M A R C H 2 0 2 6
CONNECTED MADISON NEWSLETTER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Connected District Bulletin
Connected Partners
Collaborations & Contributions
Training Highlights
Initiative Wide Highlights Staff
PANCAKES & PJS
Connected Madison's annual PJ's & Pancakes Family Literacy Night was a sweet mixture of family fun, reading, community partners, and yummy pancakes! Families were able to talk to the Waterville library, Hamilton library, CAP Healthy Families Program, Madison EMS, and CCE SNAP-Ed about program offerings and participate in fun activities with each community partner Students were able to listen to stories being read aloud, grab bags and take home free books, play games, and enjoy a delicious pancake dinner made by the Madison FFA students. Special thanks to our guest readers and Collins Family Farm for the fresh maple syrup donation!
Connected Madison Second Grade Students and teachers celebrated Dr. Seuss with the annual Green Eggs and Ham breakfast! Ms. Chelsea, Madison Cafeteria Manager, and Ms. Bowen were able to create an egg, ham, and muffin breakfast for students and then Ms. Bowen read the iconic book, Green Eggs & Ham. Students and teachers enjoyed the food and story!
Families were recently welcomed to the 5th grade classrooms to see the students' performance of the play, Mid Summer Nights Dream. At the completion of the play, families, students, and teachers gathered for a small reception to celebrate their achievement and enjoy each other's company. A job well done to all!
Madison County Cornell Cooperative Extension shared their annual Ag in the Classroom book and activity with Madison Elementary to celebrate Ag week! Shelby Stith came to read the book, “Season on a Farm” to all classrooms and Mr. Jennett completed the season on a farm activity with all classes.
Many thanks to CCE for donating two books to the school library and providing all of the materials for the activity and also to Mrs. Stith and Mr. Jennett for collaborating with us and spending your time on the educational opportunity!
Mr.Giannone’s10thgradeSpanishclassrecentlycompleted theirstudyofSpanish-speakingcountries.Tocelebratetheir outstandingperformanceontheirprojects,students participatedinahands-onculinaryexperience,creatinga traditionaldish
WithguidancefromMs Bowen,studentspreparedand enjoyedchivitosandwiches,aspecialtyoriginatingfrom Uruguay.Throughouttheactivity,studentshadthe opportunitytochop,fry,andtoastingredientswhile collaboratingwiththeirpeers.Theexperienceprovideda meaningfulandengagingwaytocelebratetheirlearningand enjoytimetogetheroveradeliciousmeal
Ms. Carol with Madison County Cornell Cooperative Extension SNAP-Ed was in to share a fabulous Blue Razz water! She shared the health benefits of blueberries and raspberries with students and reminded them of the delicious drink options that contain less sugar and more health benefits!
The Madison Student Council's annual Cookies with the Easter Bunny was successful entertainment yet again this year! Student Council provided an engaging Easter Bunny for free family photo opportunities, cookies, coloring sheets, and the ever popular egg hunt!
Madison EMS joined in the fun offering health related information and free first aid kits to families while the Class of 2027 and 2028 both had fund raising booths including opportunities to whack-a-bunny, enjoy hot coffee, hair tinsel, or bunny ear ring toss The Class of 2026 sold chicken BBQ dinners to families as their spring fund raiser Ms Bowen was happy to collaborate with each group and be on hand to assist as needed
MadisonElementarycelebratedtheannualNYSPTAPickaReadingPartner(PARP)monthwithacalendarfullof activitiesandanendingcelebrationtorecognizeachievements Studentswerechallengedtoreadathomeandturnin weeklyslipsattestingtominutesreadandinreturnwereawardedwithweeklyprizesfromMs.Bowenincluding themepencils,erasers,notebooks,pencilpouches,andmore!
TheelementarystudentcouncilactedoutabookreadbyMrs.Bodner,Madisonlibrarian,inanticipationofafuture visitfromchildren'sauthorAmyGuglielmo.ClassroomsparticipatedintheBattleoftheBooksandthewinnerwas announcedaswellasthewinnersoftheMOBOCEScalendarcontestwithourownLaurenLolmanearning3rdplace fromallMOBOCEScomponentdistricts!StudentswereabletoearnWaterSafariticketsforturninginreadinglogs, participateindressupdaysthroughthemonth,andthengrandprizeswereawardedatrandomfromreadingslip drawings.Encouragingmorereading,fun,andprizesmadeforafabulousmonthlongcelebration!
Ms. Marina from Oneida County Cornell Cooperative Extension Child Care Council came to Madison Elementary to talk about perspective with students and teachers. Her engaging program reviewed how if you don't have the full picture, you don't always know the whole story and your perspective changes as you learn and grow and have different experiences. Students were very interested and captivated by her presentation and she received many compliments from teachers on her activity. Thank you Ms. Marina for sharing your day with us and expanding on the character trait of perspective!
The monthly Positivity Project Assembly celebrated the character traits of humility, perspective, love of learning, and identifying and appreciating the good in others. Students were recognized as they demonstrated the traits in their school days. Mrs. Luray Moshier with the Verona Food Pantry spoke about what food pantries do in our community and kicked off the Cereal Stock Up drive! Students were reminded that these traits are not just something we learn about in school, but something that we do every day!
The monthly Three & Me Group celebrated dinosaurs with a great story read by Ms. Matteson and a fun craft making dinosaurs! Future students enjoyed free time playing with each other building friendships and a tasty treat to round out the evening. Participants are looking forward to getting in the classroom for next month’s group!
The HUB continues to be a space welcoming students from study halls for a quiet place to be with friends, have snacks, and engage with Ms. Bowen. Conversing about school, sports, friendships, families, and doing school work while enjoying a snack happens daily. HUB huddles such as the high school lunch bunch, Colgate mentors and mentees, class meetings, or students meeting with community partners fill the space with new ideas and meaningful relationships.
Connected Connected Connected
Ms. Tubbs and Ms. Bowen continue to collaborate with families and students to best serve their mental health needs.
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The Madison LINK Team continues to actively collaborate and brainstorm ways to engage students and families who may benefit from additional mental health support. Through ongoing outreach and meaningful conversations, the team has increased LINK referrals to in-school services, particularly connecting students with Madison County Mental Health resources available within the building. By strengthening relationships with students, families, and on-site mental health providers, the team continues to enhance its ability to identify needs and connect students with the appropriate supports for their well-being.
COLLABORATIONS & COLLABORATIONS & COLLABORATIONS &
Madison New Teachers meeting reviewing Data
Madison Elementary Book Study, The Energy Bus for Schools
Madison County SPOA monthly meeting
Career and College Fair planning meeting
Summer Enrichment Planning meeting
The NED Show at Madison Elementary, assisted organizing and scheduling the presentation
Madison SADD meeting
Madison Reality Check meetings
Hamilton Public LIbrary First Annual Art Show, attended and engaged with students entered and winners!
Madison Drama production of Willy Wonka, assisted coordinating dinner
Compassion Coalition Donation of 55 boxes of school supplies for teachers and students. Ms. Cheryl donated St. Patrick's Day Cookie Donation and Easter Peep Smore Kit Donation.
Dollar Tree Donation to Madison Conencted and Connected as a whole.
UPCOMING UPCOMING UPCOMING
P O S I T I V I T Y P R O J E C T A S S E M B L Y 8 : 1 5 A M M A Y 2 6 T H
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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.
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