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TOUCH TRUCK TOUCH TRUCK
C O N N E C T E D
H O L L A N D P A T E N T
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
The Holland Patent Connected Third Annual Touch a Truck event was a fantastic experience for our district students and families. Students loved seeing the trucks and lights, hearing the horns, and touching the steering wheel and buttons. This year, new interactive features were introduced, including a Model T car offering rides, a sand trailer with toys, and a tree service that brought a tree trunk, adding even more to the experience. There were temporary tattoos, face painting, and snacks. What made this event truly special was the overwhelming support from our local community. Many of the local businesses and first responders who came also gave out keepsakes to the attendees, showcasing the strong community spirit. It was great to have several teachers, some middle school students, and Principal Mrs. Casab on hand to help.
We collaborate with students, families, and the PTA to host a breakfast at GWF, showing our bus drivers how much we appreciate them. Students came down by grade to present cards and sing songs for the bus drivers, and the joy is palpable.
Connected Holland Patent collaborated with FBLA, who hosted a haunted house at Holland Patent High School. We brought Halloween-themed games, including a witch hat ring toss and a spider pickup. We were able to engage with students and families and have some ghoulish fun.
GWF's first Trunk or Treat event was a huge success, and we were glad to be a part of it with a Candylanddecorated trunk. We were grateful for our two high school volunteers, who were so good with the kids. It was delightful to see students and families engaging in the event, and the weather cooperated!
HUB HUDDLES HUB HUDDLES
At GWF, we are building relationships with students and their parents by being outside to welcome students in the morning. Through these efforts, we hope students and parents feel comfortable reaching out for support when needed.
We are also in the cafeteria, assisting as needed and speaking with students. Next month, we will be having lunch with selected second graders who will be pen pals with seniors and create decorations for the recreation room in Rome Health.
At HPE, supporting students starts with meaningful connections. We begin the day at the front door, where we greet students and parents as they arrive at school. Continue to build relationships. Students visit the HUB during their lunch period, where they engage in conversation and play games with Site Coordinator Dustin and their classmates. Site Coordinator Dustin continues to build connections with students and staff by attending recess, where he plays games and participates in activities on the playground and in the gym.
The Midd h breaks. Each mon nd time to conne nack. Opening eck in. Thanks to utritious yogurt sn
The HUB fun con nues to be a hit, with intense n conversations ab bani and easy meals after scho
Connected Connected
PARTNERS PARTNERS
Project Manager Sarah recently connected a student with the support and encouragement they needed, providing guidance and resources to help them succeed. By identifying students who could benefit from extra support, Sarah helps ensure everyone has the tools and encouragement to thrive both academically and personally.
LINK LINKTrendsTrends
We have had families reach out with concerns about the availability of SNAP funding. The Connected Holland Patent Team will continue to provide food boxes and support families in accessing other local resources
Other trends we've been addressing are mental health, housing, and behavioral referrals Our collaborative efforts have enabled us to help students and families find providers who accept new patients and their respective insurance plans. We also support them when they are looking for housing and accessing assistance with security deposits through collaborating agencies, as needed.
The Resiliency Team is now operational. We are grateful for our collaboration with Emily, Cara, and Lori. They have been a great help in supporting district families and students.
COLLABORATIONS & COLLABORATIONS & Contributions Contributions
DeConte’s
NY State Troopers
Oneida County Sheriff’s Department
Nimey’s (Rachel)
Evan's Equipment
Wickham's lawn and landscape
Rick Turk’s Tree Service
Leftover Express
Amcare Ambulance Services Inc.
Precision Paving
Holland Patent School District bus garage
Town of Floyd
Connected Connected
HConnectedollandPatent ewouldliketothank veryonethathelps! Wecannotdoit withoutyou!
Volunteer Fire Co of Western
HP Hose Co
Trenton/Barneveld Volunteer Fire Department
Stittville Vol. Fire department
Shufelts
Northland Communication
Also, 2 Model Ts from community members
All provided trucks, employees, and some treats and activities
PTA provided snacks and help at Touch a Truck.
PARTNERS PARTNERS
The Resiliency Project started to assist Rome and Camden school districts by bridging the gap from home to school and the community. Site Coordinators do not always have the ability to meet families where they are at, so Resiliency is the bridge to help ensure families are successful. We discussed with the schools unless itisimminentrisktheydonothavetocallCPSonfamiliestheyshouldrefertoResiliency Atthistime,wehadover 500referralscomethatweresentinfromthoseschooldistricts.Knowingtheimpact,wehadonthosedistricts ResiliencyhasexpandedtoHollandPatentandAdirondackschooldistrictsaswell
TheConnectedAdirondackteamhasgrown!YourschooldistricthasadedicatedResiliencyTeamthatincludesa ResiliencyCoordinator,StudentEngagementSpecialistandOneidaCountyDepartmentofFamily&Community Servicesliasionthatisdedicatedtosupportingstudents,families,educatorsandthegreatercommunity.
ThroughtheResiliencyProject,therearea
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withinthecommunityattheConnected CourtonJamesImpactCenterat207Nort encyfamilies,butanyfamiliesthatmay haveaneedinRomeorthesurroundinga ndFridayfrom10-2forassistance;orby scheduledappointments.
TheResiliencyProjecthosts,BookWormsliteracyprogramonTuesdaynightsfrom430-6pm.Allchildrenand familiesarewelcome.Thisincludeslisteningtoawonderfulbook,havingasnackandalsoafunactivity.Childrenmay alsotakeabookhomeiftheyareinterested.Wehavedonemanyrecreationactivitiesoverthesummerandwill continueeachmonth
Events Events UPCOMING UPCOMING
TRAINING TRAINING
Highlights Highlights
Bruce Brodsky with the Utica Dollars for Scholars came to our October all-staff meeting in Rome to share with staff the scholarship opportunities available to many of the students we serve. The application for Utica Dollars for Scholars is open now through March of 2026 for students in Herkimer and Oneida Counties looking for funding for higher education. Bruce identified that they want to get the word out to students and not only ensure they are aware of the opportunity, but also get support to follow through the full application process, as many start their application but don’t finish it The presentation was very insightful for our staff who support high school students in the Herkimer and Oneica Counties, and hopefully we can get those students connected to the scholarship opportunities available.
Monthly Connected Partner Highlights are held virtually throughout the school year for staff to discover and build connections with various community partners In the month of October, we had three different agencies present on some services they offer, including OnPoint for College, the Alzheimer’s Association, and Neighborhood Center’s COMHPS program.
Partner Highlights
Earlier in the month, Anny Guerrero-Brown provided an overview of OnPoint for College, detailing its expansion beyond college access and success to include support for certificate programs, licenses, and trades, serving students in Herkimer, Madison, Onondaga, and Cayuga counties with broad eligibility criteria and individualized support across college access, college success, and career services. Jennifer Engram elaborated on career services, including advising, workshops, and internship opportunities. Anny concluded by emphasizing OnPoint for College's holistic, free, and continuous support, focusing on removing barriers to education and building strong relationships with students
Lisa McCarthy provided an overview of the Alzheimer's Association, discussing the financial and caregiving impact of dementia, the association's funding and research efforts, various types of dementia, warning signs, and strategies for brain health and prevention The Alzheimer’s Association is available to table at any events where we may want to share information on dementia and Alzheimer's support.
Paul Ukena introduced The Neighborhood Center's OMH grant-funded COMHPS (Community Mental Health Promotion and Support) program, outlining its focus on community mental health promotion and support, the Neighborhood Center's broader services, and the program's activities, including outreach, referrals, and emotional support, emphasizing its free and short-term nature The COMHPS program offers Classroom Programming opportunities including interactive tabling and group content delivery using different activities to allow participants to express their creativity while promoting mental well-being. The program is available in Oneida County, so if you are interested in bringing them into your classroom, contact your Site Coordinator!
Connected is in full Holiday Assistance mode, working to ensure students and families have the support they need this season. Last year, we assisted over 2,000 students, and we’re once again committed to spreading warmth and joy throughout our communities. If you or someone you know could benefit from holiday assistance, please reach out to your Site Coordinator or a member of the LINK Team—we’re here to help.
If you’d like to help, donations are always welcome! Check out the Holiday Assistance bin map included on this flyer for convenient drop-off locations, or bring your donation to our main office at 207 North James Street, Rome, NY. Monetary contributions can also be made online at https://connectedcommunityschools.org/holiday-assistance/, and every gift helps make the season brighter for local families.
Connected Community Schools is kicking off the Connected Food Drive to help ensure families in our community have access to nutritious food this season. With the support of generous donors and community members, we aim to make a meaningful impact for local families in need.
Donations of non-perishable food items can be dropped off at any Connected Community Schools site or at our main office at 207 North James Street, Rome, NY. Monetary contributions can also be made online at https://connectedcommunityschools.org/donate-2/.
Every gift helps nourish children and families across our community.
Click here to access the Holiday Assistance Bin Map!
