Madison - May 2026 - Newsletter

MAY 2026

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

K L L A A H ChH K L A A e t W W In anticipation of Staff Appreciation Week, students and several of their caregivers gathered on Sunday afternoon to "Chalk the Walk" with colorful artwork and heartfelt messages of gratitude. Together, they transformed the school sidewalks into a vibrant display celebrating the dedication and impact of school staff. The thoughtful messages and creative drawings served as a warm and uplifting welcome, greeting staff members as they arrived Monday morning and reminding them how much they are valued by the students and families they serve.

WEATHER FOR 6TH GRADE The Sixth Grade Science Classes welcomed local meteorologist, James DeFazio, to their classroom for a weather presentation. They talked all about weather, the requirements to be a meteorologist, and were able to get an up close and personal look at how tornadoes form. Great information and engaging materials, thanks James!

PROM The 2026 Prom was filled with laughter, dancing, and very well dressed students and guests at Bean Acres. The venue was gorgeous and second only to how well the students looked for a night of celebrating with peers!

KINDERS AT GREAT SWAMP

Ms. Bowen was honored to plan and attend a fun filled day at the Great Swamp with the Kindergarten cohort. Students were treated to lessons about birds, amphibians, reptiles, and the favorite part, a swamp tromp where they were able to scoop in the swamp for creatures. The large tadpole, spiders, firefly larvae, bugs, and fish were a big hit as was the mud.

WATER WEDNESDAYS Ms. Carol with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County - SNAP-Ed served up 318 glasses of a refreshing strawberry lemon water to students while reminding them about healthy and tasty drink options! This was by far the favorite flavor of the year! Ms. Carol also stayed and made a fabulous Ginger Beef Ramen dish with Mr. Bruno’s Backyard Ag Class, educating them about the ease of making delicious and protein filled foods. Each student enjoyed the dish!

POSITIVITY PROJECT ASSEMBLIES The May Positivity Project Assembly celebrated kids of character honoring those that exhibit purpose, leadership, enthusiasm, and cheering on others success. It was an upbeat and fun time to publicly recognize students that demonstrate great character traits.

KINDNESS Ms. Marina with Oneida County Cornell Cooperative Extension Child Care Council came and spent the day with the entire elementary school to talk about kindness.

Students were able to reflect on kindness to others and kindness to themselves through positive self-talk and then decorate a butterfly to add to a school wide bulletin board that will help remind everyone to speak to both themselves and others with kindness!

BUILDING SOURCES OF STRENGTH THROUGH STAFF WELLNESS During Mental Health Awareness Month, Mrs. Buckley, Ms. Tubbs, and Ms. Bowen collaborated to create a space for staff to relax and take care of themselves. Activities included reviewing the Sources of Strength Program hosted by BRiDGES, which will roll out in the 2026-2027 school year; a coloring corner; Mindful Moments stations with handouts to help practice gratitude, stress relief, and physical health; a coffee and lemonade stand with sweet treats; and a station called How Will you Grow, which encouraged staff to plant something and reflect on a 2026-2027 goal.

THREE & ME The last Three & Me Group met in Ms. Matteson's Classroom this month.

Families were able to meet each other and students were able to play in the classroom.

Students also enjoyed a fun story about pizza and making a pizza craft. The next time families see each other, it will be for Pre-K orientation and a bus ride to gain that important experience before beginning the 2026-2027 school year!

HUB HUDDLES CONNECTED MADISON

Students continue to utilize the HUB each day during study hall and lunch groups, creating opportunities for both academic support and meaningful social connections. The HUB provides a safe and welcoming environment where students can complete homework, enjoy a snack, play games, participate in trivia activities, and build positive relationships with their peers. Students also benefit from engaging lessons and discussions, such as learning about the importance of personal hygiene with Ms. Bowen. Through these daily interactions, the HUB continues to support students' academic success, personal growth, and sense of belonging within the school community.

Connected PARTNERS Ms. Tubbs and Ms. Bowen worked alongside Mrs. Buckley to create a Staff Mental Health Awareness Day. The relationship continues to develop as we strive to support students, families, and staff.

Student

Trends

School Faculty/Staff

Connected Site Coordinator

Family

Services / Resources

Team Approach

Referrals to Ms. Terrier through the Madison County Mental Health embedded services program continue to be the most frequently utilized support resource for students. Ms. Bowen works closely with Mrs. Buckley and Ms. Terrier to ensure that students are connected to the services and resources they need while also helping families understand the wide range of supports available through being part of a Connected District. Through this collaborative approach, students and families receive timely assistance and access to resources that promote wellbeing, success, and stability both in and out of school.

COLLABORATIONS COLLABORATIONS & & Contributions Collaborations

Oneida Indian Nation - class program with fifth grade Colgate COVE end of year “Garage Sale” - opportunity to gather at no charge items to be used in the school building Oriskany Falls Rotary Meeting to review Summer Reading Program sponsorship MVCAA CAP meeting to collaborate on a LINK Team Referral Colgate Athletics meeting to collaborate on programs for summer and the next school year BRiDGES - meeting to review the Sources of Strength Program and a day long training for staff and students

Contributions Donated time as well as corn husk doll activity for 29 students Donated classroom supplies, appliances, seating, and storage from dorm room clean outs

UPCOMINGEvents JUNE 26TH

JULY 6TH

-JULY 31ST SUMMER ENRICHMENT

GRADUATION 6 PM

7:40 AM - NOON

SUMMER READING PROGRAM JULY JULY JULY JULY

7TH 16TH 23RD 30TH

MADISON LAKE 5:00 - 6:30 PM

TRAININGHighlights Connected Partner Highlight: Legal Aid As part of our May Connected Partner Highlight, we welcomed Olivia Furman and Linda Lark from Legal Aid Society to share information about the valuable services their organization provides to individuals and families in our community. They explained the intake and screening process and discussed the wide range of civil legal matters they assist with, including evictions, landlord-tenant disputes, access to healthcare, green card renewals, estate planning, divorce and family law issues, and foreclosure prevention. They also highlighted their partnership with the Office for the Aging and emphasized that their services focus exclusively on civil matters rather than criminal cases. The presentation provided staff with a greater understanding of available legal resources and how Legal Aid can help connect community members with support during challenging situations.

May All Staff Meeting Focuses on Family Engagement and Community Partnerships

During the May All Staff meeting, Connected team members participated in breakout sessions centered on strengthening family engagement strategies across our districts and communities. Staff had the opportunity to collaborate, share successful practices, and explore new ways to build meaningful connections with students and families. The meeting also featured a presentation from Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which highlighted the organization's mission of ensuring that every child has a safe and comfortable place to sleep. Their presentation provided valuable insight into the impact of community partnerships and the resources available to support local families. The meeting served as an opportunity for professional growth, collaboration, and continued commitment to supporting the whole child and family.

INITIATIVE INITIATIVE WIDE WIDEHighlights

Strengthening the Future: Insights from the New York State Education Department Portrait of a Graduate Conference Connected Herkimer Project Manager Shae recently participated in the Exploring New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) Portrait of a Graduate conference, a collaborative forum focused on integrating key student attributes into educational practice. The conference provided a deeper understanding of the six core competencies outlined in the Portrait of a Graduate framework and highlighted the vital role community schools play in supporting this statewide vision.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in meaningful discussions about current district efforts and explored innovative opportunities for future growth. The experience reinforced that the Connected HUB serves as a natural environment for fostering these competencies by strengthening student-community connections, promoting engagement, and supporting collaborative partnerships.

Shae returned with valuable resources, fresh ideas, and practical strategies to build upon the work already taking place across the Connected Initiative. These insights will be shared with both Connected Districts and to further enhance programming and support for students and families.

Strengthening Our Impact Through Statewide Collaboration Connected Rome Senior Site Coordinator Katherine Fountain attended the Empower Youth Success Conference. It provided an opportunity to connect with professionals from across New York State, and engage in meaningful networking and learning. There were two very impactful sessions that she has committed to sharing with the Connected Initiative. Am I Welcome? Setting the Course for Impactful Parent Engagement offered valuable insight into the shared challenges and successes of increasing family involvement, while Every Day Matters: Our Path to Better Attendance was especially impactful because improving attendance has been a goal of mine at Gansevoort for several years.The session Learning about the Walking Bus as an initiative was also inspiring—that team shared how they walked routes before school started to determine timing, worked closely with their insurance company to address liability concerns, and secured donations for winter gear and snacks to support participating students. Overall, this conference was beneficial. It refreshed our thinking, reinforced the value of collaboration, and highlighted the importance of providing Connected staff with opportunities to learn from and connect with others doing this work across the state.

INITIATIVE INITIATIVE WIDE WIDEHighlights

Learning Together: Connected Initiative Joins the American Federation of Teachers Community Schools Intensive in Long Beach We would also like to recognize and thank the Rome CSD Administration team members who joined us at the National Community Schools and Family Engagement Conference. Their participation demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing the Connected Community Schools Initiative and strengthening the district's vision for student success.

Together, we presented on the Connected Community Schools Initiative and engaged in an afternoon of strategic planning focused on developing an action plan for the 2026–2027 school year.

A key priority identified by the leadership team is the continued alignment of the Community Schools framework with district priorities, including Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, school safety initiatives, and other strategic goals. We are grateful for the leadership and collaboration of Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Jennifer DePerno, Director of Elementary Education Dana Benzo, Director of Secondary Education Melissa Sisco, Bellamy Elementary Assistant Principal Joanne Lalonde, and Gansevoort Elementary Dean John Seifts, whose participation helped make this experience both productive and impactful.

The Connected Initiative was honored to join the American Federation of Teachers for their two Day Community Schools Intensive retreat, held in Long Beach, CA. The Connected Team collaborated with over 20 different Community Schools leaders from across the United States. We shared our successes, and learned strategies implemented by others to enhance family engagement, support students, families, and staff in preparing to engage in education, and deliver on the Community Schools mission of ensuring all stakeholders collaborate for student success.

The Connected Team joined Community Schools team members from across the United States at the Community Schools X Family Engagement National Conference in Long Beach, CA. The team divided and conquered the wide selection of intensive workshops, covering topics from Multi-Tiered System of Supports integration. to family engagement, and workforce development to name a few. The three day conference also provided the opportunity to see Los Angeles consolidated schools in action during site visits, and a plenary opening featuring both local California school leaders and students sharing their experience utilizing the host of strategies guided by the community schools framework. This was an amazing opportunity to learn from others doing similar work, and to share our experiences with peers. We are excited to bring back what we learned to add to our community schools toolkit.

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) - Mohawk Valley 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.

ON THE ROUTE: LEARNING SAFETY WITH THE RIDE FOR MISSING CHILDREN M O H A W K VA L L E Y Students across Willard Prior Elementary School, Westmoreland Primary Elementary School, Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School, N.A. Walbran Elementary School, and Jefferson Elementary School recently participated in The Ride for Missing Children - Mohawk Valley route presentations. Each session introduced students to the mission and highlighted the importance of community involvement in promoting child safety awareness.

Through interactive, age-appropriate discussions, students explored essential safety topics including bike safety, online safety, and personal safety skills. Younger students at Willard Prior engaged in a “Safety Superpowers” presentation focused on building confidence in making safe choices, while older students at Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School participated in discussions tailored to their increased independence and responsibilities.

Across all schools, students learned how their communities support child safety efforts and gained excitement for the Ride’s upcoming passage through the area in June.

BIKE SAFETY WEEK P R E S E N TAT I O N As part of Bike Safety Week at Ridge Mills Elementary, students participated in a highenergy presentation focused on safe and confident riding skills. Students learned to check their “Bike ABCs” (air, brakes, and chains) before riding, practiced hand signals, discussed helmet safety and visibility, and explored the importance of staying aware of their surroundings. Interactive activities, including a “Spot the Hazard” game, helped reinforce important lessons while keeping students actively engaged throughout the presentation.

H U B H U D D L E S I N AC T I O N : BUILDING SAFER CHOICES TOGETHER Students across Ridge Mills Elementary, Mount Markham Central School, Denti Elementary School, and Adirondack Jr./Sr. High School participated in engaging lunchtime HUB Huddles focused on personal safety, bike safety, and building confidence in everyday decision-making.

Across all buildings, students explored the 4 Rules of Personal Safety, with an emphasis on identifying trusted adults, supporting one another, and understanding how to stay safe in a variety of situations. Ridge Mills students connected the discussion to their upcoming Bike Safety Week, while Mount Markham students reflected on personal strengths and the tools they can use to care for themselves and others in alignment with The Ride for Missing Children- Mohawk Valley’s mission.

At Denti Elementary, students engaged in interactive safety stations featuring hands-on activities such as puzzles, coloring, and word games, while Adirondack Jr./Sr. High School students participated in age-appropriate discussions and scenarios focused on communication, decision-making, and maintaining safe connections as they grow older.

Together, these HUB Huddles provided students with meaningful, developmentally appropriate opportunities to strengthen safety awareness in a supportive and engaging environment.

B I K E S A F E T Y AT M Y L E S Students at Myles Elementary School participated in a full day of engaging safety education activities focused on bike safety, personal safety, and online safety.

Throughout the day, students practiced important personal safety skills, participated in interactive discussions, and reinforced lessons through games and activities, including a lively round of Bike Safety Jeopardy during lunchtime HUB Huddles. The enthusiasm and participation from students and staff created an exciting and encouraging learning environment centered around confidence, awareness, and community support.

N E T S M A R T Z P R E S E N TAT I O N Fifth and sixth grade students at Adirondack Middle School participated in a Netsmartz internet safety presentation focused on helping students make safe and responsible choices online. Topics included protecting personal information, recognizing inappropriate online behavior, understanding cyberbullying, and learning how to be an upstander for others in digital spaces. Students engaged in important conversations about navigating technology safely and respectfully.

UPCOMINGEvents June 9th - Gansevoort Bike Safety Presentation June 15th - VVS Safety Presentation June 23rd - Holland Patent Netsmartz Presentation July 15th - Fonda Youth Safety Day

MEET AMANDA GALINDO As a Community Educator for The Ride For Missing Children - Mohawk Valley, 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