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SPRING BREAK EDITION

C O N N E C T E D

C E N T R A L V A L L E Y N E W S L E T T E R

Connected District Bulletin

Connected Partners

Collaborations & Contributions

Training Highlights

Initiative Wide Highlights Staff

S U M M E R J O B S S P O T L I G H T :

Working Solutions Herkimer County Youth Bureau visited Connected Jarvis and Central Valley Academy this month to share information about their Summer Employment Program. Students ages 14–18 had the opportunity to complete employment applications for jobs available through the Youth Bureau and learn more about potential summer work experiences. During lunch periods at both schools, representatives met with students, answered questions, and provided guidance about the variety of job opportunities available.

Learning & Growing with Cornell Learning & Growing with Cornell Cooperative Extension Cooperative Extension

Val from the Cornell Cooperative Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (CCE EFNEP) wrapped up her sessions with Connected Central Valley Academy students this month. During her visits to the HUB at lunchtime, students were presented with certificates recognizing their completion of the program and their participation in learning about healthy nutrition habits Students also had the opportunity to discuss future goals and plans, helping to encourage continued personal growth and healthy decision-making.

Wendy Richardson from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Herkimer County visited Barringer to teach students about culture, food, and communities. Students participated in hands-on activities where they placed items such as dairy, carrots, wheat, cheese, and apples in order to learn the process of how foods are grown, cleaned, and prepared before reaching stores. Wendy also read a book about foods children from different cultures eat for lunch, helping students connect their learning to cultural foods around the world. The visit ended with students tasting candy from another country, including one from the Philippines, which allowed them to try something new and experience foods from different cultures

Marina from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County (CCE) visited Fisher Pre-K and Jarvis students. During her visit, she talked about perspective taking Marina showed close up pictures of items to the students and they had to guess what it was part of. This allowed the students to come up with their own opinion and learn how important perception is when viewing a small part of something Students also talked about a book that explained how stories and pictures can often only tell a small part of the bigger picture and it is often how you see things.

This month, Duwayne wrapped up the AMEND program for the school year with participating students. The final sessions included reflective discussions on key concepts and lessons learned throughout the program In addition, students were provided with consent forms for the end-of-program trip to an outdoor environmental camp, marking an exciting opportunity to celebrate their participation and continued learning.

Credit Union visited the Connected Jarvis 5th grade seminar to speak with students about the importance of saving money for both short-term and long-term goals. Students engaged in handson learning by using their math skills to calculate and track their savings as they worked toward personal financial goals, reinforcing real-world applications of math and financial literacy.

Manager, Donna, visited 5th grade seminar classes to talk about the Power of Yet. Students reviewed the HUB and then talked about their struggles and how to use a growth mindset on those struggles. Students ended with writing about their own struggle then using YET to change it into a growth mindset goal! Students also received positive affirmation eggs and tokens to take with them.

Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) visited

Connected Jarvis to speak with 5th grade students about the importance of hygiene and nutrition. Students learned about daily personal hygiene habits, including what should be done each day to maintain health and wellness, as well as how the HUB can provide essential hygiene items when needed. The presentation also highlighted how proper nutrition supports overall health and helps students feel their best

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At Barringer, students enjoyed many activities in the HUB this month Microwave Monday involved learning how to prepare rice and chicken using the microwave. Students followed directions and learned about safety when using the microwave and preparing food.

Students also worked on finding ducks that were hidden around the HUB during lunch groups. The activity highlighted strong teamwork, as students supported one another and even shared their findings to ensure everyone felt included. This demonstrated kindness, cooperation, and positive peer interaction Students also enjoyed planting flowers and plants in preparation for Teacher Appreciation Week. Students were excited to share a meaningful gift with their teachers and show their appreciation

First graders came to the HUB to participate in an egg hunt. Students followed directions and showed kindness and teamwork as they found eggs around the HUB. Students also worked together to find small ducks hidden around the room. Students helped friends that were struggling and encouraged each other with positive interactions.

This month, students decorated the HUB with pinwheels to support National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Students completed pinwheels with positive words and also learned how to make actual pinwheels.

Students also enjoyed positive affirmation eggs one morning Each egg contained a positive self affirmation that they read. They then had the option to keep it or pass it onto a friend to share.

The HUB is open each day for breakfast and lunch, the HUB offers students a comfortable place to enjoy their meals. Beyond being a quiet space, it provides a supportive environment that promotes a sense of belonging and connection. Many students use this time to form friendships and strengthen relationships within the school community

The HUB is also open during 1st and 4th period study halls. Students from multiple study halls can access the HUB to complete schoolwork on their own or with others, and those who are finished with assignments often spend time playing games and connecting with peers.

This month, the Connected Site Coordinator and students, hid small ducks and eggs in the HUB for students to find. These events allowed students to engage in fun activities before break. Students enjoyed the competition in finding items. Students also enjoyed Easter and Spring themed activity sheets.

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The Neighborhood Center in-school counseling program continues to support students across multiple sites with the following caseloads: Connected Jarvis with 18 students, Central Valley Academy (CVA) with 4 students, and Barringer Elementary with 8 students. This ongoing support provides students with access to counseling services within the school setting, helping to promote emotional well-being and academic success.

Connected Site Coordinator Paola partnered with Family School Navigator Erica to coordinate a lollipop donation for Fisher Elementary. These lollipops were purchased by staff, with all proceeds helping to support district families who are currently experiencing displacement due to fire. This effort reflects a strong commitment to supporting families in times of need and strengthening the school community through acts of care and generosity.

TheLibertyPartnershipsProgramwasestablishedin1988underSection612 Subdivision6ofEducationLawtoaddressthesignificantdropoutrateandpromote positiveoutcomesofpost-graduationamongNewYorkStateYouth.Oneof52 collegiateprograms,SUNYPolytechnicInstitutewasawardedtheLibertyPartnership ProgramGrantinFallof2022.TheSUNYPolyLibertyPartnershipProgramteam strivestoprovideacademicsupport,careerandemploymentpreparationaswellassocialemotionalskillbuildingfor 5th-12thgradestudentswithinsixHerkimerCountyschooldistricts:CentralValley,Dolgeville,Frankfort-Schuyler, Herkimer,LittleFalls,andMountMarkham.

TheSUNYPolytechnicInstituteLibertyPartnershipsProgram currentlyservesover200studentsprovidingaseriesofengagingand supportiveprogramstoaidinindividualgoalachievementand positiveoutcomes.SupportsandServicesinclude:

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IndividualAcademicSupportMeetings SocialEmotionalAssessments PersonalizedLearningPlans CareerExploration EmploymentPreparation School-basedacademicsupport programs SummerPrograms

Thismonth,MentalHealthLINKreferralscontinue coordinators ineachbuildingcontinuetoconnectfamiliesthrough servicesare discussed with families and referrals are made. ally, Neighborhood Center and management referrals to Central New York Health Homes are among the most convenient options for families due to transportation restrictions and schedules. Care Managers continue to follow up with Site Coordinators as needed to meet with students in the school setting or to further offer support for families. The connection with Care Management and ConnectedCentralValleySiteCoordinatorsprovidesadditionalsupportforthefamiliesandhelpseachfurtherhelp thefamilywiththeirstruggles.

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DuringLINKmeetings,studentattendanceremainsanongoingareaoffocusacrosssites.AtConnectedJarvis, staffconductregularcheck-inswithstudentsandfamiliesidentifiedasexperiencingattendancechallenges.These conversationsoftenhelpidentifybarrierssuchastransportationconcerns,includingmissedbuses,andallowstaff toprovidetargetedsupporttocaregiverstohelpstudentsarriveatschoolontime.

AtFisherandBarringerElementarySchools,ConnectedSiteCoordinatorscontinueproactiveoutreachtofamilies, strengtheningrelationshipswhilealsoofferingpositiveencouragementfortheeffortsbeingmade.

AtCentralValleyAcademy(CVA),theConnectedSiteCoordinatorcontinuesconsistentcheck-inswithstudents andprovidesoutreachandsupportasneededtopromotestrongattendanceandengagement.

COLLABORATIONS & COLLABORATIONS & COLLABORATIONS &

Herkimer County Youth Task Force Meeting

ConnectedProjectManagerDonnaattendedtheHerkimerCounty YouthTaskForceMeetingthismonth.Duringthismeeting,Herkimer CountyCommunityResourcesgathertodiscussservicesand upcomingevents.

Central Valley Faculty

Central Valley Faculty continue to support our HUBs and families by donating items to all our buildings. Clothing and hygiene items are received and in return used to support our students and families.

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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.

Mother Daughter Mother DaughterCircle Circle

The newest Mother Daughter Circles Group is up and running at The Mount Markham High School Hub. These sessions so far have proved that love, support and connection aren’t limited by roles or titles in a student's life. All important relationships can benefit from the curriculum of Mother Daughter Circle and we have been so pleased to welcome Father’s to this latest session of Mother Daughter Circle. Showing up for one another, building bonds and strengthening families is the guiding purpose of these sessions.

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Youth Ambassador Council Meetings for students at Jarvis Middle School are focusing on students getting to know one another and helping students to understand what their strengths are when it comes to working as a team. Students have begun talking about topics they care about with the help of some guided check in’s and conversation. Students will continue to meet weekly and begin setting some goals to create a positive impact in their school and community.

Afterschool programming across the four Herkimer County districts continues to provide students with opportunities to have fun, build social connections, and strengthen emotional awareness. At Herkimer Central School District Middle/High School, students enjoyed some “Egg-cellent Fun” creating art with plastic eggs to celebrate Spring Break. Students throughout Connected districts also participated in engaging activities like Human Bingo and conversation games designed to encourage teamwork, communication, and meaningful connections. At Central Valley Academy, a giant beach ball filled with conversation-starting questions helped students build communication skills, learn more about one another, and most importantly, have fun together.

YouthAmbassadorCoordinator,KatiespendstimeineachoftheHerkimerCounty ConnectedDistricts.Herscheduleisasfollows: Monday -

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TRAINING TRAINING TRAINING

Building Financial Wellness with First Source Federal Credit Union

Deb and Rachel from First Source Federal Credit Union led an engaging Partner Highlight training focused on Community Financial Education and Wellness. They shared valuable information about the programs they offer to support financial literacy and life-ready skills, including two interactive online platforms—Banzai! and Enrich—which provide students with hands-on learning experiences around budgeting, saving, and realworld financial decisionmaking.

They also highlighted the Reality Fair, an immersive event that allows participants to step into real-life scenarios and practice managing expenses and financial responsibilities. The session provided meaningful insight into the tools available to support student learning and empowerment around financial wellness.

Building Stronger Communities Through Purpose and Passion

Nonprofit organizations are not meant to serve as temporary solutions, but as long-term, sustainable supports that strengthen communities for years to come. Through care, consistency, trust-building, and meaningful connections, nonprofit leaders continue to address real challenges while creating vibrant and supportive environments for all. Attending the NYS Council of Nonprofits Summit was another inspiring opportunity to learn, collaborate, and be energized alongside passionate nonprofit leaders who share the same commitment to making a lasting difference in their communities.

Honoring Advocacy During National Child Abuse Prevention Month

During National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, members of our Administrative Team had the honor of attending the Child Abuse Prevention Breakfast hosted by the Oneida County Department of Children and Family Services. The event highlighted the importance of community collaboration, advocacy, and continued efforts to support the safety and well-being of children and families. It was an inspiring opportunity to stand alongside community leaders and organizations dedicated to creating brighter, safer futures for children throughout our region.

Mobile Resources Roll In: Fidelis Community Office RV at the Connected Impact Center

On April 24th, the Fidelis Community Office RV parked in front of the Connected Impact Center, providing an accessible and welcoming space for students and families to learn more about available health insurance options and community resources. Staff on-site offered guidance, answered questions, and supported individuals in navigating important coverage information. The visit helped strengthen community connections and ensured that attendees had access to valuable tools and information to support their health and well-being.

Connected Purple Flamingo Thrift & Gift Grand Opening and Vendor Fair

Connected Purple Flamingo Thrift & Gift will celebrate its Grand Opening by welcoming students, staff, and community members into a unique space focused on creativity, connection, and opportunity. The shop features a variety of thrifted treasures, gifts, and student-supported initiatives while promoting community engagement and hands-on experiences. Community members are also invited to attend the upcoming Vendor Fair, where local vendors and organizations will come together to showcase products, services, and resources. It promises to be a fun-filled event supporting local businesses and community partnerships.

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) 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.

I N G C H I L D S A F E

Community Educator, Amanda, participated in radio interviews with WIBX “This Week in the Mohawk Valley” and WUTQ “Talk of the Town” to highlight the mission of The Ride for Missing Children and to promote child safety education throughout the Mohawk Valley. These outreach efforts help raise awareness, engage the community in meaningful conversation, and reinforce the importance of keeping children safe. P R O M O T

Interactive safety presentations were conducted in three Connected Bellamy 4th-grade classrooms (Ms. Martin/Ms. Bonanza, Mr. Mahardy, and Ms. Sabia), where students learned important bike safety protocols, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) “4 Rules of Personal Safety” (Check First, Take a Friend, Tell People No, and Tell a Trusted Adult), and key digital citizenship skills. A follow-up visit to Bellamy Elementary provided a second round of classroom presentations, continuing the “4 Rules of Personal Safety” curriculum to reinforce and ensure consistent safety messaging across 4th–6th grade levels.

HUB Huddles were held across John Joy, Ridge Mills, and Stokes Elementary, bringing important safety education directly to students during lunchtime. At John Joy, students participated in a cafeteria HUB Huddle focused on the Ride for Missing Children and general safety awareness, engaging in meaningful conversations about prevention while eating lunch. At Ridge Mills, discussions centered on bike and neighborhood safety, empowering students to take responsibility for their own safety both in their community and while riding. At Stokes, students completed interactive activity sheets that supported lessons on personal safety and interpersonal boundaries, including identifying trusted adults, practicing how to say “no,” and learning strategies to stay in control of their personal safety.

HUB Huddles were held across three elementary schools—John Joy, Ridge Mills, and Stokes—bringing important safety conversations directly to students during lunchtime. At John Joy, students participated in a cafeteria HUB Huddle where discussions focused on the Ride for Missing Children and general safety awareness, helping to engage students in preventative education in a relaxed, welcoming setting. At Ridge Mills, students chatted about bike and neighborhood safety, with a focus on empowering them to take charge of their own safety both on their bikes and within their community. At Stokes, students took part in an interactive HUB Huddle using activity sheets to explore personal safety and interpersonal boundaries, practicing how to identify trusted adults, say “no” when needed, and stay in control of their personal safety.

The Community Educator for the Ride for Missing Children was excited to participate in the local “Touch-A-Truck” event, where safety resources were shared with attending families and community members. Staff engaged with participants to raise awareness of missing children initiatives and highlight local safety programming, providing an opportunity for meaningful community connection and education in a family-friendly setting.