JUNE 2026
Year CONNECTED HERKIMER NEWSLETTER TABLE OF CONTENTS Connected District Bulletin Connected Partners Collaborations & Contributions Training Highlights Initiative Wide Highlights Upcoming Events Staff
in Review
with Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County’s Child Care Council
Throughout the school year, Miss Marina from Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Oneida County's Child Care Council visited the Herkimer Elementary HUB each month to lead engaging Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) activities with students across multiple grade levels. These monthly sessions complemented the school's goals by helping students build important social-emotional skills while providing additional support for those with higher rates of absenteeism.
Year in Review WITH CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ONEIDA COUNTY’S CHILD CARE COUNCIL CONTINUED
Each month's hands-on activities focused on building essential life skills, including: Emotional Regulation: Students practiced mindfulness and breathing strategies while creating "Calm Down Jars" to help manage emotions and reduce stress. Communication and Connection: Through partner drawing games and perspective-taking activities, students strengthened their communication skills and learned to better understand the viewpoints of others. Persistence and Self-Care: Challenging mazes encouraged perseverance, while coping strategies and self-care bingo introduced healthy habits for managing everyday challenges. Gratitude and Kindness: Interactive gratitude activities and lessons on empathy inspired students to recognize the importance of appreciation, compassion, and treating others with kindness. Students eagerly anticipated Miss Marina's visits each month and remained enthusiastic participants throughout the year. Through these engaging experiences, they developed valuable skills in emotional regulation, impulse control, trust building, problem-solving, and navigating positive peer relationships, tools that will continue to support their success both in and out of the classroom. To wrap up the year-long series- In June, Miss Marina and Miss Casey from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County’s Child Care Council came to the HUB to do social-emotional learning (SEL) activities with the students. The students wrapped up the year by celebrating the theme of Kindness, creating colorful Kindness Bracelets as a reminder of the positive impact small acts of kindness can have on others.
READERS IN ACTION Readers in Action wrapped up another successful year with an exciting end-of-year celebration that recognized students' dedication, growth, and love of reading. The celebration kicked off with a lively and humorous read-aloud that filled the room with laughter and helped everyone look forward to the adventures of summer. Students then enjoyed a variety of interactive activities throughout the HUB, giving them the opportunity to celebrate all they had accomplished over the course of the year. It was a joyful afternoon filled with smiles, connection, and well-earned recognition—a perfect way to honor their hard work and send them into summer feeling confident, celebrated, and excited to keep reading.
LIBRARY LEARNING SERIES: SUMMER KICK OFF The Library Learning Series wrapped up another successful year with a fun-filled Summer Kick-Off event! Children and their families gathered to celebrate the end of the school year and welcome the start of summer with an afternoon of exciting games, hands-on activities, and opportunities to connect with local community partners. Families explored valuable summer resources while enjoying time together, and everyone who attended was entered into door prize drawings for a chance to win exciting giveaways. The event was a wonderful way to celebrate a year of learning, strengthen community connections, and inspire families to make the most of the summer ahead. Thank you to everyone who joined us in making the celebration such a memorable success!
CONNECTED HERKIMER
Open HUB provides a welcoming, community-wide opportunity for families to access essential resources in a supportive and judgment-free environment. During Open HUB hours, community members are invited to visit the HUB to select food, clothing, personal care items, and other basic necessities that best meet their family needs. Recognizing that schedules and transportation can sometimes be barriers, alternative visit times are always available for families who are unable to attend during regularly scheduled Open HUB hours. The goal is to ensure that every family has equitable access to resources in a way that is convenient, respectful, and responsive to their individual circumstances.
HUB HUDDLES HUB HUDDLES CONNECTED HERKIMER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
The Herkimer Elementary HUB was buzzing with activity as students explored new experiences, celebrated different cultures, and had plenty of fun together! After several students shared that they had never tried a cinnamon muffin, the HUB hosted a Cinnamon Muffin Tasting, giving everyone the chance to step outside their comfort zone and experience a new food. Students also took part in a World Cup Chip Tasting, where they sampled an Argentinian-style steak chip with chimichurri flavor while learning about Argentina and celebrating cultures from around the world. One of the year's most requested events, Pickle Palooza, made a return after its overwhelming popularity earlier in the school year. Students were thrilled to participate in the second edition, once again sampling a variety of pickles and sharing their favorite flavors. To top it all off, the HUB hosted a Silent Dance Party, where students grabbed their headphones, danced with friends, and celebrated the end of the school year with lots of energy, laughter, and fun. These unique experiences encouraged students to try new things, build connections with their peers, and create lasting memories while making the HUB a welcoming place to learn, grow, and have fun.
HUB HUDDLES
CONNECTED HERKIMER MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL
The High School HUB has been winding down and getting ready for summer… but not before some rockin’ events! Students got their PRIDE on with our pride coloring event featuring guest speakers from the Q center. Students learned about the history of LGBTQ pride flags and then had the opportunity to make their own! Our other pride event was our rainbow snack bar, where each color of the rainbow had a matching food or drink, along with an affirmation to instill the fact that the HUB is a safe space in the school where kids can be themselves. Since it is the end of the school year, it is important to take time to chill and take your mind off the projects, presentations, and finals. So at the MS/HS, we designated a whole day to Puzzles & Popcorn! A relaxing day with fun puzzle games, delicious popcorn, and hit movies such as Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Inside Out.
Connected PARTNERS
Community Health & Behavioral Services (CHBS) operates a satellite clinic within the district so that mental health services are more accessible to students. The school counseling staff are in direct contact with the on-site CHBS clinician to provide referrals and connect students to the mental health services they need.
Our team continues to value its partnership with Family School Navigation. Alongside several area partners such as Healthy Families, Help Me Grow, Herkimer Health Net, the Frank Basloe Library, and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County’s Child Care Council we recently concluded a multi-month Library Learning Series. These sessions provided children and their families with opportunities to participate in social-emotional learning activities while gaining awareness of local support services.
Connected PARTNERS 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
Career Exploration Employment Preparation School-based academic support programs Summer Programs
SUNY Polytechnic Institute Liberty Partnerships Program Staff: Caryn Schweinsberg – Project Director 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 PARTNERS The Liberty Partnerships Program Central Valley Graduates are as follows: Kathryne Reynolds Congratulations to 2026 LPP graduate Kathryne Reynolds. This year Kathryne presented at both Regional and States Skills USA earning 3rd and 5th place respectively. Kathryne has been attending BOCES for Visual Communication and Digital Arts and graduated from the program with an adobe certified graphic design certification. Post graduation Kathryne plans to enter the workforce with a focused interest in graphic design. We wish Kathryne continued success as she begins her career and look forward to seeing all she accomplishes in the future. Trissa Maine Congratulations to 2026 LPP graduate Trissa Maine. Trissa is a 2024 alumni of NYSED annual LPP Empire Youth Summit, an annual youth leadership conference. This year Trissa completed her attendance at BOCES Early Childhood Education Program and plans to enter the workforce upon graduation to continue her interest in early childhood focused careers. We wish Trissa the very best as she begins this exciting new chapter and look forward to all she will achieve. Cecilia Tubia Congratulations to 2026 LPP graduate Cecilia Tubia. Cecilia is a 2025 alumni of NYSED annual LPP Empire Youth Summit, an annual youth leadership conference. This year Cecilia entered the workforce and began building both her skills and education in the medical field in preparation to attend SUNY Poly's nursing program in Fall of 2026. We wish Cecilia every success as she continues her education and look forward to celebrating her future accomplishments in nursing.
COLLABORATIONS COLLABORATIONS & & Contributions cted e Conne uld lik o w r me one Herki every k n a e to th ps! W l e h t t tha ithou w t i t do canno you!
Lisa Mang from Herkimer County Working Solutions Mathew Bogaert from the Q-Center Eva Fuess from Liberty Partnership Program Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County’s Child Care Council- Marina Bridgham Liberty Partnership Program
Student
School Faculty/Staff
Herkimer County System Of Care Herkimer National Honor Society Herkimer BPA Herkimer PTA Herkimer Health Net Help Me Grow Program Frank J. Basloe Library Family School Navigation Connected Site Coordinator
Family
Services / Resources
Team Approach
Trends As summer begins, ensuring families have access to nutritious meals remains a top priority. Herkimer Central School District is partnering with Oneida-Herkimer-Madison (OHM) BOCES to provide weekly food boxes for students enrolled in the district. Each child receives a box containing breakfast and lunch items for the week, helping to ensure they have access to healthy meals while school is out of session. Connected Herkimer is proud to assist with the distribution of these food boxes, making the program more accessible for local families and helping to support students throughout the summer months.
UPCOMING HERKIMER OPEN HUB DATES
UPCOMINGEvents Events Town of Herkimer Wellness Day
July 11th Town of Herkimer Park Area
National Night Out
August 4th
Senior Photos Date and Time TBD!
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 final Mother-Daughter Circle session this month provided an opportunity to reflect on the relationships that had grown throughout the program. Participants celebrated the memories they created together, shared what they learned about one another, and recognized the importance of making time for meaningful conversations. The session focused on celebrating each family's unique journey while encouraging participants to continue practicing the communication, trust, and connection they had built beyond the program.
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMMING
As the school year came to a close, drop-in programming continued to provide students with meaningful opportunities to connect, reflect, and celebrate the start of summer. Students created Summer Vision Boards, encouraging them to think about their goals, adventures, and aspirations for the months ahead. Suggestion Boards gave students the opportunity to share ideas and provide feedback for future HUB programming, ensuring their voices continue to shape upcoming activities throughout Herkimer, Central Valley, Mount Markham and Dolgeville School Districts.
Students also enjoyed engaging in Minute to Win It challenges that encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and plenty of laughter. Lyric Quizzes sparked friendly competition and conversation as students tested their knowledge of popular songs and connected over shared musical interests. These end-of-year drop-in activities provided a fun and welcoming environment where students could relax after completing final projects and exams, strengthen peer relationships, and finish the school year on a positive note while looking forward to the opportunities that summer brings.
H T U O Y ASSADOR
B M A COUNCIL
Throughout June, students at Connected Jarvis met weekly during their lunch periods to brainstorm volunteer opportunities and plan an engaging activity for their peers at the Connected Carnival. As members of the Youth Ambassador Council, they demonstrated creativity, leadership, and teamwork while preparing to make a positive impact in their community. This summer, the group looks forward to reconnecting during the free lunch program at Franco's in Ilion, where they will continue building relationships with their peers through interactive activities and community engagement.
MOTT MARATHON AND ANNA’S SUNFLOWER WARRIORS WALKATHON Youth Ambassador Coordinator Katie attended the Mott Marathon and Anna’s Sunflower Warriors Walkathon at Central Valley Academy on June 6th & 7th. During the events, Katie engaged participants with a community outreach table, providing students, families, and community members with information about available programs and support. The Youth Ambassador Coordinator shared resources on the Youth Ambassador Council, Circles Groups, mental health services, and HUB drop-in programming while engaging attendees in conversations about opportunities for involvement and support throughout the year. The events provided a valuable opportunity to increase awareness of student-centered programming, strengthen connections with families, and highlight the wide range of resources available to promote student well-being, leadership, belonging, and positive engagement both in and outside of school.
UPCOMINGEvents Events IT’S A YAC DROP IN AT FRANCO’S Summer Drop-In Programming provides youth with a welcoming and engaging space to stay connected throughout summer vacation. Taking place in the Dolgeville, Mount Markham, Herkimer, and Central Valley school districts, these programs offer creative activities, games, challenges, and opportunities for youth to share their ideas and perspectives. These informal drop-in opportunities give young people a place to stay engaged, be heard, and stay creative all summer long!
UPCOMING MOTHER DAUGHTER CIRCLE A new Mother Daughter Circle cohort series will start in September. 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 Tuesday - Herkimer Wednesday - Central Valley Academy Thursday - Dolgeville Friday - Jarvis Middle School at Central Valley
Katie can be reached at 315-360-4978 or katieb@connectedcs.org.
Herkimer County System of Care is funded by
TRAININGHighlights Highlights Strengthening Nonprofits Through Expert-Led Training
Divisional Director Katie Rockwell is participating in an 8-month training series designed to provide expert-led instruction, practical tools, and hands-on guidance for leaders in the nonprofit field. Each month focuses on a different operational area essential to building and sustaining a successful nonprofit organization, with sessions led by subject matter experts offering real-world strategies and resources. In June, Lara Pimentel, Owner of OSA Philanthropy, presented on fundraising strategies, including donor cultivation and stewardship. Participants gained actionable tools and insights to strengthen fundraising efforts and support long-term organizational sustainability.
Supporting Students and Strengthening Skills All Summer Long Connected Staff continue their work throughout the summer months by supporting families, helping facilitate summer programming and community events, and participating in professional learning opportunities. Alongside direct service and event support, staff also take part in the annual Summer Academy, a dedicated time for training, collaboration, and skill-building. This ongoing professional development helps ensure staff are prepared to continue providing strong, consistent support to students and families year-round.
INITIATIVE INITIATIVE WIDE WIDEHighlights Celebrating a Great Year, Together Connected staff came together for a fun and festive End-of-Year Celebration to wrap up a successful year of supporting students and families across the region. The gathering was filled with laughter, conversation, and time to relax and connect outside of daily program work. Staff took the opportunity to celebrate accomplishments from the 2025–2026 school year, reflect on the impact of their efforts, and enjoy time together as a team. The celebration was a positive way to close out the year and recognize the dedication, teamwork, and heart that each staff member brings to Connected every day.
Click here to see the yearbook!
INITIATIVE INITIATIVE WIDE WIDEHighlights A Community United for Child Safety The Ride for Missing Children – Mohawk Valley brought together riders, volunteers, students, families, and community partners for an unforgettable day of advocacy, awareness, and support. Throughout the Ride route, students from local schools enthusiastically welcomed riders with signs, cheers, and noisemakers, creating an incredible atmosphere of encouragement and community spirit. Stops at Jefferson Elementary and Seneca Street Elementary provided opportunities for riders and volunteers to connect with students, reinforce important safety lessons, and celebrate the shared mission of keeping children safe. Community partners, including Connected Community Schools and the Connected Cocoa, joined supporters along the route to cheer on participants as they traveled from Utica to New Hartford.
The day concluded with a closing ceremony celebrating the dedication of everyone involved and recognizing more than $82,000 raised to support child safety initiatives. During the ceremony, The Ride's Community Educator shared the impact of the program's safety education efforts, highlighting outreach to more than 3,000 students, educators, and families across over 20 schools in just the past few months. Ride Day served as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when a community comes together to support child safety, honor missing children, and create a safer future for all.
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.
STUDENTS LEARN THE MISSION BEHIND THE RIDE As excitement built for The Ride for Missing Children, students at Watson Williams Elementary, Marcy Elementary, Seneca Street Elementary, Martin Luther King Elementary, and John F. Kennedy Middle School participated in engaging presentations focused on child safety and community awareness. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, students explored important topics including bike safety, online safety, and personal safety while learning about the mission and impact of The Ride for Missing Children. Each presentation helped students understand the important role their school community plays in supporting child safety, making safe choices, and encouraging the riders as they travel through the community on Ride Day.
BUILDING SAFE CHOICES THROUGH FUN AND LEARNING Students at Gansevoort Elementary School and Stokes Elementary School strengthened their safety knowledge through engaging, interactive activities designed to build confidence and encourage smart decision-making. At Gansevoort, students explored bike safety, including the Bike ABCs, helmet safety, and safe practices for walking and riding near roadways. They also learned the 4 Rules of Personal Safety and discussed internet safety, emphasizing the importance of protecting personal information, communicating with trusted adults, showing kindness online, and trusting their instincts when something feels wrong. Meanwhile, students at Stokes enjoyed a sunny lunchtime HUB Huddle featuring a lively game of Safety Jeopardy that reinforced personal and bike safety concepts through teamwork, discussion, and friendly competition. Together, these activities equipped students with valuable skills to help them stay safe both online and offline throughout the summer and beyond.
EMPOWERING STUDENTS T H R O U G H S A F E T Y E D U C AT I O N Seventh and eighth grade students at Vernon-VeronaSherrill Jr./Sr. High School participated in engaging safety presentations focused on bike safety, personal safety, and online safety. Students explored practical tools and strategies they can use to take an active role in their own safety while discussing topics such as trusted adults, personal boundaries, and situational awareness. Conversations about digital citizenship and digital footprints encouraged students to think critically about the lasting impact of their online actions and how to make safe, responsible choices in digital spaces.
R I D E R S I N S P I R E S A F E T Y AT C H E R R Y VA L L E Y - S P R I N G F I E L D Students at Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School welcomed Riders from The Ride for Missing Children as they arrived by bicycle before joining safety presentations focused on bike safety, personal safety, and online safety awareness. Throughout the presentations, students learned valuable skills for staying safe both in their communities and online while gaining a deeper understanding of the mission of The Ride. The visit concluded with a bicycle helmet raffle, providing students with additional resources to help them ride safely and confidently.
F U N D AY B R I N G S S A F E T Y LESSONS TO LIFE Connected Mount Markham Elementary School's Fun Day combined excitement with valuable safety education as students learned alongside Riders from The Ride for Missing Children. Through interactive activities, participants reviewed the 4 Rules of Personal Safety, identified trusted adults, and practiced speaking up when something doesn't feel right. Riders also demonstrated proper helmet fit, bicycle sizing, and pre-ride safety checks. Thanks to the generosity of the Optimist Club and community supporters, students wrapped up the event with raffles for bicycle helmets, toys, and other prizes, making the day both educational and memorable.
C E L E B R AT I N G C O M M U N I T Y A N D S A F E T Y AT T H E P U R P L E FLAMINGO GRAND OPENING The Ride for Missing Children – Mohawk Valley was proud to participate in the Purple Flamingo Thrift & Gift Grand Opening by providing safety resources and interactive activities for families and community members. Visitors stopped by to explore safety handouts, complete activity pages, test their knowledge with a spin-the-wheel safety trivia game, and take home fun giveaways including stickers, pencils, and popcorn. The event provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community, share important safety information, and support a local organization dedicated to making a positive impact.
N E T S M A R T Z P R E S E N TAT I O N Students at Holland Patent Middle School participated in a Netsmartz internet safety presentation focused on building safe and responsible online habits. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, students explored the concept of digital citizenship, learned about the lasting impact of their digital footprints, and identified warning signs that may arise when communicating with others online. Students also discussed the difference between being a bystander and an upstander, reinforcing the importance of speaking up, seeking help, and supporting others when they encounter unsafe or inappropriate situations online.
UPCOMINGEvents
July 15th - Fonda Youth Safety Day July 17th - Rome Connected Carnival July 23rd - Dolgeville Bike Rodeo July 30th - Herkimer Conected Carnival August 8th - Oneida County Community Health & Healing Day September 2nd - Willard Prior Back-to-School Open House
MEET AMANDA GALINDO As a Community Educator for The Ride For Missing Children - Mohawk Valley, Amanda dedicates her time to engaging with each of the Connected Districts as well as other districts.
Amanda can be reached at amandag@connectedcs.org.
RFMC COMMUNITY EDUCATOR
Connected Herkimer Team
Breanna Stiefvater
Shae-Leigh Voorhees
YOUR HERKIMER SITE COORDINATOR
YOUR HERKIMER PROJECT MANAGER
315-983-7347
315-868-8959
315-717-9748
breannas@connectedcs.org
shae-leighv@connectedcs.org
katier@connectedcs.org
Katie Rockwell YOUR CONNECTED COMMUNITY SCHOOLS DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR
CENTRAL HUB TEAM ALEXIS TOWNE
KALI FOUNTAIN
KAELYNN BARBER
VICE PRESIDENT OF CONNECTED INITIATIVES
DELIVERY TEAM
NORA BAJOHR
DUSTIN TROTZ
HOW CAN I HELP YOU TODAY AND MAKE YOUR TOMORROW BETTER?
How can I help you today and make your tomorrow better?
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