Madison - April 2026 - Newsletter

APRIL 2026

CONNECTED MADISON NEWSLETTER TABLE OF CONTENTS Connected District Bulletin Connected Partners Collaborations & Contributions Training Highlights Initiative Wide Highlights Staff

REALITY CHECK

LAKE CLEAN UP Ms. Val with BRiDGES/MCCASA Reality Check Tobacco Prevention Group joined staff and students from Connected Madison Central for an Earth Day cleanup at Madison Lake on Tuesday, 4/21. During the event, participants worked together to remove litter from the park, with a particular focus on tobacco-related waste. Although the park includes designated tobacco-free zones, debris was still found in these areas, underscoring the importance of continued awareness around tobacco use and the potential exposure of youth to related products in public spaces.

This group of students actively collaborates with local government partners to raise awareness about tobacco policies and their impact on youth. They recently traveled to Albany to meet with representatives and discuss issues affecting their community. Great work to all involved in supporting a cleaner environment and advocating for healthier, safer community spaces.

BRIDGES YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Connected Madison was honored to attend the annual Youth Leadership Conference hosted by BRiDGES. Students were able to connect with many Madison County schools and participate in engaging activities while learning about leadership opportunities to bring back to the district for next year. Creativity, sharing ideas, and growing leadership skills and opportunities made for a great day!

REALITY CHECK Ms. Val with BRiDGES Reality Check came to talk about committing to tobacco free lives at Connected Madison. Students were able to play a game representing wiping out tobacco and signed a commitment to be tobacco free.

Thanks for a valuable lesson!!

FARM IN A GLOVE Connected Madison hosted Ms. S from Madison County Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) today for a great agricultural activity for grades 2 and 3.

Students learned about the connection between seeds, plants, and food and then participated in an activity called Farm in a Glove. Each student made a hydroponic farm with 5 seeds and will watch them germinate over the next few weeks.

Students also sampled cottage cheese with sweet jelly or savory pepper or both! Thanks CCE for a great lesson tied into the curriculum!

POSITIVITY PROJECT ASSEMBLIES The Madison Positivity Project held its second community give back activity for the year, Cereal Stock up for Summer during the month of April. Families were challenged to collect 100 boxes of cereal to donate to the local food pantries in preparation for the busy summer months when families don’t have the opportunity to participate in breakfast programs through the district. Families met and exceeded the challenge resulting in a fun cereal domino presentation! Students that exhibited the monthly character traits of Fairness, Humor, and Appreciation of Beauty were recognized in front of peers and staff while Mrs. Cucci reminded everyone that the motto “Other People Matter” is not just something we learn at school but something we do daily.

FIT BODY FIELD TRIP The High School Exercise Science class participated in a field trip to Clinton Fit Body Boot Camp, where students met owner Lisa Briggs and learned about her journey in starting and growing her business. Students had the opportunity to ask thoughtful, detailed questions about business operations and fitness programming, followed by participation in a 30-minute workout class. The group then visited Ancient Shakes, where owner Gina Saporito treated students to protein shakes and shared insight into how the business began, how it has evolved over time, and how she has adapted the business model to meet changing needs.

Students remained highly engaged throughout the experience and gained valuable real-world connections between fitness, entrepreneurship, and health. Special thanks to both businesses for providing such an informative and rewarding learning opportunity for staff and students.

THREE & ME Connected Madison held its largest Three & Me Group in Mrs. Millson’s classroom during the month of April. Future students and caregivers were able to see a Pre-k classroom, play with friends, listen to a story, make a craft, and have a snack. There was time for plenty of fun free play so students could learn about the classroom and sharing with peers. Students are so excited for the 2026-2027 school year!!

HUB HUDDLES CONNECTED MADISON

Students regularly utilize the HUB space during study halls and lunch periods to connect with one another and spend time with Ms. Bowen in a welcoming and supportive environment. Through games, conversations, and access to tangible everyday needs, students continue to build meaningful relationships and strengthen their sense of community and belonging within the school.

Connected PARTNERS Ms. Tubbs and Ms. Bowen continue to support students and families through collaborative efforts and regular meetings.

Student

Trends

School Faculty/Staff

Connected Site Coordinator

Family

Services / Resources

Team Approach

Madison continues to focus on making referrals to engage positive mental health connections for students within the district. The counseling staff works closely with the LINK referral system to ensure that students are connected with the in-house representative from Madison County Mental Health. Utilizing this resource reduces common barriers including missed days of school, caregivers missing work, and transportation difficulties.

COLLABORATIONS COLLABORATIONS & & Contributions Collaborations

New Teacher Meetings Madison County SPOA meetings Elementary Book Study of The Energy Bus SADD meeting Hamilton LIbrary Meeting to plan summer activities

Contributions Creekside Community Thrift donation of dresses, shoes, and accessories for prom FFA donation of 64 birthday kits to the Madison Food Pantry and Hamilton Food Cupboard Ms. Cheryl donated Easter kits for students to make during HUB huddles

UPCOMINGEvents MAY 21ST

MAY 16TH

THREE & ME

5:30-6:15 PM

PROM! MAY 26TH

MAY 27TH

POSITIVITY PROJECT ASSEMBLY

WATER WEDNESDAY WITH SNAP-ED

8:15 AM

10:45 AM

JUNE 15TH

MAY 27TH

CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION COPING SKILLS ACTIVITY

CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION KINDESS ACTIVITY

MAY 21ST ELEMENTARY FIELD DAY

JUNE 18TH THREE & ME OPEN HOUSE 5:30-6:15 PM

TRAININGHighlights Building Financial Wellness with First Source Federal Credit Union Deb and Rachel from First Source Federal Credit Union led an engaging Partner Highlight training focused on Community Financial Education and Wellness. They shared valuable information about the programs they offer to support financial literacy and life-ready skills, including two interactive online platforms—Banzai! and Enrich—which provide students with hands-on learning experiences around budgeting, saving, and realworld financial decisionmaking.

They also highlighted the Reality Fair, an immersive event that allows participants to step into real-life scenarios and practice managing expenses and financial responsibilities. The session provided meaningful insight into the tools available to support student learning and empowerment around financial wellness.

INITIATIVE INITIATIVE WIDE WIDEHighlights Building Stronger Communities Through Purpose and Passion Nonprofit organizations are not meant to serve as temporary solutions, but as long-term, sustainable supports that strengthen communities for years to come. Through care, consistency, trust-building, and meaningful connections, nonprofit leaders continue to address real challenges while creating vibrant and supportive environments for all. Attending the NYS Council of Nonprofits Summit was another inspiring opportunity to learn, collaborate, and be energized alongside passionate nonprofit leaders who share the same commitment to making a lasting difference in their communities.

Honoring Advocacy During National Child Abuse Prevention Month During National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, members of our Administrative Team had the honor of attending the Child Abuse Prevention Breakfast hosted by the Oneida County Department of Children and Family Services.

The event highlighted the importance of community collaboration, advocacy, and continued efforts to support the safety and well-being of children and families. It was an inspiring opportunity to stand alongside community leaders and organizations dedicated to creating brighter, safer futures for children throughout our region.

INITIATIVE INITIATIVE WIDE WIDEHighlights Mobile Resources Roll In: Fidelis Community Office RV at the Connected Impact Center On April 24th, the Fidelis Community Office RV parked in front of the Connected Impact Center, providing an accessible and welcoming space for students and families to learn more about available health insurance options and community resources. Staff on-site offered guidance, answered questions, and supported individuals in navigating important coverage information. The visit helped strengthen community connections and ensured that attendees had access to valuable tools and information to support their health and well-being.

Connected Purple Flamingo Thrift & Gift Grand Opening and Vendor Fair

Connected Purple Flamingo Thrift & Gift will celebrate its Grand Opening by welcoming students, staff, and community members into a unique space focused on creativity, connection, and opportunity. The shop features a variety of thrifted treasures, gifts, and student-supported initiatives while promoting community engagement and hands-on experiences.

Community members are also invited to attend the upcoming Vendor Fair, where local vendors and organizations will come together to showcase products, services, and resources. It promises to be a fun-filled event supporting local businesses and community partnerships.

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) 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.

PROMOTING CHILD SAFETY ON T H E A I R W AV E S Community Educator, Amanda, participated in radio interviews with WIBX “This Week in the Mohawk Valley” and WUTQ “Talk of the Town” to highlight the mission of The Ride for Missing Children and to promote child safety education throughout the Mohawk Valley. These outreach efforts help raise awareness, engage the community in meaningful conversation, and reinforce the importance of keeping children safe.

CONNECTED BELLAMY “4 RULES OF PERSONAL SAFETY” LEARNING SERIES

H U B H U D D L E : E VO L U T I O N OF THE 4 RULES

Interactive safety presentations were conducted in three Connected Bellamy 4th-grade classrooms (Ms. Martin/Ms. Bonanza, Mr. Mahardy, and Ms. Sabia), where students learned important bike safety protocols, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) “4 Rules of Personal Safety” (Check First, Take a Friend, Tell People No, and Tell a Trusted Adult), and key digital citizenship skills. A follow-up visit to Bellamy Elementary provided a second round of classroom presentations, continuing the “4 Rules of Personal Safety” curriculum to reinforce and ensure consistent safety messaging across 4th–6th grade levels.

HUB Huddles were held across John Joy, Ridge Mills, and Stokes Elementary, bringing important safety education directly to students during lunchtime. At John Joy, students participated in a cafeteria HUB Huddle focused on the Ride for Missing Children and general safety awareness, engaging in meaningful conversations about prevention while eating lunch. At Ridge Mills, discussions centered on bike and neighborhood safety, empowering students to take responsibility for their own safety both in their community and while riding. At Stokes, students completed interactive activity sheets that supported lessons on personal safety and interpersonal boundaries, including identifying trusted adults, practicing how to say “no,” and learning strategies to stay in control of their personal safety.

R I D E F O R M I S S I N G C H I L D R E N AT H U B H U D D L E S HUB Huddles were held across three elementary schools—John Joy, Ridge Mills, and Stokes—bringing important safety conversations directly to students during lunchtime. At John Joy, students participated in a cafeteria HUB Huddle where discussions focused on the Ride for Missing Children and general safety awareness, helping to engage students in preventative education in a relaxed, welcoming setting. At Ridge Mills, students chatted about bike and neighborhood safety, with a focus on empowering them to take charge of their own safety both on their bikes and within their community. At Stokes, students took part in an interactive HUB Huddle using activity sheets to explore personal safety and interpersonal boundaries, practicing how to identify trusted adults, say “no” when needed, and stay in control of their personal safety.

COMMUNITY EVENT: TOUCH-A-TRUCK The Community Educator for the Ride for Missing Children was excited to participate in the local “Touch-A-Truck” event, where safety resources were shared with attending families and community members. Staff engaged with participants to raise awareness of missing children initiatives and highlight local safety programming, providing an opportunity for meaningful community connection and education in a family-friendly setting.

UPCOMINGEvents May 28th @ 9:15am: NA Walbran “Ride Route” Presentations May 29th @ 9am: ADK MS Netsmartz Presentations May 29th @ 2pm: Jefferson Elementary “Ride Route” Presentation June 1st @ 9:30am: Watson Williams “Ride Route” Presentation June 4th @ 9:15am: JFK MS “Ride Route” Presentation June 5th ALL DAY: Ride for Missing Children June 15th @ 8am: VVS Safety Presentation

MEET AMANDA GALINDO As a Community Educator for Ride For Missing Children, 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

HOW CAN I HELP YOU TODAY AND

How can I help you today and make MAKE YOUR TOMORROW BETTER? your tomorrow better?

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.

Connected Madison Team Michele Bowen YOUR MADISON PROJECT MANAGER

Colleen Matthews DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF CONNECTED COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

315-271-8848 micheleb@connectedcs.org

DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF IMPACT

NORA BAJOHR

CENTRAL HUB TEAM

ALEXIS TOWNE

KALI FOUNTAIN

DELIVERY TEAM

DUSTIN TROTZ

KAELYNN BARBER