Central Valley - March 2026 - Newsletter

SPRING EDITION

CONNECTED CENTRAL VALLEY

NEWSLETTER

TABLE OF CONTENTS Connected District Bulletin

nn nu An ua al d A rd l 3r 3

BUNNY TRAIL

BUNNY TRAIL

Connected Central Valley hosted their annual Bunny Trail Event for district families this month. Families were able to come and meet our community partners while receiving treats and resources and mark it off on their Bunny Trail Collaborations & Contributions Bingo Board. Families also enjoyed silent disco, ice cream (donated by Stewarts) and Easter activities.

Training Highlights Thank you to our community partners: Connected Partners

Initiative Wide Highlights Staff

Child Care Council of CCE Remington Federal Credit Union MVCAA Cornell Cooperative Ext Herkimer County Arc Herkimer Resource Center for Independent Living

United Way of the Mohawk Valley LifePlann Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County/Energy CVE PTO Blue Cross Blue Shield

BUNNY TRAIL CONTINUED Thank you to our student volunteers that also helped make this night great for our families.

These students engaged the students in activities, greeted our families as they arrived and helped our community partners with set up.

THE GRAND REHABILITATION NURSING HOME VISIT Second Grade students from Connected Barringer Road visited the Grand Rehabilitation Nursing Home.

During the visit, the students painted wood pieces with the resident. The students also played games with the residents.

Learning & Growing with Cornell Cooperative Extension WILLA THE THERAPY DOG Lisa K Farney from Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) visited Fisher Elementary School with her therapy dog, Willa. Willa 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 Willa.

EFNEP Val from CCE EFNEP visited the CVA HUB as part of her healthy nutrition series.

The students completed questions about various health topics and then discussed what they will learn. Students who participated last year also added information on what they learned last year.

COPING SKILLS JEOPARDY: LEARNING THROUGH TEAMWORK Marina visited Jarvis this month.The students played Coping Skills Jeopardy and reviewed all skills they had learned previously. Students worked together as a team and discussed different scenarios to answer questions correctly.

Reviewing these skills helps students not only remember what they have learned but provides a great reminder of how much they have learned and can use.

ILION POST OFFICE Rebecca Bates from the Ilion Post Office visited Barringer Elementary to work with our second grade students with a hands-on lesson on how to properly mail a letter to a loved one.

Students learned where to place the stamp, how to correctly write their own address, and how to address an envelope to someone else. They also learned how mail is processed and delivered, helping students understand the important role the post office plays in our community.

RUNAWAY AND HOMELESS YOUTH PROGRAM Teira Davis from Catholic Charities Runaway and Homeless Youth Program (RHYP) tabled in the CVA cafeteria. She brought pamphlets with information on the program and mental health along with stickers and bracelets with motivating words on them. She also had information on the hotline for students.

Carmen from The Runaway and Homeless Youth Program of Catholic Charities visited the Fifth-grade students. They explored what it means to be a good friend and how to build strong relationships. They discussed the importance of kindness, respect, honesty, and trust, as well as listening, including others, and supporting one another. Students also learned how talking things out and forgiving can help friends work through disagreements.

AMEND Duwayne from AMEND worked with the boys on a multi session project where they discuss a pivotal moment or experience in their lives and how it affected or changed them.

HUB HUDDLES HUB HUDDLES

CONNECTED BARRINGER ROAD ELEMENTARY The Connected Site Coordinator hosted a “Microwave Monday” session where a student learned how to safely prepare a brownie in a mug. The activity included reviewing measurements, following step-by-step instructions, and practicing microwave safety before enjoying the finished dessert. During lunch groups, students also engaged in interactive games such as Tapple, Have Balance, and Simon Says to build vocabulary, teamwork, listening skills, and the ability to follow directions.

CONNECTED FISHER ELEMENTARY The Connected Site Coordinator held a HUB Huddle with the 1st graders focused on a fun St. Patrick’s Day activity. The students first talked about the month of March and learned about leprechauns. After the discussion, the students participated in an activity where they searched around the HUB to try and find the sneaky leprechaun. The students were excited and enjoyed the interactive activity.

HUB HUDDLES

CONNECTED JARVIS MIDDLE SCHOOL This month at the Jarvis HUB, students reflected on what makes them lucky, writing their responses and displaying them on the HUB door. Students also enjoyed engaging lunch group activities such as Music Trivia and the Alphabet Game, supporting social connection in a smaller, quieter setting. During a HUB Meet Up, students created paper dragons, with the activity led by a peer who taught others how to make them, highlighting student leadership and collaboration. In addition, students took part in several acts of service, including helping fill Easter eggs for the Bunny Trail Event and assisting with HUB organization by stocking the fridge, arranging shelves, and preparing teacher boxes.

HUB HUDDLES

CONNECTED CENTRAL VALLEY ACADEMY At CVA, the HUB is open daily for breakfast and lunch, providing students with a comfortable and supportive space to enjoy meals, build friendships, and strengthen connections within the school community. The HUB is also available during 1st and 4th period study halls, where students can complete schoolwork independently or with peers, as well as engage in games and social interaction when finished. This month, students shared what they are lucky for by writing their responses on shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day, and before break they created Easter magnets to display in the HUB, encouraging creativity, expression, and connection.

ATTENDANCETrends Trends Connected CVA Site Coordinator continues checks on students throughout the month and follows up at LINK meetings about students and any potential attendance concerns students.

Jarvis students set attendance goals this month. March is a long month between school breaks and with weather not cooperating, it can be challenging. Students wrote their goals of how many days they would attend this month with many of them being very confident that they could meet their goal. Students that met their goal, would be put into a drawing for a gift card.

Students are checking in with the site coordinator and continue to become a bit competitive with each other and encouraging each other with these goals.

The Connected Site Coordinator at Barringer and Fisher Elementary Schools has been working closely with families and students who have attendance concerns. The focus has been on building positive relationships and providing ongoing support to help improve student attendance. Follow ups with identified families and students continue on a weekly and monthly basis to support the district’s new attendance policy.

Connected PARTNERS

The in-school counselor is currently seeing students during the school day at each building. At Barringer, 8 students are being seen, at Jarvis 19 students and at CVA 4 students are actively being seen. Referrals at CVA are discussed at LINK meetings and referred by the Site Coordinator. At Jarvis and Barringer, referrals are handled by the social workers in each building.

Family School Navigator , Erica, and Connected Central Valley Site Coordinator, Paola, continue to work with families together. This connection allows families to have added support.

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 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 School-based academic support programs Summer Programs

Trends This month, the LINK trends continued to focus on mental health and community connections. Families have been connected to resources through the Neighborhood Center, receiving referrals for in-clinic or in-school counseling based on individual needs and accessibility. To accommodate busy schedules, families are also connected with walk-in hours and multiple locations. Additional supportive services, such as Family Peer Advocacy through the Neighborhood Center, provide an added layer of guidance and encouragement.

Families can also access Care Management through the Central New York Health Home Network or FACT (Family Advocate Connection Team), offering long-term support and connections to a wider range of services to help meet their needs more effectively. This month, Connected Site Coordinators at each building submitted referrals for these services, ensuring families have access to the resources and support they need.

Connec ted Centra l Valley would like to thank everyo ne that helps!

We can not do it withou t you!

COLLABORATIONS & & Contributions Contributions The Clothing Closet The Clothing Closet, part of Loaves and Fishes, was able to help a student this month with clothing. The site coordinator reached out and was able to obtain pants that were not available in the HUB.

Ilion Post Office Collaborated with Rebecca from the Ilion Post Office to organize an upcoming student learning activity where she will teach students how to properly address and mail letters.

AIM- The Neighborhood Center Arianna from the Neighborhood Center coordinated with Connected staff through the year for AIM groups.

Central Valley Faculty Central Valley faculty continue to donate items to the HUBs in each building. Items such as clothing, hygiene items and snacks are donated to our HUBs for our families in need.

Central Valley Students 27 students from CVA and Jarvis volunteered during our Bunny Trail Event.

Students engaged families during Silent Disco, greeted families as they entered the event and served ice cream and did activities with families.

WHO ARE WE AND WHAT DO WE DO? 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 DaughterCircle Mother Daughter Circle Daughter Circle

The first cohort of the Mother Daughter Circle concluded successfully this month. Hosted by the Central Valley Academy HUB, this eight-week program brought mothers and daughters together to strengthen their bonds, build empathy, and develop healthy communication strategies. Through a supportive group setting and guided activities, participants were able to connect more deeply while navigating their evolving relationships.

H T U O Y ASSADOR

B M A COUNCIL

Outreach activities for the Youth Ambassador Council continued in March. We have received referrals for students interested in the Youth Ambassador Council.

We are working on outreach to parents and are planning our first meeting in April!

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMMING Herkimer Connected HUB has been hosting Herkimer County System of Care’s after school drop in programming on Thursdays with structured activities for students. This month students celebrated National Cheez Doodle Day & doodled together about what they enjoy about their connected hub and how they like to spend their time. Students took part in answering questions that encourage positive interactions in 3 categories: Presence, Possibility and Play, in which group challenges got students up and moving. Spring break kicked off in The Hub with “Egg-cellent Fun” where students were challenged to many silly games using Easter Eggs.

SOC AT CONNECTED CENTRAL VALLEY BUNNY TRAIL Youth Ambassador Coordinator assisted the Central Valley Connected Team at their annual Bunny Trail held at Barringer Road Elementary. The Silent Disco was a huge hit at this event and Youth Ambassador Coordinator kept students dancing and smiling.

UPCOMINGEvents Events

CONNECTED MOUNT MARKHAM WELLNESS FAIR

Mt Markham High School hosted a Wellness Fair for students. Herkimer County System of Care, Community Engagement Supervisor, MJ and Youth Ambassador Coordinator teamed up to quiz students on their knowledge of issues today's teens are challenged with in the areas of mental health, substance abuse issues and teen social media use.

The questions lead to great open dialogue among students and offered opportunities to gauge the understanding youth have in these important, complex issues.

After-school Programming

Herkimer

Central Valley

Dolgeville

in the Middle School/High School HUB.

in the CVA HUB.

in the Middle School/High School HUB.

Every Tuesday beginning April 14th.

Every Wednesday beginning April 22nd.

Every Thursday beginning April 22nd.

UPCOMING MOTHER DAUGHTER CIRCLE Mother Daughter Circles Groups are starting again in April! We are gauging interest in the community to see where the next location of the groups will be.

Please click this link or reach out to Katie to sign up.

MEET KATIE BAKER

Youth Ambassador Coordinator, Katie spends time in each of the Herkimer County Connected Districts. Her schedule is as follows:

Monday - Mount Markham Katie can be reached at 315-360-4978 Tuesday - Herkimer or katieb@connectedcs.org.

Wednesday - Central Valley Thursday - Herkimer Herkimer County System of Care is funded by Friday - Dolgeville

UPCOMING Events

TRAININGHighlights Highlights

Guiding the Way 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.

INITIATIVE INITIATIVE WIDE WIDEHighlights Celebrating Excellence & Leadership WOMEN OF DISTINCTION 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!

WOMEN IN STEAM 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.

INITIATIVE INITIATIVE WIDE WIDEHighlights 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.

AMANDA GALINDO

RFMC COMMUNITY EDUCATOR amandag@connectedcs.org

Connected Central Connected Central Valley Valley Team Team

How can I help you today and make your tomorrow better?

HOW CAN I HELP YOU TODAY MAKE YOUR TOMORROW BETTE

If you know someone that may need help, our LINK system is here to assist with any struggle, worries, or needs that may arise. If you see someone in need of help (whether it's tangible items, assistance with housing, mental health, primary care, or anything) please contact one of us.

Paola Coe

Indya Countryman

YOUR BARRINGER ROAD & FISHER ELEMENTARY SITE COORDINATOR

YOUR CENTRAL VALLEY ACADEMY SITE COORDINATOR

315-985-0524

315-269-3343

paolac@connectedcs.org

indyac@connectedcs.org

Katie Rockwell

Donna Senko

YOUR CONNECTED COMMUNITY SCHOOLS DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR

YOUR CENTRAL VALLEY PROJECT MANAGER

315-717-9748

315-985-0908

katier@connectedcs.org

donnas@connectedcs.org

CENTRAL HUB TEAM ALEXIS TOWNE

DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF IMPACT

NORA BAJOHR

KALI FOUNTAIN

KAELYNN BARBER

DELIVERY TEAM

DUSTIN TROTZ