MAY 2026
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
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Connected District Bulletin
Connected Partners
Collaborations & Contributions
Training Highlights
Initiative Wide Highlights
Staff
AT ILION HEIGHTS APARTMENTS MOBILE HUB
Connected Central Valley Mobile HUB visited Ilion Heights this month. Families were able to connect with Site Coordinators from each building and received tangible items such as food and hygiene items. Our community partnersFamily School Navigation, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Neighborhood Center, Life Plan, Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, Willow Network and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County’s Childcare Council were also present to meet with families and give resource support. Children enjoyed bubbles, playing ball and side walk chalk during this event. These mobile events allow families to receive and connect with resources when barriers such as transportation are present.
Becky Rowling from Freedom Guide Dogs visited Connected Barringer and FIsher Elementary School for Teacher Appreciation Week. Faculty were able to take a much deserved break, relax, and enjoy time interacting with the puppies and dogs, creating a calming and positive experience that supports wellness.Staff learned about the process of raising and training guide dogs and the important impact these animals have on independence and daily living.
Herkimer County Prevention Council came to Jarvis to talk about Mental Health to finish our Mental Health Awareness Month. Jen met with students to talk about what mental health was, different ways to recognize mental health struggles and how to help others using skills such as listening and talking to trusted adults
Amy also met with students to talk about substance use prevention Discussions included brain health and what substances due to your brain and body when used inappropriately.
Connected students at Jarvis recently welcomed Working Solutions back for another engaging session in their Life Skills Series. This month's focus centered on the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Students worked together to develop a plan, complete a group task, and ensure that every team member played an active role in the process. Through hands-on activities, participants strengthened their communication, problem-solving, and cooperative skills while learning the value of working together toward a common goal These experiences help prepare students for success both in school and in future workplace settings.
The NYPenn Girl Scouts came to Jarvis to talk to students about outdoor safety Students shared their outdoor experiences and learned how to be safe when outdoors Students made safe campfires using candy to demonstrate the safe and correct way to have a fire with parental guidance.
Students at Central Valley Academy recently had the opportunity to connect with Teira Davis from Catholic Charities' Runaway and Homeless Youth Program during their lunch period. Teira shared information about the program and the resources available to support youth facing housing instability and other challenges Students were encouraged to ask questions and learn about the services and assistance available should they or someone they know ever need support. This informative visit helped increase awareness of valuable community resources while providing students with a welcoming space for meaningful conversation and learning.
Deb Grogan from First Source Federal Credit Union continued her financial literacy programming with students at Central Valley Academy (CVA) and Jarvis, providing engaging lessons designed to build realworld financial skills. At CVA, 11th and 12th grade students gathered in the HUB during lunch to explore topics such as the stock market, investing, and financial planning for the future Meanwhile, at Jarvis, students learned about budgeting, expenses, and profit by developing their own business concepts. Through hands-on activities, students practiced estimating costs, applying math skills, and determining pricing strategies to ensure profitability These interactive sessions helped students strengthen their financial knowledge and gain valuable skills that will support future academic, career, and personal success.
Students at Jarvis recently welcomed representatives from the Resource Center for Independent Living (RCIL) for an engaging lesson focused on understanding and embracing differences. Through meaningful discussions and interactive activities, students explored the many ways people can be different and learned the importance of acceptance, empathy, and inclusion. The presentation also highlighted practical ways students can support and assist others in their daily lives. By encouraging kindness, respect, and understanding, the program helped foster a more inclusive school community where every individual is valued and appreciated.
Students at Barringer and Jarvis recently participated in engaging educational programs led by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County At Barringer, students took part in "Emotions Run," an interactive activity that combined physical movement with social-emotional learning. Using emotion face mats, students ran to the face that matched various emotions or scenarios, providing a fun opportunity to identify and express feelings while enjoying time outdoors
At Jarvis, Marina guided students through activities focused o challenges of varying difficulty levels and discussed the strate situations. These conversations helped reinforce critical think solving techniques
Additionally, Casey met with Jarvis students to explore the topic of screen time. Students reflected on their own screen use habits and discussed both the positive and negative impacts of technology. The session also highlighted ways screen time can affect overall well-being and provided practical tips for using online time safely, responsibly, and productively.
HUB HUDDLES HUB HUDDLES
Students enjoyed a variety of engaging activities this month that promoted teamwork, cultural awareness, and appreciation for others. Fourth graders participated in a fun outdoor game called “In and Out,” where they practiced listening and following directions by jumping in or out of a large chalk circle based on prompts given. The activity also encouraged positive peer interactions and good sportsmanship.
Students also gathered in the HUB to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with chips and salsa, music, and fun photo opportunities, creating a festive environment while learning about and appreciating cultural traditions.
In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week, third graders took time to reflect on the positive impact educators have on their lives by writing heartfelt letters to teachers. The Connected Site Coordinator also hosted a HUB Huddle and showed appreciation for staff by delivering sunflower plants throughout the building. The thoughtful gesture was warmly received, with teachers expressing gratitude for the recognition and support.
The Connected Site Coordinator recently hosted a HUB Huddle to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with students. The celebration featured chips and salsa, festive coloring activities, and fun photo opportunities with sombrero hats and mustaches. Students enjoyed learning about the holiday while participating in the interactive activities and spending time together in a positive and engaging environment.
The fun continued during lunchtime in the HUB, where the Connected Site Coordinator led a Jeopardy-style trivia game with first-grade students Using buzzers, students eagerly participated, worked together to answer questions, and demonstrated great enthusiasm throughout the activity. The event encouraged teamwork, critical thinking, and active engagement while creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for all involved
This month in the Jarvis HUB, we focused on Mental Health Awareness Month. Students completed green ribbons with positive messages while completing Mental Health Awareness cards donated by Christopher Newtown Foundation.
Students also made stress balls to help during a difficult time in our Jarvis building. Students learned about ways to communicate and manage their stress during this time by talking with trusted adults
During lunch groups, we talked about our words and how they are hard to take back once they are said. Using toothpaste to represent our mouth and words, we attempted to put the “words” back after saying them. Students agreed that once the words are spoken they can not be taken back. Students also enjoyed the nice weather with sidewalk chalk creations and planting flowers.
Lastly students enjoyed helping with our delivery to the HUB
This month, the CVA HUB was getting ready for spring! During the beginning of the month students had the opportunity to plant flowers in the HUB and they have continued to water them in the HUB The students enjoy these activities which support working together and showing responsibility to continue caring for these plants.
At CVA, 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 Students also came to the CVA HUB once school ended to spend time together as they waited for sports to start. They would socialize, get ready for sports and do school work or help friends with school work.
Connected Connected Connected
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:
Individual Academic Support Meetings
Social Emotional Assessments Personalized Learning Plans
SUNY Polytechnic Institute Liberty Partnerships Program Staff:
Caryn Schweinsberg – Project Director
Career Exploration
Employment Preparation
School-based academic support programs Summer Programs
Mrs. Caryn Schweinsberg is a graduate of SUNY Polytechnic Institute, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Community and Behavioral Health. She is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work degree at Keuka College. Caryn’s professional interests include school prevention initiatives, mental health support, and socialemotional learning to promote positive outcomes for children and adolescents. She currently oversees SUNY Poly Liberty Partnerships Program operations as well as LPP supports and services within Central Valley Central School District.
Contact: schweic@sunypoly.edu
Eva Fuess – Student & Family Advocate
Ms. Eva Fuess earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Community and Behavioral Health from SUNY Polytechnic Institute and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work degree at the University at Buffalo. Eva’s professional interests focus on student mental health and school-based prevention programming. She currently oversees Liberty Partnerships Program services and supports within Little Falls, Herkimer, and Dolgeville Central School Districts.
Contact: fuesse@sunypoly.edu
Sophie Valente – Student & Family Advocate
Ms. Sophie Valente graduated from The College of Saint Rose with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, with a concentration in Clinical Counseling. Her professional interests include student mental health and the impact of social media on biopsychosocial well-being and self-image. Sophie currently oversees Liberty Partnerships Program services and supports within Mount Markham and Frankfort-Schuyler Central School Districts.
Contact: valentesl@sunypoly.edu
Connected Connected Connected
This month, the Neighborhood Center continued to provide valuable in-school counseling services to students across multiple buildings. A total of 30 students received counseling support, including 18 students at Jarvis Middle School, 8 students at Barringer Road Elementary, and 4 students at Camden Valley Academy (CVA). Referrals for CVA students are identified through LINK team discussions, while referrals for students at Jarvis and Barringer are made through each building’s counseling department. These collaborative efforts help ensure students have access to the social-emotional and mental health supports they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Erica, the Family School Navigator, was part of Connected Central Valley Mobile HUB at Ilion Heights this month. She was able to meet with families and help them with Pre K registration information. Erica and Paola continue to work together on mutual students and families at Fisher Elementary.
TTrends rendsTrends
A LINK trend at Central Valley has been the need Medicaid Fidelisasaninsurancecarrier.Thiscreatesbarriersbecauselocaldentistsareeithernotacceptingnewpatientsor do not accept this insurance. Families are given resources for dentists in surrounding areas and for our younger students as far as Smile Lodge in Clifton Park. Families that lack transportation for these appointments are also connectedwithMedicaidAnsweringServicethatcanprovidetransportationtotheseappointments.
ATTENDANCE ATTENDANCE ATTENDANCETTrends rendsTrends
Con CentralV liket everyone
Wecan withou Asweenterthelastfewweeksofschool,outreachaboutattendancecontinuesinallCentralValleydistricts. Duringthesummer,anystudentsthatstruggledwithattendancewillcontinuetobeincontactwithaConnected SiteCoordinatortofurtherassistthefamilyfortheupcomingschoolyear.
COLLABORATIONS & COLLABORATIONS & COLLABORATIONS &
Help Me Grow
ConnectedCentralValleyandConnectedMt.MarkhamProjectManagerswerepartofthelaunchoftheHelp MeGrowprogramwhichispartoftheHerkimerCountyPublicHealthDept.Thisprogramisbeinglaunchedin ordertoassistparentswithchilddevelopmentandparentingsupportthroughoutHerkimerCounty
UPCOMING UPCOMING UPCOMING
Events Events Events
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
Mother-Daughter Circle sessions put an emphasis on the importance of communication. Participants learned about S.T.E.P.S which is an effective way to see where your emotional baseline is and how to go forward with communicating while under stress. This group practiced this technique with role playing exercises and shared experiences. Learning about communication skills is vital to any relationship, but often being overlooked is learning how to communicate while under stress.
Creativity and mindfulness helped the group with a guided visualization of their younger selves. Participants listened to questions and cues while painting a rock to represent their younger selves. Creating a roadmap of their parent/child relationship helped participants to see the difficulties they have weathered together, some of their favorite memories and strengthened their connection by creating this road map together and then being able to share this with the group. Participants consisted of not exclusively mothers & daughters, as this cohort also included step parents and fathers. We are so proud of the progress being made together!
These activities helped to understand that and allowed students to feel more comfortable discussing their own challenges as well as areas in which mental health services within our community could be utilized to meet the needs of our youth. Students were able to show off their creativity this month painting kindness rocks during after school programming as well.
Youth Ambassador Council (YAC) members at Connected Jarvis Middle School took an active role in promoting Mental Health Awareness throughout their school community by hosting a lunch-time table where students were invited to sign and write positive messages on green ribbons in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. The completed ribbons were then used to create a meaningful display at the entrance of the school, serving as a visual reminder of support, kindness, and awareness. Council members have also begun planning to meet over the summer to continue their work and prepare for the upcoming school year, and are excited to brainstorm new ways to share their message and promote YAC at school events and community activities.
During May after school programming activities in each of the Herkimer County Connected Districts focused on a variety of engaging activities to promote mental health awareness and acceptance. Students participated in games to test their knowledge on mental health facts versus myths, as well as a guessing game where students heard the names of celebrities, famous athletes and artists and had to determine what their mental health diagnosis was. This led to great conversation among students and helped to break down stigma associated with mental health.
CENTRAL VALLEY
DOLGEVILLE HERKIMER MT. MARKHAM
TRAINING TRAINING TRAINING
Connected Partner Highlight: Legal Aid
As part of our May Connected Partner Highlight, we welcomed Olivia Furman and Linda Lark from Legal Aid Society to share information about the valuable services their organization provides to individuals and families in our community. They explained the intake and screening process and discussed the wide range of civil legal matters they assist with, including evictions, landlord-tenant disputes, access to healthcare, green card renewals, estate planning, divorce and family law issues, and foreclosure prevention. They also highlighted their partnership with the Office for the Aging and emphasized that their services focus exclusively on civil matters rather than criminal cases. The presentation provided staff with a greater understanding of available legal resources and how Legal Aid can help connect community members with support during challenging situations.
May All Staff Meeting Focuses on Family Engagement and Community Partnerships
During the May All Staff meeting, Connected team members participated in breakout sessions centered on strengthening family engagement strategies across our districts and communities. Staff had the opportunity to collaborate, share successful practices, and explore new ways to build meaningful connections with students and families. The meeting also featured a presentation from Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which highlighted the organization's mission of ensuring that every child has a safe and comfortable place to sleep. Their presentation provided valuable insight into the impact of community partnerships and the resources available to support local families. The meeting served as an opportunity for professional growth, collaboration, and continued commitment to supporting the whole child and family
Strengthening the Future: Insights from the New York State Education Department Portrait of a Graduate Conference
Connected Herkimer Project Manager Shae recently participated in the Exploring New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) Portrait of a Graduate conference, a collaborative forum focused on integrating key student attributes into educational practice. The conference provided a deeper understanding of the six core competencies outlined in the Portrait of a Graduate framework and highlighted the vital role community schools play in supporting this statewide vision.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in meaningful discussions about current district efforts and explored innovative opportunities for future growth. The experience reinforced that the Connected HUB serves as a natural environment for fostering these competencies by strengthening student-community connections, promoting engagement, and supporting collaborative partnerships.
Shae returned with valuable resources, fresh ideas, and practical strategies to build upon the work already taking place across the Connected Initiative. These insights will be shared with both Connected Districts and to further enhance programming and support for students and families.
Strengthening Our Impact Through Statewide Collaboration
Connected Rome Senior Site Coordinator Katherine Fountain attended the Empower Youth Success Conference. It provided an opportunity to connect with professionals from across New York State, and engage in meaningful networking and learning. There were two very impactful sessions that she has committed to sharing with the Connected Initiative. Am I Welcome? Setting the Course for Impactful Parent Engagement offered valuable insight into the shared challenges and successes of increasing family involvement, while Every Day Matters: Our Path to Better Attendance was especially impactful because improving attendance has been a goal of mine at Gansevoort for several years.The session Learning about the Walking Bus as an initiative was also inspiring—that team shared how they walked routes before school started to determine timing, worked closely with their insurance company to address liability concerns, and secured donations for winter gear and snacks to support participating students. Overall, this conference was beneficial. It refreshed our thinking, reinforced the value of collaboration, and highlighted the importance of providing Connected staff with opportunities to learn from and connect with others doing this work across the state.
Learning Together: Connected Initiative Joins the American Federation of Teachers Community Schools Intensive in Long Beach
We would also like to recognize and thank the Rome CSD Administration team members who joined us at the National Community Schools and Family Engagement Conference. Their participation demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing the Connected Community Schools Initiative and strengthening the district's vision for student success. Together, we presented on the Connected Community Schools Initiative and engaged in an afternoon of strategic planning focused on developing an action plan for the 2026–2027 school year.
A key priority identified by the leadership team is the continued alignment of the Community Schools framework with district priorities, including Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, school safety initiatives, and other strategic goals. We are grateful for the leadership and collaboration of Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Jennifer DePerno, Director of Elementary Education Dana Benzo, Director of Secondary Education Melissa Sisco, Bellamy Elementary Assistant Principal Joanne Lalonde, and Gansevoort Elementary Dean John Seifts, whose participation helped make this experience both productive and impactful.
The Connected Initiative was honored to join the American Federation of Teachers for their two Day Community Schools Intensive retreat, held in Long Beach, CA The Connected Team collaborated with over 20 different Community Schools leaders from across the United States We shared our successes, and learned strategies implemented by others to enhance family engagement, support students, families, and staff in preparing to engage in education, and deliver on the Community Schools mission of ensuring all stakeholders collaborate for student success.
The Connected Team joined Community Schools team members from across the United States at the Community Schools X Family Engagement National Conference in Long Beach, CA. The team divided and conquered the wide selection of intensive workshops, covering topics from Multi-Tiered System of Supports integration. to family engagement, and workforce development to name a few The three day conference also provided the opportunity to see Los Angeles consolidated schools in action during site visits, and a plenary opening featuring both local California school leaders and students sharing their experience utilizing the host of strategies guided by the community schools framework This was an amazing opportunity to learn from others doing similar work, and to share our experiences with peers We are excited to bring back what we learned to add to our community schools toolkit
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) - Mohawk Valley 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.
O N T H E R O U T E : L E A R N I N G
S A F E T Y W I T H T H E R I D E F
M I S S I N G C H I L D R E NM O H AW K VA L L E Y
Students across Willard Prior Elementary School, Westmoreland Primary Elementary School, Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School, N.A. Walbran Elementary School, and Jefferson Elementary School recently participated in The Ride for Missing Children - Mohawk Valley route presentations. Each session introduced students to the mission and highlighted the importance of community involvement in promoting child safety awareness.
Through interactive, age-appropriate discussions, students explored essential safety topics including bike safety, online safety, and personal safety skills. Younger students at Willard Prior engaged in a “Safety Superpowers” presentation focused on building confidence in making safe choices, while older students at Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School participated in discussions tailored to their increased independence and responsibilities.
Across all schools, students learned how their communities support child safety efforts and gained excitement for the Ride’s upcoming passage through the area in June.
As part of Bike Safety Week at Ridge Mills
Elementary, students participated in a highenergy presentation focused on safe and confident riding skills. Students learned to check their “Bike ABCs” (air, brakes, and chains) before riding, practiced hand signals, discussed helmet safety and visibility, and explored the importance of staying aware of their surroundings. Interactive activities, including a “Spot the Hazard” game, helped reinforce important lessons while keeping students actively engaged throughout the presentation.
Students across Ridge Mills Elementary, Mount Markham Central School, Denti Elementary School, and Adirondack Jr./Sr. High School participated in engaging lunchtime HUB Huddles focused on personal safety, bike safety, and building confidence in everyday decision-making.
Across all buildings, students explored the 4 Rules of Personal
Safety, with an emphasis on identifying trusted adults, supporting one another, and understanding how to stay safe in a variety of situations. Ridge Mills students connected the discussion to their upcoming Bike Safety Week, while Mount Markham students reflected on personal strengths and the tools they can use to care for themselves and others in alignment with The Ride for Missing Children- Mohawk Valley’s mission.
At Denti Elementary, students engaged in interactive safety stations featuring hands-on activities such as puzzles, coloring, and word games, while Adirondack Jr./Sr. High School students participated in age-appropriate discussions and scenarios focused on communication, decision-making, and maintaining safe connections as they grow older.
Together, these HUB Huddles provided students with meaningful, developmentally appropriate opportunities to strengthen safety awareness in a supportive and engaging environment.
Students at Myles Elementary School participated in a full day of engaging safety education activities focused on bike safety, personal safety, and online safety. Throughout the day, students practiced important personal safety skills, participated in interactive discussions, and reinforced lessons through games and activities, including a lively round of Bike Safety Jeopardy during lunchtime HUB Huddles. The enthusiasm and participation from students and staff created an exciting and encouraging learning environment centered around confidence, awareness, and community support.
Fifth and sixth grade students at Adirondack Middle School participated in a Netsmartz internet safety presentation focused on helping students make safe and responsible choices online. Topics included protecting personal information, recognizing inappropriate online behavior, understanding cyberbullying, and learning how to be an upstander for others in digital spaces. Students engaged in important conversations about navigating technology safely and respectfully.
Connected Connected Central
