichardRobertsandPhoenixZinck,GirlScouts representativeBeckyWright,andcommunitymemberBonnieMuffett.Each readerbroughtadifferentaspectofthecommunitytostudentsandtheywere excitedandengaged Thestudentsalsosocializedbysharingtheirstorieswiththe readersandshowedrespecttoeachreaderthatvisitedtheirclassroom.
The Conencted Site Coordinators had Brittany Amore from Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) bring in her therapy dog, Xena. Xena was able to visit classrooms, where students had the opportunity to gently pet her while learning about the role and importance of a therapy dog The students were very engaged and truly enjoyed the experience of interacting with the therapy dog
Deb with First Source visited Jarvis Middle School to talk about starting a business and business expenses. Students started a virtual popcorn stand and worked together to come up with a list of items needed, how much these would cost and then how to stay on budget to make a profit
Students enjoyed popcorn as a snack also. This enabled the students to work on math skills, learn about budgets and what a profit is.
First Source Federal Credit Union also visited Barringer Road to teach the students about wants vs needs and managing money. The students learned about how this is essential for fostering responsible financial decision making and short and long term goals.
First Source also came to the CVA HUB during the 11th and 12th grade lunch period this month They did activities with the students about financial literacy. The focus of the activity was Cyber Security, Preventing Scams and Identity Theft.
recently visited Barringer Road Elementary School to teach students about coping skills and effective ways to manage their emotions. During the session, the students made personalized calming jars, designed to help students self regulate when feeling frustrated or upset. Marina also shared a video demonstrating how to use the calming jar as a tool for emotional regulation.
Marina also came to Jarvis for her monthly Mindful Monday visit and to the 5th grade seminar classes. She talked with the students about impulse control. Students talked out different scenarios and how they would handle different situations. They then talked about ways that they could handle these situations in a calm manner rather than acting on impulse and making bad choices.
Connected Project Manager
Wendy from Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Agriculture in the Classroom visited Barringer Road Elementary to do a hands-on pancake making activity. This lesson taught students about liquids, solids, and measuring skills The children loved the experience, and it was a fun, interactive way to build practical skills while learning basic science concepts. The activity was a great success.
Donna visited the 5th grade seminar at Jarvis to talk about the HUB to the 5th grade class We discussed where the HUB is and what is available for them and their families. We then talked about Want vs. Need and the difference. Students worked in groups to find items they would need if they were on an island. This helped them work together as a team and be open minded to others opinions.They also learned that items in the HUB are things that we might need in our daily life.
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HUB during the 9th and 10th grade lunch period to engage students in discussions about healthy relationships and how to recognize positive qualities in a potential partner an important step in preventing teen violence. Students also explored what to focus on in their relationships at this age and enjoyed interactive games, such as checkers, to build teamwork and foster positive connections.
mily Game Night in partnership with Marina from Cornell Cooperative Extension Child Care Council The event focused on bringing families together to spend quality time playing games with their children, enjoying one another’s company, and creating lasting memories. The evening was designed to be stress-free for families, with no need to cook dinner Pizza, salad, and water were provided by Franco's Pizza Families had the opportunity to laugh together, engage in games, and connect in a fun and welcoming environment. Families were able to meet other district families, students were able to play games with their family and friends and were able to learn about resources from the Child Care Council
Faith Thompson with Mohawk Valley Astronomical Society (MVAS) came to Jarvis to talk about stars, planets and constellations. The students also learned about upcoming space missions and were able to learn how to identify stars in our area. This programming supported our monthly commemoration of the Challenger 40th Anniversary at Connected Jarvis Middle School
The Uti Barringer Road Elementary for an assembly with all students. Two educators ,Victoria Carrillo and Justice Winslow introduced four animals, a blue-tongued skink, a snapping turtle, a snake, and a Madagascar hissing cockroach. The students were thrilled and really enjoyed learning about each animal This event was sponsored by First Source Federal Credit Union and Remington Federal Credit Union.
Reconnect &Restock
Connected Jarvis Team continued outreach to support students before weekends and extended breaks. Take-home bags with simple microwave meals were provided, ensuring students had access to food and support outside of school hours
HUB HUDDLES HUB HUDDLES
in the Connected Barringer HUB this month we hosted Microwave Monday that focused on preparing a family sized macaroni and cheese meal rather than a single-serve cup The goal was to teach the student how to make enough food for themselves, their siblings or parents. The students loved learning how to help in their family and also learned about safety and following instructions.
During lunch groups, the students enjoyed a game of charades Students worked in teams to communicate and collaborate by explaining what was written on the paper to their teammates without saying the word. Students demonstrated strong teamwork, communication, and cooperation throughout the activity and worked well together Other students enjoyed a movie lunch group where they were able to unwind and relax while eating lunch together.
At the Fisher HUB, first grade students have been invited to the HUB for lunch with the Site Coordinator. These HUB Huddles were created to help our First Grade students who are going to Barringer next year learn more about the HUB and meet the Site Coordinator who is also present at Barringer. This will help their transition to a new building and add a familiar face in that building The students also like the quieter space to enjoy their lunch time and are able to socialize together and work on sharing skills while they eat lunch and play games.
The Connected Site Coordinator hosted a quiet movie lunch with the first graders. She popped popcorn, and the students enjoyed watching a movie while eating their lunch in a calm and relaxed environment. During another lunch group, the students celebrated National Penguin Day. Students enjoyed coloring their penguin themed coloring sheet and sharing with each other.
This month, students focused on setting personal goals during lunch groups. In honor of Challenger Memorial Month at Jarvis, they reached for the stars by identifying an academic goal, a personal goal, and a habit they would like to develop.
Our monthly HUB Meet-Up celebrated Popcorn Day, with students taking the lead in planning the event. Everyone enjoyed decorating their own popcorn bags, adding treats, and sharing their favorite toppings and snacks together. During breakfast, students gather in the HUB to start their day with friends. Morning activities include fun questions like emoji check-ins and “How was your weekend?” prompts, giving students a chance to share their feelings and connect with one another
At Connected CVA, the HUB is open daily for both breakfast and lunch. Students can start their mornings enjoying breakfast while socializing with friends, and during lunch, the HUB provides a quieter space to relax and eat. The HUB is
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also available during 1 and 4 period study halls, giving students from different classes a chance to come together. Some use the time to focus on schoolwork, either independently or collaboratively, while others who are caught up on assignments enjoy playing games and socializing with peers.
ATTENDANCE ATTENDANCETrendsTrends
Attendance is an ongoing conversation at all LINK meetings at Connected Central Valley.
AtJarvis,Donnahasreachedouttogradelevelchairstoofferfurtherassistanceastheseteachersconnectwith studentsandfamiliesregardingattendance Offeringanotherconnectiontoresourcesforthefamiliesanda resourcefortheteacherstodirectfamiliestocanhelpbridgethatgapbetweenthefamily,student,schooland community.Donnacontinuestoreachouttostudentsthroughcheckinsandtofamiliesthroughoutthemonthto offeranyhelpifneeded
TheSiteCoordinatoratBarringerandFisherElementarySchoolshasbeenworkingcloselywithfamiliesand studentswhohaveattendanceconcerns Thefocushasbeenonbuildingpositiverelationshipsandproviding ongoingsupporttohelpimprovestudentattendance.Followupswithidentifiedfamiliesandstudentscontinueon aweeklyandmonthlybasistosupportthedistrict’snewattendancepolicy.Additionally,Paolaalsocontinuesto checkinwithstudentstoseehowtheyaredoingandtoreinforcepositiveattendancebylettingthemknowthat theSiteCoordinatorandtheentireschoolcommunityishappytoseethemcomingtoschool.
AtCVAHighSchool,theSiteCoordinatorchecksinwithstudentsregardingattendance Connectionwiththe parentsisalsoanimportantpartoftheattendanceprocess.TheSiteCoordinatorcontinuespositivereinforcement withtheparentsandguardiansaswellasthestudentsontheattendanceimprovements
Connected Connected
PARTNERS PARTNERS
At CVA, one student is currently receiving in-school counseling, with referrals reviewed during the monthly LINK meeting. At Jarvis, 13 students are being supported through inschool counseling, while Barringer currently serves three students. Referrals for Jarvis and Barringer are coordinated through the social worker in each building .
This month, Connected Site Coordinator Paola worked with Erica, Family School Navigator on bringing in community readers for the Fisher students. Paola also continues to work with Erica on mutual families and how they can both help them with their needs and goals.
The Liberty Partnerships Program was established in 1988 under Section 612 Subdivision 6 of Education Law to address the significant dropout rate and promote positive outcomes of post-graduation among New York State Youth. One of 52 collegiate programs, SUNY Polytechnic Institute was awarded the Liberty Partnership Program Grant in Fall of 2022. The SUNY Poly Liberty Partnership Program team strives to provide academic support, career and employment preparation as well as social emotional skill building for 5th - 12th grade students within six Herkimer County school districts: Central Valley, Dolgeville, Frankfort-Schuyler, Herkimer, Little Falls, and Mount Markham. The LPP team includes:
Caryn Schweinsberg – SUNY Poly LPP Project Director
Mrs. Schweinsberg is a graduate of SUNY Polytechnic with a B.S. in Community and Behavioral Health. Caryn’s professional interests are in the areas of school prevention, mental health support and social emotional learning to promote positive outcomes in children and adolescents. Prior to assuming the Director role for LPP, Mrs. Schweinsberg worked for several other local non-profit agencies serving vulnerable populations experiencing mental health and substance abuse challenges. Mrs. Schweinsberg is currently seeking a master's in social work from Keuka College.
Amelia Vella – Assistant Project Director
Ms. Amelia Vella is a current SUNY Polytechnic Institute student. Prior to assuming the role of Assistant Project Director, Ms. Vella has worked in a variety of community engagement, behavioral health outreach and youth and family engagement-based roles across Oneida County. Ms. Vella’s professional interests include Ms. Vella’s professional interests include supporting vulnerable populations through community-based outreach, proactive and preventative support services, and initiatives that strengthen access to behavioral health, youth, and family resources. Ms. Vella also serves as the Student & Family Advocate of Central Valley and Dolgeville School Districts.
Eva Fuess – Student & Family Advocate
Ms. Eva Fuess is a graduate of SUNY Polytechnic with a B.S. In Community and Behavioral Health. Prior to receiving this role, Ms. Fuess was involved with advocating for student mental and physical health on her campus. Ms. Fuess is currently seeking a master's in social work from the University at Buffalo. Her professional interests include student mental health and school prevention. Ms. Fuess serves as the Student & Family Advocate of Herkimer, Little Falls and Dolgeville School Districts.
Connected Connected
PARTNERS PARTNERS
Sophie Valente – Student & Family Advocate
Ms. Sophie Valente graduated from the College of Saint Rose with a B.S. in Psychology with a clinical counseling concentration. Before starting at LPP, Ms. Valente worked with children and students in a variety of capacities, including individual and group settings. Ms. Valente’s professional interests include student mental health and how social media influences mental health and self-image. Ms. Valente serves as the Student & Family Advocate of Mount Markham and Frankfort-Schuyler School Districts.
The SUNY Polytechnic Institute Liberty Partnerships Program currently serves over 200 students providing a series of engaging and supportive programs to aid in individual goal achievement and positive outcomes. Supports and Services include:
Individual Academic Support Meetings
Social Emotional Assessments
Personalized Learning Plans
Career Exploration Employment Preparation
TrendsTrends
School-based academic support programs Summer Programs
At Central Valley, there has been an increase in mental health LINK referrals for CVA and Jarvis families. During outreach to families, being able to connect or find local mental health services is something that families struggle with. Referrals for in school counseling with Neighborhood Center has been one option for students. Families that qualifyarealsoreferred toCareManagement Services thatcanhelpfamilieslongtermwithfindingservices anda consistentcontactpersontohelpnavigatetheirneedsandstruggles.
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Another trend has been the increase in basic needs for families. These needs include food and hygiene items. There has been an increase of students coming into the HUBs to receive tangible items such as hygiene items throughout the school day. Families are requesting these items when food boxes are also requested. When our families receive food assistance from Connected Central Valley, they are also given community resources for additionalfoodservicessuchaslocalfoodpantriesortheFoodSenseProgram.
COLLABORATIONS & COLLABORATIONS & Contributions Contributions
Herkimer County Office for the Aging
Donna met with Kathy Fox with Office for the Aging to talk about ways to reach our adult community. Adult members of the community who are not connected with Parent Square are not aware of the positive events happening in their community. We are working together to bridge this gap. Kathy will be sharing district information through their app to our adult community . Donna had also shared her contact information with this community to sign up for monthly newsletter and event updates by email.
Herkimer County Youth Task Force
Indya and Donna attended the Herkimer County Youth Task Force Meeting this month. During this meeting, networking was done with other Herkimer County agencies and they were able to learn about services available. This is valuable when we are connecting our families with the community.
Herkimer County has teamed up with Connected Community Schools as part of the Herkimer County System of Care Initiative in order to provide Mental Health support and connections to Herkimer County Youth. The Youth Ambassador Coordinator will work with school administration, school staff and Connected Community Schools staff to identify students who could benefit from serving as an ambassador within their school district and community. The Youth Ambassador Coordinator will organize and facilitate Youth Ambassador Councils across Herkimer County School districts and within the community. Monthly meetings will be held in order to organize and implement activities, events and programming related to Mental Health support and awareness. Youth Ambassadors may also have opportunities to coordinate with Youth Ambassador Councils across Herkimer County including the Annual Youth Summit.
Youth Ambassador Coordinator Katie connected with students at Jarvis during lunch, sparking both laughter and reflection using PEP cards from The One Trusted Adult curriculum. Students were asked fun, thoughtprovoking questions—such as describing their day as a weather report— and did a wonderful job sharing their responses while enjoying a few laughs along the way.
Mother Daughter Circle will begin on Monday, February 9 at the Central Valley Academy Connected HUB and continue for eight Mondays from 4:30–5:30 p.m. We welcome families of Connected Central Valley, Dolgeville, Herkimer, and Mount Markham families to join us. This group offers a welcoming space for mothers and daughters to connect, share, and grow together through meaningful conversations and activities. Please click this link or reach out to Katie to sign up.
YouthAmbassadorCoordinator,KatiespendstimeineachoftheHerkimerCounty ConnectedDistricts.Herscheduleisasfollows:
Monday - Mount Markham
Tuesday - Herkimer
Wednesday - Central Valley
Thursday - Herkimer
Friday - Dolgeville
Katie can be reached at 315-360-4978 or katieb@connectedcs.org.
Herkimer County System of Care is funded by
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.
