Connected Holland Patent hosted a movie night for each class, featuring two films selected by student vote. A total of 93 students in grades 3–5 stayed after school to participate, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere. Students brought their favorite blankets and plushies, settled in with friends, and enjoyed popcorn while watching their chosen movies together. M A R C H 2 0 2 6
We continue to correspond with our nursing home pen pals and create bright decorations for their group room. We enjoy hearing about their childhood experiences, especially from when they were in school. Residents have also asked to take some to their rooms, and we are working to increase production to accommodate the request!
This month, we had fun engaging in a variety of activities with our buddies. We did some St. Patricks day STEAM activities, played games, and made slime. All while building connections that help students feel seen and heard.
Marina Bridgham from Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) joined the Middle School for Mindful Mondays, presenting on the topic of kindness. Students explored what kindness means and learned practical ways to demonstrate it in their daily interactions with others.
Students were able to shop for a prom or ball dress at no cost to wear to their junior prom or senior ball. The event was held at the Middle School HUB, where refreshments were offered. There were over 60 dresses to choose from, as well as men’s wear. Friends or family members were able to join the student, making it a special experience.
HUB HUDDLES HUB HUDDLES
Your Connected Team makes the most of each morning and afternoon! We make sure we are there in the morning to greet students and chat with families at drop-off. It is an opportunity for families to get to know us. Lunch is also another great opportunity to be available for students and interact with teachers.
Morning is an important time to see students. We make sure we are there as the students come through the front door and make their way to their classrooms. Students participated in several HUB activities this month, including making slime and 3D canvas art with beads. Students came into the HUB during lunch and recess to make slime, using a variety of additives to create unique textures. These types of activities allow students to collaborate, helping one another problem-solve and be creative.
he Middle School HUB continues to be an incentive for students to get their work done so they can come down during study hall and play games and talk. We get a crowd at lunch, too, as students look forward to a quieter space to talk with friends while they eat.
o school supplies, hygiene items (e.g., deodorant), and snacks.
For our after-school students, we have Chobani yogurt to fuel them for whatever sport comes next.
The high school hub continues to grow in popularity. Students come in regularly for snacks throughout the day, and sports team members come in after school to visit and eat something before their practices begin
This month, we saw 3 speakers who spoke to students about their careers and the pathways to get where they want to go during Your Future Fridays. Students learned about speech pathology, mechanical engineering, the armed forces, and civil engineering.
Students in the High School Hub also made St Patrick's Daythemed slime and beaded Easter eggs for the upcoming holiday.
Connected Connected Connected
PARTNERS PARTNERS PARTNERS
We have been busy making referrals to our embedded clinic. The ease of access removes some barriers for our students wanting to engage in mental health. The LINK team in the middle school.
This month, our biggest concern was mental health counseling. We were able to make several referrals to the embedded mental health clinic and to outside counseling, depending on family needs.
Additionally, we had families identify individual struggles this month Many of these struggles we were able to help mitigate with the Resiliency Project The Resiliency Project is a collaboration with Oneida County DCFS, Safe Schools Mohawk Valley and Central New York Health Home Network This project is designed to be tailored to individual needs and supports. We are so grateful for the collaboration for our families!
& COLLABORATIONS & COLLABORATIONS & Contributions Contributions Con
COLLABORATIONS
So many community donors dropped off formal dresses and suits.
Sarah Smith attended the Oneida County Youth Council Meeting and learned more about opportunities available to youth.
Community members donated their time and expertise, talking with students about careers and career pathways.
Daniel R. Cook Dry Cleaning offered dry cleaning services for formal wear.
Oneida County 4H donated plastic easter eggs for craft projects.
Michelle Ironside Kinville of Ironside Funeral Homes April 24, 2026
Your Future Fridays
April 17, 2026
Amber Tadlock of Utica Glass
Gu
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.
Celebrating Excel
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!
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.
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.
