D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 5
CONNECTED
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Connected District Bulletin
Connected Partners
Madison Second Grade Cookies
Your Madison Cafeteria and HUB was where the magic happened this month when we welcomed the Second Grade Class to test their culinary skills with cookie decorating. On December 18th approximately 40 students joined Ms. Bowen to participate in holiday cookie decorating. These little chefs were able to frost and decorate their own masterpieces amongst their friends. Once the decorating was completed, they enjoyed eating their cookies with cocoa all while listening to a holiday story. Building these holiday traditions within the school walls, we hope to foster so they are able to share with their families at home.
Madison Fifth Grade Students wrapped up their poetry unit with the annual Poetry Slam. Students were challenged to write or find a poem and then read it aloud in front of an audience of peers, teachers, and family members. Each student rose to the challenge and mastered their public speaking skills and put on a performance worthy of a Grammy award! Families then were able to congratulate and mingle with their students, other families, and teachers during a reception hosted by Ms. Bowen. Impressive skill building and connections with families!
In celebration of the season, kindergarteners were treated to a holiday tradition, cookie days with Ms. Bowen! On day one, students were able to roll out and cut holiday shapes in cookie dough. Ms. Bowen then baked the cookies and invited students back for a sweet treat on day two! Frosting, sprinkles, and fun for all occurred as students frosted, decorated, and ate cookies together! Making memories and sharing traditions with a great group of students!
The December meeting of the Three & Me Group celebrated Gingerbread Friends! Students and caregivers were able to have free play time, listen to a story about the Gingerbread man, make their own gingerbread friends, and have a fun snack! Engaging and getting used to the school building and teachers continues monthly through the year in preparation for the pre-kindergarten entry!
December HUB huddles included games, lots of games, as well as cookie making, holiday ornament making, clothes “shopping” and many laughs. Students were able to connect through activities and fun as well as obtain items needed. Students continue to make stronger connections with each other and Ms. Bowen.
Connected Connected
Ms. Tubbs and Ms. Bowen continue regular meetings to support families.
Ms. Terrier and Ms. Bowen have begun to work together on new mental health referrals for in-school services for students. The referral process and working closely with Ms. Terrier allows for students to obtain needed services in a prompt time frame.
Madison Families reached out for holiday assistance and the community partners stepped in to assist them. There were 31 families assisted with 91 total children impacted by the generosity of the community.
Mental health continues to be a large identified need within the LINK Team Referral. As we continue to grow the partnership between Connected Madison and Madison County Mental Health; together we are able to ensure our students are receiving the services they need for mental health right within our school building.
COLLABORATIONS & COLLABORATIONS & Contributions Contribut
Dollar Tree, Hamilton
Hannaford, Clinton
Mid-York Interfaith Group
Hamilton Food Cupboard
Community Memorial Hospital
UPCOMING UPCOMINGEvents Events
Connected Elves Holiday Project 2025
Celebrating 8 Years of Community Impact
December 2025 marked the 8th successful year of the Connected Holiday Assistance Program, supporting students and families across our Connected Districts during the holiday season. What began as a small act of care has grown into a powerful community-wide effort spanning all 13 Connected districts, rooted in generosity, collaboration, and compassion
16 Stone Brewpub th
Affair with Hair
Agway Holland Patent
Alteri's Restaurant
Arizona Tacos
Artani's Pizza
Bassett Medical Offices
Big Jay's Pizzeria - Rome
Bliss Environmental
Boss's General Store
Boyz From Italy
Central NY Academy of Dance
Cianfrocco's Subs & Wings
Collis True Value Hardware
The Power of Community Partnerships
This year, over 40 local businesses partnered with Connected by hosting donation bins for new, unwrapped toys and gifts Their willingness to open their doors and rally their customers played a vital role in making this program possible.
We are grateful to the 40+ local businesses that served as donation sites and helped make Holiday Assistance possible.
Mister Mikes Gyros
NBT - Rome & Utica
Community Bank, N.A. -
Community Bank, N.A. -
Franco's Pizza - Ilion Full Lotis
Gehring Tricot Grande's Pizzeria
Haven Salon and Lash
Studio
Home Outlet Utica
Jervis Library
Joey's Pizza
Kylie's Diner
La Roma Pizzeria
Matteson Hotel
MetLife Insurance
New Hartford Public Library
Nola’s of Clinton
Oneida County
Department of Comm.
Family Services
Petzotics
Remington Federal Credit Union
Rome First United Methodist Church
RT Federal Credit Union
Shook 40
Sorrento Pizzeria
Spresso’s Coffeehouse Square One
Coating
State Farm Michael Collea
Stuff the Bus
Style on Main by Nikki Marie Tanners Insurance Agency Toy for TOTS
Tucker Backyard Pools & Spas
Twin Rivers Paper Company
Woolner Family Eye Care
Connected Elves Holiday Project 2025
CONTINUED
Holiday Assistance Shopping by the Numbers & Gratitude
Through the collective efforts of donors, community partners, and dedicated volunteers, the Connected Holiday Assistance Program supported a total of 1,576 children during Holiday Assistance Shopping this season With an estimated $59,000 in donated toys and gifts, this milestone reflects the generosity and commitment of our community-wide network, working together to ensure students across our Connected districts experienced the joy, care, and support they deserve during the holiday season.
Holiday Assistance would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, who generously gave their time to sort donations, support families, and assist throughout Holiday Assistance Shopping. Their compassion and commitment helped bring this program to life.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to every business, donor, volunteer, and community partner who helped make this season brighter. Your generosity continues to strengthen our mission of supporting students and families during the holidays and all year long.
Together, we are Connected
TRAINING TRAININGHighlights Highlights
Mid York Library
Monthly Connected Partner Highlights are held virtually for staff to discover and build connections with various community partners. In December, Stephanie Markham and Diana Cassulus presented to our staff regarding what the Mid York Library has to offer. They detailed services such as the "Library of Things," through which people can borrow available items including snow shoes, games, and more! Library cards are free to apply for and can give access to the Library of Things as well as discounted museum and park passes, books, magazines, movies, and affordable in-building services like printing. They highlighted that libraries are safe spaces, resource hubs, providers of free, unfiltered computer access and paper tax forms, and hosts of free early literacy programs and events listed on the Mid-York website calendar. The Mid York Library is a great partner to our Connected schools and are eager to attend events with free books and tailored materials in Madison, Oneida, and Herkimer Counties!
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.
Colleen Matthews